JBCLM | 2010-2026

The micro-reserve of the Caudete sand dunes is a unique site. Formed by wind-blown sand deposits, it hosts very rare and threatened psammophilous* species. Inland sand dunes are extremely valuable and rare in the region, and their vegetation is highly specialized, adapted to nutrient-poor, sandy soils and pronounced drought.

This recreation includes endemic threatened plants of southeastern Iberia, such as Helianthemum guerrae, a critically endangered rockrose, as well as sand-loving Sideritis chamaedryfolia, and other Mediterranean species like Jerusalem sage (Phlomis crinita) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris). In the higher areas, the scarce Teucrium franchetianum, an endemic shrub of southeastern Iberia, grows on rocky calcareous soils, dry slopes, and steppes.