mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation

Distributed in Mediterranean ecosystems of Australia, Chile, Europe/North Africa, North America (primarily California) and South Africa. Evergreen shrubs and sclerophyllous trees (low in stature with a relatively open canopy) are the dominant plant forms, and frequent fires have historically played and important role in regulating community composition and structure. Includes shrubland types described as garrigue, chaparral, maquis (New Caledonia), mallee (Australia), matorral (Chile) and fynbos (South Africa).