Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sea caves near Agia Napa
Juergen Richter / getty IMAGES ©
A Plethora of Plant Life
The diversity of Cyprus' flora is not immediately obvious to first-time visitors. After the
explosion of colour from endemic flora and wildflowers in spring, summer sees the island
assume an arid appearance, with only a few hardy flowers and thistles.
The island is home to some 1800 species and subspecies of plants, of which about 7%
are indigenous to Cyprus. Five major habitats characterise Cyprus' flora profile: pine
forests, garigue and maquis (underbrush found in the Mediterranean), rocky areas, coastal
areas and wetlands. One of the main places for indigenous plant species is the Troödos
Mountains, where around 45 endemic species can be found.
The Karpas (Kırpaşa) Peninsula has a further 19 endemic species that are found only in
the North.
Over 40 species of orchids can be found on the island; many of these, such as the rare
Punctate orchid, can be spotted in the lap of the Kyrenia Range. The best time to see
