Etna is not a black desert. Or rather, not only. It is an island within an island, with an extraordinary concentration of biodiversity. The continuous struggle between the destruction of lava and the rebirth of vegetation creates unique ecosystems found nowhere else in the Mediterranean.
The Etna Broom: The Gold of the Volcano
The symbol plant is certainly the Etna Broom (Genista aethnensis). It is a 'pioneer' plant, meaning the first capable of colonizing sterile lava flows. Its powerful roots crack the rock, creating soil over time for other plants.
In summer, the broom bloom dyes entire slopes of the volcano yellow. The chromatic contrast between the intense yellow of the flowers, the black of the lava, and the blue of the sky is one of the most beautiful photographic subjects ever.
Betula Aetnensis: A Botanical Mystery
On the North side (Sartorius/Citelli area), there are woods of Etna Birch. It is an endemic tree, different from the birches of Northern Europe. It has a pearly white trunk and peeling bark.
Its presence here is a mystery: it is thought to have arrived during the last ice age and remained 'trapped' on the volcano when the ice retreated, adapting to the warm Sicilian climate. Walking in a birch forest on Etna feels like being in Scandinavia, but at 30 degrees!
Animals: Foxes and Birds of Prey
If you are quiet, you might encounter the Red Fox, very common and unfortunately now used to asking tourists for food (do not give it!). In the skies, the Golden Eagle, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Buzzard circle.
Less visible but present are the Porcupine, the Wildcat, and various species of snakes (harmless, the only viper is rare). A curiosity: there exists the 'Rumex of the Shield', a plant that lives only on volcanic quicksands.
The Etna Wildcat
It is the ghost of the woods. Larger than a domestic cat, with a thick and ringed tail, it lives in the most inaccessible areas. Seeing it is very difficult, but there are camera traps confirming its presence.
It is the top predator of the Etna food chain (there are no wolves or bears, for now...).
Etna Mushrooms
When it rains in autumn, the woods fill with pickers. Etna offers excellent quality porcini, but also Caesar's mushrooms and Honey fungus. Be careful though: a picking permit is required and one must know the species well. Poisonous mushrooms are as common as the good ones.
Why Choose It
- Broom: Fragrant and colonizing
- Birch: Unique white trunk
- Chestnut: Millennial trees
- Fox: The easiest animal to see
- Eagle: Queen of the skies
Practical Info
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Park | Established in 1987 |
| Endemisms | Very high |
| Symbol Flower | Etna Broom |
| Symbol Tree | Betula Aetnensis |
| Rule | Forbidden to pick plants |
Want to know more?