Prinero

In Kythira, prinera refers to dense almost impenetrable thickets of holm oaks which grow as evergreen shrubs or trees and can reach a height of up to six meters. Their ecological importance is great as they protect the soil from erosion and recover easily after a fire. In the past "prinera" were considered important property and were of great value to the local community similar to threshing floors and orchards. They were enclosed with high drystone walls reaching up to one and a half meters in height and half a meter in width with a shape determined by the property and the terrain. Animals were kept there. In addition they were used for producing fuel in ovens hearths and limekilns while holm oaks were often used to block wells and field entrances.