The Cretan Cephalanthera
The Cretan Cephalanthera, an orchid species, holds protected status due to the threat of extinction.
The Cretan Cephalanthera (Cephalanthera cucullata) is an endemic orchid species exclusive to the mountain forests of Crete, thriving at altitudes between 700 and 1,500 metres. This herbaceous plant reaches a height of up to 20 cm.
This orchid showcases white-pink flowers, blooming from May to June, and is classified as a protected species due to the looming threat of extinction.
An area in Kamares, Heraklion, was previously designated as a habitat for Cephalanthera, and in Koustogerako, Chania, another area spanning 120 acres is dedicated to the species. A substantial population of this orchid is also identified in the Rouvas forest.
Photos: Fassoulas,B. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete
The flora of Crete
Greek Sage
Cretan Oregano or Cretan MarjoramColchicum Balansae - Balansa ColchicoCretan ZelkovaCarob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)The Cretan Date PalmKermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)IronwortSand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)Cretan CyclamenDittanyPhoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited JuniperGallipoli RoseNatural MonumentsLilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)Olive tree of SamonasThymeOreganoCamomileMintPreserving the Heritage: Ancient Olive Trees of CreteThe Ancient Olive Tree of Vrysses, AmariBali's Ancient Olive Tree: Documented in Preservation EffortsGra Elia (The Old Olive Tree)The Ancient Olive Tree of Kato Asites: Host to the 1st Olive FestivalSitia's Ancient Olive Tree: A Record of Preservation InitiativesAsperula CrassulaCarlina diae, Carlina of DiaAnthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed ChamomileDianthus Fruticosus Subsp. SitiacusSilene HolzmanniiCarlina SitiensisBellevalia SitiacaLimonium SitiacumViola ScorpiuroidesThe Ancient Olive Tree of KakodikiLaurelRosemaryCommon BasilHoneysuckleOatChaste treeMyrtleCretan RockroseOphrys SitiacaThe Ancient Olive Tree of Viannos: Unveiling a Treasured DiscoveryThe Ancient Olive Tree of FourfourasMandrakeAndrocymbium RechingeriAutumn Lady's-tressesTournefort CrocusOrchis SitiacaAncient Olive Tree in KouroutesMediterranean Meadow Saffron
Cretan Oregano or Cretan MarjoramColchicum Balansae - Balansa ColchicoCretan ZelkovaCarob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)The Cretan Date PalmKermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)IronwortSand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)Cretan CyclamenDittanyPhoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited JuniperGallipoli RoseNatural MonumentsLilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)Olive tree of SamonasThymeOreganoCamomileMintPreserving the Heritage: Ancient Olive Trees of CreteThe Ancient Olive Tree of Vrysses, AmariBali's Ancient Olive Tree: Documented in Preservation EffortsGra Elia (The Old Olive Tree)The Ancient Olive Tree of Kato Asites: Host to the 1st Olive FestivalSitia's Ancient Olive Tree: A Record of Preservation InitiativesAsperula CrassulaCarlina diae, Carlina of DiaAnthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed ChamomileDianthus Fruticosus Subsp. SitiacusSilene HolzmanniiCarlina SitiensisBellevalia SitiacaLimonium SitiacumViola ScorpiuroidesThe Ancient Olive Tree of KakodikiLaurelRosemaryCommon BasilHoneysuckleOatChaste treeMyrtleCretan RockroseOphrys SitiacaThe Ancient Olive Tree of Viannos: Unveiling a Treasured DiscoveryThe Ancient Olive Tree of FourfourasMandrakeAndrocymbium RechingeriAutumn Lady's-tressesTournefort CrocusOrchis SitiacaAncient Olive Tree in KouroutesMediterranean Meadow Saffron