Crimean Submediterranean forest complex
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The Crimean Submediterranean forest complex is a temperate mixed forest ecoregion of Russia and Ukraine. The ecoregion consists of two coastal enclaves on northern coast of the Black Sea; one occupies the central coast of Crimea, extending into the Crimean Mountains, the other occupies the Black Sea coast of Krasnodar Kray, extending eastward along the northwest flank of the Caucasus.
The ecoregion's climate and vegetation resemble that of the Mediterranean Basin, with a hot dry summer and a mild, rainy winter. At elevations below 400 meters, woodlands and maquis shrublands of oak, Christ's Thorn (Paliurus spina-christi), Mastic tree (Pistacia lenticulus), Pyracantha, and sclerophyll shrubs predominate. Between 400 and 800 meters are forests of Pitsundian Pine (Pinus brutia), Downy Oak (Quercus pubescens), Oriental Hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), and European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). Forests of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis), along with juniper woodlands, extend from 800 to 1300 meters elevation.
The warm summers and mild winters of the region make it a popular resort destination. Cities and towns in the ecoregion include Yalta, Alupka, Alushta, Sevastopol, and Novorossisk.
