Chinese Sacred Lily (Narcissus tazetta)

Arta, Epirus

Arta, Epirus

Narcissus tazetta (Amaryllidaceae family) is a fragrant bulbous Mediterranean flower that starts its blossom before the end of winter. The name of the genus comes from Narcissus and the name of the species "tazetta" means small cup and refers to the yellow crown of the flower.
It can be found under many common names: Daffodil, Chinese Sacred Lily, Bunch-flowered Narcissus and Joss flower but also in greek it has various names: βοστίνα, μανουσάκι, μυρτολούλουδο, τσαμπάκι και ζουμπούλι. They can usually be seen in vast numbers in fields and meadows in low altitude where they usually appear in clusters.
It is considered to be the oldest cultivated narcissus. In China it is a symbol of good luck whereas in Europe of vanity due to the myth of Narcissus. 

Peta, Epirus

Sea Daffodil (Pancratium maritimum)

Pancratium maritimum or sea daffodil  (κρινάκι της θάλασσας, κρινάκι της άμμου) (Amaryllidacea family) is one of the most beautiful and abrath taking flowers that one can come across on a beach. Its latin name "maritimum" means actually "of the seashore". You can find it in some beaches but unfortunately it is endanger by the touristic development. One of the ways it multiplies is by its small black seeds that can travel big distances by sea water using the currents. Inside the seeds there is the bulb that can stay 4-5 years until it finds moisture to bloom. The other way is by bulbs. Its roots have an important role in holding the sand as its roots can be up to 1,50m long. I saw those ones on Kaiafa beach in Pelloponese. I would like here to add that this beach used to be very popular especially for free camping but it was burned a few years ago, luckily now it looks as if it's being reborn from its ashes. If you come across this flower have a look at it, take pictures, smell it but leave it there for others to admire.
It had been admired since ancient times as it can be seen in murals in Santorini and Knossos.

Poet's Daffodil (Narcissus poeticus)

Narcissus poeticus or poet's daffodil (νάρκισσος των ποιητών) belongs to the Amaryllidacea family. It has a strong smell and one can recongise it by its snow white petals and its 

short yellow corona with a red edge. I came across this flower at Mt. Stroggoula (Tzoumerka) in 

the Pindos mountain range.

Narcissus poeticus is thought to be the flower that Nemesis, the godness of revenged, turned the beautiful youth Narkissos into. He was of such beauty that when he saw his reflection in a pond he fell in love with himself and died staring at his reflection unable to abandon it. Also Narcissus poeticus has been recognised as the flower that Persephone was gathering when Hades abducted her to Underworld.

Poet's daffodil is a toxic plant that can cause vomiting and irritation when eaten. It's smell is strong enough to cause headache and vomiting if a large quantity is kept in a closed room.