Himantoglossum robertianum

802_3136 [Himantoglossum robertianum]

 

A closeup shot of the well-known Himantoglossum robertianum.

 

Emphasis on details.

 

It was photographed in Lavrio.

 

 

Ipomoea purpurea

IMG_5891 [Ipomoea purpurea]

 

Ipomoea purpurea is native to Mexico and Central America

but it has been naturalized in a plethora of tropical and subtropical climates

where it is cultivated for its attractive funnel-shaped flowers.

They usually come in blue, purple, pink or white.

 

The plant entwines itself around whatever it finds available and grows to a height of 2–3m.

 

I don’t usually shoot cultivated, ornamental flowers

but I found this one irresistible,

so I pressed the trigger.

 

Photographed in a residential area on Mt. Vardousia

at a height of 1000m.

 

 

Fritillaria graeca

804_1291 [Fritillaria graeca]

 

Fritillaria graeca is a small perennial plant native to the Balkan Peninsula,

specifically in Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Greece.

 

It typically grows in rocky or grassy habitats at elevations between 350 and 2200 meters

and can reach a height of up to 25 centimeters.

 

It blooms in spring and produces attractive bell-shaped flowers;

a fact that sometimes leads to its cultivation in gardens for its ornamental qualities.

 

Not very common but not endangered either.

 

Photographed on Mt. Hymittos, March 2024

 

 

Lacerta trilineata

303_3414 [Lacerta trilineata]
 

Lacerta trilineata is the biggest species of Lacerta found.

The Balkan green lizard, as it is also called, typically ranges from 20 to 30cm in length,

including its tail which is often twice the length of the body.

In rare cases it may exceed 30cm.

 

It is found in the Southern Balkans (including Greece) and in some Greek Islands

in areas from sea level to high up the mountains

(Even higher than 1500 meters as is the case with Crete).

 

Coming across a lizard is always an impressive encounter.

It is very agile but it often stops, turns into a voluntary photographic model

and establishes eye-to-eye contact with you or with your photographic lens.

An unforgettable experience and often photographically rewarding!

 

Some consider it poisonous but it is totally harmless.

 

It was photographed on Mt. Parnitha.

 

 

Anacamptis collina

IMG-0411 [Anacamptis collina]
 

Anacamptis collina is a widespread wild orchid

native to the Mediterranean countries and to West Asia.

 It grows in a variety of habitats, mainly in hilly areas, from low levels to 1300m.

 

Depending on weather conditions, it may appear in two consecutive periods;

In January and in March.Or it may not appear at all!

 

On the other hand, it may be a low flower in lower levels

or a tall, robust one in higher levels where it may reach the height of 40cm!

 

In Greece we find it sporadically from Central Mainland

down to Crete where it is more common.

 

The plant in the picture above is less than 20cm tall

and was photographed in the month of January at the foot of Mt. Egaleo in Attica.

 

 

 

The Parthenon

803_6569 [Parthenon]

A night shot of the Parthenon 

(taken from a distance of 3,9km)…

 

303_9483 [Parthenon]

…and a day one

(taken from very close).

 

Please click on the pictures to view them in higher resolution.

 

[The Parthenon needs no ‘introductions’, I believe,

so, please let me make no more comments today. Thank you.]

Narcissus papyraceus

DSCN3531 [Narcissus papyraceus]

 

This photo dates back to January 2009.

I had found the species of papyraceous on one and only spot

on the whole Mt. Hymittos and I remember I was then very happy with my luck.

 

Today, I am filled with disappointment

because I repeatedly visited the spot in the last three or four years

to take and share with you a new picture but no success. 

The flower seems not to be there anymore!

Human intervention? Other cause?

 

In any case, whatever the reason, it is sad and disappointing! Sorry.

 

 

Lycoperdon perlatum

IMG_3188 [Lycoperdon perlatum]

Lycoperdon perlatum is a widespread mushroom species

found in almost any country of the world.

It grows solitarily or in groups throughout the year

in habitats like woods, grassy areas, gardens, or along road sides.

 

When the mushroom reaches maturity,

its cap can reach 70mm in diameter

and gets a pear-like shape with a flattened top

where it develops a hole which opens, and under certain conditions,

it lets mature, brown, powdery spores escape to perpetuate the species.

 See demonstration below.

 

 

IMG-3182 [Lycoperdon perlatum]
 

Photo and video from Mt. Hymittos.

Feb. 4, 2024