Crocus cancellatus ssp. mazziaricus

802_5620 [Crocus cancellatus ssp. mazziaricus]

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on October 16, 2019

Crocus cartwrightianus

803_5659 [Crocus cartwrightianus]

This crocus, found in Central Greece and Crete, flowers from October to December and grows up to 5 centimeters in diameter. It is widely considered to be the direct ancestor of Crocus sativus [cultivated for saffron].
Although it usually comes in lilac, we sometimes see it in white.
See picture below.

803_5666 [Crocus cartwrightianus - Albus]

Both pictures were taken on Mt. Hymittos on November 11, 2019 

Majestic trees 2

Cercis siliquastrum

803_1349 [Cercis siliquastrum]

Cercis siliquastrum is another notable example of majestic trees in the area of the Holy Trinity [see previous post].
It might not be as big as Quercus but it is admittedly more colorful with its beautiful flowers. [See below.] 

803_1342 [Cercis siliquastrum]

 This tree is found in the wild but it is also cultivated for its beautiful flowers.

Both pictures were photographed on Mt. Parnitha on April 12, 2018
 
Please click on the pictures for a better view.

Majestic trees

Quercus robur

803_1353 [Quercus robur]

In the area around the church of The Holy Trinity shown in the previous post
there are majestic trees that contribute to the beauty of the scenery.
Quercus robur above is a notable example.  


Focus on the trunk of the same tree

803_1356 [Quercus robur]

The trunk of Oaks like this, according to Wikipedia, can get as much as 12m in circumference! Trees of that size can be found in Great Britain, Latvia and elsewhere in Europe. They also seem to hold a record in longevity since they are believed to live for centuries. According to the same source “Two individuals of notable longevity are the Stelmužė Oak in Lithuania and the Granit Oak in Bulgaria, which are believed to be more than 1500 years old, possibly making them the oldest oaks in Europe”. 

  Both pictures were photographed on Mt. Parnitha on April 12, 2018
 
Please click on the pictures for a better view.