Native vegetation and natural landscapes on the island of Ibiza
Ibiza’s endemic flora is rich and varied. Throughout the year, residents and tourists can enjoy a green island. Read on to discover Ibiza’s autochthonous vegetation and the most representative natural sites.
Although Mediterranean pines are the most common trees on Ibiza and Formentera, on the Pitiusas Islands we can find many other types of vegetation. According to various scientific studies, Ibiza’s flora is made up of almost a thousand species, most of which have different biographical affinities.
In fact, the protagonism of the “green mantle of the pines” in Ibiza has only started “only” 7,000 years ago. At the time of the Greeks, they knew the Pitiusas as “islands of pines” or “islands covered with pines”. But today we find a multitude of Mediterranean elements of very diverse origin.
You’ve probably heard of the spectacle of seeing almond trees in bloom in Ibiza. A magical spectacle starring a tree that already populated the island in the 19th century (there are documents that date back to 1842 when unique almond varieties were exported from Ibiza).
Olive plantations are also very common in Ibiza today, due to the impulse to organic oils and the recovery of traditions in the countryside.
These two species of vegetation of Ibiza are worthy of mention as they not only have a landscape value: the almond is the protagonist of many traditional recipes such as the “Salsa de Nadal” (a typical Christmas preparation) and the olive, as we have said, of spectacular virgin oils and zero kilometre.
Another of the most common trees if we talk about vegetation in Ibiza is the carob tree. Its fruit or pod has traditionally been used to feed livestock and is now being integrated into many avant-garde cooking recipes or is even the basis for liqueurs and spirits.
On the other hand, figs are highly appreciated by the local population due to their rich fruit. In Ibiza you can find up to 20 types of this plant, such as figs of the oriola, bordissot, albocor, julia, verdal or alcúdia types.
Cactus, agaves (the plant from which aloe vera is extracted) and palm trees are also very common in the Ibizan landscape. Hibiscus, oleander and bougainvillea are perhaps the flowers that stand out most in the summer with their explosion of colours.
However, if we are talking about the richness of Ibiza’s vegetation, we have to talk about Ibiza’s two nature reserves: the Ses Salines Natural Park and the Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell Natural Parks.
Flora in the Natural Reserve of Ses Salines
The vegetation that can be found in the Natural Park of Ses Salines (in Sant Josep) is a complete representation of the majority of species from Ibiza and Formentera. The Mediterranean pine itself, the coastal juniper (very common, along with the pine) and the salicornia are the main examples.
The latter is a halophyte plant (which tolerates salt) and is the maximum exponent of this type of vegetation, very common around the lagoons of the natural reserve. In total, we can find more than 170 species (many of them endemic and unique).
The natural dynamics of the dune systems has led to the creation (and subsequent protection) of an ecosystem of incalculable environmental value, already recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Flora in the Es Vedrà Nature Reserve
The Es Vedrà, Es Vedranell i els Illots de Ponent Natural Park, in the southwest of Ibiza, is one of the most iconic places on the island. The imposing appearance of the islets and their impressive sunsets have made the area so popular that it is almost considered a place of worship.
But there we can also find a wide and rich representation of the endemic vegetation of the Pitiusas: medicago cetrinasilene, hifacensis, asperulapaui, limoniumpseudoebusitanum, diplotaxisibicensis, lamotteadianae, etc.
On the other hand, on the island of s’Espartar we will also find esparto plantations. This is the largest area of all the Balearic Islands for the cultivation of this plant, which is used to make all kinds of traditional Ibizan objects and utensils (shoes, bags, etc.).
More information about Ibiza’s vegetation
If you want to know more about the natural wealth of our island, we recommend that you take a look at the following article from Discover Ibiza:
