A
large part of the slopes of the Monti Pisani are covered by an evergreen
which is a typical feature of Mediterranean vegetation: the evergreen
oak (leccio). It is also a demonstration of the close link between these
mountains and the nearby sea. The evergreen oak (quercus ilex) is an oak
with characteristic dark green leaves which are very shiny on the upper
side. The underneath side, on the other hand, is distinctive; it is pale
and downy due to the presence of star-like hairs which retain moisture,
limiting transpiration, thus making the plant suitable to dry climates.
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