Montenegro Country Information - Flora

Montenegro's flora is one of the most diverse of all temperate and subtropical regions. Due to the low population density and the different vegetation zones, an enormous variety of species has been preserved, which is mainly protected in the national parks. Of the estimated 6,500 plant species on the Balkan Peninsula, over 3,150 are found here in the country, more than 200 of which are endemic. Due to climatic conditions, the flora can be divided into three broad vegetation types. Subtropical and Mediterranean vegetation is characteristic of the coastal areas. Magnificent citrus, olive, and fruit trees, palm trees, oleanders, laurel bushes, and pomegranate bushes predominate alongside stately pines, holm oaks, and cypresses. Graceful ornamental plants such as bougainvilleas and roses adorn promenades and gardens and bloom partly all year round. In the mountain regions, whose slopes are covered with vegetation far above the usual tree line, there are extensive mixed forests, the majority of which consist of beech, spruce, and pine trees. Even at an altitude of 1,500 meters, mountain pines thrive, and black pines are also quite common alongside robust shrubbery. Other deciduous tree species such as oak, elm, maple, chestnut, willow, and walnut trees are also typical of the country. Numerous herbs and mushrooms thrive in the forests, although the latter are mainly reserved for export. Many of the plants are used in natural medicine and medicine.

The so-called poljes (fields) between the high mountains are used for agriculture as best as possible, with potatoes, corn, onions, and cabbage being the only crops that thrive in higher regions. The plains in the south and west of the country are excellent wine-growing areas. Of course, typical southern vegetables such as peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, and cucumbers are also cultivated here. Even tobacco is grown and dried. Everywhere in the country, there are vast areas fragrant with thyme, rosemary, mountain savory, and sage. And even the alpine mountain world offers variety. Wild herbs, edelweiss, silver root, and gentian grow on the stony karst soils. The alpine meadows covered with flowers in spring until mid-June offer a very beautiful sight. Despite extensive logging in recent decades, reforestation is fortunately taking place at the same time, thus contributing greatly to the ecological balance.