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Crete is home to the largest palm forest in Europe.
The Cretan date palm (Phoenix theophrasti), also known as the Cretan palm and locally known as Theofrastus’ palm is a rare endemic species of the Aegean Sea, found in various regions including Crete, some Aegean islands, and Antalya.
Palm trees flourish in sandy valleys or rocky coastal areas. The species was newly described in 1967 by Greuter and was named in honour of the father of botany, Theophrastus (372-287 BC), who was the first to mention the existence of the palm tree in Crete.
This tree can grow up to a height of 15 metres and typically generates numerous offshoots. Interestingly, its date-like fruits are not consumed. Presently, there is growing concern about the future of this palm tree, given that other palm species have faced significant devastation due to the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), an invasive species imported from Africa.
In Crete, you can find the largest palm forest in Europe, situated in Vai, Sitia. Additionally, there are other palm forests in Agios Nikitas of Asterousia and in Martsalos Gorge.
Photo: By maulejobs Via create.vista
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The flora of Crete
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Greek Sage
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Cretan Oregano or Cretan Marjoram
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Colchicum Balansae - Balansa Colchico
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Cretan Zelkova
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Carob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)
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Kermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)
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Ironwort
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Sand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)
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Cretan Cyclamen
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The Cretan Cephalanthera
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Dittany
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Phoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited Juniper
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Gallipoli Rose
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Natural Monuments
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Lilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)
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Olive tree of Samonas
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Thyme
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Oregano
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Camomile
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Mint
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Preserving the Heritage: Ancient Olive Trees of Crete
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The Ancient Olive Tree of Vrysses, Amari
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Bali's Ancient Olive Tree: Documented in Preservation Efforts
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Gra Elia (The Old Olive Tree)
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The Ancient Olive Tree of Kato Asites: Host to the 1st Olive Festival
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Sitia's Ancient Olive Tree: A Record of Preservation Initiatives
Asperula Crassula
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Carlina diae, Carlina of Dia
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Anthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed Chamomile
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Dianthus Fruticosus Subsp. Sitiacus
Silene Holzmannii
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Carlina Sitiensis
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Bellevalia Sitiaca
Limonium Sitiacum
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Viola Scorpiuroides
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The Ancient Olive Tree of Kakodiki
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Laurel
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Rosemary
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Common Basil
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Honeysuckle
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Oat
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Chaste tree
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Myrtle
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Cretan Rockrose
Ophrys Sitiaca
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The Ancient Olive Tree of Viannos: Unveiling a Treasured Discovery
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The Ancient Olive Tree of Fourfouras
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Mandrake
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Androcymbium Rechingeri
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Autumn Lady's-tresses
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Tournefort Crocus
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Orchis Sitiaca
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Ancient Olive Tree in Kouroutes
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Mediterranean Meadow Saffron