At the eastern end of the Betic System, in the province of Almería and in the Alto Almanzora region, is the Sierra de Lúcar, where the Piedra Lobera Natural Monument rises to a height of 1,722 meters. It is a spectacular limestone formation with steep walls that stands out remarkably in the landscape, constituting a geographical landmark of great interest and spectacular landscapes.
Its legendary name comes from the oral tradition, which says that it was in this place where the last examples of wolves that existed in these mountains were exterminated.
In addition to its scenic beauty, this natural monument is home to an important endemic flora adapted to the harsh conditions that occur in this environment: low rainfall, strong winds, long periods of insolation, frequent frosts and stony soils.
Thus, exclusive species appear such as the arenaria tomentosa, which grows among the rocks and has a pillow-shaped bearing to counteract the whipping of the wind. It is covered with small hairs to reflect the incessant rays of the sun. Other specimens of interest are the honeysuckle of the Pyrenees, which lives sheltered from cracks and limestone rocks; and the exotic peony, called monte rosa, to which medicinal properties are attributed despite the fact that, at certain concentrations, it is toxic.
In general, there are deciduous forests and the thorns that accompany and replace them, such as sweet durillo, hawthorn, hawthorn and mostajo, among a wide variety.
In addition to the town of Lúcar, in its surroundings there are other municipalities of interest, both monumental and natural, such as Tíjola, where Cela, its natural pool of hot springs, stands out; Bacares, with a beautiful urban layout perfectly integrated into the high mountain landscape; or Serón, where the cultural richness of its plot is joined by a mining past with a rich ethnographic heritage (Las Menas de Serón).
Translated by Google •
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