A Unique Cypriot Resident The Black Francolin, known locally as the ‘Francolina’, holds a special place in the wildlife of Cyprus. It is a resident breeding bird and, remarkably, the only European country where you can find this species in…
A Cheerful Wildflower of Open Spaces The Wild Field Marigold flower brings a burst of golden colour to meadows, roadsides, and cultivated fields across Europe and beyond. Known by various names including field marigold and wild marigold, this charming plant…
A Versatile Grass with Many Names The Wild Annual Canarygrass refers to several species within the Phalaris genus, most commonly Phalaris minor. People know it by many names, including Lesser Canary Grass, Annual Canary Grass, Little-seeded Canary Grass, and Small…
The Legendary Mandrake of Cyprus The Mandragora officinarum, known in Greek as mandragoras or locally as kalánthropos meaning “good man,” holds a unique place in the flora of Cyprus. This member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) is a plant shrouded…
A Perennial Climber with Vibrant Colour The Lathyrus latifolius ‘Red Pearl’ is a stunning perennial plant known for its vibrant red flowers. Gardeners commonly refer to it as the Everlasting Sweet Pea or Perennial Sweet Pea. Unlike the familiar annual…
The Gökkuzgun (Granga): Europe’s Blue Jewel The European Roller (Coracias garrulus) is a stunning bird known by many names. In Cyprus is commonly known by two Greek names: Κράγκα (Krágka) and Χαλκοκουρούνα (Chalkokourouna). A third, less common name, Χρυσοκαρακάξα (Chrysokarakáxa),…
A Mediterranean Native with Global Reach Wild Clary, or Salvia verbenaca, is an herb native to the Mediterranean. It has become naturalized in parts of the eastern United States. Gardeners often cultivate it for its pleasant aroma and flavour. The…
A Master of Deception The Bee Orchid of Cyprus, known to scientists as Ophrys kotschyi, stands as one of the island’s most extraordinary and beautiful wildflowers. This remarkable plant earns its name from its intricate flower, which has evolved to…
A Flash of Grey and Gold The Grey Wagtail bird is one of the most striking birds to visit Cyprus waterways. Despite its name, a closer look reveals beautiful pastel grey upperparts contrasted with a bright, lemon-yellow underside. This slender…
A Splash of Olive Green The European Greenfinch is a common and colourful bird, often heard before it is seen. It belongs to the finch family and is a resident throughout much of Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. Its…
