Walking around corfu

[kevin-beverly]

I saw this last night Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes on Corfu


LEEKS

Allium porrum

A leek is a biennial vegetable, I hear you say biennials let me explain
 meaning they complete their life cycle over two years: they grow vegetatively in the first year (producing the edible part) and then flower and produce seeds in the second year before dying. Most gardeners harvest leeks at the end of their first year, treating them as annuals, but if left to grow, they will produce attractive, pom-pom-like flowers in their second season.

And yes they do grow on Corfu
Leeks are known to be hardy and can be grown in a wide range of climates, including the cooler conditions of Northern Europe and the warmer climate of Greece. They require a sunny, open position with well-drained soil, which is readily available in Corfu.
the broadleaf wild leek (syn. Allium porrum). The edible part of the plant is a bundle of leaf sheaths that is sometimes colloquially called a "stem" or "stalk".
The genus Allium also contains the onion, garlic, shallot, scallion, chives, and Chinese onion. Three closely related vegetables—elephant garlic, kurrat and Persian leek or tareh—are also cultivars of A. ampeloprasum, although different in their culinary uses

Kingdom   Plantae   
Clade   Tracheophytes   
Clade   Monocots   
Order   Asparagales   
Family   Amaryllidaceae   
Subfamily   Allioideae   
Genus   Allium   
Species   Allium ampeloprasum L.   
Cultivar Group   Leek Group (or Porrum Group)   
Variety   Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

Historically, many scientific names were used for leeks, but they are now all treated as cultivars of A. ampeloprasum. The name leek developed from the Old English word lēac, from which the modern English name for garlic also derives. Lēac means 'onion' in Old English and has cognates in other Germanic languages: Danish løg 'onion', Icelandic laukur 'onion', Norwegian løk 'onion', Swedish lök 'onion' German Lauch 'leek', Dutch look 'Allium (any plant of this genus)'.

HABITAT
Leeks and their wild relatives inhabit moist, temperate environments, thriving in deciduous woodlands, forest edges, riverbanks, and damp grasslands, with specific species favoring coastal areas or specific soil conditions like those found on calcium-rich, north-facing slopes.
Examples of Specific Wild Leeks:
Allium ampeloprasum (Wild Leek): Found on sandy field edges, coastal cliffs, and paths.
Allium ursinum (Wild Garlic/Ramsons): Grows in moist woodlands across temperate Europe.
Allium triquetrum (Three-cornered Leek): Native to the Mediterranean, it grows on riverbanks, meadows, and verges.
Allium tricoccum (Ramps): Favors moist deciduous forests with calcium-rich soils, often found by spring seeps.
Common Habitats & Preferences:
Woodlands: Many wild leeks, such as ramps (Allium tricoccum), prefer moist, rich soils in deciduous forests, often associated with bluebells and specific tree species.
Coastal & Rocky Areas: The wild leek (Allium ampeloprasum) naturally grows in sandy or rocky places near the sea, including cliff slopes and coastal paths.
Disturbed Ground & Verges: Some species colonize disturbed areas like old fields, hedge banks, drainage ditches, roadsides, and rough pasture.
Moisture & Soil: Consistent moisture is key, with preferences for slightly acidic to calcium-rich soils, depending on the species.
Specific Slopes: Ramps often grow on north or east-facing slopes in forests, which retain moisture and provide ideal conditions.

There is one main species of leek, Allium ampeloprasum, which encompasses various horticultural types and varieties, including the common leek (A. ampeloprasum var. porrum) and wild leeks, as well as other related vegetables like elephant garlic.

HISTORY
Leeks have a long history, cultivated since at least ancient Egyptian times (3000 BCE) and prized by Romans like Emperor Nero, before likely being introduced to Britain by Phoenician traders or the Romans themselves. They became strongly associated with Wales, where they are a national emblem, tied to legends of St. David and a battle against the Saxons, and later became a symbol of Welsh national identity.

Egypt: The earliest evidence of leek cultivation dates back over 3,000 years ago to ancient Egypt, where they were depicted in tomb paintings.
Mediterranean & Europe: Leeks were native to the Mediterranean and most of Europe, including the British Isles.
Ancient Rome: The Romans cultivated leeks extensively, with Emperor Nero being a well-known "leek eater" who believed they improved his voice.
Introduction to Britain
Roman Influence: The Romans likely introduced leeks to Britain during their occupation.
Phoenician Traders: Alternatively, Phoenician traders may have brought them to Wales while trading for tin.
Welsh Emblem
Legend of St. David: A popular legend attributes the leek's status as a Welsh emblem to St. David, who supposedly ordered his soldiers to wear leeks on their helmets to distinguish themselves from the enemy in a 7th-century battle against the Saxons.
National Symbol: The leek has been adopted as a national emblem, appearing on the coronation gown of Queen Elizabeth II and as the cap badge for the Welsh Guards.



Leeks are poisonous to dogs and cats, as they contain thiosulfate, which can damage red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia. While generally safe for humans in moderation, leeks, along with onions and garlic, can lead to severe illness, including vomiting, weakness, and potentially fatal consequences for pets, so keep them securely away from your animals.

Leeks are used to add a mild, sweet, onion-like flavor to a wide variety of dishes, serving as a versatile base for soups, stews, sauces, gratins, pies, and pasta, or as a simple side dish when buttered or braised. They can be a flavorful substitute for onions, adding subtle complexity and color to meals, and can even be stuffed or turned into vegetarian patties.
Yes, leeks are a classic companion plant for carrots and are widely believed to help deter the carrot fly. The strong smell of leeks (and other alliums like onions and chives) is thought to mask the scent of the carrots, making it harder for the carrot flies to locate their host plants.



Leeks offer medicinal benefits due to compounds like kaempferol, antioxidants, and inulin which may reduce inflammation, protect the heart, boost immunity, and support gut health. Traditionally, they've been used for respiratory issues like coughs and to promote blood circulation. They also act as a diuretic, aiding in weight loss and reducing water retention.
Cardiovascular Health: Kaempferol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoid, helps protect blood vessels and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory: Bioactive compounds in leeks have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially easing conditions like atherosclerosis and arthritis.
Antioxidant Power: Leeks contain powerful antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals, protecting cells from damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Digestive Health: The prebiotic fiber inulin feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut environment and potentially lowering cholesterol.
Weight Management: Their high water and fiber content promotes feelings of fullness, which can help with appetite control and natural weight loss.
Detoxification & Diuretic: Leeks have a mild diuretic effect, helping the body flush out excess fluids and toxins.
Cancer Prevention: The presence of kaempferol and other compounds may help fight cancer by reducing inflammation and inhibiting cancer cell growth.
Eye Health: They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that protect the eyes from blue light damage and may reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Traditional Uses
Respiratory Issues: In traditional medicine, leek bulbs have been used to treat initial stages of coughs, sore throats, and excess mucus.
Blood Circulation: Leeks are known for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.
Important Considerations
Oxalates: Leeks are high in oxalates, which can form crystals and may be problematic for individuals with kidney stones.
Contact Dermatitis: Some people may experience skin irritation from handling certain types of leeks, like three-cornered leek.
How to Incorporate Leeks into Your Diet
Add them to soups, stews, and quiches.
Sauté them with other vegetables for a healthy side dish.
Use them in salads, potato dishes, and egg bakes.

[Eggy]

Kevin
I would love to read all of that but I have to take a "leek".
Negg

[kevin-beverly]

Broad Beans

Vicia faba

Also known as  the broad bean, fava bean, or faba bean, is a species of vetch, a flowering plant in the pea and bean family Fabaceae. It is widely cultivated as a crop for human consumption, and also as a cover crop. Varieties with smaller, harder seeds that are fed to horses or other animals are called field bean, tic bean or tick bean. This legume is commonly consumed in many national and regional cuisines.
broad beans (known locally as koukiá in Greek) do grow on Corfu island and are a common crop there.

Vicia faba is a stiffly erect, annual plant 0.5 to 1.8 metres (1+1⁄2 to 6 ft) tall, with two to four stems that are square in cross-section. The leaves are 10 to 25 centimetres (4 to 10 in) long, pinnate with 2–7 leaflets, and glaucous (grey-green). Unlike most other vetches, the leaves do not have tendrils for climbing over other vegetation.
The flowers are 1 to 2.5 cm (1⁄2 to 1 in) long with five petals; the standard petals are white, the wing petals are white with a black spot (true black, not deep purple or blue as is the case in many "black" markings) and the keel petals are white. Crimson-flowered broad beans also exist, which were recently saved from extinction. The flowers have a strong sweet scent which is attractive to bees and other pollinators The fruit is a broad, leathery pod that is green, but matures to a dark blackish-brown, with a densely downy surface; the wild species has pods that are 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) long and 1 cm diameter, but many modern cultivars developed for food use have pods 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 in) long and 2–3 cm thick. Each bean pod contains 3–8 seeds. They are round to oval and have a 5–10 mm diameter in the wild plant, but are usually flattened and up to 20–25 mm long, 15 mm broad and 5–10 mm thick in food cultivars.

Fava beans (broad beans) are native to the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, with domestication beginning around 10,000 years ago. This ancient crop has been cultivated for millennia, spreading across Southwest Asia and North Africa.  From their origin, they spread throughout the Mediterranean and were later cultivated in other parts of the world, including China

Kingdom:    Plantae
Clade:    Tracheophytes
Clade:    Angiosperms
Clade:    Eudicots
Clade:    Rosids
Order:    Fabales
Family:    Fabaceae
Subfamily:    Faboideae
Genus:    Vicia
Species:    V. faba
Binomial name
Vicia faba
L.
Synonyms
Faba sativa Moench.
HABITAT

Broad beans thrive in a sunny, sheltered location with rich, well-drained soil that has been amended with organic matter. They prefer cool conditions but need sun for pollination and require protection from strong winds to support good flower production. Well-drained soil is crucial, especially for autumn-sown beans, to prevent seed rot.
no true wild form has ever been discovered outside of cultivation.

There is only one species of broad bean, Vicia faba, but it has many different varieties, or cultivars, which are adapted for different growing conditions and culinary uses.

There are many varieties of broad beans, but they are generally categorized into three main types: Longpod, Windsor, and Dwarf, with further variations selected for factors like hardiness, cropping ability, bean color (green, brown, or even purple), and suitability for autumn or spring sowing.

Main Types & Characteristics
Longpod: Characterized by longer pods, often with 8-10 seeds, and known for their resistance and early production.
Examples: 'Aguadulce', 'Imperial Green Longpod'.
Windsor: Features shorter, wider pods, typically containing 4-7 seeds.
Examples: 'Green Windsor', 'White Windsor'.
Dwarf: Smaller plants ideal for container growing or small gardens.
Examples: 'Robin Hood'.
Other Notable Varieties & Features
Color: Some varieties produce beans with striking colors, such as 'Karmazyn' (pink seeds) or 'Red Epicure' (red beans).
Hardiness: Varieties like 'Super Aquadulce' and 'Witkiem Manita' are known for being hardy, suitable for autumn or winter sowing in colder regions.
Heirloom Varieties: Older varieties like 'Bunyard's Exhibition' offer high quality and sweetness.
Specialty Beans: 'Fava Mourda Reina Mouz (Purple Queen)' is a rare heritage variety with purple flowers and beans.
How Varieties Are Used
Fresh Eating: Many varieties are grown for their tender, flavorful beans, which can be eaten fresh or frozen.
Drying: Some types, like the 'Syrian Giant Fava', are particularly suited for drying and storing.

HISTORY

Ancient Origins: The earliest evidence of broad bean cultivation dates back to Neolithic sites in Israel around 8,250 BCE, with domestication likely occurring in the Near East.
Classical Civilizations: Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans cultivated broad beans extensively.
Roman Voting: In ancient Rome, beans were used for voting, with white beans for "yes" and dark beans for "no," leading to the term "black-balled".
Medieval Staple: In Britain, broad beans were a crucial part of the medieval diet, valued for their ability to be dried and stored.
The "Lost Ancestor": The wild progenitor of the broad bean has not been identified, making its exact origin and evolution a botanical enigma.
New World Introduction: Broad beans were the only beans known in Britain and the Mediterranean until beans from the Americas were introduced after the Columbian Exchange.
Cultural Significance:
Pythagoras: The Greek philosopher Pythagoras is said to have forbidden eating broad beans, believing they contained the souls of the dead.
Modern Cuisine: Broad beans are a beloved part of springtime dishes in Tuscany and remain a staple in Syrian cuisine, a testament to their long history and cultural importance.
Agricultural Importance:
Hardiness: Broad beans are a hardy crop, able to withstand cold climates and even grow in saline or clay soils.
Nitrogen Fixation: As legumes, they fix nitrogen in the soil, making them valuable as a cover crop to prevent erosion and enrich the soil.



Broad beans are not inherently poisonous to most people, but they can trigger a serious condition called favism in individuals with a specific genetic disorder (G6PD deficiency). Additionally, like other raw beans, raw broad beans contain phytohaemagglutinin, a lectin that can cause food poisoning, though it is destroyed by proper cooking. Who it affects: People with a hereditary loss of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDD).
What happens: Ingesting broad beans (or even inhaling pollen) can cause a breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis).
Symptoms: Include dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and severe cases can lead to jaundice, coma, or renal failure.
Action: Individuals with G6PD deficiency must avoid broad beans entirely.
Phytohaemagglutinin Poisoning (Raw Beans)
What it is: A naturally occurring toxin in raw beans, including broad beans, though in lower concentrations than in red kidney beans.
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, typically starting within 1-3 hours of ingestion.
Prevention:
Cooking: Thoroughly boil raw beans for at least 10 minutes to destroy the toxin.
Soaking: Soaking beans for several hours before cooking helps remove toxins.
Canned beans: Are safe as they have been processed at high temperatures.
In Summary
Most people: Can safely eat cooked broad beans.
People with G6PD deficiency: Must avoid broad beans due to the risk of favism.
Raw broad beans: Can cause food poisoning from phytohaemagglutinin; always cook them thoroughly.

Culinary Uses
Broad beans can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes:
Dips and Purées: They can be mashed or blended with ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs (mint or parsley) to create dips, such as a broad bean hummus or the Maltese bigilla, often served with bread or crackers.
Salads: Fresh, young broad beans can be eaten raw in salads, often paired with ingredients like feta, pecorino, mozzarella, or fresh mint and a vinaigrette dressing.
Main Dishes: They are a common addition to pastas, risottos, omelettes, and stews. They are a primary ingredient in the Egyptian national dish ful medames and the Iraqi tishreeb bagilla.
Side Dishes/Accompaniments: They can be simply boiled or steamed and served as a side, often with butter and herbs or as an accompaniment to roast lamb or barbecued fish.
Snacks: Dried broad beans can be fried or roasted and seasoned with salt and spices (like cumin or smoked paprika) to make a crunchy snack.
Soups: They are a core ingredient in traditional soups like the Sicilian maccu and the Maltese kusksu.
Falafel: In Egyptian-style falafel, broad beans are the primary ingredient (unlike the Levantine style which uses chickpeas).
Other Uses
Beyond cooking, broad beans have other traditional and agricultural uses:
Animal Feed: Varieties with smaller, harder seeds, often called field beans or horse beans, are used as animal feed.
Cover Crops: They are often grown as a cover crop in agriculture because they are hardy, can overwinter, and, as a legume, help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits subsequent crops.
Folk Traditions: Historically, they were used for voting in ancient Greece and Rome (white for yes, black for no). In some European cultures, a broad bean is baked into a "King's cake" for a holiday game. The velvet insides of the pods have also been a folk remedy for warts.
Broad beans are valued for being rich in protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Broad beans (fava beans) have medicinal uses due to their L-DOPA content, which may help with Parkinson's disease and mood regulation, and their high fiber, vitamins (like folate), and antioxidants, which support heart health, blood sugar control, digestion, and immunity. They may also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and possess compounds that could influence cancer cells and autoimmune conditions.
Key Medicinal Properties & Benefits:
Neurological Health:
Parkinson's Disease: Broad beans naturally contain L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, which is used in Parkinson's treatment and can help manage symptoms.
Mood & Cognition: L-DOPA may also improve mood and cognitive function, potentially alleviating symptoms of depression and anhedonia.
Cardiovascular Health:
Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: The B vitamins, folate, and fiber in broad beans help relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract, thus lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Digestive Health:
Fiber Content: High fiber promotes regular bowel movements, prevents diverticulosis, and fosters a healthy gut microbiome.
Resistant Starch: Slows sugar absorption, which benefits type 2 diabetes management and weight control.
Blood Sugar Regulation:
Soluble Fiber: Slows sugar absorption into the bloodstream, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for diabetics.
Immune System Support:
Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and vitamins C and B, which are crucial for a strong immune system.
Potential Anti-Cancer Effects:
Lectins: Compounds called lectins in broad beans may affect cancer cell behavior.
Antioxidants: Phenolic antioxidants and other compounds may have protective effects.
Anti-Inflammatory & Immunomodulatory:
Phytochemicals: Compounds like quercetin, myricetin, and tryptophan can activate pathways that induce anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
Considerations:
G6PD Deficiency: People with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should avoid broad beans (fava beans) as they can trigger favism, a hemolytic anemia.
Oligosaccharides: Broad beans contain oligosaccharides like raffinose, which can cause gas and bloating in some individuals.
Consult a Professional: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
How to Consume:
Consume broad beans with their seed coats for maximum mineral and bioactive compound intake.
Pair with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance iron absorption.



 

[kevin-beverly]

When walking around Arillas or Corfu even one of the near by Islands plants are bracking though the soil
Corfu is no different to the UK and other countries around the world they have one thing in common a growing season
All plants have a time to show their splendor of nature .
I am going to talk about the plants at Christmas which are associated with greece


Poinsettia

Euphorbia pulcherrima  also known as the Star of Bethlehem, is maybe the most popular plant of the holiday season, rightfully called the Christmas flower!
Yes, poinsettias can grow on Corfu, provided they are given the proper care to suit the local climate. As tropical plants native to Mexico, they thrive in warm, frost-free climates and can grow into large shrubs or even small trees in suitable outdoor conditions growing to 3m tall. Originally from Central America and more specifically Mexico, it brings warmth and decorates our houses with its intensely red color, adding its own special flair to the festivities!
While they can grow outdoors, getting them to "bloom" with their vibrant red bracts right on cue for Christmas requires a specific, strict regimen of total darkness for 14 hours a day for several weeks in the autumn, which can be difficult to manage with natural light cycles or artificial light sources nearby. Many people on Corfu find the plants will naturally develop their colors at a slightly different time of year, often in the spring, if left to nature's course.
In Greece, the poinsettia is known as "alexandrino" and is a very popular Christmas decoration, with many Greeks choosing the traditional red variety. Color preference: The vast majority of poinsettias sold in Greece are red, though European countries may prefer pink, speckled, or white varieties.

Symbolism:
The red leaves can symbolize the blood of Christ.
The star-like shape of the flower is sometimes said to represent the Star of Bethlehem.





pomegranate

Punica granatum  In Greek tradition, the pomegranate is a significant symbol of good luck, prosperity, and fertility for the new year. It is hung above the front door at Christmas and is prominently used in a New Year's Eve ritual where it's smashed against the door, with the number of scattered seeds representing the luck the family will have in the coming year.

Greek Christmas and New Year pomegranate traditions
Symbolism: Historically, the pomegranate is a symbol of fertility, abundance, and regeneration, with its modern role focusing on prosperity and good luck for the new year.
Hanging the pomegranate: A pomegranate is often hung above the front door of the house on Christmas Day, sometimes after being blessed in church.
The New Year's Eve ritual:
Leaving the house: Families leave the house at midnight as the clock strikes twelve.
The "first-footer": The first person to enter the house does so with their right foot first.
Smashing the pomegranate: The first-footer (or another person) then smashes the pomegranate against the front door.
Interpreting the result: The more seeds that scatter on the floor, the more luck and prosperity the family will have in the new year.
Other uses: Pomegranates are also used as decorations on the Christmas tree and in various holiday foods. Some people also wear pomegranate charms for good luck.



Christmas rose

Hellebore   common names such as winter rose, Christmas rose, and Lenten rose, hellebores are not closely related to the rose family (Rosaceae).

Widely known as the 'Christmas rose', 'snow rose' or 'winter rose', dainty hellebores bloom across central Europe for Orthodox Christmas, which takes place roughly two weeks after 25th December. For some, it is traditional to plant a hellebore near the front door to represent welcoming Christ into their home. Why not pick up our stylish white hellebore plant to take to your next dinner party?

Hellebore has a complex history connected to Greek legend and Christmas through its poisonous nature and a medieval myth. The ancient Greeks named the plant "helleboros," a combination of "to injure" and "food," because it was used as a powerful poison and medicine. The connection to Christmas stems from a medieval legend where a shepherdess, with no gift for the baby Jesus, is given a Christmas rose (a type of hellebore) that magically sprouts from her tears in the snow.
Greek history
The name "hellebore" comes from the Greek "hellein" (to injure) and "bora" (food), referring to its toxicity if eaten.
Historically, it was used as a medicine, with some myths suggesting it even killed Alexander the Great.
It was also used for medicinal purposes, including treating madness, and even as a biological weapon by the ancient Greeks against an enemy city.
Christmas connection
The hellebore plant is known as the "Christmas rose" because it blooms in winter, often around Christmastime.
A medieval legend tells of a young shepherdess named Madelon who wept that she had no gift for the baby Jesus.
An angel appeared and, as her tears fell, a Christmas rose bloomed from the snow, which Madelon then presented as her gift to the Christ child.





Amaryllis
The common Christmas flower often called amaryllis has the scientific name Hippeastrum spp., but the true "amaryllis" is a different plant with the latin name Amaryllis belladonna. This is because the scientific genus Hippeastrum was for years mistakenly called Amaryllis due to confusion between the two plants, a common name that has stuck.
Hippeastrum spp.: This is the genus for the large, showy bulbs most people know as amaryllis, especially around the holidays. Spp. indicates there are many different species and cultivars within this genus.
Amaryllis belladonna: This is the correct Latin name for the actual amaryllis genus, which is a separate South African plant with smaller flowers and a solid stem, unlike the common Hippeastrum hybrids.
The confusion: The common name "amaryllis" has been widely used for Hippeastrum for a long time, leading to the confusion. The two are often sold interchangeably, but they are distinct plants from different parts of the world.

The amaryllis plant is a popular Christmas flower that has a strong connection to Greek mythology and the Greek language. The name "amaryllis" is derived from the Greek word amarysso, which means "to sparkle" or "to shine".

Greek Mythology Origin Story
The association with Greek mythology comes from a legend about a beautiful, shy maiden named Amaryllis. She fell in love with Alteo, a handsome but cold-hearted shepherd who only had a passion for flowers. Desperate to win his affection, Amaryllis consulted the Oracle of Delphi and was instructed to perform a painful ritual.
For thirty nights, she stood outside Alteo's door, dressed in white, and pierced her heart with a golden arrow, shedding drops of blood along the path. On the thirtieth day, a vibrant red flower with large, trumpet-shaped blooms sprouted from the spot where her blood had fallen. When Alteo opened his door, he was immediately enamored by the unique flower and by Amaryllis herself, and they fell in love.
This myth is why the red amaryllis often symbolizes love, passion, determination, pride, and radiant beauty.
Connection to Christmas
The amaryllis (which is botanically a Hippeastrum hybrid, as the true Amaryllis species is from South Africa) became a Christmas staple in Europe and North America because it can be easily "forced" to bloom indoors during the winter months, offering a vibrant burst of color when other plants are dormant.
Its ability to bloom during the darkest time of the year makes it a fitting symbol of hope, resilience, renewal, and the light of life during winter, which aligns with the traditional themes of the Christmas and Advent seasons.
Bulbs are commonly sold around the holidays, and with proper care and planting about 6 to 8 weeks in advance, they can flower just in time for the festivities.





squill

Drimia maritima  sea squill, sea onion, and maritime squill. It may also be called red squill,

 holds significant cultural importance in Greece and is traditionally used as part of Christmas and New Year's traditions to symbolize good luck, health, fertility, and regeneration.
Tradition and Symbolism
Hanging the Bulb: Greek families traditionally hang the large, wild onion-like bulbs (called skeletoura, agriokremmydo, or riza in Greek) on their front doors around New Year's Day.
Symbolism: The plant is a geophyte that can sprout and produce leaves even after being dug up, representing powerful vitality, longevity, good fortune, and rebirth. This enduring life force is believed to be transmitted to the household and its occupants for the coming year.
Ancient Roots: The custom is an ancient one, dating back to at least the 6th century B.C. The ancient Greeks, including figures like Pythagoras and Dioscorides, would hang the bulbs to ward off evil spirits.
Modern Practice: While the tradition is still followed, especially in regions like Crete and occasionally Athens, it is less common than it once was.
Agiovasilitsa: One of the plant's Greek names is Agiovasilitsa, which links it to Agios Vasilis (Saint Basil), the Greek equivalent of Santa Claus, who visits on New Year's Day.
Note on Toxicity
While a cherished cultural symbol, the Drimia maritima plant contains toxic chemicals (cardiac glycosides like scilliroside) and has historically been used in both medicine and as an effective rodent poison. It should be handled with care and kept out of reach of pets and children.





smooth crocus

Crocus laevigatus  Also known as Christmas Crocus  This specific variety, native to Greece, is notable for reliably flowering around Christmas time in cultivation in the Northern Hemisphere.
Origin: The species Crocus laevigatus is found in southern mainland Greece and several Greek islands, including Crete and the Cyclades. The 'Fontenayi' form is believed to be of Cycladian origin and was an old selection originally made in Holland. Scent: The flowers are often described as having a pleasant honey scent.
The term "Christmas crocus" is not a formal botanical name but refers to crocuses that bloom in late winter or early spring, sometimes appearing around the holidays. While the Crocus genus is ancient with origins in Greek mythology and a history of use by the Romans and Crusaders, the name "Christmas crocus" is more a reflection of seasonal blooming than a specific historical event. The flower is often associated with early spring, and its resilience and ability to bloom in cold weather make it a symbol of enduring life and the promise of renewal, which is why it might be linked to holiday traditions.
 history is tied to the Greek myth of the mortal youth Crocus, who was transformed into the flower after being accidentally killed by the god Hermes. In one version of the story, Crocus was in love with the nymph Smilax, but they both displeased the gods, who turned them into plants. In another, more common version, Hermes was grief-stricken after accidentally killing his companion during a game of discus and transformed the youth's body into the flower, with drops of his blood becoming the saffron stigmas.

[Eggy]

I think I will take another leak , Kevin.

Too much at 4pm. Too much Ouzo to understand it.
and.... a lot of too much patience.

You've just pasted arfabook!
Negg