Platanus (Plane Tree)
In large rivers, one of the predominant species is Platanus orientalis. It is a large tree and can live thousands of years.
This genus includes about 10 species of large and long-lived, deciduous trees, reaching a height of 50 meters. and are particularly prevalent in North America, as well as in the central and southern regions of Europe and Asia. They have a bulky trunk that is usually branched a few feet above the ground and a majestic crown, which rests on very robust primary arms. The bark of the trunk, which is very thin and light-colored, is easily detached into “scales” leaving exposed the smooth cork layer below it and it is yellow or light green. The plane tree has light green, rather skin-like leaves, that are divided into 3 or 5 distinct lobes and are reminiscent of the maple leaves.
It has male and feminine flowers that appear on the same tree with spherical “heads” and a long pedicle, but they are small and totally insignificant from an ornamental point of view. Flowering is observed in April-May. Its fruits are small acorns joined in characteristic spherical seed heads, somewhat arched and equipped with a long stalk. They mature in autumn and can stay on the tree throughout the winter season.
Location
Flora - Fauna
Alnus Orientalis (Oriental Alder)
In large river areas, another predominant species is the Alnus orientalis. It is a deciduous tree, short-lived, with a narrow crown and a height of 20 m. Its trunk is covered with a grayish bark with vertical slits. The leaves are simple, ovate or elon
Arbutus Andrachne (Greek strawberry tree)
A very common shrub of the forests of Cyprus. Also called Koumaria. English-speaking people call it the Greek Strawberry Tree, because its fruit look like small strawberries. These red fruits are an attractive food for birds living in the forest. It’s
Berberis Cretica (Cretan Barberry)
Berberis cretica is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 1 m. It is found in the Troodos Mountains at quite large altitudes. It carries obovate leaves and yellow pleasantly smelling flowers. Its fruits are dark berries that mature at the end of s
Ceratonia Silique (Carob Tree)
At the lower altitudes of Troodos prevails the Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua). The carob tree is a medium-sized tree, which can grow up to 10 meters tall, with mostly sparse vegetation, spherical and strong shoots with a rough bark. The leaves are comp