Ophrys bombyliflora

303_6685 [Ophrys bombyliflora]

A very common Mediterranean Ophrys with a unique appearance.

It is short (5-15cm) and grows in heights of up to 900m

from February to May.

It prefers meadows, uncultivated fields and open forests

where it forms large populations.

 

This picture was taken on the Greek island of Andros. 

 

 

Vinca major

801_9526 [Vinca major]

 

A common, evergreen plant that likes growing in the shade.

Its glossy leaves always grow in pairs

and the vibrant blue flowers spring from the joint.

 

Photographed at the foot of Mt. Parnitha

 

 

Alcea rosea

801_5567 [Alcea rosea]

 

A biennial plant growing in a range of soils in the wild,

or in gardens where it is deliberately planted

for its impressive, wide flowers (about 15cm).

 

The plant can reach a height of 2.5m

and produce flowers in dark red, pink, white, yellow or orange.

 

The picture was taken on the Greek island of Evoia.

 

 

Serapias lingua

 

IMG_0030 [Serapias lingua]

 

A Serapias lingua: A wild orchid found in southern mainland Greece

from April to May.

 

Habitat: Meadows and scrub land on heights of up to 800m.

 

It was photographed on the island of Kea.

Colias crocea

302_6240 [Colias crocea]

 

Colias crocea: a common, intense-yellow butterfly that flies all over Greece.

It is observed in 2 or 3 generations from February to November

in almost any open habitat from sea level to 2500m.

 

It flies rapidly from flower to flower

and while it feeds, it is always on the alert,

never staying on the same flower for more than 4-5 seconds at a time.

 

While feeding, it always keeps its wings closed.

 

Wingspan: 45-50 mm

 

Photographed in Southern Peloponnese

 

 

Ophrys mycenensis

801_9164 [Ophrys mycenensis]

Ophrys mycenensis is a beautiful wild orchid

endemic to Eastern Central Greece and to the Peloponnese

where it blooms with satisfactory populations from mid-February to early May.

 

Natural habitat: sparse bushy vegetation, low hills, pine forest gaps, brushwood. 

 

The picture was taken in Dilesi.

 

 

Paeonia mascula subsp. hellenica

301_9106 [{aeonia mascula hellenica]

 

One of the four species (peregrina, mascula, clusii and parnasica) growing in Greece.

Mascula grows in woodland clearings and rocky areas on heights of 400-1300m

on Mt. Parnitha, Mt. Taygetos and the islands of Andros and Evoia.

 

Its flowers are predominantly white and occasionally red.

 

The picture above was taken in Evoia.

 

For a flower in red and more hellenica pictures, please see an older post HERE.

 

 

Consolida hispanica

 

IMG_5596 [Consolida hispanica]

 

Consolida hispanica, with its characteristic dark violet flowers, 

is an annual, herbaceous plant found in the Mediterranean

and in many other areas of the world.

 

In Greece, it grows in any part of the country on heights of up to 800m.

It can become up to 1m tall.

It is also cultivated as an ornamental.

 

The picture was taken in Dilesi.