GR4340005 - ORMOS SOUGIAS - VARDIA - FARANGI LISSOU MECHRI ANYDROUS KAI PARAKTIA ZONI

Other characteristics

The site is located at the southern coast of western Crete from where it extends towards the interior for up to 6 km. In the west, the stream Dihalomata stretches from the coastline up to the village of Anydroi where it meets the road. The latter continues further towards the north thus comprising the western border of the site. In the east, the limit is once again the road that starts from the village of Sougia and continues northwards. Finally, the stream Kamariano and the sea constitute the natural borders of the site on the north and on the south, respectively. The marine component of the site, in the Libyan Sea, includes reefs and extended underwater meadows of Posidonia oceanica. Except for two small areas on the eastern and western ends where the beach is sandy, the rest of the extended coast consists of rocks and steep cliffs; a natural refuge for many rare and endemic flora species. The presence of marine caves in this coastal zone is also characteristic. Pinus brutia woods and Juniperus phoenicea arborescent matorral are found in the inner zone together with an evergreen sclerophyllous scrub dominated by Ceratonia siliqua and Olea europaea. There is also a part with homogeneous vegetation of tall Erica manipuliflora, usually on dry soils on slopes (a habitat type not included in Annex I). The site includes a fair number of springs, streams and gorge-beds with characteristic vegetation. Platanus orientalis forms narrow galleries and small groves along watercourses and by springs, frequently with an undergrowth of the exotic-looking shrub Nerium oleander. The shrubby Vitex agnus-castus is similarly hygrophilous, occuring along the banks of streams, usually close to the sea. The inland rocks, mobile screes and limestone pavements are another important element of the landscape. Physical features such as very steep slopes of smooth rock, calcareous rocky debris, ledges and fine crevices combined with the harsh climatic conditions contribute to the refuge status and the high level of relict endemism in these habitats. Finally, on small patches of bare ground or in the understorey of P. brutia stands and olive groves numerous geophytes find a niche, including several endemic orchids.