JBCLM | 2010-2026
35. Rockrose Scrub (Jaral)
Different species of rockroses have been brought together in the recreation of these scrublands.
Rockroses, halimiums, and related shrubs (Cistaceae) form part of the shrub layer accompanying Mediterranean sclerophyllous forests. These are pioneer species capable of forming dense thickets from the vast seed banks stored in the soil. They often replace original holm oak and cork oak woodlands following severe degradation due to intense disturbances, particularly wildfires.
Rockroses produce abundant allelopathic compounds that inhibit the growth of other plants. Combined with the recurrent fire regime typical of Mediterranean environments, this allows rockrose scrub to persist for long periods as a regressive stage of Mediterranean forest and makes it a common feature in the landscapes of western Castilla–La Mancha.
The recreated rockrose scrub includes numerous Cistaceae species: gum rockrose (Cistus ladanifer), Montpellier Rockrose (Cistus monspeliensis), sage-leaved rockrose (Cistus salviifolius), Cistus populifolius, curled leaf rockrose (Cistus crispus), laurel-leaved rockrose (Cistus laurifolius), white rockrose (Cistus albidus), and two yellow-flowered species, Halimium halimifolium and H. atriplicifolium, accompanied by shrubs such as Phillyrea angustifolia, strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), and laurustinus (Viburnum tinus).
