The path along which we walked
This morning we walked along the path that hugs the mountainside above Cortijo del Fraile. This is one of the best walks in the Parque Natural for observing wild flowers and although the best time is a few weeks away there was plenty to observe today.
Platycapnos
The platycapnos, a colourful and interesting little plant,is not often seen yet grows in abundance along this path.
Sawfly orchid
Hidden in the foliage were also some good specimens of sawfly orchid.
Catchfly
Catchfly
The little catchfly, a pretty plant, was in flower.
Arenaria
The tiny white flowers of arenaria are often unnoticed by passers by. This is the best location in the Parque Natural to see them.
Looking inland to Cortijo Montana
The views inland are spectacular. Here we are looking towards the ruins of Cortijo Montana.
Looking towards the coast
At the end of the path there are spectacular views looking towards the sea. The landscape is so typical of Almeria. From here you can drop down another path to the valley but we had to retrace our steps back.
Gum cistus
This walk is lined with bushes of gum cistus. the leaves are glossy and aromatic and the flowers are large and striking.
Pink cistus
Also, there are bushes of the more common pink cistus.
Asphodel
Another plant which grows in abundance in the Cabo de Gata is asphodel.
A clump of French lavender
French lavender
We also saw plenty of French lavender, strongly aromatic and a gorgeous shade of deep purple.
Like this:
Like Loading...
About Margaret Merry
I grew up in Falmouth, Cornwall, England where, after leaving Falmouth High School, I spent a year at Falmouth School of Art. Then followed three years at Hornsey College of Art in London where I obtained a Diploma in Art and Design. I then spent a post-graduate year at the West of England College of Art in Bristol where I gained an Art Teacher?s Diploma and a Certificate in Education of the University of Bristol. I lived and worked in Truro for over 30 years and became one of Cornwall's most popular artists. My paintings have been exhibited in New York, Tokyo, Paris and London and have been bought by collectors from all over the world. I have published 4 books which became local bestsellers - 'The Natural History of a Westcountry City', 'Margaret Merry's Cornish Garden Sketchbook', 'Sea & Sail' and 'Tidal Reaches'.
In 2002 I moved to Spain and now live on a farm near the historic town of Loja in El Poniente Granadino in the Province of Granada. I now get my inspiration from the dramatic mountain scenery of Andalucia which I finds lends itself to the medium of pastel and the old towns and villages which I prefer to capture in watercolour.
I have written and illustrated 3 children's books - The Wise Old Boar, The Lonely Digger and The Adventure of Princess The Pony - which are being published in the USA. The Lonely Digger is now available to purchase on line at www.strategicbookpublishing.com/TheLonelyDigger.html and The Wise Old Boar at www.strategicbookpublishing.com/TheWiseOldBoar.html . The books are inspired by the wildlife and landscapes around my home.
Pingback: Ruins in an arid landscape | Colours of Spain
Hi Margaret,
Been trying to identify the Asphodel which i have pictured growing along the roadside at Ojen whilst flying through on my Bus trips to Apple PC lessons in Marbella??the road through there is tortuos & terrifying as it drops down the mountainside into the white village & similarly back out.
I love the orchids,when i was in Tadley,Hants the Parish Council administered some local mixed woodland as a nature reserve where as a councillor I was a warden.One sunday my usual dog walk (with my springer)was into the woods where I was going to check on the orchids.A local lady enquired why i was there & when I stated what i was doing she said oh please tell where i can see them???adding that she would only pick 1 ????
Thanks for posting these wild flowers,
Malcolm.
Gorgeous flowers,hows your arm Margaret?