Wild daffs in Portugal and Spain, February 2008

[DaveM]

In this thread I will share some of the wonderful wild daffs seen during the last two weeks of February, firstly in central Portugal and then from S Spain.

So first to Portugal and the Serra da Estrella, rising to around 2000 m and largely underlain by granite.
First set of pix come from the high parts around Lagaoa Comprida with Narcissus asturiensis growing in some abundance in areas between the exposures of granite. The soil is residual quartz/mica sand with generous proportions of organic matter.

[DaveM]

Nearby grows Narcissus bulbocodium var nivalis, the high altitude ecotype of the species. This occupies the very thin stony and sandy areas immediately adjacent to granite exposures. The morning we spent around the reservoir was extremely windy and it was difficult to stand up at times. No wonder this and N asturiensis grow so close to the ground!!!!

[DaveM]

For comparison, below is Narcissus bulbocodium ssp bulbocodium, which is locally quite common at lower altitudes in the Serra.

[DaveM]

Widely spread throughout the lower regions, generally in pine woodlands is the delightful, pale yellow form of Narcissus triandrus in its variety cernuus. I really like this one........

[DaveM]

Just occasionally NN bulbocodium and triandrus var. cernuus are found growing in proximity, resulting in the natural hybrid N x consolationis'.

On the southern side of the sierra var cernuus is replaced by the vivid yellow form, N triandrus ssp triandrus var. concolor.......

[Hans J]

Great pics Dave !!!

[DaveM]

Thanks, Hans.
I suppose the real gem of this region is the very local Narcissus scaberulus, known only from the Mondego valley lying to the north of the range. Here weather was rather more to my liking and the species is found typically on rock faces (always granite) along the river banks and surrounding hill sides - some very pretty spots. Some pix of the valley and then the species in the next set.

[DaveM]

and Narcissus scaberulus.

[DaveM]

Related to the last species is Narcissus calcicola. This was in full splendour in the Serra dos Candeeiros, perhaps a little more than half way between the Serra da Estrela and Lisbon. As its specific epithet suggests it is found on limestone.

[Paddy Tobin]

Dave,

A wonderful set of photographs, extraordinarily beautiful plants.

N. triandrus cernuus is outstanding, a truly beautiful narcissus. N. scaberulus and N. calcicola run very close behind.

Beautiful countryside.

Paddy

[Maggi Young]

Great pix, David, of super places and plants. I love it! Ian hasn't seen this thread yet... he'll be beside himself with glee when he does!

[DaveM]

Thanks both for your kind comments. Just the last few narcissi from Portugal for tonight: a few more of N bulbocodium, from the Serra de Arrabida, just to the south of Lisbon. Seems a bit incongruous to see these beautiful gems just a few hundred metres above the local cement works, albeit in a national park!

[Armin]

Dave,
many thanks for sharing all this "golden nuggets".
It's a pure pleasure - wunderful

[Rafa]

What an extraordinary report!!!   this is a fantástic document about wild daffodils in Iberian Peninsula.
As you have noticed in our countries is not rare to see the worst activities agaist the most beautiful and rich in biodiversity places. And it seems that laws are not enoguth to stop them...

[Paul T]

Wonderful!  Just wonderful!!  The triandrus cernuus is delightful, and the hybrid with bulbocodium is pretty fab too!!  Then of course calcicola and scaberulus..... most excellent!!    Great stuff!!