Serpentine soil and plant diversity , with emphasis

Serpentine is formed during chemical transformation of ultrabasic magmatic rocks. The characteristics of serpenti ne soi l are its high Mg and low Ca contenI. Various factors have lead to the formation of specific serpentine flora and vegetation. In the serpentine flora both basophi10us and acidophilous plant species are present, and a small number of families and often genera predominate. Most species growing on serpenti ne so il tolerate the hostile edaphic factors by concentrating low Ca quantities in their tissue, to protect themselves from toxic metals. Generally, the serpenti ne flora is relatively poor in species as well as individuals. Many species are represented by particular races on serpentine. Obligate serpentinophytes occur only on open spots on ultramafic rocks. The unfavorable, selective soil of Serpentine areas contributes to the floristic wealth of the Mediterranean region, which is one of the major centres of plant diversity.