Flora

Flora

The lower areas of Gorski kotar (up to 400 m above sea-level) are mostly covered in deciduous trees. The majority of these are beech-trees (Fagus silvatica), then also hornbeams, elm-trees, ash-trees, lindens, etc. Of the lower plants, there are woodruffs, coleworts, red lilies, and various others.
In the highland areas (400 -1000 m above sea-level) one finds disticintive wild-grown, heterogeneous or homogeneous forests, conifer forests, mostly firs and junipers. Of the pine forests, there are mostly junipers, some firs and rarely yews.
The premountain area starts at 1000 m above sea-level. Very strong winds, a lot of snow and ice are the key ecological factors here. A distinctive premountain beech forest (Fagetum croaticum subalpinum Horv.) grows in this area, and the groundcover features yellow mistletoe, club-moss, twin leaf and mountain fern; moreover, premountain juniper forests (Piceetum croaticum subalpinum Horv.) composed of tall-statured junipers with low crowns are easily distinguished - the groundcover here includes blueberries, cranberries, moss and other acidophilus plants. Finally, at the highest altitudes of these premountain areas, at 1400 m above sea-level (Bjelolasica), there are junipers of beech-trees (Fagetum suffrutcosum Horv). Big-leafed willows (Salicetum grandifoliae Horv.) grow at ravine edges and in depressions where snow keeps for long periods.
The scenery is also characterized by meadows, heathers, swards and other areas that are not covered by forests.