A Mediterranean island very popular with British tourists. It is also surprisingly good for wildlife. There are a large number of native plants including some endemics, rare amphibians and it is a good site for bird watching especially during migration periods. The best time to visit for many of the endemic plants is during May (or earlier) although there are also a number of bulbs which flower in the autumn.
Central parts of the island are agricultural some of which is rather intensive although there are still many olive plantations such as that shown right with corn marigold (Chrysanthemum segetum) a very common species in these areas.
Many of the interesting areas are in the limestone hills of the north west. Here rugged bare cliffs plunge 300-400m into the sea, there are steep gorges and precarious roads. Spring weather can also be rather inclement. The mountains receive up to 1500mm (60 inches) of precipitation per year while the rest of the island is much drier. Some of the richest areas for plants are near the highest mountain Puig Major [1440m]. The heavy rainfall and limestone rocks and screes combine to produce a fine natural rock garden. In this area we found several species of orchids on the roadside including Sawfly orchid Ophrys tenthredinifera [below left], Bumble bee orchid Ophrys bombylifora(?)[below right] and the rather unusual Friar's cowl Arisarum vulgare [below centre]. There was also a gerbil (is this native?) and flocks of birdwatchers on the cliffs with telescopes trained out across the sea.
References
Mediterranean wildflowers (1993) Marjorie Blamey and Christopher Grey-Wilson. Harper Collins. 560p. Over 2000 species illustrated, very good pictures and text although not a complete coverage of species - you will always find a few not in the book.
Flowers of the Mediterranean (1965) Polunin, O. and Huxley. 662p. Oxford University press, London. 1900 of the commonest species described in detail, over 1000 plant photographs.
Flowers of South-West Europe (1973). Polunin, O. and Smythies, B. E. 480p. Oxford University press, London. Approximately 400 plant photographs. Useful sections on landform, climate and vegetation of the area, more detailed sections on the plant hunting regions, then the main flora. Mainly covers Spain, Portugal, Balearics and S.W. France.
Hamlyn guide to the birds of Britain and Europe (1970). Bruun, B. 319p. 516 bird species illustrated and distribution maps given, a pocket guide.
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