Spiranthes spiralis
The only orchid in Crete that blooms in autumn
This small orchid is the sole orchid in Crete that blossoms in the autumn. It is a Euro-Atlantic plant with a broad distribution in Europe. While it spreads throughout Greece, you can only find it in a few locations in Crete.
The leaves form rosettes at the base of the plant. The inflorescence, bearing small crystalline white flowers, is arranged in a spiral pattern, a characteristic from which the plant derives its botanical name (Spiranthes spiralis).
It thrives in stable plant communities with limestone soils, and in Crete, you can spot it blooming from September to November. Look for it in scrublands, forest clearings, and meadows.
Kalliopi Borboudaki, Chemical Engineer MSc, creator of the website https://butterfliesofcrete.com.
The flora of Crete
Greek Sage
Cretan Oregano or Cretan Marjoram
Colchicum Balansae - Balansa Colchico
Cretan Zelkova
Carob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)
The Cretan Date Palm
Kermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)
Ironwort
Sand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)
Cretan Cyclamen
The Cretan Cephalanthera
Dittany
Phoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited Juniper
Gallipoli Rose
Natural Monuments
Lilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)
The Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves
The Olive Tree of Azorias
Olive tree of Samonas
Thyme
Oregano
Camomile
Mint
Preserving the Heritage: Ancient Olive Trees of Crete
The Ancient Olive Tree of Vrysses, Amari
Bali's Ancient Olive Tree: Documented in Preservation Efforts
Gra Elia (The Old Olive Tree)
The Ancient Olive Tree of Kato Asites: Host to the 1st Olive Festival
Sitia's Ancient Olive Tree: A Record of Preservation Initiatives
Asperula Crassula
Carlina diae, Carlina of Dia
Anthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed Chamomile
Dianthus Fruticosus Subsp. Sitiacus
Silene Holzmannii
Carlina Sitiensis
Bellevalia Sitiaca
Limonium Sitiacum
Viola Scorpiuroides
The Ancient Olive Tree of Kakodiki
Laurel
Rosemary
Common Basil
Honeysuckle
Oat
Chaste tree
Myrtle
Cretan Rockrose
Ophrys Sitiaca
The Ancient Olive Tree of Viannos: Unveiling a Treasured Discovery
The Ancient Olive Tree of Fourfouras
Mandrake
Androcymbium Rechingeri
Tournefort Crocus
Orchis Sitiaca
Ancient Olive Tree in Kouroutes
Mediterranean Meadow Saffron