WILD FLOWERS OF THE ALGARVE
SOUTHERN PORTUGAL

The autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale appears soon after the first rain. Like the sea squill it flowers before the leaves appear. It produces a long pale corolla tube straight out of the ground which divides into six delicate violet pink petals.

Scrambling over old walls is an interesting plant. Aristolochia baetica, a Birthwort. In December it may begin to produce dark trumpet-like flowers. The diagram shows, (clockwise from the top left) a flower, a bud and a young seed capsule. Often the plants will still carry the dried seed capsules from last year. Shown below right is the one of the lantern-like capsules.

The Friar's cowl, Arisarum vulgare can be found sheltering beneath the bright green leaves along walls and under trees. these leaves will grow as soon as the first rains fall.

In cork oak forests a heather, Calluna vulgaris blooms with lilac flowers. It is known as Scottish Heather in Britain. It flourishes here in the Algarve on cool north facing slopes above rivers.