#: locale=en-GB
## Tour
### Description
tour.description = Rodalquilar Information Point \
- El Albardinal Botanical Garden
### Título
tour.name = Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park Virtual Tour
## Skin
### Botón
Button_72FE67E1_5A07_C711_41C3_1C6216A8A552.label = 6 - Avoiding losses
Button_72FE67E1_5A07_C711_41C3_1C6216A8A552_mobile.label = 6 - Avoiding losses
Button_72FE77E1_5A07_C711_41B2_0E7046AF2E7C.label = 7 - Extreme options
Button_72FE77E1_5A07_C711_41B2_0E7046AF2E7C_mobile.label = 7 - Extreme options
Button_72FF87E1_5A07_C711_41D0_641D3D74865F.label = 5 - Underground strategies
Button_72FF87E1_5A07_C711_41D0_641D3D74865F_mobile.label = 5 - Underground strategies
Button_72FFA7E1_5A07_C711_416B_AE8361A840F9.label = 4 - Trying to survive
Button_72FFA7E1_5A07_C711_416B_AE8361A840F9_mobile.label = 4 - Trying to survive
Button_72FFC7E0_5A07_C70F_41C4_4FF7CB33B94D.label = 2 - The human footprint
Button_72FFC7E0_5A07_C70F_41C4_4FF7CB33B94D_mobile.label = 2 - The human footprint
Button_72FFD7E1_5A07_C711_41D4_61141EB26C12.label = 3 - Landscapes
Button_72FFD7E1_5A07_C711_41D4_61141EB26C12_mobile.label = 3 - Landscapes
Button_72FFF7E0_5A07_C70F_41C3_359ADA762077.label = 1 - Plant kingdom
Button_72FFF7E0_5A07_C70F_41C3_359ADA762077_mobile.label = 1 - Plant kingdom
Button_78408041_604C_C75A_41B6_A539743412E1.label = 10 - The cornical
Button_78408041_604C_C75A_41B6_A539743412E1_mobile.label = 10 - The cornical
Button_7EB6D087_5E12_8ABB_41D7_7D165BD49371.label = 8 - Defending what's yours
Button_7EB6D087_5E12_8ABB_41D7_7D165BD49371_mobile.label = 8 - Defending what's yours
Button_7F138547_5E12_8BBB_41B6_A17A51D496AD.label = 9 - Combined strategies
Button_7F138547_5E12_8BBB_41B6_A17A51D496AD_mobile.label = 9 - Combined strategies
Button_E143C693_C1A3_3587_41C3_956CBEAC2688.label = INFORMATION
Button_E1440692_C1A3_3581_41DB_C7073CC84445.label = INSTRUCTIONS
Button_E73226E7_C1A3_358F_41CB_37550A4268C5.label = INFORMATION
Button_E732E6E6_C1A3_3581_41B7_C528F9CFED8B.label = INSTRUCTIONS
### Texto Multilinea
HTMLText_56F08DAA_4E95_DABB_419A_66119347D454.html = Click on image to enlarge
You are going to take a virtual tour of a visitor's centre and a trail adapted for people with functional diversity. This is a project financed by La Caixa that aims to bring the Natural Areas of Andalusia closer to everyone in an inclusive way through 8 virtual tours, one per province.
The aim of this project is to show the route and the equipment as well as its interpretative content so that users can assess their degree of accessibility before going through it "in situ".
The tours start at a visitor reception facility and continue along an adapted trail. The virtual tour is an experience in itself, as there is the option of taking an immersive visit using virtual reality glasses with a smartphone (APP Matterport VR).
On the main screen we find icons (see image):
To exit the view we are in, click on one of the icons that appear in the lower left corner, depending on the user's intention.
In the legend, this different options appears:
START: A useful option to move quickly to the beginning of the trail or to the visitor center.
INFORMATION: This tab shows all the information markers outside the reception equipment classified by "LANDMARKS" and "ACCESIBILITY". Each one can be accessed by clicking on its description and allows you to continue the tour from that same point.
LOCATION: Address of the reception equipment.
We hope you enjoy this immersive experience and decide to visit this site personally.
Click on image to enlarge
You are going to take a virtual tour of a visitor's centre and a trail adapted for people with functional diversity. This is a project financed by La Caixa that aims to bring the Natural Areas of Andalusia closer to everyone in an inclusive way through 8 virtual tours, one per province.
The aim of this project is to show the route and the equipment as well as its interpretative content so that users can assess their degree of accessibility before going through it "in situ".
The tours start at a visitor reception facility and continue along an adapted trail. The virtual tour is an experience in itself, as there is the option of taking an immersive visit using virtual reality glasses with a smartphone (APP Matterport VR).
On the main screen we find icons (see image):
To exit the view we are in, click on one of the icons that appear in the lower left corner, depending on the user's intention.
In the legend, this different options appears:
START: A useful option to move quickly to the beginning of the trail or to the visitor center.
INFORMATION: This tab shows all the information markers outside the reception equipment classified by "LANDMARKS" and "ACCESIBILITY". Each one can be accessed by clicking on its description and allows you to continue the tour from that same point.
LOCATION: Address of the reception equipment
We hope you enjoy this immersive experience and decide to visit this site personally.
INSTRUCCIONES /
¿Cómo hacer el recorrido virtual?
INSTRUCTIONS /
How to take the virtual tour?
Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar
Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar
LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION /
For more details, click on buttons
LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION /
For more details, click on buttons
Coastal Steppes: The Azufaifo, the most characteristic plant of these areas, favours the development of other species around it due to the positive influence it has on the soil and the microclimate.
Interior Steppes: It is the most common and significant of the landscapes of Almeria. The relative monotony of its plains, of austere vegetation, hides a complex mosaic of life forms.
Wadis: The rain, which is scarce and concentrated, gives rise to short torrents that shape these watercourses. Although they are almost always dry, they conserve a greater humidity than their surroundings, acting as a refuge for numerous species of animals and plants.
Cliffs and submerged areas: At the encounter between the mountains and the sea, landscapes with spectacular cliffs and especially favourable conditions for life are formed.
Salt flats, dunes and beaches: The contact between the marine and terrestrial worlds is a source of special environments that are exploited by numerous species of plants and animals. They are dynamic and productive ecosystems, but also susceptible.
Coastal mountain ranges: The unique geology of these mountain ranges, composed of volcanic complexes and fossil reefs, explains their integration into the UNESCO Geoparks Network. Equally unique is the flora and fauna found in their formations.
Coastal Steppes: The Azufaifo, the most characteristic plant of these areas, favours the development of other species around it due to the positive influence it has on the soil and the microclimate.
Interior Steppes: It is the most common and significant of the landscapes of Almeria. The relative monotony of its plains, of austere vegetation, hides a complex mosaic of life forms.
Wadis: The rain, which is scarce and concentrated, gives rise to short torrents that shape these watercourses. Although they are almost always dry, they conserve a greater humidity than their surroundings, acting as a refuge for numerous species of animals and plants.
Cliffs and submerged areas: At the encounter between the mountains and the sea, landscapes with spectacular cliffs and especially favourable conditions for life are formed.
Salt flats, dunes and beaches: The contact between the marine and terrestrial worlds is a source of special environments that are exploited by numerous species of plants and animals. They are dynamic and productive ecosystems, but also susceptible.
Coastal mountain ranges: The unique geology of these mountain ranges, composed of volcanic complexes and fossil reefs, explains their integration into the UNESCO Geoparks Network. Equally unique is the flora and fauna found in their formations.
Life has made its way on Earth thanks to the ability of plants to adapt to very different environments, making them habitable to other living beings.
Lichens, capable of inhabiting very hostile environments, are a mutually supportive association between an algae, which provides food, and a fungus, which offers protection.
Marine plants have adapted to different depths and conditions, and although their importance is often not recognized, they provide more oxygen to the atmosphere than all the forests on the planet.
Plants for every environment and all environments with plants
The diversity of living creatures is the result of evolution and adaptation. In difficult places, such as the sub-deserts of Almeria, we can discover an amazing biodiversity.
The cracks in the volcanic rocks are exploited by the Cape dragon, one of the many species unique to these places.
Few plants manage to grow in poor soils with high salt and gypsum content. The matamarilla is a spice from Almeria that successfully faces this challenge.
The heart of palm, the only native palm tree in the Iberian Peninsula, shows a great capacity to adapt to different environments.
Life has made its way on Earth thanks to the ability of plants to adapt to very different environments, making them habitable to other living beings.
Lichens, capable of inhabiting very hostile environments, are a mutually supportive association between an algae, which provides food, and a fungus, which offers protection.
Marine plants have adapted to different depths and conditions, and although their importance is often not recognized, they provide more oxygen to the atmosphere than all the forests on the planet.
Plants for every environment and all environments with plants
The diversity of living creatures is the result of evolution and adaptation. In difficult places, such as the sub-deserts of Almeria, we can discover an amazing biodiversity.
The cracks in the volcanic rocks are exploited by the Cape dragon, one of the many species unique to these places.
Few plants manage to grow in poor soils with high salt and gypsum content. The matamarilla is a spice from Almeria that successfully faces this challenge.
The heart of palm, the only native palm tree in the Iberian Peninsula, shows a great capacity to adapt to different environments.
Today's landscapes are the result of millions of years of natural history and thousands of years of civilization history. Both converge to form more or less humanized landscapes.
"Los Millares" was one of the most important Bronze Age settlements on the Peninsula. In a difficult environment, they managed to develop a complex economy based on mining and trade.
The management of these ecosystems is oriented towards the achievement of their sustainability, seeking the appropriate balance between natural and artificial elements.
The scarce agricultural or livestock vocation of these sub-deserts has allowed the conservation of an important natural heritage, which is especially valuable in the Mediterranean basin.
Almeria has in its subdeserts a real flower reserve.
In spite of the aridity, more than one thousand two hundred species of plants live in the subdeserts of Almeria. The number of types of plants in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is one sixth of those existing in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula. Among them there are 45 species exclusive to the area.
The Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa share many natural characteristics, which can be seen in their landscapes and plant formations. These species account for up to 12% of Almeria's flora.
Today's landscapes are the result of millions of years of natural history and thousands of years of civilization history. Both converge to form more or less humanized landscapes.
"Los Millares" was one of the most important Bronze Age settlements on the Peninsula. In a difficult environment, they managed to develop a complex economy based on mining and trade.
The management of these ecosystems is oriented towards the achievement of their sustainability, seeking the appropriate balance between natural and artificial elements.
The scarce agricultural or livestock vocation of these sub-deserts has allowed the conservation of an important natural heritage, which is especially valuable in the Mediterranean basin.
Almeria has in its subdeserts a real flower reserve.
In spite of the aridity, more than one thousand two hundred species of plants live in the subdeserts of Almeria. The number of types of plants in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is one sixth of those existing in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula. Among them there are 45 species exclusive to the area.
The Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa share many natural characteristics, which can be seen in their landscapes and plant formations. These species account for up to 12% of Almeria's flora.
Once the water has been collected, it must not be lost unnecessarily.
Plants from desert or sub-desert climates maintain a continuous fight against dehydration.
Transpiring the minimum:
A plant, like any living being, cannot isolate itself with an airtight skin. Breathing and photosynthesis force open pores and moisture escapes. Losses will depend on the disposition of the stomata on the leaves or on the moment chosen to open them.
The stomata of the "Matagallo" (Phlomis purpurea) are protected from the roughness of the leaves when they are placed at the bottom.
By folding the edges of the leaves, some plants manage to create a more favourable microclimate on their stomata. This is the case with esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima).
The escarcha or Hierba rocío (Mesembryanthemum crystallimum), accumulates calcium oxalate crystals that are very useful to reduce transpiration.
Once the water has been collected, it must not be lost unnecessarily.
Plants from desert or sub-desert climates maintain a continuous fight against dehydration.
Transpiring the minimum:
A plant, like any living being, cannot isolate itself with an airtight skin. Breathing and photosynthesis force open pores and moisture escapes. Losses will depend on the disposition of the stomata on the leaves or on the moment chosen to open them.
The stomata of the "Matagallo" (Phlomis purpurea) are protected from the roughness of the leaves when they are placed at the bottom.
By folding the edges of the leaves, some plants manage to create a more favourable microclimate on their stomata. This is the case with esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima).
The escarcha or Hierba rocío (Mesembryanthemum crystallimum), accumulates calcium oxalate crystals that are very useful to reduce transpiration.
More than 400 million years ago, some aquatic plants undertook a long journey to colonize the land. Behind them were the animals, and the planet was covered with life.
Deserts and sub-deserts make up a third of the planet's land mass. The scarcity of water does not imply the absence of life in them.
Dry areas and deserts have an ancient relationship with civilizations. The first cultures of the Mediterranean developed around them. In many cases, the advance of deserts is the result of human action. It is the desertification, originated exclusively by human causes.
More than 400 million years ago, some aquatic plants undertook a long journey to colonize the land. Behind them were the animals, and the planet was covered with life.
Deserts and sub-deserts make up a third of the planet's land mass. The scarcity of water does not imply the absence of life in them.
Dry areas and deserts have an ancient relationship with civilizations. The first cultures of the Mediterranean developed around them. In many cases, the advance of deserts is the result of human action. It is the desertification, originated exclusively by human causes..
It is normal for plants to make simultaneous use of different defense and survival tactics.
The "retama" (Retama sphaerocarpa) has long roots to provide itself with water. It lacks leaves and photosynthesis takes place in its green stems and the presence of alkaloids makes it unappealing to animals.
Thyme "colorao" (Thymus hyemalis) has small leaves, covered with whitish hairs, and with edges folded to the back to protect the stomata. At times of maximum dryness it can lose them completely. Its aroma comes from volatile substances that repel herbivores.
The small leaves are characteristic of the "Coscoja" (Quercus cocciefera), and are even more so in the sub-desert of Almería, in order to reduce perspiration. They are also protected by a hardened and thorny epidermis.
It is normal for plants to make simultaneous use of different defense and survival tactics.
The "retama" (Retama sphaerocarpa) has long roots to provide itself with water. It lacks leaves and photosynthesis takes place in its green stems and the presence of alkaloids makes it unappealing to animals.
Thyme "colorao" (Thymus hyemalis) has small leaves, covered with whitish hairs, and with edges folded to the back to protect the stomata. At times of maximum dryness it can lose them completely. Its aroma comes from volatile substances that repel herbivores.
The small leaves are characteristic of the "Coscoja" (Quercus cocciefera), and are even more so in the sub-desert of Almería, in order to reduce perspiration. They are also protected by a hardened and thorny epidermis.
The plant world has developed a wide range of resources to defend itself against its enemies. After getting and storing water, it must be prevented from being taken away by others.
Hard to bite and not very tasty
What was achieved with so much time and effort can be quickly lost. To protect themselves from animals, many plants have been provided with preventive defenses:
The branches of the "azufaifo" (Ziziphus lotus) are provided with thorns that are a clear threat to the animals.
An intricate ramification also helps. The rascamoño (Launaea arborescens) also has branches with thorns.
The aulafa morisca (Ulex canescens) has chosen to replace its leaves with effective defensive thorns.
Sophisticated designs
Some plants produce substances to maintain their own safety. They serve as animal and parasite repellents, with great effectiveness.
- Like other species, the "jaguarzo morisco" (Cistus salviifolius) has high concentrations of tannins and other compounds that keep herbivores away.
- The fragrance of aromatic plants, such as the lavender (Lavandula stoechas), is a warning of the presence of substances unsuitable for consumption.
- The "Cornical" (Periploca angustifolia) has a milky latex that is very irritating to animal tissues.
The plant world has developed a wide range of resources to defend itself against its enemies. After getting and storing water, it must be prevented from being taken away by others.
Hard to bite and not very tasty
What was achieved with so much time and effort can be quickly lost. To protect themselves from animals, many plants have been provided with preventive defenses:
The branches of the "azufaifo" (Ziziphus lotus) are provided with thorns that are a clear threat to the animals.
An intricate ramification also helps. The rascamoño (Launaea arborescens) also has branches with thorns.
The aulafa morisca (Ulex canescens) has chosen to replace its leaves with effective defensive thorns.
Sophisticated designs
Some plants produce substances to maintain their own safety. They serve as animal and parasite repellents, with great effectiveness.
- Like other species, the "jaguarzo morisco" (Cistus salviifolius) has high concentrations of tannins and other compounds that keep herbivores away.
- The fragrance of aromatic plants, such as the lavender (Lavandula stoechas), is a warning of the presence of substances unsuitable for consumption.
- The "Cornical" (Periploca angustifolia) has a milky latex that is very irritating to animal tissues.
There are plants that give up leaves for better and more efficient water economy. Their vital functions are covered by other organs.
Plants such as the "palaín" (Genista spartioides) or the "rascamoño" (Launaea arborescens) permanently dispense with leaves. They do not have them in either summer or winter, and it is their stems that carry out the photosynthesis.
The "siempreviva azul" (Limonium sinuatum) reduces its leaves to a minimum. The stems are the ones that contribute to the photosynthesis.
Many plants from arid areas shed their leaves in summer and unfold them in winter, when climatic conditions are less severe and more suitable for growth. This is one of the most significant strategies in this region.
There are plants that give up leaves for better and more efficient water economy. Their vital functions are covered by other organs.
Plants such as the "palaín" (Genista spartioides) or the "rascamoño" (Launaea arborescens) permanently dispense with leaves. They do not have them in either summer or winter, and it is their stems that carry out the photosynthesis.
The "siempreviva azul" (Limonium sinuatum) reduces its leaves to a minimum. The stems are the ones that contribute to the photosynthesis.
Many plants from arid areas shed their leaves in summer and unfold them in winter, when climatic conditions are less severe and more suitable for growth. This is one of the most significant strategies in this region.
Roots cover missions of great importance for the survival of plants. Some plants dig their roots deep in search of the water table; others, however, keep them at a shallow depth to quickly absorb water from scarce rainfall. One or the other option conditions the distance that the plants maintain between themselves.
- The "artales" ( Maytenus senegalensis ) show a dispersed distribution, maintaining a certain distance between the different specimens. Its long roots allow it to explore large portions of land to extract water.
- The "Albaida" (Anthyllis cytisoides) prefers the grouping of individuals, as its strategy is to form dense masses, capable of retaining rainwater and letting it fall to the ground slowly.
Allied with salt:
Where most plants couldn't survive because of the abundant salinity, there's a small group of them - the halophytes. Desert and sub-desert soils are often saline, due to scarce rainfall and intense evaporation. Certain geological substrates, rich in salt or gypsum, favour this condition.
Most halophytes are succulent shrubs (specialized in water storage), such as "Sosa alacranera" (Sarcocornia fruticosa). The salts that they accumulate in their tissues are useful for attracting water from the soil to their roots.
Roots cover missions of great importance for the survival of plants. Some plants dig their roots deep in search of the water table; others, however, keep them at a shallow depth to quickly absorb water from scarce rainfall. One or the other option conditions the distance that the plants maintain between themselves.
- The "artales" ( Maytenus senegalensis ) show a dispersed distribution, maintaining a certain distance between the different specimens. Its long roots allow it to explore large portions of land to extract water.
- The "Albaida" (Anthyllis cytisoides) prefers the grouping of individuals, as its strategy is to form dense masses, capable of retaining rainwater and letting it fall to the ground slowly.
Allied with salt:
Where most plants couldn't survive because of the abundant salinity, there's a small group of them - the halophytes. Desert and sub-desert soils are often saline, due to scarce rainfall and intense evaporation. Certain geological substrates, rich in salt or gypsum, favour this condition.
Most halophytes are succulent shrubs (specialized in water storage), such as "Sosa alacranera" (Sarcocornia fruticosa). The salts that they accumulate in their tissues are useful for attracting water from the soil to their roots.
Searching for life: Scarcity sharpens one's wits and imposes austere habits. Searching, saving, learning to live with adversity... are elementary survival strategies.
Living water tanks: Saving for hard times
To reduce transpiration, plants store water in special tissues, protected by thick walls with waterproof waxes. Cambrón, zagua or "agua azul", are examples of plants that accumulate water in their leaves. The "chumberillo de lobo" is the only native plant from Almeria that, like the cactus, accumulates important quantities of water in its stem.
Birth, growth, reproduction and death at great speed
If there is a period of time that is somewhat wetter than the rest, they must take advantage of it to close the complete cycle of life. For ephemeral plants, a simple sign may be enough to start this desperate race for life.
Seeds and bulbs are like capsules of resistance to face the long adverse periods. When the time comes, they give rise to the life potential they contain.
Plants and insects are strongly dependent on each other. Flowering must be synchronized with the active presence of pollinators.
Wheat seeds are of six different types that germinate in turns, taking advantage of successive favourable moments.
Orchids like the "flor de avispa" (Ophrys tenthredinifera) remain dormant in summer, reduced to underground bulbs, until they begin a new cycle with the first rains of autumn.
The flowers of "colleja de playa" (Silene littorea) can go from male to female or hermaphrodite in just three days. They make possible the fertilization in a minimum time.
Searching for life: Scarcity sharpens one's wits and imposes austere habits. Searching, saving, learning to live with adversity... are elementary survival strategies.
Living water tanks: Saving for hard times
To reduce transpiration, plants store water in special tissues, protected by thick walls with waterproof waxes. Cambrón, zagua or "agua azul", are examples of plants that accumulate water in their leaves. The "chumberillo de lobo" is the only native plant from Almeria that, like the cactus, accumulates important quantities of water in its stem.
Birth, growth, reproduction and death at great speed
If there is a period of time that is somewhat wetter than the rest, they must take advantage of it to close the complete cycle of life. For ephemeral plants, a simple sign may be enough to start this desperate race for life.
Seeds and bulbs are like capsules of resistance to face the long adverse periods. When the time comes, they give rise to the life potential they contain.
Plants and insects are strongly dependent on each other. Flowering must be synchronized with the active presence of pollinators.
Wheat seeds are of six different types that germinate in turns, taking advantage of successive favourable moments.
Orchids like the "flor de avispa" (Ophrys tenthredinifera) remain dormant in summer, reduced to underground bulbs, until they begin a new cycle with the first rains of autumn.
The flowers of "colleja de playa" (Silene littorea) can go from male to female or hermaphrodite in just three days. They make possible the fertilization in a minimum time.