Cretan-homes, Crete property estate agents

Despite very changeable weather, the spring flowers are appearing everywhere but in the highest mountains.  March is the month for orchids and, this year, they have been overwhelming in their abundance.

There are three main groups of orchid on Crete – the Orchis, Ophrys and Serapias and their variety is enormous.

One of the most common and easily identifiable is Ophrys phryganae – the Phrygana Ophrys.  It can be found all over the island from March to the end of April, depending on weather conditions.  Holding its flowers out at right angles from the stem makes it obvious that this is O. phryganae.

Another common ophrys on Crete is Ophrys cretica ssp. ariadnae – Ariadne’s ophrys.  With seemingly endless pattern variations, this is a beautiful and striking member of the orchid family.  Its distribution is most widespread in central Crete, becoming rarer in the extreme east and west of the island.   It has a relatively long flowering period from early February until April.

One of my favourite ophrys is O. tenthredinifera – the Wasp Ophrys.  With its wide lip and striking colours it is almost impossible to misidentify.  Orchids mimic certain insects by shape, colour and by emitting pheromones, in order to attract pollinators. And although the design of this flower does not look much like a wasp to us, it apparently sends out all the right signals to the insect of choice.

Of the orchids which are in flower right now, one of the most beautiful must be O. italica.  This orchid often grows in large groups and with its stately stems and fringed flower spikes it is a glorious sight to see.

Of course, spring on Crete is not just about orchids.  There are many other flowers to delight and amaze us.  Another favourite of mine is F. messanensis.  Although recorded mainly in the west, I have found it well established in three sites around Aghios Nikolaos, where it seems to thrive.  With its somewhat drab colouring it is quite difficult to spot, but once you have trained your eye, these delicate nodding flowers seem to sprout everywhere.  A relative of the snake’s head fritillary of old English water meadows, the Cretan species is every bit as interesting and delightful.

For the next few months, Crete will be a paradise for those interested in wild flowers and the countryside in general.  When you are here, please take time to look around and observe the spectacular variety nature has provided, and in a small way help to protect and preserve your particular ‘plot’.

© Julia Jones

Flowers of Crete

www.flowersofcrete.info