Nicotiana glauca

804_2325 [Nicotiana glauca]

Nicotiana glauca, commonly known as “tree tobacco”,

is a species of a small flowering tree native to South America

but it’s also widespread and naturalized globally

as an introduced species on other continents.

 

It normally grows to over 2m

and is considered a roadside weed, poisonous to humans and livestock.

 

Its yellow tubular flowers are about 5 cm long and 1 cm wide.

 

[Info derived and adapted from Wikipedia.]

 

 

 

IMG_6786 [Nicotiana glauca]

 The pictures were taken at the foot of Mt. Hymittos.

 

 

Galanthus reginae-olgae

DSCN3088 [Galanthus reginae-olgae]

 

Galanthus reginae-olgae is a rare flowering plant

that grows in Sicily and parts of the Balkans.

 

In Greece, we find it mainly on Mt. Taygetos in the Peloponnese

and since 2009 on one spot on Mt. Hymittos in Attica.

Unfortunately, my repeated visits there in the last 3 or 4 years

to take some new pictures have remained fruitless.

Obvious human intervention on the spot

for the prevention of forest fires in the area

may have led to the flower’s extinction from that spot.

Ironically, it is included in “The Red Data Book of Rare

and Endangered Plants of Greece” (published in 1995).

I hope it can manage to survive at least elsewhere.

 

Its pendant white flowers (about 15–35 mm long) appear in Autumn,

in altitudes up to 1300m. usually on wet, shady woodland environments.

On the other hand,

it is also cultivated in gardens as an ornamental plant.

 

The name “Galanthus” comes from the Greek language

and means “a flower having the color of milk”,

while the name “reginae-olgae” comes from Latin

and refers to Queen Olga, once queen of Greece.

 

 

DSCN3095 [Galanthus reginae-olgae]

The two pictures above are from Mt. Taygetos… 

 

 

 

DSCN4152 [Galanthus reginae olgae]

 

…while this one is from Mt. Hymittos.

 

Perhaps it’s needless to say, but I’ll do so, just in case,

that the leaves of this species are 5-12 mm wide.

Consequently,

the leaf present at the bottom of this picture was unintentionally included in the frame

and has nothing to do with Galanthus. Sorry. 

 

 

Crocus cartwrightianus

804_2259 HF [Crocus cartwrightianus]

 

 This beautiful flower blooms from October to December

at heights from sea-level up to 1000 meters

usually on rocky hillslopes and low shrubbery

in Attica, Cyclades islands and Crete.

It is the wild ancestor of the cultivated Crocus sativus

from which the well-known saffron is produced.

The flower is about 5 cm across with yellow anthers

and an impressive style divided into three long, red, club-shaped branches.

 

The picture was taken on Mt. Hymittos.

 

 

801_1420 [Crocus cartwrightianus]

 Crocus cartwrightianus is predominantly purple-lilac

but it sometimes comes in white,

as in this picture shot near Cape Sounio.

 

 

Spiranthes spiralis

 

DSCN3154 [Spiranthes spiralis]

Spiranthes spiralis is a common wild orchid

that grows in Europe, North Africa and West Asia.

It bears 5-25 almost tiny white flowers in an inflorescence

that is arranged around the stem in a spiral way,

 - this being the reason why it is called “spiralis’.

It can become up to 30cm tall

and is found in a variety of habitats at altitudes up to 1300 m.

It blooms in Autumn.

 

In Greece, it is usually found in Attica.

 

The picture above was taken near Lavrio in Attica.

 

 

303_5232 [Spiranthes spiralis]

the spiral arrangement of the inflorescence

 

 

303_5232 [Spiranthes spiralis]

A cropped section of the above picture

highlighting the tiny flowers.

This picture is from Mt. Hymittos.

 

 

Cyclamen graecum

801_7980 [Cyclame graecum]

 

Cyclamen graecum is well known, widely loved and needs no introduction.

However,

I'm sure you wouldn't object to my mentioning, in short, a few basic facts:

It is a perennial flowering plant that blooms in Autumn

and grows in a wide variety of habitats at elevations up to 1,300 m

in southern mainland Greece and the Peloponnese.

Its flowers slightly vary in tint and shape

but its toothed, heart-shaped leaves make it readily distinguishable

from other Cyclamen species.

 

 

302_9548 [Cyclamen graecum]

 

 

 Both pictures were taken on Mt. Hymittos.

Colchicum cupanii

IMG_0493 [Colchicum cupanii]

Colchicum cupanii is one of about 30 different colchicum species

that grow in Greece.

It prefers stony grasslands at elevations up to 1100 m

and gets up to 10 cm in height.

Its beautiful and delicate flowers are about 3 cm across

and bloom from September to early December.

 

However, it’s good for one to remember

that all parts of the plant are poisonous, especially its bulbs!

 

This flowering plant is also present in other Mediterranean countries.

 

 

803_0588 [Colchicum cupanii]

 Both pictures are from Mt. Hymittos.

 

 

Aubrieta deltoidea

304_6196 [Aubrieta deltoidea]

This is a perennial flowering plant growing in the Mediterranean region.

It produces multiple beautiful flowers (about 15 mm across)

with petals that vary in color from purple to violet and very rarely to white.

Their beauty is probably the reason

why the plant is also cultivated in gardens for ornamental reasons

both in Greece and in many other countries.

In Greece, besides gardens,

it is most often seen in cushion-like formations (see above)

in heights from 500 to 2000 m from March to June.

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos.

 

 

 

801_4061 [Aubrieta deltoidea]

However,

I was surprised to see it grow solitary in a little opening on a rock.

I know that Aubrieta deltoidea loves growing in stony places

and especially in rock crevices.

What I didn’t know is that it would “rush to occupy” the first available hole on a rock,

leaving the rest of the flowers “alone” in their cushion

and running the danger of being accused for showing “antisocial behavior”!!!

🤣🤣🤣

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha.

 

 

Mantis religiosa

IMG_6399 [Mantis religiosa]

Yesterday, while enjoying the crisp autumn air in my backyard,

I was walking around carefree when I almost stepped on this enormous insect

about 6 to 7 cm long. I'm so glad I didn’t! 

I completely forgot about the fresh air, pulled out my phone, and snapped this picture.

It's a praying mantis, scientifically known as Mantis religiosa — 

a species that’s quite common in Central and Southern Europe.

 

If you don’t often see this insect in your area, 

it’s worth mentioning that the praying mantis is a fearsome predator.

It usually remains perfectly still, patiently waiting for its prey to come close.

Then, in a flash, it strikes

grabbing the unsuspecting insect with its powerful, spiny forelegs

and enjoys its meal!

 

I have to admit that I spent more time observing its fascinating body structure

than taking this picture.

Its wide-set eyes on a triangular head likely give it a broad field of vision,

helping it strike with deadly precision.

And those spiny forelegs?

They make escape almost impossible for its prey.

 

One of the most intriguing (and somewhat disturbing) facts about the praying mantis

is its reputation for cannibalism.

Females are known to eat their male partners during or shortly after mating.

Still, there are a few lucky males that manage to escape!

Hypericum olympicum

303_8641 [Hypericum olympicum]

 

This is a perennial, deciduous shrub,

widely distributed in the Balcans and Turkey at heights up to 2000m.

 

In Greece,

it becomes 30 to 40 cm tall and blooms from June to August

usually in sunny and slightly shaded places.

Its showy flowers (5cm wide) may look impressive

but they are not fragrant.

In spite of that,

they are often planted in gardens for ornamental purposes.

 

The picture was taken on Mt. Dirfis in Evia.

 

 

Colchicum bivonae

302_1925 [Colchicum bivonae]

 

This is an attractive, perennial flower

that is found from West and Central Mediterranean

 eastward to Greece where it is widespread

in scrub, waysides, or open woods up to 1400 m.

 

 

IMG_8783 [Colchicum bivonae]

 

The flowers appear from September to Mid-November

either singly or in clusters of up to 6-7

and offer an attractive view with their long tepals (50-60 mm long)

arranged in the form of a cup.

 

They erroneously look leafless

but actually they do have leaves which develop later in Spring.

  

 

IMG_0208 [Colchicum bivonae]

 

 

302_1916 {Colchicum bivonae]

All pictures were taken on Mt. Parnitha.

 

A word of caution:

The plant is poisonous. It contains the toxic chemical colchicine!

 

 

 

 

Myosotis nemorosa

302_0016 [Myosotis nemorosa]

Myosotis nemorosa,

colloquially known in English as “woodland forget-me-not”,

is a biennial flowering plant native to most of Europe.

 

In Greece,

it is found on wet soil, usually next to brooks and springs,

in Central and Northern mainland at 1400-2000m.

 

 It flowers from May to Mid-August

and produces small (5-6mm) aromatic flowers.

 

This picture comes from Mt. Parnassos.

 

 

Digitalis viridiflora

302_0832 [Digitalis viridiflora]

 

This is a perennial flowering plant

that grows on the mountains of the Balcan peninsula

in heights 700-1950 m.

 

In Greece,

it is widespread on the central and northern part of the country.

It becomes 60-80 cm tall and flowers in July and August.

 

302_0836 [Digitalis viridiflora]

The pictures were taken on Mt. Vermio. 

 

 

Silene coronaria

303_8679 [Silene coronaria]

Silene coronaria, also known as Lychnis coronaria,

is a perennial but short-lived flowering plant

that grows in East Mediterranean and West Asia countries

with a wide distribution in Greece.

 

It becomes up to 80 cm tall 

and flowers every two years from May to August

in Woodland margins, meadows and scrub

at heights from 200-1700 m.

 

The picture was taken on Mt. Dirfis in Evia.

 

 

Hyalarcta huebneri

802_2711 [Hyalarcta huebnery]

 

This is a snapshot of a seemingly “extra-terrestrial’ creature that,

considering its length (about 5cm), was moving on the ground relatively fast.

 

Having no idea what it was,

I conducted some quick research at home

which revealed that it was one of about 200 species of bagworm

existing in Central and in Southern Europe.

Yet, I had never seen one before!

Hyalarcta huebneri, as it is scientifically called, is actually a moth.

The male has wings and flies during the afternoon or early evening,

The wingless female, on the other hand, builds a protective case using any available plant materials,

like bits of leaves and twigs,

and always remains in the case with only the head and the thorax exposed.

 

Interesting creature?

For more information you might want to do your own research

and not depend on a blogger almost ignorant on the matter! 😊😊😊 

Thank you.

 

The snapshot was taken in Attica.

 

 

Philopappou monument

802_1878 [Philopappou monument]

 

This monument was built in 114-116 A.D on a hill southwest of the Acropolis

in honor of Philopappos, an exiled prince of Commagene

who settled in Athens, became a citizen, assumed civic and religious offices

and became a great benefactor of the city.

 

When in Athens,

you can easily walk to the monument at the top of the hill

and enjoy a spectacular view of the Acropolis and the city around.

 

 

Plantago lanceolata

804_1641 [Plantago lanceolata]

 

Plantago lanceolata is a perennial plant native to Europe

but it is also found elsewhere.

It usually grows in grassy places and disturbed areas

like lawns and roadsides at elevations up to 2100 m.

It flowers from late February to October, depending on the elevation.

 

 

804_1651 [Plantago lanceolata]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

804_1647 [Plantago lanceolata]

The pictures were taken at the foot of Mt. Hymittos

 

 

Dactylorhiza sambucina

303_8049 [Dactylorhiza sambucina]

 

Dactylorhiza sambucina is a common, perennial wild orchid

found in almost every European country.

It flowers from April to July in meadows and woodland clearings

at altitudes - depending on the country - from 300 m above the sea level to 2.100 m.

In southern countries, including Greece, it grows only on mountains.

It reaches a height of about 30-35 cm and comes in two types:

with pale-yellow flowers or with purplish-red.

Rarely, though, it has whitish flowers. 

 

 

 

301_9646 [Dactylorhiza sambucina]

 

 

 

the rare whitish type

 

 

 

302_7191 [Dactylorhiza sambucina]

 

 Its flower types often coexist side by side … 

 

 

 

302_7181 [Dactylorhiza sambucina]

 … or in the same population.

 

The pictures were taken

on Mt. Voras in Northern Greece

and on Mt. Zireia south in the Peloponnese.

 

 

Pancratium maritimum

IMG_5629 [Pancratium maritimum]

Pancratium maritimum: The well-known sea daffodil

that is in bloom this month and adorns a lot of sandy beaches in Greece.

 

For more info and a short video please see older posts HERE.

 

 

Moraea sisyrinchium

IMG_1676 [Moraea sisyrinchium]

 

Moraea sisyrinchium (formerly called Gynandritis sisyrinchium)

is a common and widespread perennial flower (10 to 40cm tall)

that blooms from February to May mainly in South Greece and the islands.

 

It grows in dry grasslands, roadsides, uncultivated fields, stony grounds and the like

at heights up to 700m.

 

It produces 1-5 or 6 short-lived iris-like flowers

that open one at a time around mid-day

and they die by the evening.

 

Photographed on the island of Halkida.

 

 

  

303_6831 [Moraea sisyrinchium]

 

The flowers are 3-4cm wide.

 

This one was photographed in the area of Grammatiko (in Attica).

 

 

Melanargia larissa

302_6861 [Melanargia larissa]

 

Melanargia larissa is a widespread, attractive and easily recognized butterfly

in spite of variations existing within the same Genus.

 

It flies low to the ground with a slow flight from May to August

in altitudes from sea level to 1800m

in regions of SE Europe and West Asia.

 

In Greece, it is usually observed in clearings, forest roads, cultivated areas,

or grassland with lots of flowers.

 

 

302_0267 [Melanargia larissa]

Melanargia larissa in a resting position

with both fore and hind wings wide open.

 

The wingspan is about 50 to 55mm.

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha.

 

 

Datura stramonium

302_9317 [Datura stramonium]

 

Datura stramonium is an annual plant that often reaches 1.5m in height.

Its origin is not known with certainty.

Some botanists believe that it originated in the Americas, while others in Asia.

The fact is that today it has spread to all continents

and constitutes a noxious weed.

 

In Greece, it is found in uncultivated areas, on roadsides, on plots,

or among ruins and similar locations.

 

 

802_2286 {Datura innoxia]

 

 

Datura stramonium’s flowers are white or white with a tint of purple,

bell-shaped and about 6-10cm long.

 

They look pretty much like the flowers of Datura innoxia

which are longer (10-18 cm) and are either white or have a different tint,

as shown in this picture.

 

The flowers are beautiful to look at but …

 

 

302_9316 [Datura stramonium]

  

… the whole plant is extremely toxic

and it can even cause death.

 

On the other hand,

the leaves and the seeds of the fruit contain valuable chemicals

that are used in pharmacology for the production of medicines!

 

The egg-shaped fruit is around the size of a big chestnut

and the leaves can grow up to 20 cm long.

 

The two pictures of stramonium were taken in central mainland Greece.