Flora and fauna

The climatic variations are also mirrored in the different types of flora and fauna. The varieties of plants number well over 9000.
The most fertile region is on the Black Sea Coast where thick forests, tea plantations and fruits,are all grown on a large scale. The south coast however has banana plantations, palms and bushes in many gorgeous and colourful shades.
The national flower of Turkey is the tulip.

Agave: Is found everywhere and originates from America. Can survive up to 20 years and just before dying grows a 10 metre tall shoot with a beautiful flower on top.
Banana: Is grown all around Alanya. Turkish bananas are dwarf bananas with a sweetish taste. The banana plant dies after approximately 1.5 years.
Cotton: Is planted in May and the large white wads of cotton are picked in September.
Fig-cactus: Previously the fig cactus was used to attract the cochineal which has a strong red colour. This was used for dyeing purposes, especially for carpets. Today the cactus is only found in a few places.
Japanese mispel: An incredibly vulnerable fruit grown on trees and which can be eaten in March or April when they have turned yellow.
Almond: The tree blossoms in January or February with white or pink flowers. In March leaves grow and in September the almonds are ready for harvest. This is done by shaking the tree after which the mature almonds will fall on a blanket.
Palms: In the area around Alanya you can find the tread palm with fan-shaped leaves as well as the Phoenix palm with oblong leaves.
Pine: Trees that resemble pine trees are found all over the Taurus Mountains. They absorb moisture through the needles and are therefore capable of surviving in very dry conditions.

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