The scrubland
A garrigue is a typical vegetal landscape of Mediterranean regions. These regions have lush vegetation despite a dry and hot climate. It is a complex ecosystem that reflects the particular biodiversity of the area. The term "garrigue" comes from the Latin "gariga," which refers to land covered with shrubs and low bushes. These shrubs are typical of areas with limestone and arid soils. The clearing and grazing of these lands result from human activity.
What is a "garrigue"?
The climatic characteristics of a garrigue are that they develop in Mediterranean climates. Summers are hot, while winters are wet. The limestone soil in these areas is shallow and low in organic matter, which means that the presence of large trees is limited. The shrubs and vegetation found there are therefore highly adapted to drought.
Home to a wide variety of both animal and plant species, the garrigue is fascinating. The plants found in this environment are emblematic. For example, you can find kermes oak, rosemary, rockrose, thyme, and wild lavender. They demonstrate great adaptability, allowing them to survive drought. Some have deep roots or can close during the hottest periods to reduce water loss, others have reduced or hairy leaves to decrease absorption of sunlight heat, while others have the ability to store water.
What is the difference between garrigue and maquis?
Garrigue and maquis are two types of vegetation formations typical of the Mediterranean climate, but they differ in several aspects, including the type of soil on which they thrive. The main difference lies in the nature of this soil: garrigue thrives on limestone soils, offering a landscape dotted with low plants, aromatic shrubs like thyme or rosemary, and kermes oaks. These dry and rocky terrains influence the composition of the garrigue, adapted to dry conditions. In contrast, maquis prefers siliceous, more acidic soils, where denser and taller shrubs develop, such as cork oaks or mastic trees. The maquis is characterized by denser vegetation, providing a refuge for rich biodiversity.
The ecological role of a garrigue
Playing a crucial role in biodiversity, the garrigue protects soils from erosion and also regulates the water cycle. However, in recent years, this ecosystem has been threatened with extinction due to climate change, forest fires, increasing urbanization, and numerous intensive agricultural practices.
As you can see, it is an essential element in biodiversity conservation, so it is important to take care of it. Sustainable management of these lands is imperative to preserve these beautiful landscapes and maintain their ecological functions, including combating erosion, controlling grazing management, preventing fires, and developing environmentally friendly tourism.
Ancient Activities in the Garrigue
Historically, people used the garrigue for various activities such as grazing goats or sheep, viticulture, timber exploitation, charcoal production, olive cultivation, lime production, bark collection for tanning, and as an endless source of aromatic and medicinal plants. Human activity was significant, contributing greatly to the economy. The inhabitants of the garrigue, known as "garriguaires," took the time to build terraces and dry stone huts (called "capitelles" or "bories," depending on the region). However, a massive rural exodus occurred with the industrial revolution, which changed the situation for much of the population, reducing human activity and leading to the abandonment of clearings and the closure of paths. Vegetation gradually reclaimed its place thereafter.
Today, this place is visited by humans, mainly for its beautiful landscapes with natural and wild aspects it offers, as well as the walks and hikes that accompany them.
Vocabulary Point
The word "garrigue," originally nonexistent, was first integrated into the vocabulary of the French language in 1544. It was used to refer to uncultivated lands and moors. Its origin comes from the Provencal word "garrigo," derived from the medieval Latin "garrica" or "garriga." These words were documented as early as 817. There was even a masculine variant of this word: "garric," which specifically referred to the kermes oak as early as 1177.