Flora
Much of the flora south of Caunes is dominated by vineyards. However there are also numerous limestone ridges that cannot be economically cultivated. These areas are often wooded with pines, kermes (or holly) oak and have an understory of typical ”garrigue” plants: lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme, cistus, and Artemisia etc.
The mountains immediately to the north of Caunes hold a wider variety of “maquis” flora, often in addition to the garrigue species: large semi-natural woodland areas comprising holm and pubescent oak, umbrella pine, juniper (Common Juniper, ‘Juniperus phoenicea’ and ‘Juniperus oxycedrus' – locally called ‘cade’ are each abundant), olive and almond. The limestone encourages numerous other small plants such as various orchids, fritillaries and iris.
Marked walking trails with some informative interpretation boards originate in Caunes. These lead up onto the lower Montagne noire and pass through the typical varied and interesting scenery.
There is also a short botanical trail close by (6 km) on the ridge between Caunes and Felines Minervois.
Read more about this topic: Caunes-Minervois
Famous quotes containing the word flora:
“A man’s interest in a single bluebird is worth more than a complete but dry list of the fauna and flora of a town.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)