The Macchia
Macchia is the thick layer of Mediterranean maquis that covers the rocky slopes of Sardinia. It’s a type of scrub that can be found flourishing after a fire or the destruction of forest cover.
Macchia are also known to thrive in abandoned cultivated lands. Macchias are tangled, has a distinct and heavy scent and comes in a wide range of colors. Some examples of Macchias are juniper, lentisk, myrtle and arbutus (Strawberry tree). It is also similar to the English heath, the yellow-flowering broom and gorse, and so are the pink and white petals of the cistus family. To help prevent water loss, the leaves of the macchia are thick and gummy and can be found intermingled with different herbs, flowers and orchids in more open patches.
Macchia near the coast have a more maritime look to the plants while those found in drier areas resemble cacti one of which is the prickly pear cactus which was introduced by the Spaniards from Mexico. The fruit of the prickly pear called the Indian fig is well loved by the Italians and is considered a delicacy. Sardinia, Marmora’s subalpine and Dartford are places where you can find the Northern European species of the macchia and at night, one can hear the calls of the Scops owl and the low churring of the nightjar intermingling with the cicadas.
