MAY 2008 | MAY 2007 continued
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| Centaurium maritimum
- this is the first year that I have photographed
this little plant. Despite its name it grows at
many levels. This one was spotted high in the
mountains. |
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| Convolvulus
- Hedge Bindweed - common throughout
the island and a nuisance to farmers, the flowers
are, nevertheless, very pretty. This bindweed
is often cultivated to climb over fences. |
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| Coronilla globosa
- again this was the first year I found this amazingly
beautiful flower, which is endemic to Crete. This
specimen was found, with many others in a gorge
in eastern Crete. |
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| Crepis -
I find the Crepis family very difficult to identify
correctly. So if anyone can help me with this
I would be very grateful! |
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| Dacus carota
- The Wild Carrot - this large headed
Umbelliferae is easily recognised by
its single dark red central petal. This plant
is the forefather of the cultivated carrot. |
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| Dracunculus vulgaris
- The Dragon Arum - recognised all over
Crete, this large, architectural arum is spectacular.
The flowers, however, exude the most potent of
smells - like rotting meat, to attract flies,
which are then unable to escape and are dissolved
by the plants juices. Nevertheless, a fascinating
plant, which can occasionally be found with a
white spathe. |
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Ebenus creticus
- Cretan Ebony - despite its name this
shrub has no
connection with the exotic, hardwood tree (Ebony).
Cretan Ebony is endemic to Crete. In years gone
by, this shrub was the source of laudanum –
a gum which was collected from the bushes with
the use of a leather flail. |
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| Ebenus creticus
- Cretan Ebony - high on a rocky outcrop,
the Cretan ebony bush looks wonderful against
the bright blue sky. The soft, downy seed heads
of this shrub were once used to stuff pillows
and mattresses. |
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| Lonicera etrusca
- Honeysuckle - very similar to the sweet
scented honeysuckle found growing in the UK, this
shrub can be found in roadside hedgerows and has
the same delightful scent. |
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