A natural wonder with its rich flora, Belek boasts a great variety of natural life. Forests in the region cover the dunes and constitute the largest vegetation. Mediterranean pine forests are known as endemic plants of the region. In addition, under the dense pine forests, there are Mediterranean shrubs and scrub vegetation as you descend to sea level. These forests are rich in flowers and fauna. The most beautiful country scenery is found here.
Belek’s natural diversity comes from the great variety of its flowers. Fifty-eight families, 118 species and 16 sub species are known to be found in Belek. The rarest flowers are found in dune vegetation (51 species from 27 families) and pine forests (51 species from 31 families). In 1995, 40 previously unknown plant species were found in Belek, and a list of 48 exotic species from 28 botanical families was made.
The flora and fauna diversity was first investigated in 1995 in the region. The research that was initiated during these years yielded the book Belek'te 250 Bitki Türü ve Belek'in 20 Endemik Bitkisi, in 1999 thanks to the collaboration of Akdeniz University Biodiversity Research and Development Center and Belek Tourism Investors Association. According to the book, 574 plants, 29 endemic plants (which grow only in Turkey) and Serik Pear (Pyrus serikensis), which is a relic endemic (grows only in Belek in the world) have been identified in Belek Tourism Center.
Research showed that Sage, Salvia, Phlomis Lycica, Bellflower, Campanula Betulifolia, Polygonum, Sideritis, Egnik, Comfrey, Knapweed, Dyer’s Alkanet, Arnebia Decumbens, Small Hyacinth, Echinata, Purple Clove, Strawflower, Immortelle, Pamphylia, Cornflower, Moon Daisy, Valeriana, Figwort, Stone Rose, Wild Pear, Wild Cloves, Wild Onions and Zingit, are among the endemic plants in Belek.
While the overall number of plant species is 12,000 across Europe, it is about 9500 only in Turkey. This proud figure rises even more when it comes to endemic plants. Endemic plants grow naturally only in limited areas in the world. This makes Belek a biological heritage for the entire humankind.