This habitat is easily identified by the presence of red heather (Erica. australis subsp. aragonensis), cistus (Halimium lasianthum subsp. alyssoides), prickled broom (Pterospartum tridentatum) and the rare “dwarf” juniper (Juniperus communis subsp. alpina). The main threats to this habitat are invasive species, the increase of shrub vegetation or high scrub and fires. Heather areas and juniper groves are extremely rare in Portugal (besides the Gerês mountains, these can only be found in the Serra Estrela).