Algarrobales
Cina-cina, Parkinsonia aculeata © M. Peña Chocarro.
Algarrobales are sparse forests with trees up to 10 metres tall.
This unit is dominated mainly by algarrobo blanco (Prosopis alba) and algarrobo negro (Prosopis nigra). These develop in low areas that are flooded in summer, while in winter they endure strong droughts.
Other common species are:
- ñandubay (Prosopis affinis)
- chañar (Geoffroea decorticans)
- aromita (Acacia caven)
- mistol (Ziziphus mistol)
- cina-cina (Parkinsonia aculeata)
- saucillo (Acanthosyris falcata)
Several species of Lycium and Capparis are also common.
Herbaceous vegetation, mainly composed of gramminae, is very scarce or absent in the dry season.