PINE
FOREST
The
pine forests of the National Park of Parnitha are situated at
the low and moderate altitudes of the mountain, they cover an
area of c. 9,500 hectares and they consist of haleppo pine (Pinus
halepensis) exclusively. A very important
part of these forests (approximately 2,900 hectares) is included
in the core of the National Park and is strictly protected.
Pine
forests extend from the foot of the mountain, where they mix
with shrubs (kermes oaks, strawberry trees, etc.), up to 800m.
In higher altitudes (800 - 1000), but mainly
at the south-facing slopes of
Parnitha, haleppo pine mixes with grecian fir and prickly juniper
(Juniperus oxycedrus).
Haleppo
pine is a valuable and irreplaceable species for the area, because
it is extremely tolerant to summer drought and highly adjustable
to fires, after which it easily regenerates. Fire plays an important
role in pine ecosystems, which are characterized as fire-dependent,
as the pine cones that enclose the seeds open under high temperatures
and the seeds are being transported through air in large distances,
enabling the species' regeneration. However, if an area is repeatedly
burnt, regeneration decreases, due to soil erosion, which eventially
leads the pine forest to degradation.
The
pine forests of Parnitha National Park were used for resin extraction,
grazing and logging since ancient times. The shrub layer under
the pines was lumbered for the production of charcoals and the
operation of lime-kilns. 
This
kind of management, combined with frequent fire outbreaks destroyed
huge sections of the pine forests. Also, the biggest part of
the mountain is covered with poor and shallow soils, leading
to the concurrent structure of the forests.
Nowadays
the economic importance of the resin extraction and logging
of the pine forests is not notable. The pattern of the leaf
canopy, the bright green color of the pine needles and their
variety, give though the pine forests an incomparable aesthetic
appearance.
Under
the pines very few plant species grow, due to the thick layer
of dry pine needles that fall on the ground and are left intact
for a long period of time. The only species that can grow under
pine trees are bulbous, such as sowbreads (Cyclamen
graecum, Cyclamen
hederifolium), orchids (Ophrys
lutea, Ophrys
tenthredinifera, Orchis
italica, Orchis
quadripunctata), and asparagus (Asparagus
acutifolius).
