Spiranthes spiralis

804_1601 Spiranthes spiralis

Spiranthes spiralis is a small wild orchid

with a characteristic spiral arrangement

of its tiny, whitish flowers around its spike.

 

It grows in dry forest clearings, meadows and open scrub

on altitudes of up to 600m (sometimes higher)

and flowers from September to November in all parts of Greece.

 

Its leaves appear early in Autumn

but they fully develop in Spring.

 

It is also found in many European countries.

 

The picture is from the foot of Mt. Hymittos.

 

 

Biarum tenuifolium ssp. abbreviatum

IMG_0322 [Biarum abbreviatum]

This small perennial plant that looks like an Arum is widespread

on stony grounds, (usually in rock crevices) of Central Mediterranean countries.

 

Its spathe and spadix appear leafless

from July to November in heights of up to 1800m.

The leaves appear in Spring.

It produces very small flowers

which grow along the spadix from October on.

 

In Greece,

it is found in the mainland, up to north Central Greece,

and on the island of Crete.

 

Picture above: from Aspropyrgos (Attica)

 

 

Colchicum lingulatum

IMG_1117 [Colchicum lingulatum]

 

801_0399 [Colchicum lingulatum]

A perennial, bulbous and also poisonous colchicum,

as is the case with all colchicums.

It is endemic to Central Greece with more populations found

in Attica, Evoia, and Viotia.

However, populations are sparse. This is the reason why

it is considered “almost threatened” for extinction.

It grows in open, stony and grassy habitats at altitudes of 200 - 1100 meters

and flowers from late August to early October.

Its leaves appear after flowering.

 

The pictures were taken on Mt. Parnitha.

 

 

Sternbergia lutea

 

DSCN2724 [Sternbergia lutea]

Sternbergia lutea is a crocus-like, perennial, bulbous flower

endemic to the Mediterranean countries.

In Greece,

it is widespread in stony and dry locations, in scrub-lands,

and in forest clearings, usually at low altitudes.

Due to its beautiful golden-yellow flowers,

it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, and even in pots.

 

It blooms from September to November

and may reach a height of 25cm.

 

Picture: from Mt. Hymittos

 

 

301_4666 [Sternbergia lutea]

 In the wild they grow solitary …

 

Picture: from Mandra (Attica)

 

 

DSCN2855 [Sternbergia lutea]

more than one together…

 

Picture: from Grammatiko (Attica)

DSCN379 [Sternbergia lutea]

 

 

 

 

or they spread over large areas.

 

Picture: from Mt. Penteli

 

IMG_0064 [Sternbergia lutea]

 

After fertilization,

the flowers turn into fleshy capsules

that contain a large number of spores.

 

Picture: from Mt Hymittos

A damselfly

304_2517 [damselfly]

A damselfly at rest

in a woodland by the sea in Attica, Greece.

 

[No more specific details about this insect.

I leave that to experts. Sorry.]

 

Photographed at Schinias.

 

 

Alectoris chukar

304_0580 [Alectoris chukar]

 

Alectoris chukar is a game bird common in Middle East countries.

In Greece, it can be found on remote and rugged rocky areas

in most parts of the country but not in NE Greece.

 

I have come upon them only twice; on rocks near Sounio

and on Mt. Hymittos where they seemed to be enjoying food

they were provided by humans!

 

The Chukar is the national bird of Pakistan and Iraq.

 

This picture was taken near Cape Sounio.

 

 

Colchicum cupanii

IMG_0545 R [Colchicum cupanii]

 Colchicum cupanii is one of the 31 species of Colchicum

that grow in Greece.

It can be found in rocky places on heights of up to 1100m

in almost all parts of Greece

and generally in the central Mediterranean Basin.

 

It flowers from September to November.

 

301_3763 R [Colchicum cupanii]

 

Both pictures were taken on Mt. Hymittos.

Colchicum sfikasianum

804_1532 [Colchicum sfikasianum]

 

Colchicum sfikasianum is a perennial flower locally endemic in Greece.

It blooms in areas like Attica, SE Peloponnese and the island of Kefalonia

from September to October. Its leaves appear in Spring.

 

Beware! It is poisonous like all colchicums.

 

From Mt. Hymittos, 28/9/24

 

 

Cyclamen graecum

804_1527 [Cyclamen graecum]

 

Cyclamen is a perennial Autumn flower that includes about 15 species

found in the Mediterranean regions at altitudes of up to 1200 m.

 

In Greece, specifically, there are 6 native species

with ‘graecum’ probably being the most prevalent

in Southern Greece and the Aegean islands.

It grows particularly in rocky slopes and generally sun-exposed places

from September to November.

The flowers vary in color from white to pink.

 

Undoubtedly, it is a well-known and well-sung flower

that remains one of the most beautiful ornaments of nature in Autumn.

 

Mt. Hymittos: September 18, 2024

 

 

WBVL6972 [Cyclamen graecum]

Mt. Hymittos: October 01, 2020

 

 

IMG_1615 [Cyclamen graecum]

The heart-shaped leaves appear after the flowers have bloomed.

 

Mt. Hymittos: November 26, 2022

 

Chondrilla juncea

804_1511 [Chondrilla juncea]
 

This is a thin, noxious weed native to Europe, Asia and North America

but it can also be found in many other parts of the world.

It develops numerous branches up to 125 cm tall

and produces daisy-like yellowish flowers (2cm in diameter)

that eventually turn into a fruit topped with a pappus. (See picture below.)

 

Although it can reach more than a meter in height,

it usually passes unnoticed by the photographer’s eye

but remains a noxious pest in the eyes of land cultivators.

 

In any case, its yellow flowers, whether noticed or unnoticed,

contribute in their own way to nature’s overall beauty!

 

 

304_6927 [Chondrilla juncea]

 from a flower to a pappus

 

Each of juncea’s yellow flower gradually turns into a pappus

that lets its numerous parachute-like seeds be drifted by the wind

to new locations and achieve reproduction of the species.

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on Sept 7, 2024

Colchicum bivonae

804_1493 [Colchicum bivonae]

 

Colchicum bivonae is an Autumn flowering plant

that blooms from early September to mid-November

in mountainous regions (300-1300m) of Italy, the Balkans ang Greece

with the exceptions of Crete and the Cyclades islands.

 

Beautiful but also highly poisonous

due to colchicine existing in all parts of the plant:

the leaves, the flower and especially in the bulb. 

 

 

IMG_4370 [Colchicum bivonae]

 

801_7542 [Colchicum bivonae]

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on Sept. 7, 2024

 

For a 2-min slideshow of Colchicum bivonae please click HERE.

 

 

Pancratium maritimum

IMG_0002 [Pancratium maritimum]

Pancratium maritimum,

commonly known as the Sand Lily or Sand Daffodil,

thrives in coastal sands and is seen in full bloom

from August to October.

 

 For more info, pictures and video please see older posts HERE.

 

 

Cicada orni

804_1443 [Cicada orni]

This fascinating insect with its unique, erotic call to female cicadas

sometimes spends the night on the awnings of my balcony in summer

and grants me an opportunity to take a picture of it. This also happened a few weeks ago.

 

It is very common in central Europe and all the Mediterranean countries

where an expert can spot about 60 different species.

In Greece, there are approximately 33 species.

 

I was curious to learn some more things about this insect,

so I asked GPT for some basic facts about it.

Here is the answer I got; in case you are interested.

 

“Cicadas are fascinating insects with several unique characteristics. Here are some interesting facts:

 

1. Long Life Cycle: Some cicadas have incredibly long-life cycles, particularly the periodical cicadas of North America, which emerge after 13 or 17 years. These species spend most of their lives underground as nymphs before emerging en masse to mate.

 

2. Loudest Insects: Male cicadas are among the loudest insects in the world. Their mating calls can reach up to 120 decibels, which is as loud as a chainsaw or a rock concert.

 

3. Vibrating Membranes: The loud sound is produced by specialized structures called tymbals located on the sides of the abdomen. By rapidly contracting and relaxing muscles attached to these membranes, cicadas create their characteristic buzzing sound.

 

4. Temperature-Dependent Activity: Cicadas are more active and produce sound more vigorously when the temperature is warmer. This is why their songs are most commonly heard during hot summer days. 

 

5. Short Adult Life: Despite their long developmental periods, adult cicadas only live for a few weeks, during which they focus on mating and laying eggs.

 

6. Unique Defense Mechanism: Cicadas rely on a form of predator satiation to survive. By emerging in large numbers simultaneously, they overwhelm predators, ensuring that enough of them survive to reproduce.

 

7. Global Distribution: Cicadas are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are over 3,000 species worldwide, with diverse appearances and behaviors.

 

8. Diet: Cicadas primarily feed on the sap of trees and plants. As nymphs, they suck fluids from the roots of plants, while adults often target twigs and small branches.

 

9. Molting Process: Before becoming adults, cicada nymphs undergo a final molt where they shed their exoskeleton. This process often leaves behind the characteristic empty shells clinging to tree trunks and branches.

 

10. Cultural Significance: Cicadas hold symbolic meanings in various cultures. In ancient China, they were symbols of rebirth and immortality, while in Japan, they are associated with the fleeting nature of life.” 

 

 

303_4985 [Cicada orni]

 An exoskeleton of a Cicada orni. See GPT #9 above.

 

 

Pavonia hastata

IMG_4264 R [Pavonia hastata]

A shrub that reaches a height of 1.5m.

It is native to some countries of South America

and reportedly there are about 300 variants.

 

I had my first ever encounter with this plant a week ago

in Diomidous Botanical Garden in Athens

where I had the chance to take this photograph.

 

 

Psittacula krameri

300_7157 [Psittacula krameri]

 

A lovable bird that often visits our garden

 

For older posts with additional pictures and some info please click HERE.

 

 

Dactylorhiza succifera

303_8631 [Dactylorhiza succifera]

 

303_8666 [Dactylorhiza saccifera]

 

Α closeup on its dense inflorescence that can reach as many as 150 flowers.

 

 

 

303_8671 [Dactylorhiza saccifera]

 

 

Dactylorhiza succifera is a very common orchid

that thrives in the central and eastern Mediterranean.

A tall and robust plant that reaches 90 cm.

It grows and blooms from June to August near streams with water

or in very wet soils at altitudes of up to 2200 m.

 

In Greece, it grows all over the mainland.

 

Photographed on Mt. Dirfis

 

 

Nasua nasua

_MG_3036 [Nasua nasua]

 

_MG_3038 [Nasua nasua]

 

Nasua nasua are medium-sized mammals

commonly known as South American coatis.

They are pretty similar to raccoons as they belong in the same family.

They live in groups of up to 40 and keep together

even when they look for food on trees or on the ground.

They eat fruit, vegetables, insects, eggs, etc.

 

I have never seen them live, except in the Attica Zoological Park

where they were incessantly playing on the branches of a tree.

 

 

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

303_4497 [Sacred Heart]

 

Are you already in Paris for the Olympic Games?

If you are, I’m sure your schedule will accommodate a visit

to this exceptionally interesting Basilica. [Google maps: 48.88689, 2.34316]

 

This Roman Catholic Basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

is an architectural marvel and a church of national historical interest.

It is built at the top of a hill, two hundred meters higher than the Seign;

At a point from where visitors (more than 11 million per year)

enjoy a unique, panoramic view of Paris and the suburbs below.

 

Do not forget to climb to the dome. The view is superb!

 

Please click on the picture for a better view. 

Salvia argentea

302_0083 [Salvia argentea]

 

302_0084 [Salvia argentea]

302_0087 [Salvia argentea]

Salvia argentea is a biennial or perennial, herbaceous plant

native to arid hilly and mountainous locations

in southern Europe in altitudes from 500 to 2000 m.

 

Its attractive white flowers appear during almost all spring and summer;

a reason why it is often cultivated in gardens.

 

The pictures were taken on Mt. Parnassos.

 

 

Leontodon tuberosus

IMG_1790 [Leontodon tuberosus]

 

A flower head of Leontodon tuberosus

shot at an early stage of its development.

 

 

303_5104  [Leontodon tuberosus]

 

Two flower heads in full development.

 

Leontodon tuberosus is a perennial plant, common in all Mediterranean countries.

It is found from February to May

in shrubby hills, fallow fields, roadsides, and uncultivated fields

in altitudes 0-1200 m.

It can become 15-30cm tall and grows from tuberous roots

that are reportedly eaten in some areas.

 

Its flower heads stand on characteristically erect, unbranched stems

each of which holds a single flower head.

 

Photographed at the foot of Mt. Hymittos

A dragonfly

302_8427 [A dragonfly[

 

A dragonfly charging her batteries!

 

Her genus and species are not recognizable from the picture

due to the angle of shooting. Sorry.

 

By the way, did you know...

• that more than 3,000 different species live on every continent of the world except Antarctica?
• that dragonflies are the fastest flying insects, reaching a speed of 50–60 kph? 
• that they can fly forward, backwards, sideways, they can hover or change direction very quickly? 
• that their strikingly big eye actually consists of up to 5000 tiny cooperating eyes that allow her to see in front, below, and behind, all at the same time? 
• that they have been around for 300 million years? 
• that they eat other bugs, such as mosquitoes, midges, and spiders and they do not harm people? 

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos

 

Disclaimer.

If you’ve thought for a moment that I might be an expert on dragonflies,

please think again. I’m not!

I only came across this information while I was browsing the booklet:

 “Ask a bug” published by DK.

 

 

Ophrys bombyliflora

303_6685 [Ophrys bombyliflora]

A very common Mediterranean Ophrys with a unique appearance.

It is short (5-15cm) and grows in heights of up to 900m

from February to May.

It prefers meadows, uncultivated fields and open forests

where it forms large populations.

 

This picture was taken on the Greek island of Andros. 

 

 

Vinca major

801_9526 [Vinca major]

 

A common, evergreen plant that likes growing in the shade.

Its glossy leaves always grow in pairs

and the vibrant blue flowers spring from the joint.

 

Photographed at the foot of Mt. Parnitha