August Flowers

The weather this year has been unbelievably hot and this, combined with a warm, dry winter has affected the summer flowers on Crete very badly.  Some have simply chosen not to bloom at all, some have attempted a small and much less vibrant show, none have flourished – at least not in the east of the island.

Several trips to the Katharo Plateau have shown a considerably reduction in the number of species and also in the volume of flowers from species that have managed to defy the weather.

Most species have appeared earlier than normal and their flowering season has seemed considerably shorter.  Around a small church on the plateau there can normally be found large swathes of Origanum microphyllum and also Lactuca alpestris.  This year there were none.  Goats and sheep could also be responsible for this decline, as a local shepherd told us that his herd was going hungry, because of the lack of grazing.  Maybe plants, normally left untouched, have been decimated by starving herbivores? Fortunately, we did find both species at another location on Katharo.

Lactuca alpestris                 © Julia Jones & Flowers of Crete

But despite the concerns, on the beaches the superb Pancratium maritimum is once more in bloom.  This wonderfully sweet smelling and attractive flower is I think my all time favourite.  Known to the Minoans, it is also facing its own problems from quad bikes and beach side shower facilities.  Please, please do not use shampoos and soap here when coming from a swim.  There is a reason for the warning notices, although, having seen local couples using the showers to wash their cars, along with car shampoo, not many people seem to heed the advice.

Pancratium maritimum – Sea Daffodil     © Julia Jones & Flowers of Crete

Late summer is the time for a variety of prickly thistles and wonderful seedheads – often as attractive as the flowers they succeed.

Carlina                                         © Julia Jones @ Flowers of Crete

At the beginning of September I am representing Crete at an International Conference for Plant Conservation in Romania and I am busy putting together my presentation on education and conservation here on the island.  I am still looking for sponsors to help with the trip, at which I hope to lobby for certain remote areas of Crete to be designated Areas of Special Scientific Interest.

At Flowers of Crete we are all hoping that the autumn rains appear sooner rather than later and I for one am looking forward to greeting the first crocuses and Sternbergia, and eventually the first orchids of the season.

© Text: Julia Jones & Flowers of Crete

© Photos: Julia Jones

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