Flowers of the month

Flower of the month - January 2012
Ophrys bomblyiflora

Several specimens of this little ophrys,  Ophrys bomblyiflora, were found in bloom on the meadows above Elounda at the beginning of this month. 

The flowering season continues to the middle of April. Known as the Bumblebee ophrys, it grows in its hundreds on several of the orchid-rich sites in this area.

Flower of the month - December 2011
Scilla autumnalis

Scilla autumnalis (synonym Prospero autumnalis) or the Autumn squill is one of the first bulbs to come into flower after the rains. 

Botanists believe that there are probably several subspecies of this little flower, but more work needs to be done to prove this. 

Blooming in soil preferred by orchids, it is a good indicator for discoveries later in the season.

Although very small, the flowers can often be found in such large colonies that the hillside takes on a soft mauve hue. The Autumn squill is very common and can be found all over the island.

Flower of the month - November 2011
Narcissus tazetta

This beautifully fragrant narcissus, known to gardeners and florists around the world, can be found blooming on banks and in meadows around Elounda on Crete's north coast during the month of November. 

More commonly found in late January and February, this superb bulb is a favourite amongst gardeners and florists around Europe. As a cut flower this sturdy flower lasts well in water and this has sadly led to over-picking by locals either to adorn their homes and offices or to sell in the market to raise a few extra euros. 

Flower of the month - October 2011
Biarum tenuifolium ssp zelborii

Known only from two confirmed sites on Crete, this very rare biarum grows north of Neapoli in the rubble of a gorge bed at around 200 m. The strange spathes appear before the leaves, growing directly from the parched soil. 

This photograph, taken by Flowers of Crete supporter Anna Meurling, was taken in what may be a new site on the far east coast. These biarums are small members, around 12 cms high, of the Aracea family, so a sharp eye is needed to spot them.

Please report any possible sightings, with a photograph if possible. Flowers of Crete's 'Most Wanted' for the month of October.

Flower of the month - August 2011

Sea Holly - Eryngium maritimum 

Now considered threatened in the UK, the Sea Holly Eryngium maritimum is abundant on Crete's north coast. In the hot summer months it attracts huge numbers of brown and yellow hornets whose buzzing fills the air. The sea holly is a fairly dull looking plant until it blooms and even then it needs carefully scrutiny to appreciate just how beautiful its blossoms are. Despite the high summer temperatures, several coastal plants come into flower in August, including the delightful Pancratium maritimum, the Sea Daffodil.

Flower of the month - June 2011

Cretan rock lettuce Petromarula pinnata

This photo of the endemic rock lettuce Petromarula pinnata was taken in the grounds of the Orthodox Academy of Crete at Kolymbari. 

Found growing in old stone walls and in rocky crevices, it is easily recognisable, not only by its distinctive flowers but by its beautiful blue colouring and its elegant flower spikes.

Petromarula, as it's often called, is more commonly found in west and central Crete. As the English name suggests, the leaves of this early summer flowering species can be eaten as a salad vegetable, despite actually being in the campanula (bellflower) family and not a true lettuce, which are composites.

Flower of the month - May 2011

Few-flowered orchid Orchis pauciflora

This year, after a late start because of the cold weather, the orchids have been magnificient.

The fields around Spili were full of the bright yellow Orchis pauciflora. This orchid is usually found on the lower slopes of mountains and often can be seen in large drifts.

It was once considered to be a subspecies of Provence orchid Orchis provincialis, which is much scarcer on Crete.

Flower of the month - March 2011

Sand crocus Romulea bulbocodium

This beautiful Romulea was photographed on the grassy meadows at the back of the beach at Falasarna on the west coast of Crete.  The area was bright with a myriad of this lovely little flower, in colours ranging from white to  deep purple. 

This member of the iris family can be found on Crete from sea level to the high mountains and is in flower from February to April.  Romulea bulbocodium is one of four species that can be found on Crete, and is the one most likely to be found, often in great numbers.

Flower of the month - February 2011

Giant orchid Barlia robertiana

With yet another mild winter, the first orchids of the season are in bloom. One of the most spectacular of these is Barlia robertiana - Robert's Giant Orchid, which can grow to one metre or more.

Beautifully scented and with a colour range from greenish white to deep burgundy, this orchid is one to be photographed time and time again. Sadly, this Barlia is often picked to decorate homes and offices. The good news is that it is fairly common and can grow in large numbers all around the island.

Flower of the month - October 2010

Varying from pale to deep pink, this beautiful sowbread is found in rocky habitats in October and November in western Crete, notably the Kórikos and Rodopoú peninsulas. It's also found on mainland Greece where it is common in the Peleponnese.

Cyclamen graecum flowers in October and November, though this may depend on temperatures and when the autumn rains come. It's one of five cyclamen species on Crete. The endemic Cyclamen candicum (formerly C. graecum subsp. candicum) and C. hederifolium are also autumn-flowering; C. creticum and C. persicum flower in spring.

This beautiful flower was photographed a couple of years ago at the wonderful cyclamen meadows near Astratigos, near Kissamos in the west of the island. Sadly these fields are now being ploughed to plant yet more olive trees. However, we have recovered as many corms as we can and these are doing well in pots around Aghios Nikolaos, until we can find somewhere more suitable to re-plant.

Cyclamen graecum subsp. graecum. The corm of this cyclamen was estimated to be at least 40 years old.

Flower of the month - September 2010

Sea daffodil Pancratium maritimum

Being autumn-flowering, spring visitors to the Mediterranean miss out on this seaside gem - apart from the daffodil-like leaves and, with a little searching, its chunky black seeds. The sea daffodil can be found on the sea shore in many places around Crete and is so beautiful that it is now cultivated in the grounds of several luxury hotels. Its perfume is sweet and heady and altogether this must be one of the most attractive plants on the island.

Flower of the month - August 2010

Origanum dictamnus - Cretan dittany

This endemic labiate of calcareous cliffs and gorges, from sea level up to 1900m, has been used as a medicine for many centuries. It is now cultivated for a herbal tea, locally known as díctamos or érondas. Much of the colour is from deep pinky bracts that overlap the whitish-pink flowers.

Flower of the month - July 2010

Consolida ajacis - larkspur

A beautiful annual found in localised areas on Crete. This specimen was photographed on the edge of cultivated fields on the Katharo Plateau above Aghios Nikolaos.

Crocus oreocreticus photographed on the Yious Kambos on 20th November.

The fields were full of hundreds of this beautiful saffron crocus, in shades ranging from white to deep mauve.

C. oreocreticus is endemic to Crete and is the symbol of Flowers of Crete.

The stunning veining on this crocus makes it fascinating to photograph or paint.

More flowers month by month here.

Biarum davisii
It will soon be time for the strangest little endemic to begin blooming in the hills above Elounda. This rare Cretan subspecies can be found in large numbers if you know where to find it, but it is easily overlooked. For me, Biarum davisii signals the start of another season of flowers and I await its appearance with some impatience.

B. davisii subsp. davisii is a member of the arum family. Photo taken 9 November 2009.