JBCLM | 2010-2025
Plant adaptations
to withstand the summer
Summer is a very difficult time for continental Mediterranean vegetation, as the driest and hottest periods coincide. Therefore, many species have developed different adaptations to cope with the heat, drought, and intense sunlight.
Mediterranean flora has developed unique adaptations over millions of years to minimize water loss, thereby reducing energy costs. These adaptations enter a dormant state until weather conditions reactivate them.
to be favored in spring and autumn.
Some adaptations of plants to the Mediterranean climate:
- Leaf loss: summer deciduous trees. This helps them reduce energy expenditure and water loss, so they don't have their most leafy appearance in summer.
- Reduction in leaf size. The smaller the leaves, the less transpiration.
- Leaves covered with wax that waterproofs their cuticle.
- Glandular hairs with essential oils.
- Sclerophyll: hard, evergreen leaves that last all year round. This is the case of the holm oak, which can control water loss through its stomata protected by thick layers of cuticle.
- Some plants spend the summer in dormant forms, such as rhizomes, bulbs, or tubers.
- Thorns: some leaves and stems have been transformed into spines that protect their leaves from browsing.
In short, the dry appearance of many plants that we see in some recreations of the Botanic Garden of Castilla-La Mancha during the summer
That doesn't mean they're neglected. Quite the opposite !
These plants are resting, waiting for the first autumn rains. They are unique species that have adapted to the changing weather patterns of our ever-changing climate.