sicilian plants end of january

[olegKon]

While travelling around Sicily at the end of January and beginning of February I spotted quite a lot of blooming plants. It was a delight to see Barlea robertiana and Iris planifolia happily blooming in a number of locales, especially after snows and frosts of Moscow with no spring in sight here even now this year. The tree in the last two pictures was really charming. Any ideas of what it is? A man in the garden the pictures were taken in said it was an "alicantus". Or at least it sounded like that in Italian. Thanks for ideas in advance

[olegKon]

Sorry for some pictures being on their sides or upside down

[Maggi Young]

Sorry for some pictures being on their sides or upside down

 Hello Oleg!  I have turned the photos of the lovely  pink  form  of the orchid Barlia robertiana - also known a Himantoglossum robertianum -  round for you.

[olegKon]

thank you, Maggi

[Maggi Young]

I think the  tree is  a Chimonanthus praecox- it should have had a lovely  fragrance.

 I would like to visit Sicily - did you find it  easy to travel around?

[olegKon]

Many thanks, Maggi. I have always wondered how you manage to know everything. Fantastic. We found Sicily rather easy to navigate in spite of some language barrier. People are amiable and try hard to help. We used public transport only and managed to visit about 15 cities and hill towns which was an an forgettable experience. We believe that the opportune time to travel there is winter if your goal is not to lie on the beach. Almost no tourists and the weather is nice being above +15 near the sea and + 10 at high elevations. It must be very hot in summer and flooded with tourists. It was not a botanical tour for us but we enjoyed architectural and cultural beauties and breathtaking views from belvederes in every hill town with their unbelievable landscapes. If you decide to go we can give some advice on must see hidden treasures there. The only disadvantage is that Sicily is not about chocolates though they have chocolate production in Modica. It is about cakes, pies and biscuits. It’s hard to resist the temptation to enter every bakery you see and try everything from cannoli to  genovese and almond biscuits. But why not indulge yourself in it

[Maggi Young]

Thank you Oleg. Yes, I can see that a time when the weather is cooler  might be best for a visit. As you say, there is much to see at any time.  I think I can cope with the  bakeries - after all, it would be rude not to sample the local delicacies!! 

[Gail]

We went to Sicily in October '14 and absolutely loved it. Went for the Caravaggio paintings but was delighted to find in the centre of a traffic island in Syracuse, a large area of wild Narcissus serotinus (?) growing with autumn scillas and Mandragora autumnalis.
And really recommend the pistachio icecream, which is without doubt the best in the world.

[sokol]

Thank you Oleg. Yes, I can see that a time when the weather is cooler  might be best for a visit.

If you'd like to see plants also spring is better (March, April) than winter and still not hot. There can be seen many nice orchids for example.

[Chris Johnson]

... And really recommend the pistachio icecream, which is without doubt the best in the world. (Attachment Link)

Ah, Italian pistachio ice cream ... yet more fond memories.

[Gerdk]

- but was delighted to find in the centre of a traffic island in Syracuse, a large area of wild Narcissus serotinus (?) growing with autumn scillas and Mandragora autumnalis.

Gail, the daffodil is Narcissus obsoletus/miniatus!

Gerd

[Gail]

Gail, the daffodil is Narcissus obsoletus/miniatus!

Gerd

Thank you Gerd!