Origanum microphyllum
- this delicate Origanum has a strong
lavender like fragrance and is used to make a
tisane known as ‘andonaïda’.
It is endemic and restricted to the Lefka Ori
in the west and the Dikti Mountains in the east.
Pancratium maritimum
- (Sand Lily) - one of the most beautiful
flowers on Crete, this Pancratium belongs to the
same family as the daffodil. It has the most wonderful
perfume and its delicate flowers provide a superb
display along the edge of beaches around the island.
Sadly it is in decline due to the misuse of quad
bikes and shampoo and soaps in shower areas. Known
to the Minoans, it would be a great pity if this
stunning flower disappeared altogether from the
beaches of northern Crete. It is being protected
in projects being run by local hotels and other
tourist ventures, but more needs to be done. It is said that the Sea Daffodil or Sand Lily was known as ‘akalis’ in Minoan times.
Out of the Sands
of Time - I have just finished this watercolour
painting of Pancratium maritimum and it has recently
been exhibited in the Municipal Art Gallery in
Aghios Nikolaos. The painting took me around eighteen
months to complete and is life size and drawn
from a bulb found on the beach at Malia.
Snail shells
- great collection of sea side self-contained
apartments to let! Only one previous owner.
Glebionis segetum
- (Corn Marigold) - this very
pretty but very common Compositae can be easily
overlooked, but is in fact extremely attractive.
It can vary in size depending on its habitat.
Eryngium maritimum
- (Sea Holly) - almost finished
for the summer, a few determined flowers could
still be found amongst the dead heads of the Sea
Holly.
