Getting to know the Algarvian Flora and Fauna – part 1!

Not unusual to see horses grazing in the meadows surrounding Olhao's saltpans
Not unusual to see horses grazing in the meadows surrounding Olhao’s saltpans

As a northern European one of the delights of the Algarve is that even in the depth of winter it feels like spring – not only is it warmer but there are always flowers.  So being here in spring it is almost overwhelming with the flora.

DSCN9480The Ria Formosa is so beautiful (and would be even prettier if there was less plastic, but that’s a future post)

I have so many photographs of the gorgeous flora in the Ria Formosa, it is probably going to take a few posts to share everything.  Here is just a little of what we have seen over the past few days.

An Echium, but undecided on exactly which one it is!
An Echium, but undecided on which one it is!
A Moorish Gecko - I think!
A Moorish Gecko – I think!
But I prefer to think of them as Ria Formosa miniature dragons.
But I prefer to think of them as Ria Formosa miniature dragons.
Crown Daisy are everywhere (from the Chrysanthemum family) and look stunning
Crown Daisy are everywhere (from the Chrysanthemum family) and look stunning
Yellow Broom Rape - a parasite plant which almost seems to appear overnight.
Yellow Broom Rape – a parasite plant which almost seems to appear overnight.
Pretty sure this is Hollow-stemmed Asphodel
Pretty sure this is Hollow-stemmed Asphodel
Almond Blossom has its own Moorish legend here in the Algarve. Not only does it look wonderful but it smells like honey.
Almond Blossom has its own Moorish legend here in the Algarve. Not only does it look wonderful but it smells like honey.
It looks like a geranium, but not found its name yet. Quite a few around.
When I first posted this wasn’t sure what this was.  I now know – its a Small Tree Mallow.
DSCN9452
Hisbiscus rosa-sinensis

You may have noticed some photographs are without captions.  I am working on this!  It is just there is a little problem . . . . . . I don’t actually know the name of everything I am photographing yet.  I’ve set myself the challenge of getting to know the names of what I am observing.  This will be helped enormously once I get my hands on the Field Guide to Wildflowers in the Algarve which my wonderful mum has bought me for Easter, but in the meanwhile I’m doing what I can via two helpful websites – Algarve Wildlife and Valter Jacinto’s photo gallery.

Is it the stumpy centuary?
Is it the stumpy centuary?

If though there are any flowers you know the name of but I have yet to label, then please do let me know by leaving a comment below.

Ice Plants on Armona
Ice Plants on Armona

Author: BeckyB

It had been a good life walking, cooking, photographing, volunteering, blogging, and best of all spending time with MrB, family, & friends. Sadly it is no longer what it was, as suddenly and unexpectedly I became a widow.

6 thoughts

  1. Pingback: ‘Living Magnets’ in the Algarve | Hidden Delights of the Algarve

  4. Unfortunately missing all these flowers at present.We use the Mediterranean guide to Wildflowers. I think we have the guide you mentioned too. A Kew publication? Lovely post though to remind me while in a cold place!

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