Geranium molle

804_2489 [Geranium molle]

 

 Many people consider Geranium molle to be a weed,

possibly because it thrives and spreads rapidly in the correct conditions.

However, in spite of that rather contemptuous title,

it produces small but beautiful flowers

which beautify the whole area around,

especially when large numbers have bloomed.

 

The plant grows to a height of 35-40cm,

while the bloom is only 6-10mm in diameter.

It is widespread in all European countries,

except northern ones,

and likes grassland and rocky soil

at altitudes ranging from sea level to 1900m.

 

In Greece,

it grows on the mainland and on several islands,

blooming from February to May depending on altitude.

 

804_2521 [Geranium molle]

This image appears to accentuate

the shape of the leaves and the plant's short and long hairs,

two of the many characteristics

that separate Geranium molle from other species.

 

 

Delichon urbicum

304_5212 [Delichon urbicum]

 

Swallows are the harbingers of spring,

symbolizing the rebirth of nature

and the end of winter.

Since we’re officially entering spring today,

I’m sharing these timely photos with you.

 

 

304_5188 [Delichon urbicum]

 

304_5198 [Delichon urbicum]

 

I love swallows

but I haven’t seen them around yet this year.

 It’s probably because of the unusually unfavorable weather conditions

we are experiencing this year.

 So,

these older photos taken in Oropos a few years ago

will hopefully bring the spring message.

 

  

Ruscus aculeatus

 

[Ruscus aculeatus]

 

Ruscus aculeatus (commonly known as “Butcher’s boom” is an evergreen, short shrub

that hardly ever reaches 1 m in height.

 

From February to April, it produces greenish-white flowers

that grow solitary, or two together,

on the upper part of what looks like leaves (1-4 cm long)

but actually they are not.

They are flattened extensions of the stem functioning as leaves!

 

The flowers are very small (3-5 mm), star-shaped,

with male and female appearing on separate plants.

 

Successfully pollinated female flowers are initially green

but gradually they become bright red berries (10-15 mm across)

which remain on the plant for quite some time. [See berry below.]

 

The plant occurs in woodland, scrub, and shady rocky places

on altitudes up to 1000 m throughout much of Europe.

 

Wondering about the plant’s funny name?

Well, it is said that

butchers in older times used to tie branches of the plant together

and used it as a broom!

 

 

  

801_1370 [Ruscus aculeatus]

 A close-up of what seems to be perceived as leaves.

 

 

[Ruscus aculeatus]

 A close-up on a star-shaped tiny flower.

 

 

[Ruscus aculeatus]

 

A close-up of a berry in its final stage of development.

 

 

Himantoglossum robertianum

801_1546 [Himantoglossum robertianum]

 Himantoglossum robertianum at an early stage of its development

 

 Himantoglossum robertianum

is a widespread wild orchid of the Mediterranean,

typically short to medium in height, reaching up to about 50 cm.

It grows across all Mediterranean countries, including Greece

where it appears both on the mainland and throughout the islands,

at elevations up to roughly 1700 m.

Flowering begins early in the year - usually from February through April - 

and it can be seen in grassy habitats, scrub, roadsides, and open woodland.

Its blooms show remarkable variation,

appearing in many different colors and shades.

Several examples of prevalent shades can be seen

in earlier posts shared HERE.

 

 

 

IMG_0655 [Himantoglossum robertianum]

 

 the plant in a state of maturity

 

 

 

801_3405 [Himantoglossum robertianum]

flowers densely packed in a spike-like inflorescence

 

 

 

 a cropped section of the picture above revealing details

 

Please click on the last picture to have a better view of details. Thanks.