tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30982427328501435202024-03-05T09:31:29.618+01:00Nature Notes and Photos From GangivecchioGangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-78774300293387117752009-09-16T14:57:00.002+02:002009-09-16T15:11:19.351+02:00Mediterranean thistle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwZWgsmX_Y3h7NRv6Vxe0QP0Dz87gizEx5Qg0zQDJcsydNyoQ_tb5UbjLEXM3XycqeESto2LpNni53eDn9jRtdWIfZDn_m4-uAXyyn6MbshmAmoEob7qbFYhlrW_Isc8DOV8GpqQtEmo/s1600-h/IMG_1561_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382052053139835922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwZWgsmX_Y3h7NRv6Vxe0QP0Dz87gizEx5Qg0zQDJcsydNyoQ_tb5UbjLEXM3XycqeESto2LpNni53eDn9jRtdWIfZDn_m4-uAXyyn6MbshmAmoEob7qbFYhlrW_Isc8DOV8GpqQtEmo/s320/IMG_1561_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Few plants of the Sicilian countryside bloom in autumn, but the Mediterranean thistle is a unique and attractive exception. This stemless plant produces a single strikingly beautiful flower head 1.5 to 3 in (4 to 8 cm) in diameter at ground level in September or October after the rosette of prickly, divided leaves have dried. The large root of this thistle is toxic if eaten, but a thick resinous liquid extracted from it has commercial uses. Grows in open, sunny roadsides and borders of pastures and cultivated fields, most common on dry alkaline soils.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Atractylis gummifera, syn. Carlina gummifera</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Masticogna laticifera</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Mediterranean or Pine thistle</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-81847899423983300002009-08-26T15:56:00.002+02:002009-08-26T16:11:25.947+02:00Tree of heaven<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUDZQm-EbGu9PoKKB0lahe8i7LKuE5aoi5gE0NVLIReWSWBfJ4yvD0zX2Rdf3m0w6mZwx8KNgaxaQ-iYF0qOWFHSjzZUsdwoWjY1bRSRWcr46HkU514gqqY8Fr6wKct4UwwBl7oojbdI/s1600-h/IMG_1544_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374274744841493570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUDZQm-EbGu9PoKKB0lahe8i7LKuE5aoi5gE0NVLIReWSWBfJ4yvD0zX2Rdf3m0w6mZwx8KNgaxaQ-iYF0qOWFHSjzZUsdwoWjY1bRSRWcr46HkU514gqqY8Fr6wKct4UwwBl7oojbdI/s320/IMG_1544_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Originally imported from China to England in the mid-18th century, this fast growing, aggressive and invasive tree is now naturalized over much of southern Europe, Canada and North America. It grows in dense stands of slender saplings or as a single specimen to 40 ft(12 m) tall. When bruised or crushed the leaves and flowers of male trees have a strong, unpleasant odor. Female trees bear thousands of winged seedpods in large clusters and turn an attractive reddish brown color in late summer. The tropical looking foliage is shed in autumn and the tree is leafless over winter. Tree of heaven is short lived and the wood is brittle but sprouts grow vigorously from the roots and stump. Once established this species is very difficult to eradicate. Grows along roadsides and disturbed or abandoned areas.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Ailanthus altissima</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Ailanto, Albero del paradiso</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Tree of heaven</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-24535483973119093342009-08-11T15:15:00.002+02:002009-08-11T15:30:34.683+02:00Caper<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaPNNVW4GLRCYHOGkmMRkzeRgVG4hy9pa_Iaidvnj09wkznuLDJEvf-lG0T69Oe6UGO8FJa6ISXm7TJdEj4QapkA4QAN2YJH72PRlfb7IgNRwWFLn0whK882LORYUsnG9ZEEtdmsHtQg/s1600-h/IMG_1364_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368697820290654258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaPNNVW4GLRCYHOGkmMRkzeRgVG4hy9pa_Iaidvnj09wkznuLDJEvf-lG0T69Oe6UGO8FJa6ISXm7TJdEj4QapkA4QAN2YJH72PRlfb7IgNRwWFLn0whK882LORYUsnG9ZEEtdmsHtQg/s320/IMG_1364_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiEfqBzbyAagtG21WxFy2AzSkMu2tPjekAOvtkmFJnqeNzshmGOOpm7LLoT53y7M82B24jXVzy1VDLzx6NGYg9pjhKTJzjzXIzhWjxCfn-iyMEzzkyPoaj-l3hFLIwk1xU1exVAYTW2w/s1600-h/IMG_1359_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368697819615926530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiEfqBzbyAagtG21WxFy2AzSkMu2tPjekAOvtkmFJnqeNzshmGOOpm7LLoT53y7M82B24jXVzy1VDLzx6NGYg9pjhKTJzjzXIzhWjxCfn-iyMEzzkyPoaj-l3hFLIwk1xU1exVAYTW2w/s320/IMG_1359_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Treasured by humans for culinary seasonings and garnishes since ancient times, capers are the immature flower buds of a tough, drought tolerant shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region. This dense, scrambling or sprawling perennial bush may grow to as much as 5 ft (1.5 m) tall with an even greater spread. Solitary, 4-petaled white to pinkish flowers with long slender stamens open over a long period from spring into summer among thick rounded leaves. The stems may be spiny or unarmed. After harvest, the flower buds are preserved in granular salt or pickled in vinegar. Grows cascading or hanging from cracks and crevices in stone walls, boulders, and rock outcroppings with full sun exposure and in nutrient poor, fast draining soils of road embankments.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Capparis spinosa</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Cappero comune</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Caper</strong></div></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-47303734382314837212009-08-11T15:01:00.003+02:002009-08-11T15:14:56.807+02:00Wild teasel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1VFfYglzMI2gCESYSxUIU-__kO7FwNXYHoHfFHgGi3vbR6VzgiSQlcKG41w8PQ9kFhlkZ4EVDlDjYQDfbPo18eR2__OaABrV7IAy1irBaCaV9qnJyEBpNv598KDLK2Ne3fcvjqv3-vA/s1600-h/Wild+teasel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368693643023544450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1VFfYglzMI2gCESYSxUIU-__kO7FwNXYHoHfFHgGi3vbR6VzgiSQlcKG41w8PQ9kFhlkZ4EVDlDjYQDfbPo18eR2__OaABrV7IAy1irBaCaV9qnJyEBpNv598KDLK2Ne3fcvjqv3-vA/s320/Wild+teasel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlgkn2NIYWAc8DkbStXPHI1RfDzQIIRR6_8_CuXJf9gUvbidsNeWo5ZDQ9Iol_kfAoUwjfbxQtpztI33YG1FzxUkp1b9ccXnBUD06MV4PSPfDEyHf0AUFZ1Zkg0he-YlPJfn-BN1kiL0/s1600-h/IMG_1371_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368693640741838674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlgkn2NIYWAc8DkbStXPHI1RfDzQIIRR6_8_CuXJf9gUvbidsNeWo5ZDQ9Iol_kfAoUwjfbxQtpztI33YG1FzxUkp1b9ccXnBUD06MV4PSPfDEyHf0AUFZ1Zkg0he-YlPJfn-BN1kiL0/s320/IMG_1371_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>From mid-summer and throughout winter this herbaceous native with erect, prickly and hollow stems to 6 ft (2 m) tall and large seed heads is a conspicuous plant in the Sicilian countryside. The dark pink flowers attract bees and the seed heads that follow are a food source for some birds. Once used as a natural comb for raising the nap on fabrics, especially wool, the mature seed heads are now a favorite decorative element in dried flower arrangements. Grows in sunny, uncultivated fields and woodland clearings, open borders of cultivated land and roadsides.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Dipsacus</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Cardo dei lanaioli</strong><br /></div><div>English common name<strong>: Wild teasel</strong></div></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-1991918204564724482009-08-11T14:46:00.002+02:002009-08-11T15:01:07.495+02:00SAGRA Della SPIGA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAFVefrAED-3-i6gEZLichi_ncNH6wM_H-ol-twTXW3ZNONxSiVeX6tmlHDdcKvUPjPB08JoDoUoHYrrDqjjBVrqyf7wPDENTdIzmId2w4TqRccZZdglAS4NQIWyPPaMOBCEJjMUXFwY/s1600-h/IMG_1436_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368690116292145634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAFVefrAED-3-i6gEZLichi_ncNH6wM_H-ol-twTXW3ZNONxSiVeX6tmlHDdcKvUPjPB08JoDoUoHYrrDqjjBVrqyf7wPDENTdIzmId2w4TqRccZZdglAS4NQIWyPPaMOBCEJjMUXFwY/s320/IMG_1436_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvRMebdlH-DkxxPCXfEQIAfIxVR0sumNwefP11ioBNHrmbTi1cI3JMkSQ8lhZdWNecz_5v0I0Zj6Im2mpzW-cHQmDQbrW8vcJxoVM-qCOOiOGh-ezBZp3ocbhQagMe2eIaHk20rBHcHY/s1600-h/IMG_1465_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368690119436584402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvRMebdlH-DkxxPCXfEQIAfIxVR0sumNwefP11ioBNHrmbTi1cI3JMkSQ8lhZdWNecz_5v0I0Zj6Im2mpzW-cHQmDQbrW8vcJxoVM-qCOOiOGh-ezBZp3ocbhQagMe2eIaHk20rBHcHY/s320/IMG_1465_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Gangi, a hill town in the province of Palermo, is famous for its celebration of the summer wheat harvest. This 10-day festival that attracts spectators from all over Sicily and beyond includes:</div><br /><div>- traditional folkloric dances, ('La Cordella' and others) performed by Gangi and Castellana Sicula dance groups<br /></div><div>- special children's dance programs and music shows</div><br /><div>-a procession to the Santuario dello Spirito Santo, celebration of mass, blessings and distribution of the special bread 'Pane di Burgisi'</div><br /><div>-nightly concerts with traditional, popular and classical music programs and comedy plays</div><br /><div>-agricultural meetings and tasting of local food products</div><br /><div>-<strong>a final day parade with reenactment of ancient myths, musical and dance groups, examples of traditional rural culture and sleds pulled by oxen</strong></div></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-42328227394296134702009-08-07T15:49:00.002+02:002009-08-07T16:02:54.732+02:00Queen Anne's lace<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXglI-0oPVrrPA75aduJ6uBOS154vrEVpgsiwaQW5KXgi8aTFo1mi5766I37UA0XLTZn1fgg6dQQuw5sP9KH71RsiTyEmHuraZVTaTwCzhO_-c18-rv1cCYH35WTp2gPAuis3c7CnHQU/s1600-h/IMG_1368_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367221894703699346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXglI-0oPVrrPA75aduJ6uBOS154vrEVpgsiwaQW5KXgi8aTFo1mi5766I37UA0XLTZn1fgg6dQQuw5sP9KH71RsiTyEmHuraZVTaTwCzhO_-c18-rv1cCYH35WTp2gPAuis3c7CnHQU/s320/IMG_1368_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioT2KWUq-ZhebkS1_WIAUyBl0KkLU3i0H6v2A_Oseei8HAYT46vUFPeCxjIFvuZ5ftH8vnWOOP0mgg-IRgeBChCtuCZ-tICM5K0HUZjkb7RhCEhfbAcwiE1wNILh8F1ObXXEDKKG0WUo4/s1600-h/IMG_0650_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367221891211553202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioT2KWUq-ZhebkS1_WIAUyBl0KkLU3i0H6v2A_Oseei8HAYT46vUFPeCxjIFvuZ5ftH8vnWOOP0mgg-IRgeBChCtuCZ-tICM5K0HUZjkb7RhCEhfbAcwiE1wNILh8F1ObXXEDKKG0WUo4/s320/IMG_0650_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>With dainty circular clusters of tiny white flowers, Queen Anne's lace is one of the leading characters in Sicily's summer wildflower display. A single red flower sometimes seen at the center of the flat bloom head serves to attract pollinating insects. As the flower cluster matures and produces seeds, it rolls inward to form a rounded, tan-colored 'bird's nest' shape. This wild ancestor of the cultivated carrot, classed as a variable biennial, has slender, erect and hairy stems 1.5 to 3 ft (0.5 to 1 m) tall and a large taproot that smells like a carrot.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Daucus carota</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Carota selvatica</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Queen Anne's lace, Wild carrot</strong></div></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-7687397385331352482009-08-07T15:38:00.002+02:002009-08-07T15:49:25.764+02:00Red Valerian<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvB0QepSUVNM83dorUeu9bPkeeZ7NhWCSV3m8EyxbAJdfDD1NDXDECOQBKnSTPekb4xaMBPchCDNO7v6UCXjvvw-ine7Bd95x4SpD73j_Vj4Lg1YWPYwxP47KSmQP-80qNR3v07WHYnwY/s1600-h/IMG_1308_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367218464842531970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvB0QepSUVNM83dorUeu9bPkeeZ7NhWCSV3m8EyxbAJdfDD1NDXDECOQBKnSTPekb4xaMBPchCDNO7v6UCXjvvw-ine7Bd95x4SpD73j_Vj4Lg1YWPYwxP47KSmQP-80qNR3v07WHYnwY/s320/IMG_1308_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Through spring into early summer, this showy native perennial displays dense clusters of small purple red to crimson or rarely white blooms along the upper stems. Much-branched and woody at the base, the plant grows 12 to 28 in (30 to 70 cm) tall. Red Valerian can be cultivated in the landscape, but it should be controlled to prevent spread into areas where it is not wanted. Grows on sunny roadsides, embankments and borders of fields and sometimes from old stone walls.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Centranthus ruber</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Camarezza comune</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Red Valerian</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-38564733658763598192009-07-06T16:27:00.002+02:002009-07-06T16:38:45.738+02:00Current Activities<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5OBBmRZ3ZX-yf_NiSildIDdt1qOhyphenhyphen12IzcFTTOkhziHi4QrAv4xf8krzpHhaN50rb3Yay53cEbPafUE-1bJKCJlDIrpfkzG-cFbqOe4_2x0JWhqq_nPsepaxEN4X5e-rO_pXUq5hFpA/s1600-h/IMG_1346_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355356538251438130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5OBBmRZ3ZX-yf_NiSildIDdt1qOhyphenhyphen12IzcFTTOkhziHi4QrAv4xf8krzpHhaN50rb3Yay53cEbPafUE-1bJKCJlDIrpfkzG-cFbqOe4_2x0JWhqq_nPsepaxEN4X5e-rO_pXUq5hFpA/s320/IMG_1346_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In this photo, Glenn Story, Associate Professor at Classics and Antropology, University of Iowa, and his assistant, Brian Horton, Penn State University, are looking over the long bones from Burial 6 of the 2005 test pit in the Abbey courtyard. They are trying to determine the minimum number of individuals in this very mixed-up burial context by counting human skeletal elements. Currently, Story believes the burial consists of all women and children, victims either of a natural disaster such as an earthquake, or perhaps of an epidemic. The burial dates to around A.D. 350, and despite the apparent haste of the depositry of bodies, time was taken to bury them with ceramic jugs and glass vessels.</div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-53423630347679396362009-07-06T16:18:00.003+02:002009-07-06T16:27:20.774+02:00Current Activities<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL1d70XPxprxDL_pFgp_hyYEODP5HTyi-DgI9g0ZvgbmS0g_ENkyAj0AC5Q5seqZiCf29L9OWMIMhlN81DdExHxgfRHdixBBAi5ua23XKK1Xft-OBUH3esDj2ngKKZO2_qhd0gx8lCg8/s1600-h/IMG_1339_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355353551755455778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL1d70XPxprxDL_pFgp_hyYEODP5HTyi-DgI9g0ZvgbmS0g_ENkyAj0AC5Q5seqZiCf29L9OWMIMhlN81DdExHxgfRHdixBBAi5ua23XKK1Xft-OBUH3esDj2ngKKZO2_qhd0gx8lCg8/s320/IMG_1339_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In this photo, Amy Wood, graduate student in Landscape Architecture at the University of Arizona is gathering data in the Gangivecchio abbey courtyard in connection with her summer internship. This project will serve as the thesis for Amy's Master's degree program at the University of Arizona. Her final report will also provide a useful basis for future Gangivecchio applications for grant funds.</div><br /><div>As part of this project, Amy will develop a Gangivecchio site analysis and inventory, a base map, proposed concepts, and a master plan as well as final recommendations.</div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-78493688610528816402009-06-29T09:12:00.002+02:002009-06-29T09:23:19.394+02:00Spanish broom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUOKaswvjzZ5S3A4G9Hbxb49mRNqQ-MZiAbgyhgCn4SU5cguMIIm0l8IWQTxSDTWmQdwbIcVNrkn9ntDxsMPdky9KGrTbWyS_qhaVaz2qw7ayAKAdDL7jdVCvkYW927QNyrU3M94PyEk/s1600-h/IMG_0596_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352646669820498114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUOKaswvjzZ5S3A4G9Hbxb49mRNqQ-MZiAbgyhgCn4SU5cguMIIm0l8IWQTxSDTWmQdwbIcVNrkn9ntDxsMPdky9KGrTbWyS_qhaVaz2qw7ayAKAdDL7jdVCvkYW927QNyrU3M94PyEk/s320/IMG_0596_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>For several weeks in Spring and early Summer, sweetly scented, bright yellow flowers appear in clusters at the tips of upright or ascending green cylindrical stems of this shrub which grows 2-9 ft (60-300 cm) tall, depending on site conditions. The leaves are small, few in number, and present only for a brief time. For most of the year photosynthesis is performed by the spineless green stems. This greatly reduces the evaporative loss of water from the plant during long periods of dry weather. Grows on dry sunny slopes, roadsides and pastures.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Spartium junceum</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Ginistra comune</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Spanish broom</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-35594236606236496812009-06-02T15:35:00.002+02:002009-06-02T15:45:11.880+02:00Spiny broom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8Z0AqyLCsI0MhZ3jQe8E1eAM1h6caSM4hWKfcq6qTiv78DdrE7FJ1pok-L7bkXRAOg5md1CLTzcI0Eg33_DMV2k25qiKx7GIZZxLefGwF2YJfrR_nF-uRFw08c_VTFQJtcrTAOFGn9s/s1600-h/IMG_1250.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342725779311750466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8Z0AqyLCsI0MhZ3jQe8E1eAM1h6caSM4hWKfcq6qTiv78DdrE7FJ1pok-L7bkXRAOg5md1CLTzcI0Eg33_DMV2k25qiKx7GIZZxLefGwF2YJfrR_nF-uRFw08c_VTFQJtcrTAOFGn9s/s320/IMG_1250.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In spring, this densely branched, spiny shrub with 3-parted leaves is blanketed with masses of bright yellow flowers. It grows to 6 ft (2 m) tall, and may be seen as a single specimen, in small groups and often in large spreading colonies. Bacteria which form nodules on the roots of this Sicilian native fix atmospheric nitrogen for the host and nearby plants. Grows on dry, rocky slopes and hillsides with full sun exposure.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Calicotome villosa</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Calicotome</strong><br /></div><div>English common name<strong>: Spiny </strong>broom </div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-50795723625507176712009-06-02T09:06:00.002+02:002009-06-02T09:20:39.056+02:00Mauritania grass<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24jdSyPUXiXwuZQgaNQ9EkFBJk67OVafJIrR43frt2BXMeGEj4b21jMnrGZMF7rz-NzQqGozPHn7cfBlKMlmvX3uzMEprRDXNXIDEBJznjquhigPO4Udr4tZhjIacbb9dZWr06Ln5mE0/s1600-h/IMG_1331_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342626604838285458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24jdSyPUXiXwuZQgaNQ9EkFBJk67OVafJIrR43frt2BXMeGEj4b21jMnrGZMF7rz-NzQqGozPHn7cfBlKMlmvX3uzMEprRDXNXIDEBJznjquhigPO4Udr4tZhjIacbb9dZWr06Ln5mE0/s320/IMG_1331_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This tough, perennial Mediterranean grass may form clumps as much as 6 ft (2 m) tall and wide, although plants are smaller on less favorable sites. The long stalked flower plumes may extend 3 ft (1 m) above the foliage. In times past the slender, durable leaves were made into mattress stuffing and chair seats, rustic brooms and baskets, and short-lived torches. The leaves were also braided to make crude rope and fishing line and to fasten grape vines to their support. Housewives used the flower stalks for forming macaroni. Nowadays other materials are available for these needs and the grass is seldom collected to make artisanal products. Grows on sunny, rocky hillsides and is one of the first plants to appear after forest fire.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Ampelodesmos mauritanicus</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Tagliamani</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Mauritania grass</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-15734537992058743292009-05-29T08:48:00.002+02:002009-05-29T08:59:57.321+02:00European elder<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAlgH6qmpxt-Z_otXclm_WUb9U0v7oX86zl3zihCNiHHA1nd-9Fjsq3H50BIeeaDLM19k-FFAhse_1xp369zpKDGaew3ghc0PlnWkVntuUATc8K48REp5yvHP5zWLivAulAGmzZZbU7U/s1600-h/IMG_0578_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341136963478705122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAlgH6qmpxt-Z_otXclm_WUb9U0v7oX86zl3zihCNiHHA1nd-9Fjsq3H50BIeeaDLM19k-FFAhse_1xp369zpKDGaew3ghc0PlnWkVntuUATc8K48REp5yvHP5zWLivAulAGmzZZbU7U/s320/IMG_0578_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This small native tree creates quite a show in Spring with flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers against a dense background of bright green leaves. The flowers are still occasionally used in simple rustic fritter and bread recipes. When fully ripe, the small, juicy, purple-black berries are made into jam and in times past they were considered effective prepared as a tradional medicine.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Sambucus nigra</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Sambuco comune</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>European elder</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-30606797784523483722009-05-28T08:45:00.002+02:002009-05-28T08:57:36.472+02:00Poppy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpQglo9OTLem74kf6EXdoEt19jqkVnXsUm6l1ftjzbFF5QKWqgUO1wgLiPq3hfLNPSz1xUuNLchDBij8T-D8-7IpUnB0nPVxzENMVOToUYDSZMvrYIjS_WQ4rSMFM1qzDNgex5tQAetg/s1600-h/IMG_1311_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340765214062731730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpQglo9OTLem74kf6EXdoEt19jqkVnXsUm6l1ftjzbFF5QKWqgUO1wgLiPq3hfLNPSz1xUuNLchDBij8T-D8-7IpUnB0nPVxzENMVOToUYDSZMvrYIjS_WQ4rSMFM1qzDNgex5tQAetg/s320/IMG_1311_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In spring the solitary orange-red flowers of Flanders Field poppies open on erect stems 8 to 24 in.(20 to 60 cm) tall. Some flowers of this species show a conspicuous black spot at the base of each of the four petals. The fiery splendor of great drifts of poppies in bloom is a favorite subject of landscape painters and photographers. They grow in sunny cultivated and uncultivated fields, pastures, stony slopes, roadsides and embankments.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Papaver rhoeas</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Papavero comune</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Flanders Field poppy</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-34293198950191131362009-05-17T10:42:00.002+02:002009-05-17T10:55:07.902+02:00Giant fennel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NqFynBAfTQ0IvUGuwTpo2rHdCrGV1yuu-yoFjSdgPApXR2Bw4wuIFc3k_12kVDo8gsTfJO1jDrUpwmsSbq9ph9cLDzpYIhHUnpP-VfJSP3jZ4NpwEZzMTn-9dfiDT00U_EX0xRSBVqM/s1600-h/IMG_1279_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336713662169225362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NqFynBAfTQ0IvUGuwTpo2rHdCrGV1yuu-yoFjSdgPApXR2Bw4wuIFc3k_12kVDo8gsTfJO1jDrUpwmsSbq9ph9cLDzpYIhHUnpP-VfJSP3jZ4NpwEZzMTn-9dfiDT00U_EX0xRSBVqM/s320/IMG_1279_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>If we were to select a single native plant as a symbol of Sicily's spectacular spring flora it would surely be Giant fennel or Ferla. From a rosette of dark green, finely divided foliage Giant fennel sends up a thick, succulent bloom stalk to 6 ft. (2 m) tall in mid-spring. The rounded 3 in. (7.5 cm) clusters of bright yellow flowers that develop along the upper of this stem make a striking display of color and texture. Despite its similar appearance and common name, Giant fennel is not the true fennel of culinary fame. A simple identity test is to crush a small sample of the foliage. Giant fennel lacks the unmistakable sweet aromatic fragrance of edible fennel.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Ferula communis</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Ferla, Ferula</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Giant fennel</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-78198125452426087472009-05-13T15:09:00.003+02:002009-05-13T15:20:22.485+02:00Sulla<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArLGPz6o72vA-jz2pZp983sP8Ck8zRumN8Wlq9F0itnlMI2MV50LpI8GU-1UoAlrZlZCYcAcfpzWOuVOxQPgE8-4wa3zKaLzDd4ENpg3yu-NBpiFYsCOt5I01WDQt8Ib74SO6ZjkPSzY/s1600-h/IMG_1267_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335297574028629474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArLGPz6o72vA-jz2pZp983sP8Ck8zRumN8Wlq9F0itnlMI2MV50LpI8GU-1UoAlrZlZCYcAcfpzWOuVOxQPgE8-4wa3zKaLzDd4ENpg3yu-NBpiFYsCOt5I01WDQt8Ib74SO6ZjkPSzY/s320/IMG_1267_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Few plants of the Sicilian countryside match the colorful display of bright red flowers that clothe this low spreading herb in spring. Whether you see it as a roadside volunteer or cultivated in a pure stand covering scores of hectares the glowing crimson color of its blooms is an unforgettable sight. Since they offer a rich source of nectar the flower clusters are attractive to bees. In Sicily Sulla is cultivated as forage, silage or a hay crop for feeding sheep and cattle.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Hedysarum coronarium</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Sulla</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Italian sainfoin, French honeysuckle</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-3506808684122404822009-04-28T15:42:00.002+02:002009-04-28T15:50:22.565+02:00Calendula<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRJrEKUoXjt3-olJII06d5js8F3oiGvbiL8s-r8iowflwNHw5ZnWGV8rsAdisjnVbZGOK5dJ1InvTxvelSycqkqQgud-mDqCE8GhYCJe73s19Rta_PO9pKmNrWD1jyNPr7N-MdEw4tEI/s1600-h/IMG_1221_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329739046023740514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRJrEKUoXjt3-olJII06d5js8F3oiGvbiL8s-r8iowflwNHw5ZnWGV8rsAdisjnVbZGOK5dJ1InvTxvelSycqkqQgud-mDqCE8GhYCJe73s19Rta_PO9pKmNrWD1jyNPr7N-MdEw4tEI/s320/IMG_1221_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A brilliant orange floral display makes this low, compact herb to 12 in. (30 cm) tall one of the showiest of spring wildflowers. Both the branching, square stems and the spirally arranged leaves are covered with fine hairs. The flowers close at night and open the next day with bright light. Grows in sunny roadsides, pastures and borders of cultivated fields.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Calendula suffruticosa</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Fiorrancio fulgida</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Calendula</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-73966858820460185722009-04-21T10:06:00.002+02:002009-04-21T10:18:17.133+02:00Honeywort<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUQ1qhhUmOPMnKE2oeTqdOiFUydUW-qVf0187XaBqwwinRAMivzrB3zXisgFPKUJ9pPVB18_iYtQc9_L7srwuo0UiKQVqG3STSC9l7tHuR8uBwtzreJwz6VlMOHSfoh9oxrDUNlyLhQI/s1600-h/IMG_0520_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327055902769110546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUQ1qhhUmOPMnKE2oeTqdOiFUydUW-qVf0187XaBqwwinRAMivzrB3zXisgFPKUJ9pPVB18_iYtQc9_L7srwuo0UiKQVqG3STSC9l7tHuR8uBwtzreJwz6VlMOHSfoh9oxrDUNlyLhQI/s320/IMG_0520_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>One of the eye-catching wildflower beauties of spring in Sicily is Honeywort. The tubular yellow and purple flowers of this hardy annual open in nodding clusters on upright stems that begin branching near the base of the plant. Because of their generous nectar supply, the blooms are attractive to bees. Plant height varies from 8 to 20 in. (20 to 50 cm.) depending mostly on soil fertility. Grows in pastures and margins of cultivated fields, roadsides and open sunny places in woodlands.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Cerinthe major</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Erba vaiola, Succiamele</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Honeywort</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-41935989993686632042009-04-09T14:47:00.002+02:002009-04-09T14:58:16.857+02:00Anemone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyiWanutnTa9p4UzrLDh1dzPbxwkqutUINtJUAApNkahXatlKiNRx5GZyxetnOyEQcY0wLcq6_X9XOylcAzqrUM1KK4QcjdsnR5bQNSCx8gyG7Q8wid2Jg1OPRbfrW5Of53y9-cOkOBI/s1600-h/first+memory+card+2+102_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322674980118914562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyiWanutnTa9p4UzrLDh1dzPbxwkqutUINtJUAApNkahXatlKiNRx5GZyxetnOyEQcY0wLcq6_X9XOylcAzqrUM1KK4QcjdsnR5bQNSCx8gyG7Q8wid2Jg1OPRbfrW5Of53y9-cOkOBI/s320/first+memory+card+2+102_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In late winter and early spring, pink and lavenderAnemone flowers add vibrant splashes of color to the awakening flora of the Sicilian countryside. The solitary blooms of this small tuberous rooted perennial open at the tips of slender stems that grow to a height of 8 in(20 cm) or more above leaves divided into 3 to 5 segments. Grows in open, sunny locations in cultivated fields, pastures, olive groves, woodland clearings and along roadsides.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Anemone hortensis</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Flor-stella</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Anemone</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-53698377372666884222009-04-06T14:32:00.002+02:002009-04-06T14:51:09.205+02:00Borage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTM963zpxPciYQLAirH52c46OSldJw7SLyXhV7bbhWr1kmgNgEf6B-bNi7E-_EU0rlSb1KxKb-98k4KGhY6aRxGWPb-hwQIH9hrf6gY3_wLiWJ1iXDD9cVZldAWaFcOCVlRBB2jP72KBs/s1600-h/IMG_0996_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321559999363299138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTM963zpxPciYQLAirH52c46OSldJw7SLyXhV7bbhWr1kmgNgEf6B-bNi7E-_EU0rlSb1KxKb-98k4KGhY6aRxGWPb-hwQIH9hrf6gY3_wLiWJ1iXDD9cVZldAWaFcOCVlRBB2jP72KBs/s320/IMG_0996_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In spring, nodding clusters of intense blue star-shaped flowers with 5 triangular, pointed petals decorate the branch t<img class="gl_bold" alt="Bold" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" />ips of this annual herb. Borage leaves and stems are covered with bristly hairs and the flowers attract bees. The plant has various culinary and medicinal uses, and an oil is extracted from its seeds. Grows in borders of cultivated land, orchards and citrus groves, roadsides and uncultivated fields and pastures.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Borago officinalis</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name:<strong> Borragine</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Borage</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-33209161800303632472009-04-06T09:25:00.002+02:002009-04-06T09:43:46.273+02:00Buttercup, Lesser celadine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F_uK7oM9g2byITJjrEg5-dmlq6qBkTVKOoyPciyNPqedTPHOoj32I8DSrv8xgd1HIX54UG4WBxmCeKVsmsfmJVRrVEBhDgose_hSHgD_3WOKJHQMfmbI3NVH7diAp_TXK2AjNpcKLrc/s1600-h/IMG_0456_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321480738739513058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F_uK7oM9g2byITJjrEg5-dmlq6qBkTVKOoyPciyNPqedTPHOoj32I8DSrv8xgd1HIX54UG4WBxmCeKVsmsfmJVRrVEBhDgose_hSHgD_3WOKJHQMfmbI3NVH7diAp_TXK2AjNpcKLrc/s320/IMG_0456_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>From thickened underground tubers this low growing perennial developes a rosette of kidney-to heart-shaped leaves that are dark green, fleshy and lustrous. Each rosette sends up a single bright yellow flower made up of 8 or more glossy petals. Plants appear in late winter and spring, produce flowers and die back in a short time. Grows in sun or shade, in woodlands, orchards and borders of fields and pasture lands.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Ranunculus ficaria L.</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Ranuncolo favagello</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Buttercup, Lesser celadine</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-90123126444775403052009-04-05T16:13:00.002+02:002009-04-05T16:27:35.319+02:00Terrestrial orchid<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wSHoHnwLB1qd21QtBae1xj8dpUnZcMNIF7c05FswpGEFLWXJXWvKRMVbCeiXce3UyZOtZwUn0YO6URsnOsjPQ7PNXpl8nzuAgL5-uYWP8NKcHbwtWMuhEtWRwZheTV87hc7znhcWo48/s1600-h/first+memory+card+2+001_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321213597385566514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wSHoHnwLB1qd21QtBae1xj8dpUnZcMNIF7c05FswpGEFLWXJXWvKRMVbCeiXce3UyZOtZwUn0YO6URsnOsjPQ7PNXpl8nzuAgL5-uYWP8NKcHbwtWMuhEtWRwZheTV87hc7znhcWo48/s320/first+memory+card+2+001_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The first and one of the showiest native terrestrial orchids to flower in Sicily is Richard's Barlia. In winter or early spring a cylindrical, upright spike bearing as many as 100 delicate rose-pink orchids speckled purple rises to as much as 16 in.(40 cm) above large waxy leaves. The plant grows from an oval shaped tuber or underground food storage organ. The species name of this orchid honors French botanist G.N. Robert.</div><div>Habit: Pastures, clearings in woodlands and arid Mediterranean scrub, on south slopes at higher elevations.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Himantoglossum robertianum</em><br /></div><div><em>syn. Barlia robertianum</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name:<strong> Barbone di Robert</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Robert's Barlia</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-87188628734435942862009-04-02T09:52:00.002+02:002009-04-02T10:03:47.402+02:00Wood violet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuH-_6gss0_6P4t854twguMDfw5-z0sDZs7aqzLnptq6TfMvo0f9hCwDbvfRDgWFL7CZsU3RD8LhgAYhKmz5Xo5uUk0h_VVDUHpHCElOb1vABUM54W3h6TtmMV06xCBq_4oWtGzniHlY/s1600-h/IMG_0463_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320001512579864514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuH-_6gss0_6P4t854twguMDfw5-z0sDZs7aqzLnptq6TfMvo0f9hCwDbvfRDgWFL7CZsU3RD8LhgAYhKmz5Xo5uUk0h_VVDUHpHCElOb1vABUM54W3h6TtmMV06xCBq_4oWtGzniHlY/s320/IMG_0463_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Tiny, rich purple flowers that open in early spring above a clump of dense, low growing foliage are the special virtues of this small violet. Each bloom has 5 petals, with a noticeable spur at the base of the lower one. The soft, medium green leaves are heart-shaped with rounded teeth. This violet which spreads both by runners and seeds typically grows no more than 2 to 3 in. (5 to 7.5 cm) tall.</div><div>Habitat: woodlands and pastures in part shade to full sun</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Viola riviniana</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Viola di Rivinus</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Wood violet</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-78338001528278023352009-03-24T13:56:00.002+01:002009-03-24T14:07:48.800+01:00Myrtle spurge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6czQgo_KXSJGT6sAF46Hw2xykAZzuEWLzXlijqAA6Go1AKl-btbokBRHo_2QJdCvjHqWm1UQnEFyeEjv6RY620lHSmoM0qvwqlGzxu6tuB3EvMB24tITQzcAhw6rPLN7IqFa6qveTy1I/s1600-h/first+memory+card+2+108_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316740070592571778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6czQgo_KXSJGT6sAF46Hw2xykAZzuEWLzXlijqAA6Go1AKl-btbokBRHo_2QJdCvjHqWm1UQnEFyeEjv6RY620lHSmoM0qvwqlGzxu6tuB3EvMB24tITQzcAhw6rPLN7IqFa6qveTy1I/s320/first+memory+card+2+108_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>From late winter through spring this evergreen euphorbia adds bright colors to the Sicilian countryside with glowing chartreuse clusters of flowers. The plant forms a dense mound 1 to 2.5 ft. (30 to 75 cm) in diameter. Its large yellow flower heads open at the tips of branches that are crowded with spirals of stiff, pointed, gray-green leaves. As they mature, the color of bloom clusters change to an intense reddish pink. After flowering, the stems die back.</div><div>Habitat: Sunny rocky hillsides and along roadsides.</div><br /><div>Scientific name: <em>Euphorbia rigida</em><br /></div><div>Italian common name: <strong>Euforbia rigida</strong><br /></div><div>English common name: <strong>Upright myrtle spurge</strong></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3098242732850143520.post-41403938917841480972009-03-08T10:05:00.004+01:002009-03-13T09:21:01.099+01:00Silver Wattle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4O8ZpVFLAwQM-VNKLKEbt-m9B00w-F_pZIrjceKCf5usLV-HsIum3pcRDcV8a4Vz1cAAnB1LPmGuKouhaBw6C_rXUYAv-CPmlHn5T3mfnBFISqayMC8pIF4snsw3qW8xpQiyUaFrEII/s1600-h/first+memory+card+2+001_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310743651254200098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4O8ZpVFLAwQM-VNKLKEbt-m9B00w-F_pZIrjceKCf5usLV-HsIum3pcRDcV8a4Vz1cAAnB1LPmGuKouhaBw6C_rXUYAv-CPmlHn5T3mfnBFISqayMC8pIF4snsw3qW8xpQiyUaFrEII/s320/first+memory+card+2+001_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In late winter, clusters of tiny pincushion flowers transform Silver Wattle into a dense free form mass of golden yellow color. The tree grows to as much as 30ft (9m) tall at maturity. Like many other Australian acacias, this evergreen species with fine-textured, feathery foliage is a popular landscape plant. It may also escape cultivation and grow wild in the Sicilian countryside. Throughout Italy, Mimosa or Silver Wattle is perhaps best known for the use of its cut branches heavy with flowers to commemorate the 'Festa Della Donne' (International Women's Day).</div><br /><div>Scientific name<em>: Acacia dealbata</em></div><div>Italian common name<strong>: Mimosa</strong><br /></div><div>English common name<strong>: Silver Wattle</strong> </div><br /><div></div>Gangivecchiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06446209611626140969noreply@blogger.com0