JBCLM | 2010-2026

The maquis (from the Italian macchia) is a tall, dense shrubland dominated by evergreen, sclerophyllous species with a strong laurophyllous component. It is widespread on siliceous soils throughout the Mediterranean region. In Castilla–La Mancha, it is found primarily in the western provinces, including the Montes de Toledo and Sierra Morena. It develops on shaded slopes with well-preserved siliceous soils and represents a stage resulting from the reduction of the tree canopy and partial opening of the Mediterranean forest.

Due to its high landscape value and especially its capacity to stabilise soils on slopes, the maquis is a protected habitat in Castilla–La Mancha. It also provides shelter for a rich fauna, including large mammals such as deer, wild boar, genets, and lynxes.

For its recreation in the Garden, numerous shrub species typical of these communities have been used: strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), laurustinus (Viburnum tinus), Iberian pear (Pyrus bourgaeana), mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), terebinth (P. terebinthus), kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), Phlomis purpurea, Phlomis herba-venti, mock privet (Phillyrea angustifolia, Ph. latifolia), wild cherry (Prunus avium), broom (Cytisus scoparius), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), rockroses (Cistus albidus, C. salviifolius), wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia), and geophytes such as peony (Paeonia broteri) and asphodel (Asphodelus serotinus).