Looking for Caralluma eurpea
We met up with the botanists this morning along the cliff path above El Playazo. They were scrambling up the rocky slopes looking for an example of the extremely rare, and fiendishly difficult to find, Caralluma europea.
Caralluma eurpea
This curious plant, a succulent, mimics not only cactus but also the cornicabra shrub, so called because its long, narrow fruits resemble horns. The caralluma produces fruits which are identical. Despite being poisonous, it is a great delicacy to grazing sheep.
Sarcocapnos eneaphylla
Also of interest to them were the little clumps of Sarcocapnos eneaphylla, another rarity, which grow in fissures of rocks.
Coronilla
The attractive Coronilla grows in abundance along this stretch of coast.
Picnic time
At lunchtime they stopped for a picnic down by the beach where, after a brief chat, we left them to enjoy the warm sunshine.
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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.
