Crete was separated from mainland Greece about 5 million years ago. Associated with the existence of large mountain ranges that acted like “botanical islands” within the island itself, this separation explains the high degree of endemism of its plants: nearly one in ten is indeed endemic.

In Crete, more than 1,700 different species can be found. This richness is better understood when considering that England, with an area about 30 times larger, does not host as many species and has almost none that are endemic. This book mentions more than 500 plants, the most representative of the island, from the most common to the rarest.

Accompanied by a multitude of photos, small explanatory texts focused on the botanical characteristics of these plants and often referencing mythology as well as the etymology of their names, this book makes an essential guide for nature lovers.