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.
 

 

Asphodelus aestivus

IMG_4662 [Asphodelus aestivus]

 Asphodelus aestivus is a perennial asphodel that grows on infertile locations,

like bare rocky grounds, hillsides, roadsides or pastures

in any Mediterranean country.

In Greece, it blooms from the end of February to early June

and usually gets 1-1.5 m tall. Its flowers are about 3 cm wide. 

 

It is avoided by grazing animals;

a fact that frequently allows it to form colonies of a vast number of plants.

 

Its swollen and fleshy roots contain a great deal of starch

and are said to be … tasteless but edible.

(No confirmation. Sorry 😢!

I’ve never tried them and I’m not sure I’ll ever do!)

 

On the other hand,

I’ve read that the roots at one time were gathered

for use in the production of glue for bookbinding! Interesting!

 

The picture was taken - in a seemingly not so infertile area - on Mt. Hymittos.