Über die Vegetation und das Klima Madeiras

Abstract

The vegetation of Madeira was mapped on the basis of topographical and land‑use maps and own field studies. Estimates for temperature and precipi­tation during every summer month were calculated for various heights. An aridity index N / 2 T (N = precipitation in cm, T = temperature in C’; 1 = the aridity limit) was used for establishing the number of and months in various height zones. The relations between the number of and months and the vegetation was interpreted on the basis of Lauer's classification. In the south­ern coastal zone, below 500 m, there are 3–6 and months corresponding to a Mediterranean climate and forest. In all other parts of Madeira the number of and months is less than 3. They have a moist subtropical climate, and the original vegetation has evidently been a dense Lauraceae forest as also the old stories report.