Eruca vesicaria

803_9935 [Eruca vesicaria]

 

This annual or bi-annual plant is native to all Mediterranean countries, from Morocco and Portugal to Egypt and Turkey. In the field it looks to me more like a weed rather than a flower. Still, it is attractive and pleasant to look at. 

 

It is said to be edible but I have to confess that I have never tried it!

 

Photographed at the foot of Mt. Hymittos on April 06, 2022

 

 

Globularia alypum

803_9911 [Globularia alypum]

 

Globularia alypum is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub which grows in arid rocky surfaces.

Its blue flowers are aromatic and bloom from autumn to spring. It normally gets 40-50cm high.

 

This year, due to intense weather changes, I found it difficult to spot a relatively decent, full-fledged plant to photograph.

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos on April 04, 2022 

 

 

Fritillaria graeca

803_9869 [Fritillaria graeca]

 

803_9872 [Fritillaria graeca]

 

Both photographed on Mt. Hymittos on April 04, 2022

Two Trees at the Town Hall

a 023 [dead tree]

The tree above, located in the exterior area of the Town Hall of Papagos-Holargos in Athens, had been providing its “services” to the people in the area for decades when, unfortunately, for some reason, it died. After serious consideration, the Council decided to have it removed.

Recently, a new, promising little tree was planted to replace the dead one.

 

The picture was taken in August 2004, a short time before the dead tree was removed.

 

 

803_9835 [olive tree]

 On the other hand, this olive tree - estimated to be about 300 years old - a few days ago was transplanted to the exterior area of the same Town Hall. It used to live somewhere in north Peloponnese (200 km away) but since it was hindering the extension of a new railway line in the area, it was decided to be removed and be offered as a gift to our Municipality where it could be transplanted!

 

Today, it is standing in its new home from where it reminds passers-by that technological progress and environment conservation are not mutually exclusive.

 

The picture was taken on March 27, 2022.

 

[Clicking on the picture, you can have a better view.]

 

 

Fritillaria euboeica

301_7287 [Fritillaria euboica]

 

 

301_7281 [Fritillaria euboica]

Fritillaria euboeica is endemic to mountains of Central and North Evoia.

 

It flowers from the end of February to April included, at heights between 700 and 1700 m. However, both these photos were taken at a height of about 100 m.

 

Experts believe that the total number of existing mature individuals is gradually diminishing and that fewer than 1500 individual plants have been left. This is why the species is included in the Red Data Book of Rare and Threatened Plants of Greece (Patra 2009) and is considered a “vulnerable” species.

 

 

Anacamptis collina

302_5157 [Anacamptis collina]

This wild orchid was "standing upright" on a high hill - enjoying the view around - in the beautiful island of Irakleia in Cyclades where it was photographed on March 27, 2010 

 

It is native to Mediterranean countries but in Greece it is a rare species, with sparsely, localized populations in the Cyclades islands, Crete and Central Peloponnese.

 

 

Fritillaria obliqua

IMG_0806 [Fritillaria obliqua]

Fritillaria obliqua is a rare flower endemic to Attica and Evoia where it grows in very small populations and for various reasons it is threatened with extinction. This is the reason why it is included in the “Red Book of the Rare and Threatened Plants of Greece” and is protected by Law.

It blooms from early February to early April at altitudes from sea level to 1000 m.

mostly on rocky sites with sparse bushy vegetation.

 

Photographed at Schinias on February 20, 2011 

 

 

Iris tuberosa

801_9015 [Iris tuberosa]

This flower is native to Northern Mediterranean countries like Greece, Albania, Italy and France. In Greece it is found in grassy habitats in heights up to 1500m. It flowers from February to April. 

 

Photographed on Mt. Parnitha on March 30, 2015

 

 

 

303_1740 [Iris tuberosa]

 A closeup picture showing the interior of the flower.

 

The photo was taken near Grammatiko (Attica) on February 20, 2011