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Varying amounts of rainfall with altitude, and from island to island, have led to the formation of vegetation zones ranging from desert to lush cloud-forest and moorland.
Coastal Zone: In sharp contrast with the adjacent Arid zone, the coastal strip of the Galapagos is mainly evergreen. This zone is not strictly a climatic vegetation type of vegetation found varies greatly and depends on the type of coast. In sheltered coves, mangroves form forests while on sandy beaches and dines there are creeping vines, grasses, and succulent shrubs. The saltbush is found near most shores, where it forms a dense low shrubby tangle.
Arid Zone: Just inland from the coast is the archipelago's major vegetation zone - a semi desert forest dominated by deciduous trees and shrubs as Bursera, and ever green drought-tolerant species such as Croton scouleri and the Opuntia and Jasminocereous cacti.
The plants that live in this zone have adaptations to withstand drought such as small leaves, deep roots, and a deciduous habit, or are annual herbs which can survive the dry season as seeds. Because of competition for water, plant in this zone often exhibit an almost regular spacing an almost regular spacing. This is best seen on a palo santo, or a slope with only Tiquilia growing on it, such as Bartolome. |
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