56 OUTLINE OF PLANT GEOGRAPHY 



of the Ebro valley, a broad plain between the base of the Pyrenees 

 and the range bounding the plateau to the west. 



Salt marshes, sandy beaches and extensive dunes occur in cer- 

 tain parts of the coast, e. g., Portugal and southern Spain; but 

 along the Mediterranean the coast is much like that of southern 

 France and Italy. 



The varied topography of the peninsula is reflected in its climate. 

 The whole coast enjoys a mild climate, this being most evident in 

 the extreme south, the southernmost point of continental Europe, 

 with the warmest winter climate. The contrast between the cli- 

 mate of this part of Spain, and that of the bleak elevated plateau 

 may be shown by comparing Madrid and Gibraltar. The average 

 winter temperature for the former is 5.2°C, the summer, 29.9°C; 

 for Gibraltar, 12.5° and 22.6°, about the same as Los Angeles. 



The rainfall varies from 1,647 mm. at Santiago in the mountains 

 of the northwest coast, to 275 mm. at Salamanca, in the northern 

 plateau. 



This great difference in temperature and precipitation, as well 

 as the marked differences in elevation and soil, result in a flora of 

 great richness, with a higher degree of endemism than is found 

 anywhere else in Europe. 



This is clearly shown in the forest flora, for although only about 

 5% of the peninsula is forested, there are more species of trees 

 than in any other European country. 



As one enters Spain from the north, one passes through the 

 gorges of the Pyrenees, well -wooded, and evidently having 

 abundant rainfall. The general aspect of the forest is that of 

 central Europe, the same deciduous trees, oak, ash, and chestnut 

 predominating, while silver fir, Scotch and Austrian pines are 

 the prevailing conifers. The deciduous forest and the Scotch 

 pine are characteristic of the lower elevations, while the firs and 

 Pinus laricio, are found in the higher regions. 



There is an abundant alpine flora in the Pyrenees, many of the 

 species being the same as those of the Alps; but there are also a 

 good many endemic species as well. 



While much of the vegetation of the lower slopes of the Pyrenees 

 is evidently related to that of central Europe, there is an inter- 

 mingling of forms belonging to the Mediterranean flora, such as 

 Arbutus, the laurestinus (Viburnum tinus), and laurels. 



