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The basic architectural features of 45 shrub species representing 12 families are described from a Mediterranean semi-arid shrubland in the location of Cabo de Gata (SE Spain). Six different architectural models were recognized: Scarrone, Rauh, Holttum, Leeuwenberg, Champagnat and Corner. The Tomlinson model was recognized as a variation with basitonic repetition of the Rauh, Corner, Leeuwenberg and Holttum models. The sympodic variant of the Scarrone model was the most common in our study area. Functional traits such as plant height, lateral spread and plant coverage were correlated with the architectural models. Small shrubs up to 0.6 in height with reduced lateral spread (0.1-0.25 m) and plant coverage (0.5-1 m(2)) were likely to have sympodic growth patterns, acrotonic dichasial branching and terminal inflorescences. Inversely, large shrubs up to 1-3 m in height, with large canopies (1-3 m(2)), and well developed lateral spread (> 0.25 m) were likely to have a determinate growth pattern with lateral Inflorescences. The first group have species which grow following the sympodic variant of the Scarrone model, whereas the second group presents species following the Rauh model and includes thorny shrubs from the climax communities.