Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kotschy's bee orchid
Alice Reece / getty IMAGES ©
FLOWER POWER
For the best flower-spotting, enthusiasts will need to spend plenty of time trekking and searching, as many spe-
cies are limited to small geographical areas. You'll need to enjoy a ramble and be patient.
Casey's larkspur This is a late-flowering species that carries a dozen or more deep-violet, long-spurred flowers
atop a slender stem. Its habitat is limited to the rocky peaks 1.5km southwest of St Hilarion.
Cyprus crocus This is a delicate white and yellow flower from the iris family. An endangered species, it's pro-
tected by law and is generally found at high altitudes in the Troödos Mountains.
Cyprus tulip Delicate and dark red, this is another rare, protected species found in the Akamas Peninsula, the
Koruçam (Kormakitis) Peninsula and remote parts of the Beşparmak (Pentadaktylos) Range.
Orchids The most popular wildflowers for enthusiasts. its varieties include the one endemic orchid, Kotschy's
bee orchid, is an exquisite species that resembles a bee, both in its shape and patterning. While fairly rare, it's
found in habitats all over the island. Other varieties found on the slopes of Mt Olympus include the slender, pink
Troödos Anatolian orchid, the cone-shaped pyramidal orchid, the giant orchid and the colourful woodcock orchid.
St Hilarion cabbage This unlikely sounding beauty grows in the North, mainly on rocky outcrops near St Hil-
arion Castle. This large endemic cabbage flower grows to 1m in height and has spikes of creamy white flowers.
Troödos golden drop A member of the borage family, this is an endemic yellow bell-shaped flower appearing
in leafy clusters. Another endangered species, it's confined to the highest peaks of the Troödos Mountains.
