Crete was separated from the Greek mainland about 5 million years ago. This isolation, combined with the high mountain ranges that serve as "botanical reserves" on the island, explains the high degree of endemism: out of 10 plants, one is endemic. On Crete, there are over 1,700 different species. This diversity becomes even more apparent when one considers that England, which is 30 times larger in area, has fewer species and hardly any endemics to showcase.

This book presents the most representative plants of the island, numbering over 500, including both common and absolutely rare species. Short illustrative texts that cover the botanical characteristics of the plants, the mythological backgrounds, and often the etymology of the names, make this book, enriched with abundant visual material, a necessary companion for any nature lover.