Bosco dei Cuturi and Rosamarina

Among the few well-preserved forests in Puglia, although not very extensive, but which include various typically Mediterranean plant and animal species, there are Cuturi and Rosamarina. The two forests are what remains of the vast Oritana forest, property of Frederick II. Rosamarina and Cuturi are located about 6 km away. from Manduria, along the provincial road that leads to S. Pietro in Bevagna. The Cuturi forest extends for approximately 37.5 hectares and is protected by dry stone walls. The surface of the forest is not entirely homogeneous, as in the clearings there are very often limestone rock protrusions reaching approximately 2 m. in height. The ancient presence of man is also highlighted by the presence of Messapian tombs, the cart tracks left by the carts, the watering troughs for the animals, the well and the many cut and uprooted trunks. In the past the two woods were rich in animals of various species (hares, foxes, deer, wild boars, wolves, porcupines, badgers, wild cats, martens, skunks, weasels, squirrels, deer, roe deer, etc.) In recent years, Unfortunately, the wildlife environment has undergone changes, although numerous birds, foxes, hedgehogs and some rare mammals continue to survive. From a botanical point of view, the two woods appear particularly interesting. The Cuturi forest is made up of well-grown holm oaks with thick foliage, vast areas of scrub and large grassy clearings. In the low scrub of deforested areas, various species are encountered: mastic, phillyrea, Montpellier cistus, myrtle, wild olive, etc. The Rosamarina forest is made up of 2-3 meter high scrub and several holm oak trees. In the areas with low vegetation it is possible to find shrubs and small trees characteristic of the Mediterranean scrub such as mastic, thorny space, phillyrea, myrtle, strawberry tree and rosemary from which the forest takes its name. In both woods, at the foot of the Montpellier cistus, grows a delicious mushroom with a bitterish flavour, much appreciated by gourmets, lu mucchialúru, the amarello.