The flora of the Mediterranean region is extremely rich in species. It is characterised by humid, not too cold winters and hot, dry summers. Humans have also used and influenced the vegetation of the Mediterranean region since ancient times. Many of our kitchen spices, such as sage, lavender, laurel or rosemary, originate from this region. The mild climate of the Basel region and the climatically favourable south wall of the sandstone building of the University Library provide optimal conditions for a number of plants from the European Mediterranean region that require warmth. Even Mediterranean trees such as the cork oak or the holm oak can therefore grow outdoors in the garden.

On display are, among others:

• Cork oak (Quercus suber)
• Shrubby fireweed (Phlomis fruticosa)
• Bay-leaved cistus (Cistus laurifolius)