Protocol in hand, how to choose a site to survey? Representative patch attributes after surveying of the general area helped. Much of this lower site was trampled. |
Gynandriris sisyrinchium is an Iris that flourishes in parts of the tiny steppe-like patches in the openings of the planted trees on top of Philopappos Hill. |
Gynandriris sisyrinchium is called colloquially by gardeners as "Barbary Nut". The neat thing about it is that it flowers in the late afternoon. So if you go walking at mid-day you'll often see none! |
I was surprised at how lush the vegetation was and how green but generally, on other hills in Athens (such as Tourkovounia Hills) the species-richness is much higher. |
I can bet that these carefully positioned marble ruins (from classical times) are a great habitat for skinks, centipedes, millipedes, maybe even a snake. |
Another view of the heavy ancient marble slabs - an interesting landscape element - good for wildlife that can hide in the crevices around them. |
Paved pathway built after Pikionis' design in the 1950s. This kind of stone work is to be seen primarily around the Acropolis and on this hill and is a masterpiece of park-scaping worldwide. |