Vallone Porto represents a geological site of great scenic and environmental values in Amalfi Coast and entire Campania. The area is part of a Site of Community Interest (SCI IT8050051).
There are many studies that demonstrate the botanical and zoological peculiarities of this unique gorge and some are currently under further research on vascular flora and lichen by researchers at the Faculty of Agriculture of Portici. The wild canyons, as defined by the artist Gianni Menichetti who for nearly 40 years has been a moral and ‘physical’ guardian of the area, are characterized by the presence of important and rare species in danger of extinction like the rare spectacled salamander or perspicillata. There are also two species of frogs: the toad (Bufo bufo) and Rana italica, which was previously classified as Rana Dalmatian. The population of Bufo is very high, especially in the heart of the oasis. You just need to move a stone or a bit of land or a tuft of grass to find one of these beautiful creatures, almost always female. Here are also two types of Pteris ferns, relict of the Tertiary, typical of a subtropical vegetation with elements that survived the ice age in these particular microclimates of the Amalfi Coast: the Pteris vittata and cretica Pteris ferns are both thermophilic. The former grows in large clumps webbed and its fronds almost seem ostrich feathers. On the other hand, the latter, elegant, lanceolate, from a bright green color, while in its smaller size, is very strange. Then there is a tiny seedling carnivorous Pinguicula hirtiflora dating back to the period of the two ferns, i.e. the Tertiary. The variety of vegetation is amazing here. The predominant trees in the thick woods are the flowering ash, holm oak, hornbeam and the Neapolitan alder, the chestnut tree, which grows on a very low level, under 100 meters above sea level. The Mediterranean shrubs popular here are the myrtle and the mastic tree, the buckthorn, broom, oleander and heather, some limestone walls hanging the beautiful Erica terminals. Widespread in the undergrowth is the butcher's broom. Also strawberry trees deserve a place of honour. On the trail called ‘Cavalcata di Murat’ near forests of myrtle and rosemary grow the Asphodel and mountain Fireweed and wild rose. The wild mint is widespread with small patches of oregano and wild thyme. The orchid Ophrys fuciflora presents a long stem sprouting during flowering of labella that imitate in every detail the body of a certain species of female bee, with violets and yellow streaks of reddish rust background. Male bees are fooled by that beautiful appearance, landing on the lip and trying to mate, having their head covered with pollen. Realizing it is just an illusion, they fly away, but again being attracted and deceived by another similar orchid, ending up pollinating.
Observatory
Gianni Menichetti “Il Porto, storia di un canyon selvaggio”, edizioni Comunicazione e Territorio, anno 2003
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