Cretan Cyclamen
The Cretan cyclamen is an endemic species found exclusively in Crete and Karpathos.
The Cretan cyclamen (Cyclamen creticum), belonging to the family of Primulidae, thrives in shaded areas during the spring season.
The Cretan cyclamen (Cyclamen creticum) is an endemic species found in Crete and Karpathos. Featuring long-petiolate, ivy-shaped leaves, its thin, purple stem supports broad, dark green leaves with white spots and a reddish-purple underside.
The mature flowers have five lobes, and as they blossom, five stamens turn downward. These white flowers bloom from March to April. Notably, its root is also utilised in pharmacy.
Photo 1: Liapakis,S. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete
Photo 2: Trichas,A. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete
The flora of Crete
Greek Sage
Cretan Oregano or Cretan MarjoramColchicum Balansae - Balansa ColchicoCretan ZelkovaCarob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)The Cretan Date PalmKermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)IronwortSand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)The Cretan CephalantheraDittanyPhoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited JuniperGallipoli RoseNatural MonumentsLilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)ThymeOreganoCamomileMintPreserving the Heritage: Ancient Olive Trees of CreteThe Ancient Olive Tree of Vrysses, AmariBali's Ancient Olive Tree: Documented in Preservation EffortsGra Elia (The Old Olive Tree)The Ancient Olive Tree of Kato Asites: Host to the 1st Olive FestivalSitia's Ancient Olive Tree: A Record of Preservation InitiativesAsperula CrassulaCarlina diae, Carlina of DiaAnthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed ChamomileThymbra CalostachyaDianthus Fruticosus Subsp. SitiacusSilene HolzmanniiCarlina SitiensisBellevalia SitiacaLimonium SitiacumViola ScorpiuroidesThe Ancient Olive Tree of KakodikiLaurelRosemaryCommon BasilHoneysuckleOatChaste treeMyrtleCretan RockroseOphrys SitiacaThe Ancient Olive Tree of Viannos: Unveiling a Treasured DiscoveryThe Ancient Olive Tree of FourfourasMandrakeAndrocymbium RechingeriAutumn Lady's-tressesTournefort CrocusOrchis SitiacaAncient Olive Tree in KouroutesMediterranean Meadow Saffron
Cretan Oregano or Cretan MarjoramColchicum Balansae - Balansa ColchicoCretan ZelkovaCarob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)The Cretan Date PalmKermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)IronwortSand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)The Cretan CephalantheraDittanyPhoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited JuniperGallipoli RoseNatural MonumentsLilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)ThymeOreganoCamomileMintPreserving the Heritage: Ancient Olive Trees of CreteThe Ancient Olive Tree of Vrysses, AmariBali's Ancient Olive Tree: Documented in Preservation EffortsGra Elia (The Old Olive Tree)The Ancient Olive Tree of Kato Asites: Host to the 1st Olive FestivalSitia's Ancient Olive Tree: A Record of Preservation InitiativesAsperula CrassulaCarlina diae, Carlina of DiaAnthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed ChamomileThymbra CalostachyaDianthus Fruticosus Subsp. SitiacusSilene HolzmanniiCarlina SitiensisBellevalia SitiacaLimonium SitiacumViola ScorpiuroidesThe Ancient Olive Tree of KakodikiLaurelRosemaryCommon BasilHoneysuckleOatChaste treeMyrtleCretan RockroseOphrys SitiacaThe Ancient Olive Tree of Viannos: Unveiling a Treasured DiscoveryThe Ancient Olive Tree of FourfourasMandrakeAndrocymbium RechingeriAutumn Lady's-tressesTournefort CrocusOrchis SitiacaAncient Olive Tree in KouroutesMediterranean Meadow Saffron