Flora

The flora of Majella National Park has a wide range of species that amount to more than 2100  (covering 65% of Abruzzi flora and 37% of the Italian one) and of various endemisms that amount to 142 species (covering 12% of endemic Italian flora). The most common endemic species are the  calcareous Soldanella and the Majella Cornflower, both chosen as symbols of Park botanic gardens.

Besides these endemic components the Majella flora is further enriched by several floristic elements, thanks to the particular position of the massif (being in the most southern European zone of Alpine region) among different biogeographical regions, and to its evolution history. On Majella high altitudes gather glacial relicts with species like Dryad, alpine Poppies and various Balkan-apennines elements, the areale of which can be located in Balkan zones. Some examples are: the Apennine Edelweiss, the Apennine Gentian and the alpine Aster. Another remarkable feature is represented by xerotherms that shelter on the sunniest slopes.

The great altitude range of the Majella massif enabled the existence of more than 50 different habitats. Until 1700-1800 meters, the beech wood is typical of the forest landscape, often associated with Yews, Hollies, mountain Ashes, Maples and several fruit-bearing species. The floristic heritage of this vegetable formation increases in value thanks to precious species as in the case of the Lobel Maple, which reaches on Majella its most northern location.

The Mugo Pine forest represents the largest belt of Apennine twisted shrubs and one of the most peculiar habitat of Majella, in the altitude zone between 1.700 and 2.300 meters. There are biotopes of remarkable geobotanical meaning (of the relict type) like the Birch area located in a single spot of the Park. In the same place can be found precious species such as black Honeysuckle, Stone Bramble, the black Bilberry and the beautiful Lady-slipper.

Clinging to the gorges rocks live several species, among which the Neapolitan Campanula, the Majella Aquilegia, various saxifrages and others that developed adaptation strategies to survive extreme conditions.