Of all the French departments Corsica is the one with the best environment. The absence of heavy industry makes it possible
to keep air and water clean. Corsica is also the region which invests the most in the environment: the fauna is protected,
various trees and plants are protected and a large part of Corsica is National Park.
The vegetation of the island is affected not only by the climate but also by altitude and situation. Three quarters
of its area is covered by forests or by maquis; only 15 percent is cultivated.
Vast expanses of trees and shrubs, covering hills and valleys as far as the eye can see. The evergreen
undergrowth characterises the landscape, the vegetatation is luxuriant and impenetrable.
More than half the island's surface area is covered by
macchia. The macchia consists of a dense undergrowth
up to three meters high, it is at its most magnificant in spring. Across the hillsides and valleys their blossoms
extend in a sea of colours.The aromatic scent of flowers and herbs is intoxicating.
The Corsican flora counts 2000 different species of which 78 are endemic. Also very remarkable are the 40 species of
orchids.
When in february the heather comes into bloom, the green macchia suddenly turns into a sea of white.
From mid-april untill mid-june the macchia is a feast of colour and fragrance. There are narcissi, violets,
passionflower, orchids, marguerites and mimosa. Then there are the bougainvillea and the oleander, the lilac thyme, the
white and pink ciste. Wild lavender colours the landscape light blue, followed by the white myrtle flowers. Rosemary,
marjoram and various types of mint grow wild.
July and august gives us the agave with its yellow flowers pointing to the sky. Even the winter remains colourful with the
red tints of the aloe flowers.
When in the dry, hot summer the macchia catches fire, tragedy strikes and large areas are completely destroyed!
It is therefore of great importance to preserve this unique Corsican scrubland by giving it the
protection it deserves.
digitale |
crocus corse |
aconit corse |
thym-erba barona |
lys de mer |
ail sauvage |
hellebore corse |
albizia |
ancolie de Bernard |
griffes de sorciere |
orchid |
ferule |
