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