Catalogs the rich and varied flora of Greece’s largest island. 

Crete’s flora is shaped by influences from southern Europe, North Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean, and includes many unusual and endemic species. Set against a landscape of dramatic mountains, diverse microclimates, and world-renowned archaeological sites, the island attracts millions of visitors each year, not least for its natural beauty. Featuring more than 1,500 color photographs, this book provides clear descriptions of Cretan plant species, including diagnostic details, distribution, habitat, altitude range, flowering period, and extensive synonymy.  Alongside identifying details on Cretan flora is text detailing its other key features: sites of special scientific and archaeological significance, details of climate and geology, and practical travel information for visitors. With minimal scientific language, the text communicates useful information with clarity and is accessible to plant lovers of all backgrounds. Concise species accounts are complemented by an overview of the island’s major habitats, making this the most comprehensive and up-to-date field guide to Cretan wildflowers an essential companion for amateur and professional botanists and ecologists alike.