El laurel forest It is one of the oldest, most unique, and richest ecosystems in existence today. Considered authentic living relics of the Tertiary era, these forests offer a window into the past and preserve a exceptional biodiversityBelow, we explore in depth the characteristics, origin, distribution, flora, fauna, and ways in which these forests remain vital to the planet.
What is laurel forest?
La laurel It is a subtropical and evergreen forest formation, characteristic of humid and warm temperate zones, where the predominant vegetation is humidity, mainly due to the effect of the trade winds and the sea of clouds. Its name derives from the abundance of trees in the family Lauraceae (laurels), whose broad, leathery and glossy leaves are reminiscent of those of the common laurel.
These forests are found mainly on the islands of the region of Macaronesian Region (Canary Islands, Madeira and Azores), and in remote areas of North Africa. They are relics of those subtropical rainforests which covered large areas of the Mediterranean basin during the Tertiary period.
Origin and evolution of laurel forests
The origin of the laurel forest dates back more than 20 million years, when it covered much of southern Europe and northern Africa. Successive glaciations during the Tertiary and Quaternary periods displaced these forests to more temperate and humid regions, favoring their survival on islands and in mountainous areas of the Atlantic.
The formation of the current laurel forests was possible thanks to the climatic stability and the absence of frost in these island regions. Today, the laurel forest represents a privileged biological testimony from the humid subtropical climate that dominated Europe in ancient times.
Climatic and environmental characteristics
Laurel forests develop under very specific environmental conditions. Their main climatic characteristics include:
- Average altitude: Generally between 600 and 1.500 meters above sea level.
- Stable annual temperature: Between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.
- Annual rainfall: They range between 500 and 1.100 mm, with regular rain and persistent fog.
- Presence of the sea of clouds: Phenomenon caused by the trade winds, which generate a horizontal rain by condensing moisture from low clouds on vegetation. Vegetation of the oceanic climate is typical in these areas.
- Deep and fertile soils: High levels of organic matter favor the development of dense and varied vegetation.
- High atmospheric humidity: The moisture It is maintained practically all year round thanks to the combination of precipitation and condensation of fog.
Structure and types of laurel forests
The laurel forest is not a uniform habitat, but is divided into different formations according to altitude, orientation, and moisture availability. These variations, known as laurel forest types, Monteverde, define the floristic composition and structure of the forest:
- Hygrophilous or humid Monteverde: Present in areas with a greater presence of sea clouds. It houses trees such as laurel, viñátigo and barbusano, in addition to abundant ferns, mosses and lichens on trunks and branches.
- Hygrophytic Monteverde: It is found in areas with well-developed soils and a high incidence of horizontal precipitation. Dominant species: linden and wild orange, along with ferns that are very demanding in terms of humidity.
- Dry MonteverdeLocated at lower altitudes and with less influence of fog. Low-growing forest consisting mainly of strawberry trees, palo blanco, mocán and aderno, drought-resistant species.
- Monteverde of crests: Affected by strong winds and atmospheric humidity, where bryophytes and lichens thrive. Trees such as the yew and the heather have tortuous shapes due to the effect of the wind.
- Fayal-brezal: A transitional and recovery ecosystem following human disturbance. It is often found in degraded or formerly exploited areas, consisting of heather, beech, holly, and smaller shrubs.
Current geographical distribution
Today, the best examples of laurel forest are found mainly in the Macaronesian archipelagos, especially in the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores. The following areas stand out:
- Island of La Gomera: Garajonay National Park, the main nucleus of the Canary Island laurel forest and a World Heritage Site.
- La Palma: “Canal y Los Tilos” Biosphere Reserve, with humid forests and natural waterfalls.
- Tenerife: Anaga Rural Park (the largest expanse of laurel forest on the island) and Mount of Water in the Teno Rural Park.
- Gran Canaria: : Laurisilva remnants in Los Tilos de Moya (Doramas Forest), currently protected as a Special Nature Reserve.
- El Hierro: Small degraded areas in the El Golfo area.
- Madeira: Laurisilva of Madeira, a large expanse of humid forest declared a World Heritage Site, covering approximately 20% of the island.
- Azores: Fragments of laurel forest and endemic flora adapted to humid conditions.
Emblematic examples of laurel forests
- Garajonay National Park (La Gomera): It covers most of the island's surface and contains representative tree species, such as laurel, linden, viñátigo, holly and paloblanco.
- Anaga Rural Park and Monte del Agua (Tenerife): With steep areas that are difficult to access, it is a refuge for endemic flora and protected birds such as the turkey dove.
- Linden Forest of Moya (Gran Canaria): The last important refuge of laurel forest on the island, with endemic species and an important educational and scientific function.
- Laurisilva of Madeira: Dense forest, with centuries-old trees of the Lauraceae family and numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.
Representative flora and plant compositions
The floristic wealth of the laurel forest is impressive due to the number of species and the high degree of endemismAmong the most relevant plants we find:
- Trees and large shrubs: laurel (Laurus novocanariensis), linden (Ocotea foetens), (Persea indicates), holly (Ilex canariensis), wild orange tree (perado ilex), heather (Tree heather y E. canariensis), white stick (Picconia excelsa), Canary Island strawberry tree (arbutus canariensis), barbusano (Persea barbujana), mocán (Visnea mocanera).
- Climbers and lianas: gibalbera (Semele androgyna), ivy (Hedera helix canariensis), sarsaparilla (Smilax canariensis).
- Herbaceous plants and ferns: mountain fern (Diplazium caudatum), mattress fern (Culcita macrocarpa), crystal fern (Vandenboschia speciosa), crow's foot (Asplenium hemionitis), sweet potato (davallia canariensis), woodwardia (Woodwardia radicans).
- Mosses, lichens and fungi: They cover logs and rocks, creating essential microhabitats for biodiversity.
- Shrub and bush species: pennyroyal, algaritofe, foliao (Viburnum rigidum), sanguine (Rhamnus glandulosa).
The understory is very rich, with an abundance of wildflowers, orchids, mushrooms and other species adapted to shade and continuous humidity.
Unique fauna and endemic species
La fauna of the laurel forest It is equally diverse and endemic. Being very stable and ancient habitats, they have given rise to unique species that exist only in this environment. Highlights include:
- Birds: Black-backed Pigeon (Columba bollii) and turquoise dove (Columba junoniae), both endemic to the Canary Island laurel forest and essential for seed dispersal. Other birds present include robin, kestrel, buzzard, and alpispa.
- Invertebrates: A great diversity of butterflies, beetles, arachnids, earthworms, and mollusks. The laurel forest is the islands' richest ecosystem for invertebrates.
- Reptiles and amphibians: Endemic lizards, geckos, and frogs. In certain areas, salamanders and species adapted to humidity are abundant.
- Mammals: Little original variety, although some introduced species can currently be found.
The interaction between flora and fauna is key to maintaining the ecological balance of the forest, with specialized relationships between animals and plants, especially in the processes of pollination and fruit dispersal.
Ecological importance and functions of the laurel forest
- Biodiversity conservation: The laurel forest acts as a refuge for numerous endangered and endemic species that are not found anywhere else in the world.
- Water regulation: Dense vegetation captures moisture from fog and drizzle, generating permanent springs and fountains even during dry seasons. "Horizontal rainfall" is vital for maintaining the flow of rivers and ravines.
- Soil protection: The root network protects against erosion, stabilizing slopes and ravines.
- Scenic and cultural value: These forests are a resource for ecotourism, hiking, and environmental education, as well as a source of inspiration for local legends (such as that of Gara and Jonay in La Gomera).
Landscapes, hiking and relationship with man
The landscapes of the laurel forest evoke fairytale forests, with mists filtering through moss-covered branches, hidden trails, and natural waterfalls. These areas are ideal for outdoor activities. Hiking, bird watching and direct contact with nature. The cloud forest It is one of the main attractions to experience the unique atmosphere of these forests.
However, the history of the laurel forest is also marked by human activity, as many of these formations have suffered logging, fires, and agricultural transformation, surviving only in difficult-to-access or protected areas.
Conservation status and current threats
Although there are protected areas and nature reserves, the laurel forest is vulnerable due to:
- Historical deforestation, especially for obtaining wood and agricultural expansion.
- Forest fires, which alter ecological balances.
- Invasive species that compete with native species.
- Climate Change which affects the frequency of precipitation, humidity and presence of sea of clouds.
Current efforts focus on ecological restoration, invasive species control, and environmental education to ensure the survival of this unique ecosystem.
Educational and digital resources on the laurel forest
- HTML5 ResourcesInteractive platforms with categorization, matching, and prioritization exercises, adapted to mobile devices, tablets, and computers. Ideal for teachers, students, and self-study in the classroom or at home.
- Accommodates: A gamified educational activity format where users must classify and sort cards according to thematic tags, facilitating playful learning about different aspects of the laurel forest. The difficulty and variety of tags enhances the educational level and competitiveness.
- Media library: A technological space for collecting videos, images, sounds, and educational documents related to the laurel forest. Used by educational centers and trainers to reinforce visual and auditory learning.
These digital resources allow you to delve deeper into the scientific, landscape, and cultural knowledge of these forests, suitable for both young people and adults.
Other laurel forests in the world
Although the Canary Islands laurel forest is the most studied, similar formations exist in Madeira, the Azores, and in some areas of the Los Alcornocales Natural Park on the Iberian Peninsula. In Madeira, the laurel forest occupies 20% of the island's surface and is an example of conservation and endemism in Macaronesia. If you'd like to learn more about these formations, we invite you to explore their unique flora.
The flora and fauna of these regions exhibit very similar adaptations, the result of millions of years of isolation and independent evolution, although each area contributes its own particularities.
The laurel forest, in addition to its extraordinary ecological, landscape and cultural value, is an example of resistance and adaptation facing the greatest climatic changes in Earth's history. Walking along its trails and breathing in its humid atmosphere helps us understand the importance of preserving these forests, true natural treasures that require the involvement of all of society to ensure their future.
