Move your mouse over pictures for English names of plants.
Biarum marmarisense, Symi, October 2005
This arum, formerly regarded as a subspecies of the similar but smaller B. davisii from Crete, is found in Symi and coastal Western Turkey. In Symi it is most abundant on the limestone ridges to the north and south of Pedi. The leaves are small and do not appear until after flowering.
Colchicum balansae, Symi, October 2005
One of several autumn-flowering Colchicum species found on the island.
Colchicum macrophyllum, Symi, October 2005
The largest-leaved Symi Colchicum species, with the springtime leaves resembling those of Charybdis maritima, the autumn squill. The Colchicum leaves are usually slightly pleated and may show the pointed tip of a seed pod in the centre of the leaf rosette; in addition they will often squeak when rubbed gently with a shoe, whereas Charybdis is silent.
Colchicum pusillum, Symi, October 2005
This tiny Colchicum is sometimes mistaken for a true Crocus, if not overlooked altogether. It is often found in areas of bare ground, in upland limestone areas, where water may pool in winter.
Prospero autumnale, Symi, October 2005
The autumn squill, formerly Scilla autumnalis, occurs in shades from blue-violet through lilac to pinkish-purple. Bacause of the colour, it is often difficult to see from a distance.
Sternbergia lutea, Symi, October 2005
As with many of the smaller Aegean islands, it is difficult to tell whether the often-cultivated yellow autumn crocus is a native plant or simply an established escape. On Symi, it only appears to be present near the main town.
Lance Chilton and Marengo 2012
Marengo, 17 Bernard Crescent, Hunstanton PE36 6ER, England
