Tragopogon sinuatus

301_9536 [Tragopogon sinuatus]

 

The flower head of Tragopogon sinuatus (or porrifolius) in moments of “beauty and glory”.

It normally remains wide open like this for a few hours and then the bracts close up to reopen later

and reveal a conspicuous pappus (next picture). 

 

Mt. Kyllini, May 12, 2009

 

 

804_0012 [Tragopodon sinuatus]

 The spherical clock-like pappus consists of numerous parachute-like seeds

that detach from their base and fall on the ground 

(One of them has been accidentally captured in this picture)

or are drifted by the wind to places where they can produce new plants in due time.

 

Mt. Hymittos, May 14, 2022

 

 

801_4670 [Tragopogon sinuatus]

 A “parachute-like seed” of Tragopogon sinuatus

magnified for details to be easily seen.

 

 

Fritillaria graeca

802_2827 [Fritillaria graeca]

 

This flower is native to the Balkans.

It grows to a height of about 25 cm and blooms from Mid-March to May.

 

It was photographed on Mt. Hymittos on March 8, 2023

 

 

Fritillaria obliqua

303_1790 [Fritillaria obliqua]

 

Fritillaria obliqua is a rare flower endemic to Attica and Evoia where it grows in very small populations.

Unfortunately, for various reasons it is threatened with extinction.

This is the reason why it is included in the “Red Book of the Rare and Threatened Plants of Greece”

and is protected by Law.

 

It blooms from early February to early April at altitudes from sea level to 1000 m.

mostly on rocky sites with sparse bushy vegetation.

 

 

303_6148 [Fritillaria obliqua]

Both pictures were taken at Shinias in Attica.

 

Neotinea lactea

801_2759 [Neotinea lactea]

This wild orchid is found in countries of Southern Europe as well as in Algeria and Tunisia

on elevations of up to 1800 m.

Mature, flowering plants reach a height between 10 to 25 cm.

 

The picture was taken at the area of Marathonas in Attica.