In the middle of Monte de Morais, also known by the locals as Monte Maldito, dunites dominate, ultrabasic rocks generically known as peridotites. The soils formed on these rocks, which originate in the earth's mantle, have high levels of nickel and chromium, giving the soil unique characteristics and making it very selective for plant life. These soils are therefore home to endemic plants with unique genetic characteristics, such as Armeria langei subsp. marizii, an endemic of Monte de Morais. These rocks, which once belonged to the substratum of the ancient Galicia Trás-os-Montes ocean, are now in the territory of the Terras de Cavaleiros Geopark, due to the collision between the continents that bordered it.

COORDINATES

41º 29' 48.14" N
6º 47' 49.67" W

ALTITUDE

686 M

LOCALITY

MORAIS