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Plant identification books are available during your stay at The Lodge.

Digitalis oscura

Wild plants through the seasons at The Lodge

The land around Semilla Besada is described as maquis or garigue.

The maquis is characterized by the presence of evergreen shrubs such as Narrow-leaved Cistus (Cistus monspeiensis) and Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis purpurea). These shrubs are interspersed with swathes of French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas, Thyme (Thymus mastichina) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). As spring advances, we see the blooming of spectacular perennial plants such as Thapsia villosa and the bright yellow-green of Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia).

In the rocky garigue area, it is easy to overlook some of the other treasures, because they are so small, such as Viola kitaibeliana, and Paronychia argentea. From June to August, the unusual Spanish Rusty Foxglove (Digitalis oscura) can be seen in bloom, and the Caper plant (Capparis spinosa) is a spectacular sight in the height of the summer. Higher up the mountain, the perennial shrubs become dense hummocks of vegetation, so dense in fact, that a child can walk across the top of Thorny Broom (Genista scorpius) without leaving a mark!

Over eighty plants have been identified around Semilla Besada, and the majority of them appear from March to June, although there may be a second flush if there is a wet and warm Autumn.

For real plant enthusiasts, please click here for a complete wild plant list.