This biome occurs in midlatitude coastal regions, and is called chaparral in North America, matorral in Spain,and Chile, garigue and maquis in southern France, and fymbos in South Africa.
Precipitation is highly seasonal, with dry summers and rainy winters whose temperatures are moderated by coastal waters; this climate pattrern is also known as Mediterranean in Europe. Shrubs and small trees dominate the landscape; organisms are well adapted to drought and fire regimes.