Mesophilous tree specimens which characterise the mountains of the Marches are beech trees (Fagus sylvatica), which are of the broad-leaved kind.
As far as altitude is concerned the beech appears at around 800-900 metres, but finds its best position at about 1000-1300 metres, where it makes up pure or mixed woods well above the level of plant life typical of oaks (Turkey oak and Downy oak).

As a matter of fact in this phytoclimatic environment, the beech tree demonstrates a clear success in competitivity compared to other tree specimens such as the oak.
The beech tree needs considerable rain and an elevated degree of humidity.
However it is sensitive to water stagnation in the soil, extreme cold and prolonged drought.
The mature tree can reach as much as 40 metres in height. It can tolerate relatively dry soils fairly well and even grow in areas with little rain due to its ability to absorb moisture from the air through its leaves. It is moderately shade- tolerant and within the limits imposed by the altitude, it tolerates even slightly elevated temperatures, and can exceptionally be found at much lower altitudes mixed with the Downy oak and even with Holm oaks as long as it is in shaded and cool areas.

Oak woods are particular as a microclimate develops within them.
Their compact forest litter and the scant light which reaches the ground due to their abundant foliage, keep the undergrowth damp and lacking in plant life (the beech tree’s leaves are rich in tannins which are not very appetizing to cattle and wild herbivores and if present in large quantities prevent the growth of other kinds of plants).
During its life the beech tree can get diseases and certain kinds of insect, when pricking various parts of the tree, lay their eggs and this can cause mutations in the area that has been pricked. The tree reacts to these pricks by healing the damaged matter and this causes galls to form, which in the beech tree are red protruberant outgrowths on the leaves.
In the high part of the valley at an altitude of 730 metres, you cross the ditch and enter the beautiful beech wood full of tall trees which covers the North East side of Serra di Burano, whose summit has the form of an extended ridge from altitudes of 1020 metres (Pian di Serra) to 987 metres (M. Perone)
The beech wood is fascinating due to the majesty of its tall trees which completely shade the ground covered with a thick and soft layer of fallen leaves.
 

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