The flora of Crete, the richest in Europe, has its own history with roots in the era when Asia and Europe were unified. The flora of Crete numbers 1800 species 10% of which are endemic, i.e. grow only in specific regions. This wealth in plant life is the primordial legacy of Crete and the result of unique microclimatic conditions prevailing on the island for thousands of years. The multifaceted relief of the island in mountains, gorges, valleys, etc. creates diverse biotopes distinguished for their flora and fauna. The E.U. program NATURA 2000 registered 109 different types of ecotopes in Greece 55 of which were recorded on the island of Crete. Although the area of Crete is only 6% of the area of Greece, yet it hosts approximately 28% of the entire flora encountered in Greece.

In the last few years, botanist and professor of applied sciences at the Technological Educational Institute of Heraklion, Mr. Zacharias Cypriotakis, discovered 4 new plant species: the Allium Platakissi, found on Pontikonissi rock off the shores of Crete; the Scilla Talosi, found on the isle of Dia (7 miles north of Heraklion); the Bellevasia Sitiaca, and Limonium Cornarum found in the region of Sitia (east Crete). Mr. Cypriotakis is currently studying 15 more plant species that are probably new, in which case the known flora of Crete is expected to increase significantly.

Perpetual Spring

The flora of Crete is not only rich, but also interesting: a large number of plants and herbs are always in blossom and when perceived in their particular habitat create the impression of perpetual, cyclic spring. In other words, off-season Spring is relative to the location where blossoming plants are noticed. In winter this perception is verified along the coast line where scores of little flowers are in blossom. Spring recedes to its natural locus of the prairies and from there to higher and higher altitudes the following two seasons.