The Cretan Date Palm
Crete is home to the largest palm forest in Europe.
The Cretan date palm (Phoenix theophrasti), also known as the Cretan palm and locally known as Theofrastus’ palm is a rare endemic species of the Aegean Sea, found in various regions including Crete, some Aegean islands, and Antalya.
Palm trees flourish in sandy valleys or rocky coastal areas. The species was newly described in 1967 by Greuter and was named in honour of the father of botany, Theophrastus (372-287 BC), who was the first to mention the existence of the palm tree in Crete.
This tree can grow up to a height of 15 metres and typically generates numerous offshoots. Interestingly, its date-like fruits are not consumed. Presently, there is growing concern about the future of this palm tree, given that other palm species have faced significant devastation due to the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), an invasive species imported from Africa.
In Crete, you can find the largest palm forest in Europe, situated in Vai, Sitia. Additionally, there are other palm forests in Agios Nikitas of Asterousia and in Martsalos Gorge.
Photo: By maulejobs Via create.vista
The flora of Crete
Greek Sage
Cretan Oregano or Cretan Marjoram
Colchicum Balansae - Balansa Colchico
Cretan Zelkova
Carob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)
Kermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)
Ironwort
Sand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)
Cretan Cyclamen
The Cretan Cephalanthera
Dittany
Phoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited Juniper
Gallipoli Rose
Natural Monuments
Lilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)
Thyme
Oregano
Camomile
Mint
Preserving the Heritage: Ancient Olive Trees of Crete
The Ancient Olive Tree of Vrysses, Amari
Bali's Ancient Olive Tree: Documented in Preservation Efforts
Gra Elia (The Old Olive Tree)
The Ancient Olive Tree of Kato Asites: Host to the 1st Olive Festival
Sitia's Ancient Olive Tree: A Record of Preservation Initiatives
Asperula Crassula
Carlina diae, Carlina of Dia
Anthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed Chamomile
Thymbra Calostachya
Dianthus Fruticosus Subsp. Sitiacus
Silene Holzmannii
Carlina Sitiensis
Bellevalia Sitiaca
Limonium Sitiacum
Viola Scorpiuroides
The Ancient Olive Tree of Kakodiki
Laurel
Rosemary
Common Basil
Honeysuckle
Oat
Chaste tree
Myrtle
Cretan Rockrose
Ophrys Sitiaca
The Ancient Olive Tree of Viannos: Unveiling a Treasured Discovery
The Ancient Olive Tree of Fourfouras
Mandrake
Androcymbium Rechingeri
Autumn Lady's-tresses
Tournefort Crocus
Orchis Sitiaca
Ancient Olive Tree in Kouroutes
Mediterranean Meadow Saffron