Riparian forest
Riparian or gallery forests grow on both sides of river. They are also found where the water table is shallow, at the edge of ponds and near springs. Riparian forests play a very important ecological role because they function as biological corridors and serve as a refuge for animals and plants. In addition, they help regulate the energy of the water in the event of flooding and reduce erosion.
They are made up of deciduous trees, shrubs and tender-leaved plants, and there are several types, which have different names depending on the dominant trees. We can therefore find riparian forests made up of alders (Alnus glutinosa), willows (Salix alba), poplars (Populus alba), ashes (Fraxinus sp.) and elms (Ulmus minor).
Leaves from the trees found in the riparian forest
Poplar
Ash
Vern
Elm
Poplar
Illustrations: Jordi Enèriz (Learn)