FLORA
The flora of the Supramonte of Urzulei: ancient nature and the scents of Sardinia.
The mountains and plateaus surrounding Urzulei hold an extraordinary botanical heritage, an authentic expression of the Sardinian Supramonte, one of the most fascinating and best-preserved ecosystems on the island. Here, nature grows freely, shaped only by the wind, the limestone rock, and the passing of the seasons.
The holm oak forests: the green heart of the Supramonte
The undisputed star of the vegetation is the holm oak (Quercus ilex), an evergreen tree that forms dense forests that can cover entire valleys and mountain slopes. These woods, often ancient, are a precious refuge for many animal species and preserve the silent, pristine atmosphere of a bygone era. Walking among the holm oaks is like immersing yourself in a natural cathedral of shade and resinous scents.
Mediterranean scrub: intense scents and vivid colors
Around the woods and plateaus, a lush Mediterranean scrub grows, composed of fragrant shrubs and drought-resistant plants. Strawberry trees, mastic trees, rockroses, heather, juniper, and myrtle paint the landscape with shades of green, white, and red, their scents accompanying hikers' steps. In spring, the blossoming transforms the mountain into a mosaic of intense colors and scents.
Centuries-old junipers and endemic plants
In the higher, rocky areas, you'll find centuries-old junipers twisted by the wind, true natural monuments that tell centuries of history. Among the rocks and sinkholes grow rare endemic plants, adapted to harsh conditions: gentians, euphorbias, wild peonies, and small, spontaneous orchids that make each trail unique and surprising.
Aromatic shrubs and medicinal plants
The Urzulei area is also rich in medicinal and aromatic plants used for generations in local traditions: thyme, sage, wild oregano, helichrysum, and mint. These plants, in addition to characterizing the olfactory landscape, are an integral part of the rural culture and gastronomy of the area.
Landscape in balance
The Supramonte flora has existed in millennia-old balance with its environment: it grows slowly, resists heat, drought, and wind, creating a perfect habitat for local wildlife. Therefore, protecting these plants and forests is essential to preserving Urzulei's natural identity.
Find out more about Urzulei, its territory, its culture
and its traditions.