The Pateira
Pateira, the natural ex-libris of the municipality of Águeda, an important wetland of national and international interest, is classified as a RAMSAR Zone, NATURA 2000 NETWORK and integrated into the Ria de Aveiro Special Protection Zone and a Site of Community Importance of Ria de Aveiro.
It is one of the largest natural lakes in the Iberian Peninsula, where habitats, ecosystems and species with national and international protection status occur. A popular spot for bird watching, sport fishing, nature photography, sports and outdoor activities. Discover what is known locally as the “enchanted lagoon”!
Pateira de Fermentelos is located in the Central Region of Portugal, covering part of the area of the municipalities of Águeda, Aveiro and Oliveira do Bairro.
It is located in the Baixo Vouga region, about 20 km from the coastline.
In terms of the hydrographic network, Pateira de Fermentelos is located at the northern end of the Cértima River basin, still within the boundaries of the Vouga River basin.
GPS: 40º34’30.56”N; 8º30’56.91”O
History
Historically, Pateira must be considered as an old marine branch where, independently of one another, the rivers Cértima, Águeda and Vouga flowed, before the creation of the Ria de Aveiro. That branch that the alluvium of the three rivers closed, originated a single water course (the Vouga river) with the mouth being located much more to the Northwest, as it is today.
At the end of the 15th century, due to the successive flooding of the Cértima and Águeda rivers and the flooding of the riverside fields, the lagoon (Pateira) was created.
Pino et al. (1988) cit Gomes Andrade writes, in relation to Pateira, that the Certoma valley, on that bridge, was once firm ground, covered with thick trees, through which the river gently flowed.
Morais in Sousa Batista (1945) also quotes an excerpt from a letter from the storekeeper of Aveiro to D. Manuel in which he speaks of the Mata de Perrães (possibly between Perrães and the front of the parish of Fermentelos) saying that it had always if pigs (probably wild boars) and deer are harvested, also mentioning that it was apaulada.
In fact, according to Pinho et al, 1988, it seems admissible to suppose that it would be a very rich area from a faunal and floristic point of view, even though references to flora and fauna are scarce.
Pateira would have begun to form at the end of the 15th century, probably in the Middle Ages, due to the successive flooding of the Certoma and Águeda rivers, and the flooding of the riverside fields.
O Território
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Currently, Pateira de Fermentelos corresponds to the silting and spreading of the Cértima river, near the place where it flows into the Águeda river. |
The largest natural lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula currently occupies an area of variable surface and depth, according to the season, which, at its maximum, reaches more than 5 km2.
These extend, mostly, through the municipality of Águeda, also covering the municipality of Aveiro and Oliveira do Bairro.
The term “Pateira” encapsulates the specificity of the Vouga region and its tributaries, designating, by itself, an abundance of ducks.
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Presentation guide for Pateira de Fermentelos
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Margens
Em termos hidrográficos, a Pateira de Fermentelos está compreendida na bacia hidrográfica do rio Cértima a qual, por sua vez, se insere na bacia hidrográfica do rio Águeda e esta, na bacia do rio Vouga.
A lagoa é alimentada pelo Rio Cértima (a montante), pela Ribeira do Pano (a Poente), pontualmente por outras escorrências, e por água subterrânea (sistema aquífero Cretácico de Aveiro), sendo o rio Cértima o principal curso a condicionar a hidrologia da Pateira. No que diz respeito ao relevo, a zona envolvente da Pateira apresenta um relevo suave, a Oeste, registando-se uma zona com altitude superior a 50 metros em Fermentelos (concelho de Águeda).
Este, na zona de Espinhel (imagens laterais), ocorre uma elevação que atinge os 78 metros, revelando declives com relativo significado dadas as características da área envolvente. A Noroeste, sensivelmente entre a Oliveirinha e Requeixo (concelho de Aveiro) destaca-se uma faixa com altitude entre os 50 e os 70 metros, com declive suave em direcção à Pateira.
A Sudoeste, as áreas de cultivo, na margem esquerda do rio Cértima e de Perrães ladeiam a Pateira com relevos suaves de cotas mínimas.
Estatutos de Proteção
A Pateira de Fermentelos apresenta características de um sistema semi-lêntico que integra a Zona de Protecção Especial da Ria de Aveiro (PTZPE0004) e, como tal, incluída na Rede Natura 2000.
Protegida pela Directiva Aves, está ainda classificada como “Zona Sensível” de acordo com o Decreto-lei n.º 152/97, de 19 de Julho, Anexo II, tratando-se de uma importante e extensa zona húmida (cit. ICN, 2006).
Por definição as Zonas Húmidas (ZH) são áreas de sapal, paul, turfeiras ou águas, naturais ou artificiais, permanentes ou temporárias, estáticas ou correntes, doces , salobras ou salgadas, incluindo extensões de água do mar, cuja profundidade na maré baixa não exceda os 6 metros e zonas costeiras e ribeirinhas (Convenção Ramsar).
Estas ZH, onde se inclui a Pateira, desempenham importantes funções nos ecossistemas como a regularização hídrica e climática, a purificação da água, contrariam o efeito de estufa, protegem a costa, alimentam reservatórios naturais subterrâneos, suportando uma elevada biodiversidade, entre outras.
As zonas húmidas são, aliás, áreas de grande produtividade primária da Terra (a par com as florestas tropicais), suportando assim uma fauna e flora riquíssimas.
O que fazer?
Neste lugar rico em biodiversidade, encontram-se reunidas condições naturais, equipamentos e infraestruturas que permitem a realização de diversas atividades de ar livre, numa sinergia com a autenticidade deste território.
Tanto no plano terrestre como aquático, é possível explorar a beleza desta Zona de Proteção Especial aliada a atividades que promovem o bem-estar físico, psicológico e estimulam o usufruto de tempo de qualidade individual ou em grupo.
Na Pateira, é possível praticar atividades desportivas, desde caminhadas, passeios de bicicleta ou canoagem. Neste espaço de natureza única, encontrasse também o local ideal para fazer um piquenique.
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Biodiversidade Faunística |
No que diz respeito à diversidade faunística, a Pateira e zonas envolventes destacam-se, particularmente, pela importante componente ornitológica. Nestas áreas ocorrem espécies com estatutos de protecção a nível nacional e internacional — classificadas pela Directiva Aves (Directiva 79/409/CEE), Convenção de Bona, Convenção de Berna.
Surgem espécies de importância comunitária, como:
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Guia de Observação de Aves
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Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisA bird 17 to 19 cm long. Stocky in appearance, large head and long beak. With short red legs. Vibrant colored plumage. Blue-green head and wings. Bright light blue back and tail. Ventral and pectoral face orange. Resident species, it is dispersed throughout the country, frequenting water courses. Avoid mountainous and elevated areas, which are very rough and humanized. Builds the nest in a barrier near water. This is a narrow gallery, about 1 m long, excavated mainly by the male. It is often seen perched on branches, over the water, from where it observes its prey before launching a quick dive over them. They are mostly small fish, but sometimes aquatic invertebrates. attachment I of the Birds Directive, attachment II of the Berne Convention. VU (Vulnerable - IUCN)Back
Iberian tree frog
Hyla molleriSmall amphibian, between 3 and 6 cm long. Smooth and shiny skin, bright green in color and with a dark side band from the nasal orifice to the ends of the hind limbs. Fingers in the form of suction cups, being a good climber. It is active throughout the year, but especially in spring. With climbing habits, it can be found on top of tall grasses, shrubs or small trees, in places with some humidity and close to water, where it reproduces. Their diet includes different types of invertebrates such as insects (ants, bedbugs) and spiders. attachment II of the Berne Convention and attachment B-IV of the Habitats Directive. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
scarlet dragonfly
Crocothemis erythraeaA very common species, of African origin, which has spread throughout the Mediterranean and other southern European countries. The male has red eyes with a bluish underside. Bright red body, robust and with red legs. Wings with basal spot and red coast veins. The face is also red. Females and immature males are sandy or golden in color. They have a body size of 3.6 to 4.5 cm. They are observed from April to October, occurring in all types of still or slow waters. In the adult (terrestrial) stage, they feed on small insects that they capture in flight. LC (Least Concern - IUCN)Back
common kestrel
Falco tinnunculusMedium-sized falcon, 31 to 37 cm long and 68 to 78 cm in wingspan. Pointed wings and long tail, short and strong beak. Male and female show clear sexual dimorphism, the latter being larger and less colorful. Both have a rust colored back, heavily speckled with black, with dark wing tips. The female's tail is striped, while the male has a smooth, bluish-gray tail and nape, which contrasts greatly with the color of the back. The male's chest is less speckled, appearing smoother than the female's. Common and resident species, more frequent in agricultural areas and in the vicinity of urban areas. It builds its nest in trees or in holes in buildings. Their diet consists of rodents and insects. attachment II of CITES, attachment II of the Bonn Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Purple Heron
Ardea purpureaLarge bird, with a wingspan of almost 1.5 m and 70 to 90 cm in length, with dark gray plumage with pink and purple tones. Long yellow beak, which it uses to “harpoon” prey. Long yellowish legs and long neck. It is a migrator that visits us from March to August, and most of the breeding colonies in Portugal are located in the region of Aveiro. It frequents areas with a high density of sugarcane plantations, creating colonies at the water level. It feeds on fish, frogs and insects. attachment I of the Birds Directive, attachment II of the Berne Convention and attachment II of the Bonn Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Northern banded groundling
Brachythemis impartitaMainly African species that, in recent decades, has occupied parts of the Iberian Peninsula and some parts of the Mediterranean. It has a size that varies from 2.5 to 3.4 cm. The male is dark, easily recognized by the wide black bands in the middle of the wings. The female is pale, light brown, with dark abdominal lines and no black wing bands. It occurs at low altitudes, in lakes and dams, with shores devoid of vegetation, sandy or grassy. It is observed from May to September. It flies at ground or water level, along the banks, also landing on the ground or on low plants. It has a habit of following cattle or people to catch disturbed insects. LC (Least Concern - IUCN)Back
yellow-spotted salamander
Salamandra salamandraWith an unmistakable appearance, large and black and yellow in color, it reaches a length of 15 to 17 cm. Widely distributed, it avoids the most arid areas. It is mainly active at night and mainly in spring and autumn, on warm and humid nights. The larval stage is aquatic, but in the adult stage they are mostly terrestrial. It secretes a toxic substance in its salivary glands, being its main means of defense against predators. They feed on various invertebrates, snails and slugs, earthworms, beetle larvae, harvestmen and spiders. attachment III of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpesIt is one of the most common carnivores in Portugal and in the rest of the world. Unmistakable with its reddish-brown fur, pointed snout, long ears and equally long and bushy tail, with a white tip. The throat and belly are clear. Eyes with vertical pupil. The males, larger than the females, can exceed 8 kg. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats, raising its young in a burrow. It is active mainly at night, but also has some activity during the day. Its usual method of hunting is by jumping and ambushing, relying on its extremely keen sense of smell and hearing. It is an opportunistic and omnivorous predator, demonstrating great adaptability to circumstances, being able to consume seasonal fruits, rodents, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, dead animals, etc. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
European badger
Meles melesIt is a somewhat burly carnivore, reaching 1 m in length and 16 kg in weight. The legs are short, as are the tail and ears. The body has a grayish coloration. The head is white, but with two black stripes on the sides that cover the eyes and extend beyond the ears. The claws are robust and long. It is a relatively common species, but little observable due to its nocturnal habits. Usually solitary, but can form family groups. It occurs in different types of forests and open areas, whether of Atlantic or Mediterranean influence. It also appears in agricultural areas. It uses its long claws to dig holes where it lives or to look for food, also using its keen sense of smell and hearing, as its eyesight is quite poor. It feeds on wild fruits, acorns, mushrooms, rhizomes, tubers, snails and slugs, earthworms, reptiles and amphibians. He has a particular preference for honey, digging up the hive combs he discovers. It can also consume rodent hatchlings. attachment III of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Algerian sand racer
Psammodromus algirusMedium in size, it reaches 25 to 30 cm in total length. Brownish body, with an orange color near the hind legs. It is usually active from spring to autumn. Their diet consists of different types of invertebrates. In case of danger, it resorts to escape, applying its climbing and tail release skills. They feed on adult insects and their larvae, as well as spiders. With limited distribution to Southwest Europe and North Africa, it occurs in a great diversity of habitats. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Comma butterfly
Polygonia c-albumButterfly with a wingspan of 4 to 5 cm. Unmistakable wing cutout. It has a white "c" on the underside of the hindwing. Orange on the upper surface, with small black spots. Uniformly browned on the underside. The caterpillar feeds on nettles, blackthorn, elm, poplar, hazel, etc. Adults are observed from June to September. Hibernate, reappearing in March/April. Occurs in forest clearings, often in damp places. LC (Least Concern - IUCN)Back
Perez's frog
Pelophylax pereziLarge frog, can reach 10 cm in length. Its coloration is variable, green and brown, with a light green dorsal stripe. Smooth or wrinkled skin. Large, prominent eyes with a horizontal pupil. Distribution limited to the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. It is observed throughout most of the year, except for the coldest months, occurring in all types of freshwater, from reservoirs, ponds, water courses, small temporary ponds and tanks or wells. Their diet includes arthropods (insects, arachnids, freshwater crustaceans) and molluscs, among others. attachment III of the Berne Convention and attachment V of the Habitats Directive. LC (Least Concern - IUCN)Back
viperine water snake
Natrix mauraMedium-sized snake, measuring from 60 to 130 cm in length. Variable in color, brown, gray, green or yellowish. Dark back with spots that sometimes line up in a zig-zag pattern. The flanks may have round, yellow or green spots. Belly yellow or orange. Round pupil. Of diurnal activity, from spring to early autumn, hibernating in the cold season. A good swimmer, it occurs near the water, where it captures part of its prey, invertebrates, amphibians, fish and micromammals. attachment III of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
white wagtail
Motacilla albaThis is a small bird that usually measures 19 cm in length. Easy to identify, with a typical dark pattern on the head, throat and back, which contrasts with the white on the chest and abdomen, as well as on the cheeks. The tail and legs are long and evident. It spends a lot of time on the ground, swinging its tail, a very typical behavior for the species. Resident, observed throughout the year, especially in open spaces, cultivated land, urban areas, gardens, roads, etc. It builds its nest on stone walls, under tiles, in the midst of vines, under rocks, etc. It feeds on insects. attachment II of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Eurasian otter
Lutra lutraThis emblematic carnivorous mammal with aquatic habits is present in most of the country's aquatic resources and can be observed during the day, despite its activity being predominantly nocturnal. With a size that can exceed 1 m in length (with the tail) and weigh between 5 and 14 kg. Its body is perfectly adapted to swimming, with a dense, waterproof and brownish coat, webbed feet, nose and vision adapted to submersion and a propulsive tail. The throat and part of the chest have a lighter colored coat. The snout is equipped with “whiskers” (vibrissae), which help it to capture prey in murky or dark waters. It feeds mainly on fish, but can also capture crayfish, amphibians and water snakes, rodents and insects. It builds a den on the banks of water courses, which it uses to rest during the day and to give birth to one to five young. attachment I A of CITES, attachment II of the Berne Convention, attachment B-II and B-IV of the Habitats Directive, attachment I of the Bonn Convention. NT (Near Threatened – IUCN)Back
Iberian emerald lizard
Lacerta schreiberiMedium-sized lizard, with a length between 25 and 40 cm. Greenish body, but with evident sexual dimorphism. The male is distinguished by having a bluish head during the breeding season, while the female's is gray in color. Endemism of the NW of the Iberian Peninsula and the Central System. It inhabits cooler and wetter areas, in habitats associated with watercourses and dense vegetation cover. It feeds on small invertebrates such as flies, grasshoppers, beetles and spiders. As the name suggests, this lizard does not hesitate to jump into the water and swim in case of danger. attachment B-II and B-IV of the Habitats Directive and attachment II of the Berne Convention. NT (Near Threatened – IUCN)Back
southern scarce swallowtail
Iphiclides feisthameliiIt is a large butterfly, with a wingspan of 5.5 to 8 cm. Grayish-white background color, linear black markings along the wings. The inner edges of the hind wings still show a small bicolor stain (blue/black) decorated with an orange hue. Exclusive to southwestern Europe, it occurs in shrubby areas, forest clearings, meadows, rocky slopes, pear orchards, peach trees, blackthorn, species on which its caterpillars feed. Adults fly from February to December. LC (Least Concern - IUCN)Back
black-winged stilt
Himantopus himantopusElegant bird, white plumage with black wings (black in the male and with brown tones in the female), black nape, long and pointed black beak. The very long pink or reddish paws are an identifying feature. It has a total length of 33 to 36 cm (from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail). It is a resident species. It feeds on insects and other aquatic invertebrates, which it captures on the surface or under water, in estuaries and lagoons. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Common genet
Genetta genettaThis is a medium-sized carnivore, with an elongated and slender body (46 to 52 cm), a small head with a pointed snout, large ears and a long (40 to 52 cm) thick tail. The coat is greyish, with dark spots distributed over the body. The tail is decorated with alternating dark and light rings. The front legs are much shorter than the hind legs, being a clear adaptation to jumping, its main hunting technique. Exclusively nocturnal and of arboreal and solitary habits, it preferentially occupies forests where there is also a lot of shrubby vegetation. Its diet is generalist, capturing mainly small rodents, sometimes birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish and crayfish. It also does not despise some invertebrates and can even adopt a plant-based diet in case of shortage of usual prey. It nests in tree trunks, rock crevices or in burrows. attachment III of the Berne Convention, attachment B-V of the Habitats Directive. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Eurasian jay
Garrulus glandariusA medium-sized bird, it measures 35 cm in length and the wings reach a wingspan of 54 to 58 cm. Its plumage is colorful, with salmon tones, white throat, black “mustache”, black tail and somewhat long, dark wings with bluish shoulders. Dark and strong beak. It is a suspicious and attentive bird, releasing a hoarse cry when it detects an intruder or a predator. Its vocal faculties give it the ability to reproduce the sounds of other birds. It breeds in trees of different types of forests, even in large urban parks. It is a resident species and its diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, such as acorns, which it stores (hides) in a wide area during autumn, to consume during winter. However, despite having a good memory, part of these acorns are not found, giving rise, many of them, to new trees. Attachment II of the Birds Directive. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Red squirrel
Sciurus vulgarisUnmistakable arboreal rodent, with a reddish-brown or dark-brown coat, with a white abdomen and chest. It also shows a long, bushy tail (about 20 cm), long and furry ears. With a body length that can reach 25 cm, it can weigh between 200 and 400 grams. It occurs in pine or oak forests, which provide the nuts on which it feeds. Like the Eurasian jay, it stores or hides part of these fruits and seeds in the soil, causing the germination of some of them, contributing to the regeneration of the forest. But it also consumes mushrooms, fresh fruits, insects, snails, eggs or young birds that they plunder from their nests. Builds a nest in trees, similar to those of birds. Of diurnal habits, they spend most of the day in activity. In our territory they do not hibernate. Attachment III of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
European hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeusIt is an insectivore that can weigh 1 kg and reach a length of 20 to 30 cm. The snout is pointed and ends in a dark nose. The tail is very short. The body is covered by long and sharp spines, which can reach 3 cm in length and which it uses as a defense, curling itself into a ball and bristling these needles. It occurs in a great diversity of habitats, preferably in the vicinity of humanized areas close to forests, pastures and brambles. It has a generalist diet, which consists essentially of invertebrates. But it also captures small frogs and lizards, young rodents. Likewise, it does not despise wild fruits, seeds and mushrooms. It is a solitary animal. Builds a nest of grasses and leaves at ground level, but also takes advantage of abandoned burrows. Attachment III of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Little egret
Egretta garzettaIt is a medium-sized heron, 55 to 65 cm long and with a wingspan of 88 to 106 cm. The neck is long, shrunk when flying. The plumage is completely white and sometimes long feathers can be seen on the back of the head. The beak and paws are black, but the toes are yellow. Resident, can be observed throughout the year. It breeds in colonies, building its nests in trees, near wetlands and rivers. When it feeds it is usually a solitary bird, although occasionally it forms sparse flocks. Consumes fish, frogs, insects, etc. Attachment I of the Birds Directive and attachment II of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
western marsh harrier
Circus aeruginosusWith long wings and legs, short head. The female is noticeably different from the male. Both have paler shoulders and neck than the rest of their bodies. The male, however, has grayish wings with a dark tip, as well as the tail is also grey, while the female has a more uniformly dark brown pattern. It has a size of 43 to 55 cm in length and a wingspan of 115 to 140 cm. The flight is characteristic, wavy and at low altitude, over flooded areas and dense undergrowth. It is a resident species that breeds in wetlands, shallow freshwater, building its nest in developed sugarcane fields. It captures small mammals, birds and insects. Attachment I of the Birds Directive, attachment II of the Berne Convention, attachment II of CITES, attachment II of the Bonn Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Grey heron
Ardea cinereaIt is the largest of the herons that occur in Portugal, reaching 1 m in length and a wingspan of 155 to 175 cm. The plumage is grey. It stands out for its long neck, yellow beak, yellowish paws. Very similar to the Red Heron, but differs from it by the absence of brown or reddish tones. In flight the neck is retracted and the beating of the wings is heavy and arched. It is a common species, occurring in Portugal throughout the year and associated with all types of aquatic environments. It nests in colonies, building its nest in tall or smaller trees and in cane fields, depending on the safety of the place. It feeds on fish, amphibians, insects, among others. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
The little owl
Athene noctuaSmall owl, characteristic for its rounded silhouette. Its dimensions range from 23 to 27 cm in length. The head is broad and rounded. It presents a brownish plumage above and with small white spots. Underneath it is whitish, but with brown spots. Yellow-eyed. Their vocalizations are reminiscent of a bark. It is a relatively common bird and resident throughout the year. It is found on agricultural land with some scattered trees and in olive groves. It builds its nest in holes in trees or buildings, often in ruins, or in piles of rocks. It feeds on insects, birds, small amphibians and snakes. Attachment II of CITES, attachment II of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Common toad
Bufo spinosusThe largest frog that occurs in Portugal, reaching up to 22 cm in length. It's quite common. Variable in color, but dominantly brown. Salivary glands well developed. Large eyes with horizontal pupil and orange iris. Robust in appearance, warty skin with spicules. The female is much larger than the male. Of mainly nocturnal habits and active from autumn to spring, it occurs in agricultural areas, vegetable gardens, forests, gardens and meadows. Returns to lakes, ponds and backwaters of watercourses to breed. Their diet is varied, consisting of adult insects (beetles, ants, grasshoppers, butterflies), larvae and spiders, complemented with snails and slugs. Attachment II of the Berne Convention. VU (Vulnerable - IUCN)Back
white stork
Ciconia ciconiaIt is one of the most emblematic birds of our fauna, recognized by its white and black plumage, the characteristic red beak, neck and long legs. Large, with 95 to 110 cm in length and 180 to 218 cm in wingspan. Although most birds are migratory, there is currently a considerable number of birds that remain throughout the year in national territory. It breeds in colonies, building its nest in trees and human structures. It feeds on agricultural land, pastures and meadows, banks of ponds and water courses, capturing frogs, insects, snakes, small birds, etc. Attachment I of the Birds Directive, attachment II of the Berne Convention and attachment II of the Bonn Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
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Biodiversidade Florística |
Na zona húmida, que engloba as águas livres e a vegetação alagada das margens e linhas, dominam habitats com povoamentos de Caniço (Phragmites communis), juntamente com a Tabúa (Typha sp.) e o Bunho (Scirpus lacustris). Ocorrem ainda comunidades (ou mosaicos de comunidades) de plantas vasculares com macrófitas flutuantes, enraizadas ou suspensas entre o fundo e a superfície: a Erva-pinheirinha (Myriophyllum sp.), os Nenúfares (Nymphaea sp., Nuphar luteo ) ou mesmo o Jacinto-de-água (Eichhornia crassipes).
Em algumas zonas marginais ao longo da Pateira, verifica-se a ocorrência de diversas espécies arbóreas e arbustivas como:
common dog-violet
Viola rivinianaSmall herbaceous plant with a rosette of basal leaves, in the shape of a heart, from whose axils the floral stalks depart (with a length of 25 to 30 cm). From February to June, the solitary, odorless violet flowers bloom. It grows in open, humid or riparian forests, in wet meadows and marshes, on the banks of watercourses.Back
Veronica anagallis-aquatica
Veronica anagallis-aquaticaPerennial herb, with erect stems, reaching 1 m in length, sometimes more. Leaves opposite, 1.5 to 17 cm long and short, entire, lanceolate and with serrated margins. Flowering takes place from April to September and the flowers, from 20 to 100, are arranged in opposite groups. These, almost 1 cm in diameter and with 4 petals, are pale blue-violet or lilac with dark blue veins. It is found on the bed and on the banks of small watercourses, ponds, fountains and other waterlogged places. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
English elm
Ulmus minorDeciduous tree that can grow up to 30 m in height. Brownish-grey trunk, which becomes darker and cracked with age. Variable leaves, up to 10 cm long, asymmetrical at the base, with serrated edges, with many veins. Flowering occurs between February and April. The fruit is a samara about 2 cm long and with wings to facilitate dispersion. It grows on the banks of water courses, in hedges, on damp soils, along natural meadows and vegetable gardens. Their populations have been greatly affected by the graphiosis disease. DD (Insufficient Information - IUCN)Back
Broadleaf cattail
Typha latifoliaAquatic or semiaquatic plant, growing up to 3 m. The stems are erect, cylindrical and simple. The leaves are mainly basal, linear and flat, with variable length (up to 120 cm by 2.5 cm in width), sometimes exceeding the inflorescence. It takes the form of a spike, with the male flowers (slightly conical) in contact with the female ones (dark brown in color and wider at the top), flowering from April to November. In autumn, the small fruits are joined to filaments that facilitate seed dispersal. It grows in damp, flooded soils, in ditches and watercourses, lagoons and ponds, in still or slow freshwater. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Thalictrum
Thalictrum speciosissimumPlant with long and erect stems, glabrous, reaching a length of 100 to 160 cm. It is a very variable species in the size of its structures. The basal leaves are oval-triangular, with a long foot. The upper leaves have no foot, presenting rounded segments with 3 lobes. Flowers densely grouped, cylindrical, yellowish in color, blooming from May to July. It grows in reeds, wetlands and on the banks of permanent water courses.Back
Elderberry
Sambucus nigraBulky shrub that reaches 5 m. Very branched and dense. Leaves composed of serrated leaflets (4.5 to 9 cm long). The tiny white flowers are grouped in flat, circular bunches, which appear in April-July. It fruits from August to October, and its small black drupes are used in the confection of jams and jellies. It occurs in riverside galleries and in humid and shady places. Make up hedges. It is also cultivated. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Large gray willow
Salix atrocinereaShrub or small tree, growing up to 15 m. The trunk, brown or greyish, presents longitudinal cracks in the older specimens. The leaves, deciduous, are alternate, long (up to 10 cm), lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, with entire or slightly serrated margins. They have red hair on both sides or just the bottom. The flowers appear from January to April and form spikes of 2 to 7 cm, of a yellowish-green color. It grows in moist soils, on the banks of water courses, lagoons and ponds. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Butcher's broom
Ruscus aculeatusPlant that can reach 1 m in height. With rigid stems, the leaves are tiny lanceolate scales, from whose axil a flat branch (cladode) grows in the form of an ovate and pointed leaf, ending in a thorn. In the center of these cladodes grow 2 to 3 small whitish flowers, with some violet hue, from December to June. The ripe fruit is a red globe of about 1-1.5 cm. It grows in the shade of oak woods and in sparse thickets, at the bottom of valleys and in shady places. Attachment B-V of the Habitats Directive. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Evergreen rose
Rosa sempervirensTall shrub or liana, up to 6 m, with hairless, green or reddish stems. Leaves compound, with leaflets with serrated margins, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, leathery and shiny on the underside, 3 to 8 cm long. The flowers are white and solitary, blooming from April to August. The fruit, 0.5 to 1.6 cm in diameter, is spherical, hairless and red. It grows in woods and riverside areas, as well as in thickets on the edges of paths.Back
Common oak
Quercus roburLarge tree, which can reach 40 m in height. The trunk is brownish-grey, becoming darker with age. The leaves, deciduous, are 5 to 19 cm long, hairless, green and shiny on the upper side, being lighter on the underside, oval and with small rounded lobes, with a very short foot. Flowering occurs from March to May, with a pending floral structure. The fruit – the acorn – appears in groups from 1 to 5. It is the most characteristic oak in the western region of North and Central Portugal. It grows in deep, cool soils, moist places, in temperate climates. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Black poplar
Populus nigraTree of great size, it grows up to 30 m in height and forms a narrow canopy. Straight trunk, gray or black, shows longitudinal cracks in older trees. The leaves, deciduous, are simple, rhomboidal, with a long foot and slightly serrated, 5 to 10 cm long. It blooms from February to April, with male and female flowers produced on separate trees. It grows on the edge of water lines. DD (Insufficient Information - IUCN)Back
Maritime pine
Pinus pinasterPerennial resinous tree with a pyramidal crown, reaching 40 m in height, but rarely exceeding 25 m. Trunk with dark bark, thick and very split. The leaves, in the form of needles, are rigid, green in color, appearing in pairs and measuring up to 25 cm. Flowering takes place from March to June. The fruit – the pinecone – is reddish-brown, growing to about 20 cm and producing small ovoid seeds, with a longer wing. It prefers loose, sandy soils. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Royal fern
Osmunda regalisFetus with deciduous fronds, with 50 to 250 cm forming a dense tuft. The outer leaves are sterile and the inner leaves are apically fertile. The terminal part of fertile leaves is initially green, but becomes brownish. Spore production takes place from April to August. It is frequent in swamps, banks of water courses and riparian galleries of alders. Its rhizome has been used for its medicinal properties, as an astringent and diuretic, against rickets and in the treatment of sores, wounds and hernias. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
European white water lily
Nymphaea albaAquatic plant, with floating terminal leaves, 10 to 30 cm, circular or elliptical. The flowers, from 5 to 12 cm in diameter, are equally floating, with white petals, blooming from March to October, with a slight fragrance. Found in ponds and fresh, stagnant or slow-flowing water courses. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Hoop-petticoat daffodil
Narcissus bulbocodiumHerbaceous plant with a bulb and a variable size from 8 to 35 cm. A single stem, cylindrical and soft. With 2 to 3 linear leaves, 7 to 31 cm long, with a smooth margin and semicircular section, sometimes with several longitudinal striations. Flowering is from January to May and its solitary flower, of very variable size, is yellow with light green lateral bands. The fruit is oval. It occurs in wet or fresh meadows, dunes, banks of water courses and clearings. attachment V of the Habitats Directive. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Apple mint
Mentha suaveolensHerbaceous growing up to 1 m tall. With erect stems, covered with stiff whitish hairs. The leaves are opposite, with a short or non-existent foot, oval or rounded, with a serrated or scalloped margin. They have a very rough texture and are usually gray or white and covered with dense hair on the underside. The flowers, whitish or pink, form dense terminal spikes, blooming from June to October. It usually occurs in wetlands, vegetable gardens and banks of water courses. It can be used as a condiment and to keep fleas away. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Yellow flag
Iris pseudacorusLarge size lily, reaching 130 cm in height. Branched from the base, from which the leaves are also formed, flat and long (up to 100 cm), in the shape of a sword. The flowers, from 2 to 12, are bright yellow, blooming from March to July. It occurs on the banks of water courses, ponds and in areas soaked in fresh water. It has been used as an ornamental plant. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Narrow-leaved ash
Fraxinus angustifoliaIt can reach a height of 25 m. Deciduous, opposite and compound leaves, with narrow, long, lanceolate leaflets and serrated margins, from 9 to 28 cm in length. Flowering occurs from January to May. The fruits are winged. Widely distributed, it grows preferentially in deep soils, forming riverine forests and live hedges that border marshes. Its wood is highly prized for tool handles and the leaves are integrated into livestock feed. It has also been used as an ornamental plant. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Alder buckthorn
Frangula alnusDeciduous shrub that usually grows up to 5 m. Trunk with grayish-brown bark and reddish-brown branches. The leaves are small, with entire or wavy margins, hairless, oval, 5 to 14 cm long. Flowering (small yellowish-green flowers) occurs from April to August, and the fruit, an initially red berry, turns black when ripe. It grows in cool, moist soils, in the shade of oaks and along watercourses. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Flax-leaved daphne
Daphne gnidiumShrub up to 2 m, with slender reddish-brown branches. Leaves entire and leathery, simple, narrow and lanceolate, with 5 cm and light green. It blooms from May to October, and its flowers are hermaphroditic and aromatic, whitish and arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. Fruits a fleshy, orange drupe from August to December. It prefers dry and sunny areas, dry bushes. Very toxic plant.Back
Common hawthorn
Crataegus monogynaDeciduous shrub, growing up to 10 m tall. Very branched and thorny. Small leaves (up to 5 cm), deeply lobed and alternate. Flowers of small size, in groups of 4 to 11, white to pink, flowering from February to July. The fruit, red, is a small cylindrical berry that ripens from September to November. Widely distributed, on the edges of woods, hedges, along water courses. It is used as a rootstock for pear trees. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Pond water-starwort
Callitriche stagnalisAquatic plant that can exceed 30 cm, submerged, with sets of 6 to 10 floating leaves, rounded, together and arranged radially at the terminal part of the plant. The submerged leaves take the form of a spatula, elliptical to round, opaque in outline. Sometimes terrestrial. The solitary flowers bloom from January to October. It grows in still, transparent, slightly eutrophic and shallow waters, in streams and ponds, and also in wet lands bordering the water planes. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Common alder
Alnus glutinosaDeciduous that can grow to 20-25 m in height. The trunk is dark and fissured in larger trees. The leaves are rounded, about 8 cm long and have lateral veins. With differentiated male and female flowers, in evidence from November to February. The fruits resemble small pinecones, 1 to 2 cm long. It often borders water courses, also occurring in wetlands. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back