FLORA, FALKLAND ISLANDS

Biogeographically the Falklands is classified as Antarctic Floristic Kingdom. The flora of the Falklands has similarities with that of neighbouring Patagonia in South America.

The Falklands have 363 recorded species of vascular flora. 171 are native and 13 are endemic to the islands. Many can be found on neighboring South America south of latitude 40°S. Due to the climate and persistent wind most plants are low growing and introduced species have mostly remained around settlements where there is shelter. Species occur over a wide range of altitudes and soil types and habitats. Some species are protected by legislation on the 'Falklands Red List'. It is an offence to deliberatly pick, collect, cut, uproot or destroy a protected wild plant.

Protected plants Endemic plants Inland plants Grasses rushes ferns Berried plants Coastal plants List of Plant Life Fungi and lichens

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