April wildlife in the Sierra de Grazalema starts with some bird species returning from their wintering grounds and many passing northwards to their breeding grounds. The first newborn Spanish Ibex take tentative steps across the rocky terrain whilst streams and permanent ponds are full of spawn and larvae of amphibians. Many snakes and lizards are out of hibernation and hungry for a snack!
If you are looking for a botanical or wildlife tour in the Sierra de Grazalema then contact Sue from Nature Plus – Grazalema: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/nature-plus-grazalema/
This time of year holds many joys for birdwatchers with nightingales singing as young males try to compete with more seasoned adults which show, even to an untrained ear, the difference between simple and complex songs. Along the same rivers you will hear the abrupt and loud tones of Cetti´s Warbler, almost always heard rather than seen! Golden Orioles join in with their unmistakable fluty tones as they mercilessly chase away even much bigger birds from their breeding territory, usually in the tall poplars along the river banks. As the weather gets warmer, the joyful chirping flocks of European Bee-eaters start appearing high in the sky on their way back from Africa to their European breeding grounds. They can even be heard passing through on clear starry nights. Local colonies of Bee-eaters tend to come back towards the end of April and immediately get busy repairing the nesting holes in river banks.
Field borders and roadside banks transform after the spring rains from a lush green to a profusion of mixed colours as the flowering plants make the most of these ideal conditions. Bright natural ‘planting schemes’ appear smothered in fast growing annuals that reach their peak before the summer heat arrives.
The air carries the sound of bumblebees and carpenter bees as they appreciate the numerous flowers of Bugloss, Large blue alkanet, Elder-leaved Figwort, Blue hounds-tongue, Purple phlomis and Poppies. Blue, slender and elegant, the Spanish Iris is complimented by Rosy Garlic. Wild gladioli gives a bright splash of colour to meadows, while the mallow-leaved convolvulus adorns wayside banks in a more subtle shade of pink. Green-flowered Birthwort may be a small and easily overlooked plant, but as a foodplant to the Spanish festoon butterfly it holds its own importance to the natural balance.
Around the village in the rocks and cliff faces can be seen two locally endemic plants, the dainty yellow Grazalema Toadflax and the creamy coloured Centaurea clementei.
The number of orchid species in flower increases as we move into the spring, so be look out for Yellow bee, Bee, Sombre bee, Sawfly,Tongue, Italian Man, Man, Sword-leaved, Lang’s, Woodcock and Mirror.
Here are a few plants to look out for whilst walking in the Sierra de Grazalema divided by colours.
Pink and Lilac
Mallow-leaved Bindweed (Convolvulus althaeoides)
An eyecatching, large pink flower that forms a full circle (with no separate petals) with a darker centre. As a twining climber it may spread across at ground height if there is no support available, or be seen clambering up onto shrubs to around 1 metre. The leaves are of variable shape, silvery green, covered with fine hairs and alternately positioned along the stems. Found on rocky banks, fields and roadsides in most soils. Flowering from March and continuing through to July at higher altitudes. Commonly found in the Mediterranean area.
Rosy Garlic (Allium roseum)
A single stem emerges from a bulb with multiple flowers clustered at the top. Flower colour can vary from strong pink, pale pink to white. The soft green, linear leaves sheath only the lower part of the round scape (flower stalk) and papery white bracts remain just below the flowers. They can be seen growing in scattered groups at roadsides, on stony banks and in cultivated areas, flowering from March to June with a very widespread distribution.
Blue and Purple
Spanish Iris (Iris xiphium)
This tall and slender iris has blue to violet flowers with yellow/orange areas on the falls (cascading petals). The central petals (standards) are erect, there can be one or two flowers on the same stem. These flowers remain open for several days. Grey/green leaves sheath the flowering stem, the lowest are long and tapering and the highest shorter and more upright. They can be seen in grassy or rocky areas, beside roads and field edges or in scrubland through April and May. Their distribution is from Iberia eastwards to Italy and NW Africa.
Barbary Nut Iris (Gynandiris sisyrinchium)
Flowers of this pretty iris lookalike plant do not open until the afternoon. Several flower stems emerge from a corm with colours varying from pale blue, deep blue to purple with white markings (and occasionally also yellow) on the falls (cascading petals). Clusters of these small flowers may appear at once, fading by the evening to be replaced later the next day. The few leaves are narrow and often much longer than the flowering stem. They can be seen on fallow and cultivated land, in scrubland, olive groves, roadsides and in open woodland. Flowering time can span from February to May with a wide distribution in the Mediterranean area.
Tassel Hyacinth (Muscari comosum)
The showy and most recognisable parts to this plant are the vivid blue / violet sterile flowers that decorate the tip on just as brightly coloured short stems. The actual flowers are a dull brownish colour and form an open column up the scape. The leaves are wider at their base and tapering, sheathing the lowest part of the flowering stem. These plants can be seen in olive groves, open scrubland, roadsides and dry grassy areas, flowering from March through to June they are common around the Mediterranean area.
Honeywort (Cerinthe major)
This unusual looking plant has purple (or combined yellow/purple) flowers that hang down in clusters which are partly hidden by greyish green bracts decorated in white spots. with those closest to the flower itaking on shades of purple. It is commonly grown in Northern Europe as a cultivated plant in gardens but in this area can be seen growing wild on roadside verges, stony slopes and field edges from March to June in many areas around the Mediterranean.
White
Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris)
Small white flowers hang in lax clusters atop this short to medium spindly plant. The individual petals are deeply notched and behind the flower is an inflated calyx tube from where it gains its common name. The linear to oval leaves are set in pairs, spaced out along the stem. These plants can be found in cultivated and fallow fields, rocky areas and roadside verges. They can begin flowering in March, going through to July and are widespread throughout Europe and Asia.
Sweet Alison (Lobularia maritima)
This is a commonly used garden plant which occurs naturally in this area. The plant holds many short branches with dense racemes of flowers. These consist of many tiny white, sweetly scented flowers forming low tussocks. Hidden beneath are the fine leaves which are linear and pointed. Found in dry rocky crevices from February through until June.
Red and Orange
Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
As the name suggests, this is a common poppy and is often seen in cultivated fields if herbicides are not used. The flowers are scarlet or crimson, sometimes with dark markings at the centre and these in turn can be edged with white. The anthers are bluish in colour. The seed capsule is almost round and is hairless. The deep green leaves are much divided, both leaves and all stems are hairy. These strongly coloured poppies can be seen at roadsides, growing from ruined buildings, in wheat fields and on waste ground from March to June, with a wide distribution throughout Europe.
Long-headed Poppy (Papaver dubium)
These flowers are pale scarlet to almost an orange tone, normally without a dark centre. The anthers are violet. The leaves are deeply divided and hairy. Hairs on the stem are more flattened than on the previous poppy. The seed capsule of this plant is of a longer tube-shape and also hairless. It can flower from March to June being found on roadsides, waste places and cultivated land throughout the Mediterranean region.
Elder-leaved Figwort (Scrophularia sambucifolia)
This is a member of the Figwort family that is rarely seen in the books.
The two-lipped flowers vary in colour from lemon/orange through to red. The flowers are grouped in clusters, spaced out along a tall, squared flowering stem. The large cut leaves form quite a dense base to this plant with much smaller leaf bracts adjoining some of the flowering rings. Generally the flowering stems are very upright and may vary from one to numerous. This plant can be seen at roadsides, bordering cultivated land and in damp areas in South Western Iberia.
Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)
A delicate looking, low growing plant, that has five petalled scarlet flowers. Despite the common name it also occurs in blue or pink! The oval to lanceolate leaves are set in opposite stemless pairs. These prostrate plants can be found on cultivated and waste ground, roadsides and orchards from April to October throughout Europe.
Green and Brown
Snakes-head Fritillary (Fritillaria hispanica)
These nodding bell shaped flowers, striped green and reddish brown and sometimes slightly chequered, can be difficult to see amongst grasses and shrubs as the colours blend to their surroundings. Their height is dictated by surrounding plant growth and shade, tall and elegant if under a tree or short if in more open ground. The slender leaves are alternate, spaced out along the stem with the last one standing up above the flower. They can be seen in small, scattered groups flowering from March to May in open woods, rocky and grassy areas. Distributed throughout most of Iberia – except the north. (Also known as Fritillaria lusitanica)
Green-flowered Birthwort (Aristolochia paucinervis)
This is a small, spreading plant, the flowers of which are easily overlooked as they blend with the leaves or back ground. The tubular flowers are fairly straight, with a long curved tip at the opening. The colour can vary from green, a dull yellow to brown or be striped in these colours. The leaves are on very short stalks, they are lobed, in a long heart shape, tapering to a rounded tip. They tend to grow in protected areas, beneath trees or between rocks. Found in the European Mediterranean and NW Africa. (Previously A. longa). Foodplant to the Spanish Festoon (Zerynthia rumina) caterpillar.
Yellow
Yellow anemone (Anemone palmata)
This very decorative yellow flower might be found scattered singly over a wide area or occasionally forming a dense mat. The upper part to the petal is a clear yellow, whereas the underpart is blushed with a peach colour and covered with hairs. The lowest set of leaves that form a rosette on the ground are very simple, three/ five lobed. Other leaves which sheath the flowering stem are deeply cut and more fringe like. Found on rocky slopes and in open woodland, flowering from March to May in Iberia, S. France to Sardinia and Sicily.
Grazalema Toadflax (Linaria platycalyx)
A small and dainty plant that forms a flowery mat in rock crevices. The flowers are in clusters, yellow with a darker tint at the mouth. The tubular spur at the base has fine brown stripes. The leaves begin as a whorl of three clasping the stem but higher up can be paired or singular. This particular Linaria is endemic to a very localised region of Grazalema and Ronda, flowering from April to June.
Centaurea clementei
The pale, creamy yellow flowers are a little lost on this impressive thistle like plant with its deeply cut silvery leaves and decorative, spiny bracts which form a cone shape around the flower. It can be seen growing out of crevices in sheer cliff faces of limestone rock and is endemic to south west Spain.
Osyris (Osyris alba)
This is a short (to around 1metre), broom like plant that can densely cover an area. The upright stems have small alternate leaves with male and female flowers forming on different plants. These tiny, but sweetly scented flowers are a yellow / green colour, the male flowers are in clusters and the females solitary. Flowering from April until July and widespread in the Mediterranean area, this plant is semi-parasitic on a range of other plants and trees.
Orchids in the Sierra de Grazalema
These first two species of orchid often resemble a female bee, therefore attracting a male bee who intends to copulate, unsuccessful he travels to another orchid flower transferring pollen as he goes.
Yellow bee orchid (Ophrys lutea)
This yellow flower with a dark centre and blueish markings is one of several terrestrial ‘Bee’ orchids in the area. The flower spike can be between 10 to 30cm tall with perhaps around 8 flowers spaced along it. These plants often form scattered groups and may be mixed with other species too. Found in grassy habitats, open scrub, pine woodland and olive groves. Widely distributed in the Mediterranean region, flowering from February until June.
Mirror orchid (Ophrys speculum)
Another ‘Bee’ orchid, this one has a very showy metallic blue centre, with a dark brown fluffy trim. Sometimes this trim is separated by an edge of green. This plant will often be seen in the same areas as the Yellow bee orchid. Flowering from March to May and found in open scrub, olive groves and grassy habitats in much of the Mediterranean region, often forming large colonies.
Italian Man Orchid (Orchis italica)
The densely packed flowers on this orchid create a conical, although occasionally globular, head. The lower flowers open first in shades of white through to pale pink, each one looking like a male figure with arms, legs and genitalia. Sometimes, if you look closely, they even have a big clown type grin! This orchid has noticeably wavy edges to the leaves. They can be found in scrubland, grassy places, rocky slopes and open woodland, from March to May. Although not in France it is common in many countries around the Mediterranean.
Champagne’s orchid (Orchis champagneuxii)
A fairly short orchid with few deep purple flowers openly spaced along a darkly coloured stem The ‘hood’ is marked with veins, the central lobe has a white middle (without spots) and is folded. The spur which points upwards is thickened at the tip. Its distribution covers Iberia, S. France and N. Africa. Seen flowering from March to May in grassy meadows where it can form large colonies, scrubland slopes and oak or pine woodland clearings.
Man orchid (Aceras anthropophorum)
A tall and slender stem, covered with many small flowers that can be red or yellow in colour. Each has a green hood that does not lift or open and the shape of the petal draped below is of well defined ‘arms’ and ‘legs’, resembling a tiny man. These grow on stony areas, grassy habitats, roadside banks – often on calcareous soils. These flower from March to May and are widespread in the Mediterranean region.
Tongue orchid (Serapias lingua)
Growing to around 25cm tall with flowers distributed along a slender stem, this orchid can be overlooked amongst grasses. The flowers can be a deep red, a washed out red and occasionally cream. The central, narrow lobe or tongue hangs down and the bracts which are as long as the tongue with dark veins stand upwards. These can be found in damp meadows, grassy areas, scrubland and olive groves, flowering from March to May. Distribution covers much of the Mediterranean region.
See also a more detailed list of orchids in Andalucia here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/orchids-in-spain/
Other plants to look out for in the Sierra de Grazalema in April
Orchids
Yellow bee orchid (Ophrys lutea)
Sawfly orchid (Ophrys tenthredinifera)
Woodcock orchid (Ophrys scolopax)
Bumblebee orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora)
Dull bee orchid (ophrys fusca) – (Ophrys dyris)
Champagne’s orchid (Orchis champagneuxii)
Lang’s orchid (Orchis langei)
Conical orchid (Orchis conica)
Southern early purple orchid (Orchis olbiensis)
Pyramid orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis)
Man orchid (Aceras anthropophorum)
Tongue orchid (Serapias lingua)
Small-flowered Serapias (Serapias parviflora)
Giant orchid (Himantoglossum robertianum)
Sword-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia)
Dense orchid (Neotinea maculate)
Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis tremolsii)
Violet Limodore (Limodorum abortivum)
Pink, Blue, Purple
Mallow-leaved Bindweed (Convolvulus althaeoides)
Rosy Garlic (Allium roseum)
Barbary Nut Iris (Gynandriris sisyrinchium)
Tassel Hyacinth (Muscari comosum)
Honeywort (Cerinthe major)
Field Madder (Sherardia arvensis)
Winter Speedwell (Veronica persica)
Fedia (Fedia cornucopiae)
Andaluz stork’s-bill (Erodium primulaceum)
Long-spurred Valerian (Centranthus macrosiphon )
Melancholy Toadflax (Linaria tristis)
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Intermediate Periwinkle (Vinca difformis)
Narrow-leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius)
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari neglectum)
Tassel Hyacinth (Muscari comosum)
Hedgehog Broom (Erinacea anthylis)
Purple Sage (Phlomis purpurea)
Spring Rockcress (Arabis verna)
Grey-leaved Cistus (Cistus albidus)
Persian Speedwell (Veronica persica)
Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica)
Sand Crocus (Romulea bulbocodium)
Southern Knapweed (Centaurea pullata)
Dovesfoot Geranium (Geranium molle)
Portuguese squill (Scilla peruviana)
Cut-leaved Dame’sViolet (Hesperis laciniata)
Pink Catchfly (Silene colorata)
Violet Cabbage (Moricandia moricandioides)
Ivy-leaved toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis)
White
Ornithogalum reverchonii
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum orthophyllum subsp. Baeticum)
Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris)
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Three-cornered Leek (Allium triquetrum)
Sage-leaved Cistus (Cistus salvifolius)
White Asphodel (Asphodelus albus)
Spanish Toadflax (Linaria amethystea)
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium gibraltaricum)
Silver Nailroot (Paronychia argentea)
Wild Olive (Olea europaea sylvestris)
Meadow Saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata)
Cymbalaria-leaved Speedwell (Veronica cymbalaria)
Candytuft (Iberis pectinata)
Saxifraga bourgeana
Marsh Chamomile (Chamaemelum fuscatum)
False Candytuft (Jonospidium prolongoi)
Red, Orange
Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
Long-headed Poppy (Papaver dubium)
Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)
Lentisc (Mastic Tree) (Pistacia lentiscus)
Green, Brown
Green-flowered Birthwort (Aristolochia paucinervis)
Snakes-head Fritillary (Fritillaria hispanica)
Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum)
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus)
Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima)
Large Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia characias)
Mediterranean Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus)
Giant Fennel (Ferula communis)
Yellow
Yellow Anemone (Anemone palmata)
Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria)
Hairy-thorny bBoom (Calicotome villosa)
Small-flowered Gorse (Ulex parviflorus)
Narcissus baeticus
Narcissus cuatrecasasii
Bermuda Buttercup (Oxalis pes-caprae)
Silver Broom (Adenocarpus decorticans)
Osyris (Osyris alba)
Villous Deadly Carrot (Thapsia villosa)
Alyssum simplex
Tree Honeysuckle (Lonicera arborea)
Pale Stonecrop (Sedum sediforme)
Bupleurum fruticescens ssp spinosum
Perennial Hyoseris (Hyoseris radiate)
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.
