Newsletter:May/June: Tom and Julia Feise

 

May Newsletter

Tom and Julia Feise

We found our first orchid this year in January.  Twelve months ago, we had driven down to the Mesara Plain several times in order to find Ophrys Mesaritica – a rare orchid known to grow only in this area of Crete.  So, on the way into Aghios Nikolaos to get my hair cut, imagine our surprise to find this prize find growing on a bank within the boundaries of the town!  For some unknown reason, it has chosen to spread its boundaries in our direction and we were very pleased to welcome it in a month that is fairly unpromising otherwise.

The winter has been relatively mild, but quite dry and in many areas the main flush of orchids is now over.  To find these wonderful and varied flowers we need to move to higher zones.  Already on Spinalonga island the vegetation is taking on its summer aspect. Back in March, however, we did find the strange and quite smelly flowers of Aristolochia parvifolia, rare in Crete and only found in this corner of the north coast.  Admittedly, they don’t look like much but we were quite excited to be able to add this to our Flower Calendar.

The orchids this spring have been quite sensational and we have found many species that are new to us.  If you are out walking, look out for the beautiful Ophrys episcopalis – Bishop’s Ophrys  (my current favourite) and the equally stunning Ophrys tenthrendinifera – Wasp Ophrys.  These orchids are widespread on the island but are now past their finest – although you may still find them in colder, sheltered areas and above 200 metres. 

Orchis anatolica is a common species but very pretty nevertheless.  It can be found growing in large drifts on sunny hillsides.  Together with Orchis sitiaca and Orchis quadripunctata it forms loose colonies and the three species hybridise amongst themselves to make identification that much more difficult for the non-botanist.

Over the winter at FloraCretica we have put together a 45-minute slideshow to introduce residents and visitors to the wealth of wild flowers here on Crete.  We will be presenting this at the Kalimera Kriti Hotel at Sissi on Monday evenings, but (time permitting) we are making the talk available to other groups.  The slideshow is free, except for our expenses and is a great introduction to conservation and preservation. If you would like more information please contact us by telephone or e-mail. 

 We have also produced our first FloraCretica Flower Calendar for 2007.  This is available by post and can be ordered online.  All proceeds from the sale of the calendar will go towards the upkeep of the website and lobbying to have Crete recognised internationally as an Area of Special Interest.  This recognition will result in funding being made available for the setting up and running of small nature reserves, education and conservation.  Please support our work!

Text © Julia Feise

Photos © Tom Feise

Calendar © FloraCretica

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