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WELCOME to the Flowers of Crete website.
THREAT TO P. THEOPHRASTI - THE CRETAN PALM
Queries, please contact us » julia@flowersofcrete.info
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[ note - click on images for larger versions ]
We are very saddened to have to tell members and supporters that, last week, Rosemary found a dead male specimen of the destructive Red Palm Weevil in the square in Elounda. This insect is a threat to the endemic Cretan Palm forests at Vai and Preveli and every effort needs to be taken to try to stop its progress. It has been found in Aghios Nikolaos and along the coast between Heraklion and Milatos, where many infected trees have already died.
All the relevant authorities have been informed and we will let you know what steps are being taken to control this threat.
In the meantime, we are posting a photograph of this weevil. If you find this insect, please destroy it and keep the remains. Please photograph it and send details to us at Flowers of Crete, so that we can pass the information on to the authorities. Severely affected trees have to be destroyed, but other trees in the area can be sprayed and pheromone traps can be set to capture flying weevils.
As you can see from the top image it is a large insect and a strong flyer.
Rosemary and I have been in touch with Kallia Pediatitis at MAICH - the Mediterranean Agricultural Institute - who has made a comprehensive study of the Cretan Palm and we are taking advice from her on the ways that Flowers of Crete can help with passing on information. The town council of Elounda is also aware of the situation and will be taking steps to deal with it.
John Fielding, co-author of Flowers of Crete, has generously offered to write an article for our next newsletter and there will be more information on the threats to P. theophrasti in the October issue, which will be sent out early next week. If you live on Crete please be aware that this danger has come from infested, imported palms. People who buy these will not only lose their investment because the palm will most certainly die, but they will pass the threat onto other established trees within a large area. It is essential that developers in the far east of the island do not attempt to buy in these imported palms.
Please pass this information on to anyone on Crete who may be interested in this problem. The more people who understand the dangers, the better the chances of making a difference will be. It will take a huge effort on the part of all of us to try to combat this threat and the odds are stacked against us.
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Precious Inheritance
There will be an exhibition of the work of Julia Jones, FLS, entitled 'Precious Inheritance', at the Municiple Art Gallery in Aghios Nikolaos from 19th - 28th June, 2009. Opening hours 10am-2pm and 6pm-10pm. The work will include watercolour painting, drawings and photography featuring the wild flowers of the island and there will be an opportunity to learn more about the work of Flowers of Crete and to join our organisation. |
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Aims of Flowers of Crete
Please click here to read the aims of Flowers of Crete. |
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Save the Cretan Palm
Flowers of Crete in collaboration with a botanic
gardens in the UK is making arrangements to import
a small quantity of P. theophrastii – the
endangered and endemic Cretan Palm. As far as
we know, this is the first time a project of this
importance has been undertaken. Would anyone who
can help with the documentation for this project
at the Greek end please get in touch? |
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Syllogos
The Articles of Association for Flowers of Crete
have now been completed and is being signed by
supporters. If you would like to add your voice
to our work, please get in touch. Sponsorship
is now coming in and we would like to thank those
who have donated. Contributions are always needed
for this vital work. If you would like to help
in any way please let us know.
Downloads:
ΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΤΙΚΟ (Charter) »
English Translation of Charter » |
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