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This reserve was established in 1998 by the Regional State Forestry Company; it covers 1.023 acres in the area of Piana degli Albanesi. It is made of a mountain range with oak forests, caves and native plants.

The calcareous surface bears the signs of the constant flow of water and the action of the atmospheric agents. In Pizzuta, luxuriant woods of native and reforested plants have massively developed, reaching a balanced mix of different species.

The portion of the reserve in the Xaravulli area has been reforested with conifers such as Aleppo pines, stone pines and cedars (Citrus medica).

The undergrowth is the typical Sicilian one, with hawthorn, spiny broom, heather, blackthorn and Asparagus horridus: all plant species that have contributed to the striking look and fragrance of this environment.

Long-spurred violets, Centaurea busambarensis, Helichrysum pendulum, Brassica villosa , and the rare moon orchids (Ophrys lunulate) grow on the steepest cliffs. There are more than 45 endemic plant species in the reserve.

Photo source:
http://www.masseria-rossella.com/2016/03/24/escursione-domeniche-natura/

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)