Flora of Mediterranean-Influenced Lowlands and Islands
ALEPPO PINE (Pinus halepensis); widespread OLIVE (O/ea)
CYPRESSES (Cupressus)·, mark chapels, graveyards KOLIMARO [Gr.] (Arbutus)] fruit formerly made into ouzo
JUNIPER (Juniperus [many species]); most common in Crete, Dhodhekanisos,
Peloponnisos
HOLLY OAK, KERMES OAK (Quercus ilex, Q. coccifera) thrive in same conditions^
as above—rocky hillsides VALONEA OAK (O. aegilops); most common oak BROOMS (Spartium and Calycotome)·, spring blooming, fragrant BAY LAUREL (Laurus) HEATH (Erica)
TREE-OF-HEAVEN (Alianthus); malodorous OLEANDER (Nerium) mark stream beds WILLOW (Salix); prefer running streams PLANE (Platanus); mark springs; become huge
CRETAN PALM (Phoenix)·, select seashore locales only PRICKLY-PEAR (Opuntia); autumn fruit; animal fodder
Low-Altitude Wildflowers
ANEMONE (Anemone)·, spring IRIS (Iris)·, spring
LILIES (Lilium)·, spring; yellow or white POPPIES (Papaver)·, spring, fallow fields ROCK ROSE (Cistus)·, spring; dry sunny slopes CYCLAMEN (Cyclamen persicum)·, spring, white, part shade DRAGON AURUM (Dracunculus); spring; foul odor attracts pollinators CYCLAMEN (Cyclamen graecum)·, autumn, pink, widespread STERNBERGIA (Sternbergia)·, autumn; yellow; loves rock interstices, especially at ancient ruins
SEA-SQUILL (Urginea maritime)·, autumn, meter-high white flower spikes, in disturbed areas
HERBS; thyme, oregano, basil, mint, sage, “mountain tea” (type of sage), marjoram, rosemary
Flora of the Middle Altitudes and Alpine Zones
BEECH (Fagus); dominant species in Pindhos, Magnisia, Makedhonia, up to 1900 m BLACK PINE (Pinus heldreichii)·, highest growing, to 2300 m, in Pindhos, Olymbos,
Makedhonia SILVER FIR (Abies pectinata); northern regions
BLACK PINE (Pinus nigra)·, range includes Crete, Peloponnisos plus bulk of mainland
SCOTS PINE (Pinus silvestris)·, small plantations in north MAPLE (Acer)·, isolated specimens, usually ASH (Fraxinus); isolated specimens WHITE POPLAR (Populus alba)·, isolated specimens
SWEET CHESTNUT (Kastanea sativa)·, widespread at middle altitudes, especially Magnisia
CEPHALLONIAN FIR (Abies cephalonica)·, range includes Evvia, Sterea and
Peloponnisos plus namesake island WILD FRUITS; apple, pear, plum, brambles, wild rose CLEMATIS (Clematis)·, twining vine; fuzzy seed coat BRACKEN FERN (Pteridium)·, ubiquitous in forest and pasture
Mid- and High-Altitude Wildflowers
GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus)·, spring
TULIP (Tulipa); spring; mostly reddish
VIOLA (Viola); spring; lavender to yellow
CROCUS (Crocus)·, spring; few species
BELLFLOWER (Campanula); summer; in mountains only
WILD CARNATION (Dianthus)’, as above
RED LILY (Lilium chalcedonium); summer; brilliant red; Sterea
(No English common name) (Carlina); giant composite; flush with ground in high
Pindhos, Olymbos; bracts close in moist conditions AUTUMN CROCUS (Colchicum); autumn; lavender, white, purple (TRUE) CROCUS (Crocus)·, autumn, most species