A couple of posts ago Tom highlighted some of the wonderful orchids he came across whilst in Majorca, and hearing of such amazing plants prompted Tara and I to go looking for some while we were in Corfu over the past couple of weeks. Its a place we make a bee-line for at this time of year and it didn’t disappoint – the weather was glorious and the hillsides covered a huge variety of flowering wild plants, it was a treat and a half to be there surrounded by such blossoming nature. The heat of the mediterranean sun, together with witnessing a wide variety of reptiles, a colourful array of butterflies, and with highly scented blooms filling our nostrils, it felt like we were in paradise.
After searching several areas we were lucky enough to finally find a small mountain valley that was literally thick with Orchids – many different species thriving together, including 3 bee orchids of the genus Ophrys, some growing literally within a metre of each other. As Tom mentioned, these orchids have evolved to deceive male bees into pollinating them by imitating the look of a female bee’s thorax – and by releasing a smell identical to the female insect’s attractant pheromone. Very clever indeed! It was amazing to come across such beautiful orchids and a pleasure to spend time again on the greenest island in Greece.
.
Corfu remains one of my very favourite places to visit, and at this time of year the intensity of its nature never fails to fill me with pleasure. Next week I head to Costa Rica, another of my favourite places in the world. I look forward to sharing my time there with you over the next few weeks..
Orchids of Majorca Snakes of Corfu
Filed under: Uncategorized |
Leave a Reply