Silene secundiflora

Silene secundiflora Campion

This lovely Silene is native to south of the Iberian Peninsula and NW Africa, it is also found in the Balearic islands. It can grow up to 30cms tall and is found in pastures up to an altitude of 1400m. It flowers from February to May.

Omphalodes linifolia

Omphalodes linifolia Venus's navelwort

This delicate little plant is abundant in certain areas of southern Spain. I had been searching for it for years to improve on my previous photos. These are still not brilliant but good enough. It is native to Africa and SW Europe and grows from 15-30cms tall with very delicate stems and blue/green leaves.

Cistanche phelypaea

Cistanche phelypaea Desert Broomrape

This unusual plant is parasitic as it lacks chlorophyll and gets it's water and nutrients from the host, normally Tamarix in Moroccan deserts. It can grow to 40cms tall and is usually found in colonies. This was photographed near Merzouga in Morocco, though it is found in southern Spain too. It flowers in the spring.

Spergularia rubra

Spergularia rubra Red Sandspurry

This pretty little plant can cover the ground in huge clumps. It can be either an annual or perennial and is native to Europe and Asia. it is now found in America and Australia. It grows from 5-25cms tall. The ones I found were very tiny at 5cms.

Lupinus albus

Lupinus albus White Lupin

Altramuz blanco

I found this white Lupin for the first time growing wild in Doñana. It grows from 25-120cms in height and is a native of the Mediterranean. It is cultivated in many countries as a crop. It is found in pastures and meadows mostly on sandy, acidic soils.