A Creative Spirit in Portugal
The Cistus Ladanifer can be seen across Portugal during May and June. It is a sticky shrub (as I discovered when I wandered off the track to take closeups). The sticky resin covering the stem and leaves is called laden and contains healing properties. It is also used in the cosmetic industry to fix perfumes.... Continue Reading →
The Carpobrotus Edulis is a creeping succulent listed as one of the invasive species in Portugal. It can be found everywhere along the Portuguese coastline. It has the most amazing flowers which the bees enjoy. REF https://flora-on.pt/?q=Carpobrotus Citation: A.Carapeto, F.Clamote, P.V.Araújo, M.Porto, D.T.Holyoak, C.T.Gomes, J.D.Almeida, E.Portela-Pereira, et al. (2021). Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. - mapa... Continue Reading →
A gentle stroll along the clifftop road towards Amoreira beach in the Western Algarve gave me yet more photo opportunities to record several species of wildflowers. This week I have chosen to showcase the wild carrot. Apparently, it is also used as an essential oil for its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Natural medicine geeks check... Continue Reading →
This week my search for wildflowers growing in the Western Algarve resulted in finding this little beauty which I discovered purely by accident when I grabbed a wall for support because an owner failed to control her frisky dog. After they left I looked down and there was this beautiful flower! Bartsia trixago The Bartsia... Continue Reading →
or Goivinho-da-praia in Portuguese. Malcolmia Littirea grows on the west coast of Portugal and flowers from February to July. I never realised they were related to Virginia Stock which I use to grow in my garden in the UK until I conducted some research to identify them. I seem to remember they had an amazing... Continue Reading →
This has to be my favourite wildflower! A friend posted a picture of the wild orchid on our local gardening FB group so the next day I was out taking photographs. Lucky I was wearing trainers because unlike most of the photographs I take of flowers growing near the side of the road, these were... Continue Reading →
There is an abundance of the perennial Cravo-das-Areias also commonly known as 'Thrift' in our local area. The pretty pompom pink flowers can be enjoyed on the many coastal walks in the Western Algarve or where we live, growing on wild areas at the side of the road, or even on our roundabouts. It flowers... Continue Reading →
Lotus Creticus - Southern Bird's Foot Trefoil I have photographed the Southern Bird's Foot Trefoil, also known as the Trevo-de-Creta, in flower from November through to February and it is still flowering into March. It grows in gravel, in the crevices of pathways, and on the cliff tops near our house in the Western Algarve.... Continue Reading →
Acacia longifolia REF: Acacia longifolia and Plants for a Future Another useful reference to identify plants is The Plant List Do you enjoy taking photographs of wildflowers, bugs, birds, snakes and other curiosities found in the wild? Every Wednesday I will be sharing a photograph of wild flora or fauna in my local area. Who... Continue Reading →
Piglet in Portugal 