Eruca vesicaria

803_9935 [Eruca vesicaria]

 

This annual or bi-annual plant is native to all Mediterranean countries, from Morocco and Portugal to Egypt and Turkey. In the field it looks to me more like a weed rather than a flower. Still, it is attractive and pleasant to look at. 

 

It is said to be edible but I have to confess that I have never tried it!

 

Photographed at the foot of Mt. Hymittos on April 06, 2022

 

 

Globularia alypum

803_9911 [Globularia alypum]

 

Globularia alypum is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub which grows in arid rocky surfaces.

Its blue flowers are aromatic and bloom from autumn to spring. It normally gets 40-50cm high.

 

This year, due to intense weather changes, I found it difficult to spot a relatively decent, full-fledged plant to photograph.

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on April 04, 2022 

 

 

Fritillaria graeca

803_9869 [Fritillaria graeca]

 

803_9872 [Fritillaria graeca]

 

Both photographed on Mt. Hymittos on April 04, 2022

Two Trees at the Town Hall

a 023 [dead tree]

The tree above, located in the exterior area of the Town Hall of Papagos-Holargos in Athens, had been providing its “services” to the people in the area for decades when, unfortunately, for some reason, it died. After serious consideration, the Council decided to have it removed.

Recently, a new, promising little tree was planted to replace the dead one.

 

The picture was taken in August 2004, a short time before the dead tree was removed.

 

 

803_9835 [olive tree]

 On the other hand, this olive tree - estimated to be about 300 years old - a few days ago was transplanted to the exterior area of the same Town Hall. It used to live somewhere in north Peloponnese (200 km away) but since it was hindering the extension of a new railway line in the area, it was decided to be removed and be offered as a gift to our Municipality where it could be transplanted!

 

Today, it is standing in its new home from where it reminds passers-by that technological progress and environment conservation are not mutually exclusive.

 

The picture was taken on March 27, 2022.

 

[Clicking on the picture, you can have a better view.]