Cretan-homes, Crete property estate agents

November/December Newsletter

Now that the autumn rains have worked their magic, the flower year for me has just started.  Hillsides are covered with stunning crocus, colchicum and cyclamen.  Here is just a selection of my favourites for you to enjoy and to look for if you are fortunate enough to be out in the Cretan countryside over the next few weeks.

Spiranthes spiralis

This rare orchid is the only one in bloom at this time of the year.  It is tiny and quite easy to miss, but is well worth looking out for.  It grows in moist conditions.  In the UK this orchid is know as Autumn Ladies tresses and is also extremely rare.

Crocus oreocreticus

This beautiful crocus is one of the saffron crocus and has long bright orange stamens.  Mostly found in shades of mauve, it can also be seen in a pale, almost greyish, white which is very attractive.  Crocus oreocreticus is listed as rare in the Greek Red List and is protected under law.  Found in the mountains, it is similar to Crocus cartwrightianus but is only found at higher altitudes.  This crocus is the flower that I chose to represent Flowers of Crete.

Crocus laevigatus

This smaller crocus can be found all over the island.  It can be recognised by the mauve stripe on the outside of each petal.  It is often found in really large numbers.

Colchicum pusillum

This small Colchicum is widespread on the island and can be recognised by its small yellow anthers.  It can be found at various altitudes from November to January.

Colchicum cupanii

Another small Colchicum which varies from C. pusillum by its brownish anthers.  It is found in quite a restricted location, between Heraklion and Aghios Nikolaos, where it does grow in abundance.

Colchicum cretense

This small, starry pink colchicum is endemic to Crete and can be found in the mountains, often amongst other Crocus and Sternbergia.

Cyclamen graecum

A beautiful and vibrant cyclamen which grows in the west of the island in great numbers.  Unfortunately, their habitats are at risk from development, particularly around the Chania area.  It would be a great shame to lose the wonderful meadows of cyclamen which at present abound. 

Biarum davisii

This strange little flower is a member of the lily family and is listed as rare in the Greek Red Book.  A large, previously unknown, colony exists near Elounda and is threatened by tourism.  This is one plant which really deserves our attention. It is tiny and may be more plentiful than is realised because the difficulty of spotting it amongst the rocks in which it grows.

Flowers of Crete is to organise a 2 week flower finding trip in March 2008 aimed at artists, photographers and people who just love wild flowers.  As places are limited it is advisable to book early. For further information please contact Julia directly.

Julia Jones

Flowers of Crete

www.flowersofcrete.info

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