Almond trees are everywhere in the Douro, which is hot. Almonds are used in sweets and caramelised for nibbles. But the trees are not watered at all.
I was told they were brought by the Moors when they conquered this region and are of a variety that is very productive year after year yet don't need irrigation. Another plant not needing watering introduced by the Moors was figs.
The Douro is a famous wine region, primarily for Port but since decline in sales of fortified wines the same grapes are being used to make (delicious) table wines. Wine law prohibits the watering of vines. Some farmers have planted a patch of flowers in the midst of the vineyards. There's no prohibition on watering flowers.
