The Scented Isle

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Corsica - The Scented Isle

Naturetrek Tour Report 30 April - 7 May 2017

Corsican Fire Salamander Group at Col de Sevi

Long-lipped Tongue-orchid Woodlark

Report & images compiled by Andrew Bray

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Tour participants: Andrew Bray & Richard Lansdown (leaders) with 11 Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Sunday 30th April

After a flight from London Gatwick we arrived at Bastia airport, where Tongue Orchids were outside the entrance. Arranging the vehicles took a little longer than expected, but once sorted we were on our way, heading to Ponte Leccia. Here we had a coffee stop and Andrew bought some cheese, meat and bread. We then headed across the top of the island to l’Ile-Rousse, where we stopped at the farmer’s market to buy fruit and salad. We then pushed on to our lunch stop near Galeria. Here we saw a variety of birds, wall lizards and some endemic plants: Corsican Storksbill (Erodium corsicum) and Sea Lavender (Limonium corsicum).

We then drove a few hundred yards to see if there was a way down to some wetland, but unfortunately there was not. We did hear Cetti’s Warbler and saw a pair of Long-tailed Tits. Our next stop was on the coastal road at one of the U bends at the head of one of the many valleys we had to negotiate. Here were even more endemic plants, though we stopped for the Wild Vine (Vitis riparia) and saw the Illyrian Sea Lily (Pancratium Illyricum). We also saw Coal Tit and Sardinian Warbler. We stopped again for photographs near a graveyard where the views of La Calanche were stunning. We found a boulangerie (bakers) in Porto that served proper ice cream.

We then headed inland to Evisa and our hotel; Atoine. At night we dined on salad, trout with rice and apple tart.

Day 2 Monday 1st May

It was dry until just before 9am, which was the time we had set to start a walk down the road to the graveyard. It then rained for three hours! We divided the food for lunch between us and then started the descent down the Spelunca Gorge. The path descended steeply through mature maquis under a canopy of Tree Heather (Erica arborea) and Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo), where the differences between Corsican Pine (Pinus nigra subsp. Laricio) and Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster) were shown. Botanical highlights included Cyclamen repandum, the delicate endemic Snowflake (Acis longifolia) and the curious flowers of Tyrrhenian Birthwort (Aristolochia tyrrhena). Progress was slow as it was very wet with constant rain. We saw the endemic Corsican Fire Salamander before it hid itself in the vegetation. We also saw lots of strange plants such as Jersey Toadflax (Linaria pelisseriana), and endemic plants including False Daisy (Bellium bellidioides). We all had good views of a Firecrest with its red crest. As we neared the bottom it stopped raining and the sun came out.

Lunch was taken at the Zaglia Bridge in the sun. Everyone had something to dry! There were stands of Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) by the river bridge. After lunch we walked to the road bridge and everyone saw Dipper whilst scores of Crag Martins and House Martins were flying about.

Some of us then drove to Ota for a coffee whilst others walked to the Ponte a Pianella before being ferried to the cafe. Half an hour later the first minibus trip departed for Evisa. On the road were pigs and dogs, whilst on the second trip there were cows. We had to go round them as they stood their ground in the road; some were lying down! The first group was dropped off at the graveyard to look for birds. We heard Wryneck and saw Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Whinchat and Redstart. A text was sent so the second group could look for them as well; they were not disappointed.

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

We met later at 7.15pm to do the checklist. We managed to do the bird list and other fauna before a dinner of soup, boar with polenta (maize) and chestnut pudding. The plants had to wait!

Day 3 Tuesday 2nd May

We started with an early morning bird walk where we saw our first Treecreeper of the day. There were plenty of tits, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker put on a show. There were not many Cirl Buntings, but we made up for that a bit later.

The first stop today was in the Aitone Forest where we walked along a track. We saw Firecrest and Corsican Mint (Mentha requinii). At the rock plateau we had good views of the fat green Bedriaga Lizard as well as Corsican Finch and a very large flock of Corsican Crossbills. The rocks were full of pools from the rain and some held species such as the endemic Short-leaved Stonecrop (Sedum brevifolium), as well as some aquatics.

We then headed to Col de Savi where we looked for warblers, but found Raven, Corsican Finch and Cirl Bunting. There was also the endemic Thymus herba-barona with a lovely lemon scent. As it was a bit cool and breezy, we headed down the hill and found another lunch spot off the road. On arrival we disturbed two Red- legged Partridges.

Following lunch, we drove down to the coast and stopped just before the bridge over the River Liamone. Here we saw a couple of Little Ringed Plovers plus a host of other birds and plants. We then drove over the bridge and parked in the cafe car park near the beach. Whilst we had coffee, one member went for a swim in the river and another paddled their feet: it was a bit chilly! We found various endemic plants, though the Jersey Orchid (Anacamptis laxiflora) had already turned. We saw Tawny Pipit, Sardinian Warbler, Peregrine, Shag and Sanderling. A lone Golden Plover flew over and Bee-eaters settled in a dead tree, ready for the telescopes. On the way back we stopped at the Sagone rubbish tip where there were lots of Ravens and Red Kites.

After another wonderful day we dined on dried meats, then Corsican omelette with vegetables, followed by fresh fruit salad.

Day 4 Wednesday 3rd May

We departed in the sun, but it was not to last. At Col de Vergio we had superb views of Woodlark and Corsican Finch. There were lots of endemic plants amongst the flat Juniper close to the ground including the Corsican Crocus (Crocus corsicus). Two Golden Eagles flew overhead, and on the other side of the valley, four female Mouflon grazed.

The cloud started to roll in, but on our way down the mountain the sun started shining again. We stopped as the forest was ending for a comfort break and shed some of our clothing. The pigs and cows beat a retreat in disgust! We looked for butterflies and moths, and had good views of Queen of Spain Fritillary.

Our next stop was in the Santa Regina Gorge with the endemic Saxifraga Corsica, Blue Rock Thrush, Crag Martin and a Golden Eagle. A Dipper flew over the bridge rather than under! It was a great place to have lunch, though the cloud started to cover the sky.

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Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Our next stop was in the maquis near Francardo, with Corsican Milkwort (Polygala nicaeensis subsp. Corsica). More plants were added to the list including Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis morio), Pink Butterfly Orchid (Anacamptis papilionacea subsp. Papilionacea), Early Spider Orchid (Ophrys incubacea) and Provence Orchid (Orchis provincialis). A Marmora’s Warbler flew by the side of the road.

Not long after starting the next leg, it started to rain. We therefore drove direct to our next hotel, and after some juggling, everybody had a bed to sleep in! In the evening we drove up to see a Corsican Nuthatch nest before returning to the hotel. Later we dined on boar with pasta, and lemon meringue pie.

Day 5 Thursday 4th May

We had an early morning bird walk and saw Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Coal Tit, Raven and several other birds, though the noise of the river made it difficult to hear the birds. At breakfast we discovered the road ahead was closed due to a rock fall and would not be cleared this week. This meant a change of plan for Days 6 and 7.

Today was to plan and we set off for the Verghello Valley and stopped at Eiffel Bridge. We watched the local two-carriage train cross the bridge, heading north. We walked a short way and then the vehicles picked us up and we drove a little further. Moltoni’s Warbler sung and there were brief glimpses as it skulked in the bushes. There were good views of Spotted Flycatcher and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Next stop was by a bridge by wetland where we found a Hemp-agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum subsp. Corsicum) and Long-lipped Tongue-orchid (Serapias vomeracea). We then drove to another bridge and walked down the road by running water with Tongue-orchid (Serapias lingua) and Wedge-lipped Orchid (Dactylorhiza saccifera). There was also the rare Creeping Marshwort (Apium repens). We finally drove to a helicopter landing site at the end of the metalled road for lunch with panoramic views.

After lunch we headed for the Beech forest at Col de Vizzavona at 1,163 metres. Here we explored the grassland with the endemic Columbine (Aquilegia dumeticola) before entering the wood. The ancient ruin of the hill fort dominated the pass. We then went to the cafe at Vizzavona Railway Station where a train pulled in as part of its scheduled stop.

It started to rain as we left and once again we arrived at the hotel in the rain. We dined on seafood salad, half a chicken with vegetables, and finished with floating islands.

Day 6 Friday 5th May

First thing today was to look again at the Corsican Nuthatches, where we spent about half a hour watching them feed their chicks. We then drove through Corte to Aléria, where we visited LeClerc supermarket to do some shopping. The only birds of note were Red Kite and Common Buzzard. We then drove to Aléria beach at Plage de Padulone. There was a Marsh Harrier flying behind the beach restaurant. We had a mid morning drink sitting in comfy chairs with not a bird to be seen over the sea except one Yellow-legged Gull.

We then drove to Étang d’Urbino where we stopped by a path that lead down to a saline marsh area. There were Great Egret and Greater Flamingo, as well as lots of singing Corn Buntings and two Zitting Cisticolas

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

showed their prowess at singing while flying. Lunch was taken at the Conservatoire du Littoral station where we met the warden who was very helpful. There are no issues about us eating there in the future either. One of the group went for a swim in the cool waters of the Étang.

After lunch we checked out a local hill and found Cytinus ruber, as well as a low-lying wet area with Divided Sedge (Carex divsisa), a common plant in the Mediterranean but rare in the UK. On the way back along the road we stopped for a Woodchat Shrike, which tied closely with the Bee-eaters for ‘bird of the day’.

Our next stop was at the Roman ruins at Aleria. As we entered the gate we saw Golden Orioles fly from trees in different directions. Our final stop was near the gorge where an old Genoese road bridge had been replaced. Here we found the endemic sedge Juncus requienii. More freshwater plants were found but there was not time to stay too long.

Once back at the hotel the leaders went shopping, and only just got back in time for the log call! That night we dined on Corsican soup, trout and a frozen pudding.

Day 7 Saturday 6th May

Who knew what the weather would do: certainly not the forecasters nor the locals. We started up the Tavignano Valley and reached the burnt area which was colonised by Aspidillas. We put on our raincoats and trousers as there were a few spots of rain. A bit later we turned back as the rain started to fall. It was a wise move, and the remainder of the morning was spent in Corte.

Lunch was taken on the equivalent of a ‘B’ road near a river, with two Nightingales singing. There were a few plant species about as well with the mint Mentha suaveolens subsp. insularis. After lunch we drove up through Tralonca to the graveyard to see Lady Orchid (Orchis purpurea). It was then back through the village and we parked up to explore the bank with a range of orchids including Man Orchid (Orchis anthropophora) and Dense- Flowered Orchid (Neotinea maculate) to name a few, and a broomrape Orobanche amathystea. As the minibus continued down the hill two Jays flew across, and as we suddenly came to a stop, a Hoopoe flew off. We all eventually had great views as it sat on a post. It had been raining off and on all afternoon, and so it continued when we drove back to the hotel.

Our last night banquet included omelette for starter, wild boar and pasta for main, and a raspberry tart for pudding. The party was just beginning as the myrtle drink came out!

Day 8 Sunday 7th May

We left our hotel in the early morning sun and headed to the airport. We had a stop at a model village of a Corsican mountain town an artist had made. We said our first farewell at the airport but there were more to follow. We boarded our flight back to the UK, where another Naturetrek adventure came to an end.

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Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants LYCOPODIOPSIDA CLUBMOSSES

Selaginellaceae Lesser Clubmosses Selaginella denticulata Toothed Clubmoss Selaginella kraussiana Krauss's Clubmoss

EQUISETIOPSIDA HORSETAILS

Equisetaceae Horsetails Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail Equisetum ramosissimum Branched Horsetail Equisetum telmateia Giant Horsetail

PTERIDOPSIDA

Aspleniaceae Spleenworts Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort Asplenium ceterach (Ceterach officinarum) Rustyback Asplenium obovatum Lanceolate Spleenwort Asplenium onopteris Irish Spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair Spleenwort

Athyriaceae Lady-ferns Athyrium distentifolium Lady-fern Athyrium felix-femina Alpine Lady-fern

Cystopteridaceae Bladder Ferns Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder Fern

Dennstaeddtiaceae Brackens Pteridium aquilinum Bracken

Dryopteridaceae Male Ferns Dryopteris affinis Scaly Male-fern Polystichum setiferum Soft Shield-fern

Osmundaceae Royal Ferns Osmunda regalis Royal Fern

Polypodiaceae Polypodys Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody

Pteridaceae Maidenhair Ferns Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern Anogramma leptophylla Jersey Fern Cheilanthes guanchica

Cheilanthes maderensis

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

PINOPSIDA

Cupressaceae Cypresses Cupressus sempervirens‡ Italian Cyprus Juniperus communis Juniper Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa Large-fruited Pricklu-juniper Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus Prickly-juniper

Pinaceae Pines Abies alba European Silver-fir Larix decidua‡ Larch Pinus halapensis‡ Aleppo Pine Pinus nigra subsp. laricio* Corsican Pine Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine Pinus pinea‡ Umbrella Pine

GNETOPSIDA

Ephedraceae Joint-pines Ephedra distchya Sea Grape

MAGOLIOPSIDA

MAGNOLIIDAE

Acanthaceae Bear’s Breeches Acanthus mollis Bear's-breech

Aizoaceae Dewplants Carpobrotus edulis‡ Hottentot-fig

Amaranthaceae Pigweeds Amaranthus deflexus Perennial Pigweed Atriplex portulacoides Sea-purslane Salsola kali Saltwort Suaeda vera Shrubby Sea-blite

Apiaceae Carrots Apium nodiflorum Fool's Watercress Apium repens Creeping Marshwort Chaerophyllum temulentum Rough Chervill Chamaemellum mixtum

Conopodium majus Pignut Daucus carota Wild Carot Ferula communis Giant Fennel Foeniculum vulgare subsp. vulgare Fennel Oenanthe crocata Hemlock Water-dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa Tubular Water-dropwort Oenanthe lachenalii Parsley Water-dropwort Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's-needle Sinapis arvensis Charlock Smyrnum olusastrum Alexanders

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Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Apocynaceae Oleanders Nerium oleander Oleander

Aquifoliaceae Hollies Ilex aquifolium Holly

Araliaceae Ivies Hedera helix Ivy Phoenix canariensis

Aristolochiaceae Borthworts Aristolochia pallida

Aristolochia rotunda subsp. insularis* Smearwort Aristolochia tyrrhena*

Berberidaceae Barberries Berberis aetnensis* Etna Barberry

Betulaceae Alnus cordata* Italian Alder Alnus glutinosa Alder Betula pendula Silver Birch

Boraginaceae Borages Borago officinalis Borage Cynoglossum creticum Blue Hound's-tongue Echium italicum Italian Viper's-bugloss Echium plantagineum Purple Viper's-bugloss Myosotis discolor Chnging Forget-me-not Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not Myosotis sicula Jersey Forget-me-not Myosotis stricta

Brassicaceae Cabbages Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Arabis collina Rosy Cress Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock-cress Arabis verna

Barbarea rupicola*

Barbarea vulgaris Winter-cress Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima Sea-beet Bunias erucago Warty Cabbage Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's-purse Capsella rubella Pink Shepherd's-purse Cardamine flexuosa Wavy Bittercress Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bittercress Eruca sativa

Isatis tinctoria Woad Lepidium hirtum subsp. oxyotum*

Lunaria annua‡ Honesty Matthiola incana Hoary Stock Matthiola sinuata Sea Stock Mycelis muralis Wall Lettuce Nasturtium officinale Watercress Sanicula europaea Sanicle

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Sisymbrium officinalis Hedge Mustard Teesdalia coronopifolia

Teesdalia nudicaulis Shepherd's-cress

Buxaceae Boxes Buxus sempervirens Box

Cactaceae Cactae Opuntia ficus-indica‡ Prickly-pear Opuntia microdasys‡

Campanulaceae Bellflowers Campanula rapunculus Rampion Bellflower

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckles Centranthus ruber‡ Red Valerian Dipsacus fullonum Teasel Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Lonicera implexa

Sambucus ebulus Dwarf Elder Valerianella dentata Narrow-fruited Cornsalad Valerianella locusta Common Cornsalad

Caryophyllaceae Pinks Arenaria serpyllifolia Sandwort Cerastium diffusum Sea Mouse-ear Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear Cerastium soleirolii*

Erophila verna Common Whitlowgrass Moehringia pentandra

Moehringia trinervia Three-nerve Sandwort Moenchia erecta Upright Chickweed Paronychia argentea Silvery Paronychia Petrorhagia nanteulii Childing Pink Petrorhagia velutina

Polycarpon tetraphyllum subsp. diphyllum Four-leaved Allseed Sagina pilifera*

Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Sagina subulata subsp. revelieri* Heath Pearlwort Sagina subulata subsp. subulata Heath Pearlwort Sagina subulata var. gracilis Heath Pearlwort Scleranthus annuus Annual Knawel Scleranthus burnatii

Silene gallica Small-flowered Catchfly Silene latifolia White Campion Silene mutabilis

Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Spergularia marina Lesser Sea Spurrey Spergularia rubra Sand Spurrey Stellaria media Common Chickweed Velezia rigida

Chenopodiaceae Goosfoots Chenopodium album Fat Hen

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Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Cistaceae Rockroses Cistus × sintenisii

Cistus creticus subsp. corsicus Cretan Cistus Cistus laurifolius subsp. atlanticus Laurel-leaved Cistus Cistus monspeliensis Narrow-leaved Cistus Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Helianthemum nummularium var. grandiflorum Large-flowered Rockrose Tuberaria guttata Spotted Rockrose Tuberaria lignosa

Compositae Daisies Achillea ligustica Southern Yarrow Achillea millefolium‡ Yarrow Anthemis arvensis Corn Chamomile Anthemis chia

Arctium minus Lesser Burdock Aster tripolium Sea Aster Bellis annua Annual Daisy Bellis perennis Daisy Bellis sylvestris Southern Daisy Bellium bellidioides* False Daisy Carduus pycnocephalus Plymouth Thistle Carduus tenuiflorus Slender Thistle Carlina corymbosa

Carlina macrocephala subsp. macrocephala* Large-headed Carline-thistle Cichorium intybus Chicory Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Crepis setosa Bristly Hawk's-beard Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Eupatorium cannabinum subsp. corsicum* Hemp Agrimony Filago vulgaris Common Cudweed Glebione segetum Corn Marigold Gnaphalium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed Helichrysum frigidum*

Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum Curry-plant Hypochaeris achyrophorus

Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Cat's-ear Hypochaeris radicata Common Cat's-ear Inula crithmoides Golden Samphire Jasione montana Sheep's-bit Lapsana communis Nipplewort Logfia gallica Narrow-leaved cudweed Logfia minima Small Cudweed Pulicaria odora Mediterranean Fleabane Santolina corsica* Corsican Lavendar-cotton Scolymus hispanicus Spanish Oyster Plant Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Silybum marianum Milk Thistle Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle Taraxacum sp. Dandelion Tripleurospermum maritimum Sea Mayweed Urospermum dalechampii Urospermum

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Convolvulaceae Bindweeds Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Calystegia soldanella Sea Bindweed Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed Convolvulus cantabrica Southern Bindweed Cuscuta planiflora

Crassulaceae Stonecrops Crassula tillaea Mossy Stonecrop Crassula vaillantii

Sedum album var. micranthum Wite Stonecrop Sedum ardegavense

Sedum brevifolium* Short-leaved Stonecrop Sedum caespitosum

Sedum cepaea Pink Stonecrop Sedum rubens Red Stonecrop Umbilicus horizontalis

Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort

Cytinaceae Cytinus Cytinus hypocistis Cytinus Cytinus ruber Cytinus

Dioscoreaceae Yams Dioscorea communis Black Bryony

Ericaceae Heathers Erica arborea Tree Heather Erica scoparia Besom Heather Erica terminalis Corsican Heath Arbutus unedo Strawberry-tree

Euphorbiaceae Spuges Euphorbia cupanii

Euphorbia dendroides Tree Spurge Euphorbia exigua Dwarf Spurge Euphorbia helioscopa Sun Spurge Euphorbia hiberna subsp. insularis* Irish Spurge Euphorbia lathyris Caper Spurge Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Euphorbia pithyusa subsp. cupanii*

Euphorbia pithyusa subsp. pithyusa

Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury

Fagaceae Oaks Castanea sativa‡ Sweet Chestnut Fagus sylvatica Beech Quercus coccifera Kermes Oak Quercus ilex Holme Oak Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Quercus suber Cork Oak

Gentianaceae Gentians Blackstonia imperfoliata

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Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury Centaurium maritimum Yellow Centaury

Geraniaceae Geraniums Erodium botrys Mediterranean Stork's-bill Erodium cicutarium Common Stork's-bill Erodium corsicum* Corsican Stork's-bill Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork's-bill Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Geranium Geranium lucidum Shining Geranium Geranium molle Dove's-foot Geranium Geranium purpureum Little-robin Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Crane's-bill

Hypericaceae St. John’s-worts Hypericum corsicum* Corsican St. John's-wort Hypericum hircinum Stinking Tutsan Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John's-wort

Lamiaceae Dead-nettles Clinopodium calamintha Lesser Calamint Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle Lamium hybridum Cut-leaved Dead-nettle Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle Lavendula stoechas French Lavender Marrubium vulgare White Horehound Menth spicata Spearmint Mentha × piperita Peppermint Mentha aquatica Water Mint Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal Mentha requienii* Corsican Mint Mentha suaveolens subsp. insularis* Round-leaved Mint Mentha suaveolens subsp. suaveolens Round-leaved Mint Origanum vulgare Wild Marjoram Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Salvia verbenacea Whorled Clary Stachys arvensis Field Woundwort Stachys corsica* Corsican Woundwort Stachys glutinosa* Sticky Woundwort Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage Thymus herba-barona*

Leguminaceae Peas Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. rubriflora Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. vulneraria Kidney Vetch Calicotome infesta Thorny Brome Cercis siliquastrum‡ Judas Tree Cytisus striatus Hairy-fruited Broom Cytisus villosus Thorny Broom Dorycnium hirsutum Dorycnium Dorycnium pentaphyllum Five-leaved Dorycnium Genista corsica* Corsican Broom Lathyrus angulatus Angular Pea

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Lathyrus annuus Fodder Pea Lathyrus aphaca Yellow Vetchling Lathyrus cicero Red Vetchling Lathyrus clymenum Crimson Pea Lathyrus hirsutus Hairy Vetchling Lathyrus odoratus Sweet Pea Lotus angustissimus Slender Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus ornithopodioides Southern Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus tenuis Narrow-leaved Bird's-foot-trefoil Lupinus angustifolius Narrow-leaved Lupin Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Medicago lupulina Black Medick Medicago marina Sea Medick Medicago orbicularis Button Medick Medicago polymorpha Toothed Medick Medicago sativa subsp. sativa Lucerne Melilotus albus‡ White Melilot Ononis reclinata Small Restharrow Ornithopus compressus Compressed Bird's-foot Ornithopus perpusillus Common Bird's-foot Ornithopus pinnatus Orange Bird's-foot Pistacia lentiscus Lentisc Robinia pseudacacia‡ Black Locust Scorpiurus muricatus Scorpion-vetch Scorpiurus subvillosus

Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Trifolium arvense Hare's-foor Clover Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil Trifolium fragiferum Strawberry Clover Trifolium hirtum Rose Clover Trifolium incarnatum‡ Crimson Clover Trifolium micranthum Slender Trefoil Trifolium pratense Red C Lover Trifolium repens White Clover Trifolium resupinatum Reversed Clover Trifolium stellatum Starry Clover Trifolium striatum Knotted Clover Trifolium subterranean Subterranean Clover Trifolium suffocatum Suffocated Clover Trigonella elegans

Trigonella officinalis

Vicia bythinica Bithynian Vetch Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch Vicia ervilea

Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare Vicia sativa var. sativa Narrow-leaved Vetch Vicia sativa var. segetalis Common Vetch

Linaceae Flaxes Linum bienne Pale Flax Linum trigynum

Linum usitatissimum Flax

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Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Lythraceae Loosestrifes Lythrum portula Water-purslane

Malvaceae Mallows Althaea hirsuta Rough Marsh-mallow Lavatera arborea Tree Mallow Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow Malva parviflora Least Mallow Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime

Molluginaceae Strapworts Corrigiola litoralis Strapwort Corrigiola telephium

Montiaceae Purslanes Montia fontana subsp. chondrosperma Blinks

Moraceae Figs Ficus carica Fig Morus alba‡ White Mulberry Morus nigra‡ Black Mulberry

Myrtaceae Myrtles Eucalyptus sp. ‡ Eucalpytus Myrtus communis Common Myrtle

Oleaceae Olives Fraxinus ornus Manna Ash Olea europaea var. sylvestris Wild Olive Phillyrea angustifolia Narrow-leaved Mock-privet Phillyrea latifolia Mock-privet

Onagraceae Willowherbs Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb

Orobanchaceae Broomrapes Bartsia trixago Bellardia Orobanche amathystea

Orobanche minor Common Broomrape Orobanche purpurea Yarrow Broomrape Parentucellia latifolia Southern Red Bartsia Parentucellia viscosa Yellow Bartsia Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle

Oxalidaceae Sorrels Oxalis articulata‡ Pink Oxalis Oxalis corniculata Procumbent Yellow Sorrel Oxalis pes-caprae‡ Bermuda Buttercup

Papaveraceae Poppies Corydalis pumila

Fumaria capreolata White Ramping-fumitory Fumaria densiflora Dense-flowered Fumitory

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Fumaria muralis Common Ramping-fumitory Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory Glaucium flavum Yellow Horned-poppy Papaver dubium subsp. dubium Long-headed Poppy Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy

Phytolaccaceae Pokeweeds Phytolacca acinos‡ Indian Pokeweed

Plantaginaceae Plantains Callitriche stagnalis Common Water-Starwort Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Digitalis purpurea subsp. dispergerae* Foxglove Linaria pelisseriana Jersey Toadflax Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax Misopates orontium Weasel's-snout Plantago afra Glandular Plantain Plantago bellardii Hairy Plantain Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Plantago lagopus Hare's-foot Plantain Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Plantago major Greater Plantain Plantago maritima Sea Plantain Plantago sarda var sarda*

Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell Veronica montana Wood Speedwell Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell Veronica persica‡ Common Field-speedwell Veronica repens* Corsican Speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell

Platanaceae Planes Platanus × hispanica‡ London Plane

Plumbaginaceae Thrifts Armeria multiceps* Multi-headed Thrift Limonium articulatum*

Polygalaceae Milkworts Polygala nicaeensis subsp. corsica*

Polygala vulgaris Common Milkwort

Polygonaceae Docks Polygonum aviculare Knotgrass Polygonum maritimum Sea Knotgrass Polygonum scoparium*

Rumex acetosa Sorrel Rumex acetosella subsp. pyrenaica Sheep's Sorrel Rumex bucephalophorus Horned Dock Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock Rumex crispus Curled Dock Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock Rumex pulcher Fiddle Dock Rumex sanguineus Wood Dock

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Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Portulacaceae Purslanes Portulaca oleracea Common Purslane

Primulaceae Primroses Anagallis arvensis subsp. arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Anagallis arvensis subsp. foemina Blue Pimpernel Cyclamen hederifolium Oivy-leaved Sowbread Cyclamen repandum Spring Sowbread

Ranunculaceae Buttercups Anemone hortensis subsp. hortensis

Aquilegia dumeticola*

Clematis recta

Clematis vitalba Old Man's Beard Ficaria verna Lesser Celandine Helleborus lividus*

Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus lanuginosus Wooly Buttercup Ranunculus macrophylla

Ranunculus muricatus Rough-fruited Buttercup Ranunculus parviflorus Small-flowered Buttercup Ranunculus platanifolius Maple-leaved Buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus sardous Hairy Buttercup

Resedaceae Mignonettes Reseda luteola Weld

Rosaceae Roses Amelanchier ovalis var. rhamnoides* Snowy Mespilus Aphanes arvensis Parsley-piert Aphanes minutuliflora

Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Geum urbanum Herb Bennet Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Potentilla micrantha

Potentilla recta Sulphur Cinquefoil Potentilla reptans Creeping Cniquefoil Potentilla rupestris var. pygmaea* Rock Cinquefoil Potentilla verna

Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Rubus sp. Bramble Sanguisorba minor subsp. balearica Salad Burnet Sanguisorba minor subsp. magnolii Salad Burnet Sanguisorba verrucosa

Sorbus aria Whitebeam Sorbus aucuparia subsp. praemorsa* Corsican Rowan

Rubiaceae Bedstraws Cruciata laevipes Crosswort Galium aparine Cleavers Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Galium palustre subsp. elongatum Marsh Bedstraw Galium rotundifolium Round-leaved Bedstraw Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw Rubia peregrina subsp. peregrina Madder Rubia peregrina subsp. requienii* Madder Sherardia arvensis Field Madder

Rutaceae Rues Ruta chalapensis Fringed Rue

Salicaceae Willows Populus × canescens Grey Poplar Populus alba White Poplar Populus nigra

Salix alba White Willow Salix cinerea subsp. cinerea Grey Willow Salix purpurea Purple Willow

Santalaceae Mistletoes Viscum album subsp. austriacum Mistletoe

Sapindaceae Maples Acer monspessulanum Montpellier Maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Aesculus hippocastanum Horse-chestnut

Saxifragaceae Saxifrages Saxifraga corsica* Corsican Saxifrage Saxifraga pedemontana subsp. cervicornis*

Scrophulariaceae Figworts Buddleja davidii‡ Buddleia Scrophularia canina subsp. pinnatifida* French Figwort Scrophularia peregrina Nettle-leaved Figwort Verbascum sinuatum Wavy-leaved Mullein Verbascum thapsus Great Mullein

Simaroubaceae Tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima‡ Tree-of-heaven

Smilacaceae Smilax Smilax aspera Common Smilax

Solanaceae Nightshades Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade

Tamaricaceae Tamarisks Tamarix gallica Tamarisk

Thymelaeaceae Mezereons Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel

Urticaceae Nettles Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-wall Parietaria lusitanica

16 © Naturetrek May 17

Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Urtica atrovirens*

Urtica dioica Common Nettle Urtica pilulifera Roman Nettle

Verbenaceae Vervains Verbena officinalis Vervein

Violaceae Violets Viola alba subsp. dehnadtii Mediterranean White Violet Viola arvensis Hearts-ease Viola biflora* Corsican Violet Viola kitaibeliana Dwarf Pansy Viola odorata Sweet Violet Viola reichenbachiana Early Dog Violet Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet

Vitaceae Grape-vines Vitis vinifera subsp. oleaster Wild Vine

LILIIDAE

Alliaceae Garlics Allium neapolitanum‡ Naples Garlic Allium oleraceum Field Garlic Allium roseum Roy Garlic Allium triquetrum Three-cornered Leek Allium ursinum Ramsons

Amaryllidaceae Daffodils Acis longifolia* Long-leaved Snowflake Pancratium illyricum* Illyrian Sea Daffodil

Araceae Lord-and-Ladies Arum italicum Italian Lords-and-Ladies

Asparagaceae Asparagus Agave americana‡ Centuryplant Asparagus acutifolius Mediterranean Wild Asparagus Asparagus officinalis Whte Asparagus Leopoldia comosa Tassel Hyacinth Ruscus aculeatus Butcher's-broom

Cyperaceae Sedges Bolboschoenus maritimus Sea Club-rush Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge Carex demissa Small Yellow Sedge Carex depauperata Starved Wood-sedge Carex distans Distant Sedge Carex divisa Divided Sedge Carex divulsa Grey Sedge Carex echinata Star Sedge Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Carex frigida

Carex halleriana subsp. corsica*

Carex lepidocarpa Long-stalked Yellow-sedge

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Carex leporina Oval Sedge Carex microcarpa*

Carex otrubae False Fox-sedge Carex pallescens Pale Sedge Carex panicea Carnation Sedge Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge Carex pilulifera Pill Sedge Carex remota Remote Sedge Cyperus esculentus Yellow Nutsedge Cyperus longus Galingale Eleocharis acicularis Needle Spike-rush Holoschoenus vulgaris Round-headed Club-rush Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Sea Club-rush Schoenus nigricans Blak Bog-rush

Iridaceae Irises Crocus corsicus* Corsican Crocus Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Iris pseudacorus Yellow Flag Romulea ligustica A Sand Crocus

Juncaceae Rushes Juncus acutus Sharp Rush Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Juncus bulbosus Bulbous Rush Juncus effusus Soft Rush Juncus inflexus Hard Rush Juncus maritimus Sea Rush Juncus requienii*

Juncus tenageia

Luzula campestris Field Wood-rush Luzula forsteri Southern Wood-rush Luzula luzulina

Luzula multiflora var. multiflora Heath Wood-rush Luzula pedemontana Piedment Wood-rush Luzula spicata subsp. mutabilis Spiked Wood-rush Luzula sylvatica subsp. sieberi Great Wood-rush

Lileaceae Lilies Gagea soleirolii* A Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem

Orchidaceae Orchids Anacamptis laxiflora Jersey Orchid Anacamptis laxiflora × A. morio

Anacamptis morio Green-winged Orchid Anacamptis papilionacea var. expansa Pink Butterfly-orchid Anacamptis papilionacea var. papilionacea Pink Butterfly-orchid Dactylorhiza saccifera Wedge-lipped Orchid Limodorum abortivum Violet Bird's-nest Orchid Neotinea maculata Dense-flowered Orchid Ophrys sphegodes Early Spider-orchid Orchis anthropophora Man Orchid Orchis provincialis Provence Orchid Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid

18 © Naturetrek May 17

Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Serapias parviflora Small-flowered Tongue-orchid Serapias vomeracea Long-lipped Tongue-orchid

Poaceae Grasses Aegilops geniculata Ovate Goat-grass Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent Aira caryophyllea Silver Hair-grass Alopecurus myosuroides Black-grass Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail Ammophila arenaria Marram Anisantha diandra Great Brome Anisantha madritensis Compact Brome Anisantha rubens A brome Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Arundo donax Giant Reed Avena sterilis Barren Oat Brachypodium sylvaticum Wood Flase-brome Briza maxima Great Quaking-grass Bromus hordeaceus Soft Brome Catapodium rigidum Fern-grass Cynodon dactylon Bermuda-grass Cynosurus echinatus Rough Dog's-tail Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog Hordeum marinum Sea Barley Hordeum murinum Wall Barley Hordeum secalinum Meadow Barley Lagurus ovatus Hare's-tail Grass Lamarckia aurea Golden Dog's-tail Lolium multiflorum Italian Rye-grass Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass Melica nutans Mountain Melick Melica uniflora Wood Melick Parapholis incurva Curved Hard-grass Phalaris aquatica Bulbous Canary-grass Phragmites australis Common Reed Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Poa infirma Early Meadow-grass Polypogon monspeliensis Annual Beard-grass Trisetum flavescens Yellow Oat-grass Vulpia myuros Rat's-tail Fescue

Potamogetonaceae Pondweeds Potamogeton schweinfurthii

Typhaceae Bulrushes Typha angustifolia Lesser Bulrush Typha domingensis

Typha latifolia Bulrush

Widespread taxa - recorded at most sites and/or between sites; also planted taxa

Acer monspessulanum Acer pseudoplatanus Achillea ligustica Agave americana Agrostis stolonifera Ailanthus altissima Aira caryophyllea Allium triquetrum Alnus glutinosa

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Amelanchier ovalis var. rhamnoides Anisantha diandra Anisantha madritensis Anisantha rubens Anisantha sterilis Anthoxanthum odoratum Aphanes arvensis Arundo donax Asparagus acutifolius Asphodelus ramosus Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Asplenium ceterach (Ceterach officinarum) Asplenium onopteris Asplenium trichomanes Avena sterilis Barbarea vulgaris Bellis perennis Borago officinalis Briza maxima Bromus diandrus Bromus hordeaceus Buddleja davidii Calicotome infesta Capsella bursa-pastoris Capsella rubella Carduus pycnocephalus Carduus tenuiflorus Carlina corymbosa Carex divulsa Carex flacca Carex halleriana Carex pendula Castinea sativa Catapodium rigidum Centranthus ruber Cerastium diffusum Cerastium fontanum Cerastium glomeratum Cercis siliquastrum Chaerophyllum temulentum Cichorium intybus Cirsium vulgare Cistus creticus subsp. corsicus Cistus monspeliensis Crataegus monogyna Crepis setosa Cruciata laevipes Cupressus sempervirens Cyclamen hederifolium Cystopteris fragilis Cytisus villosus Daucus carota Digitalis purpurea subsp. dispergerae Echium italicum Erica arborea Erodium cicutarium Erodium botrys Erodium malacoides Eucalyptus sp. Euphorbia helioscopa Euphorbia pithyusa subsp. pithyusa Ferula communis Ficus carica Fraxinus ornus Fumaria capreolata Galium aparine Geranium dissectum Geranium lucidum Geranium molle Geranium purpureum Geranium robertianum Glebione segetum Hedera helix Helechrysum frigidum Helleborus lividus Hordeum murinum Hypericum perforatum Isatis tinctoria Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. Lathyrus cicero oxycedrus macrocarpa Lavatera arborea Linum bienne Linum usitatissimum Logfia gallica Logfia minima Lolium multiflorum Lotus corniculatus Lunaria annua Malva parviflora Malva sylvestris Melilotus albus Misopates orontium Morus alba Morus nigra Muscari comosum Myrtus communis Nerium oleander Opuntia ficus-indica Opuntia microdasys Ornithopus perpusillus Ornithopus pinnatus Orobanche minor Oxalis articulata Oxalis corniculata Oxalis pes-caprae Papaver dubium subsp. dubium Papaver rhoeas Parietaria Judaica Parietaria lusitanica Petrorhagia nanteulii Phillyrea angustifolia Pinus nigra subsp. laricio Pinus pinaster Pinus pinea Pistacia lentiscus Plantago coronopus Plantago lanceolata Platanus × hispanica Poa annua Polypodium cambricum Polypodium vulgare Populus nigra Populus × canescens Populus alba Potentilla reptans

Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Prunus spinosa Pteridium aquilinum Quercus ilex Quercus suber Ranunculus repens Reseda luteola Robinia pseudacacia Rubia peregrina subsp. peregrina Rubia peregrina subsp. requienii Rumex acetosella subsp. pyrenaica Rumex bucephalophorus Rumex pulcher Salvia verbenacea Sanguisorba minor subsp. magnolii Scandix pecten-veneris Scorpiurus muricatus Sedum album var. micranthum Selaginella denticulata Silene gallica Silene vulgaris Silybum marianum Sinapis arvensis Sisymbrium officinale Sonchus asper Spergularia rubra Stachys glutinosa Tamus communis Taraxacum sp. Tilia cordata Tilia platyphyllos Teucrium scorodonia Trifolium campestre Trifolium dubium Trifolium pratense Trifolium repens Trifolium stellatum Trifolium striatum Trifolium subterranean Tuberaria lignosa Umbilicus rupestris Urospermum dalechampii Urtica pilulifera Veronica arvensis Vicia cracca Viola odorata

Site list

30th April

Galeria

Chamaemellum mixtum Carprobrotus edulis Ephedra distchya Erodium corsicum Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum Limonium corsicum Lotus tenuis Polygonum scoparium Urtica atrovirens

Coastal road

Acis longifolia Asplenium obovatum Euphorbia dendroides Pancratium illyricum Ranunculus parviflorus Romulea ligustica Selaginella denticulata Vitis vinifera subsp. oleaster

1st May

Spelunca Gorge and Lota

Acanthus mollis Acis longifolia Adiantum capillus-veneris Amaranthus deflexus Anagallis arvensis Anagramma leptophylla Aphanes minutuliflora Arabis verna Arbutus unedo Asphodelus aestivus Asplenium obovatum Aristolochia rotunda subsp. insularis Aristolochia tyrrhena Aristolochia pallida Arum italicum Barbarea rupicola Bellium bellidioides Brachypodium sylvaticum Buxus sempervirens Callitriche stagnalis Carex depauperata Carlina macrocephala subsp. Cheilanthes maderensis Clematis vitalba macrocephala Corrigiola litoralis Cyclamen repandum Cymbalaria muralis Cynoglossum creticum Cyperus longus Daphne laureola

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Euphorbia lathyris Euphorbia peplus Fumaria densiflora Fumaria muralis Galium mollugo Galium rotundifolium Geranium rotundifolium Hypericum hircinum Hypochaeris glabra Hypochaeris radicata Jasione montana Lagurus ovatus Lamium hybridum Lamium amplexicaule Lapsana communis Lathyrus clymenum Limodorum abortivum Linaria pelisseriana Luzula forsteri Medicago arabica Medicago lupulina Medicago polymorpha Melica uniflora Mentha aquatica Mentha pulegium Menth spicata Mercurialis annua Moehringia trinervia Muscari comosum Mycelis muralis Myosotis discolor Oenanthe crocata Oreganum vulgare Ornithopus compressus Pancratium illyricum Petrorhagia velutina Phoenix canariensis Plantago lagopus Polystichum setiferum Quercus coccifera Ranunculus lanuginosus Ruscus aculeatus Scleranthus annuus Scrophularia peregrina Sedum cepaea Senecio vulgaris Sherardia arvensis Silene alba Silene latifolia Sisymbrium officinalis Smilax aspera Smyrnum olusastrum Solanum nigrum Stachys corsica Stachys arvensis Sorbus aria Teesdalia nudicaulis Trifolium fragiferum Trifolium striatum Trifolium suffocatum Tuberaria guttata Urtica atrovirens Valerianella dentata Velezia rigida Verbena officinalis Vicia hirsuta Viola alba subsp. dehnadtii Viola arvensis

2nd May

Evisa

Cardamine hirsuta Gnaphalium luteoalbum Sagina subulata subsp. revelieri Sagina subulata subsp. subulata Scrophularia peregrine Verbascum thapsus Vulpia myuros

Forêt d’Aitone

Abies alba Barbarea rupicola Bellis annua Bellis sylvestris Betula pendula Callitriche stagnalis Cardamine flexuosa Crassula vaillantii Ficaria verna Fragaria vesca Galium rotundifolium Ilex aquifolium Juncus bufonius Juncus bulbosus Juncus effusus Juniperus communis Larix decidua Luzula campestris Luzula luzulina Lythrum portula Mentha aquatica Mentha requienii Montia fontana subsp. Pinus halapensis chondrosperma Pinus nigra subsp. laricio Plantago maritima Poa infirma Ranunculus flammula Romulea ligustica Sedum ardegavense Sedum brevifolium Veronica repens Viola biflora

Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Viscum album subsp. austriacum

Col de Savi

Crassula tillaea Lotus angustissimus Melica nutans Poa infirma Potentilla rupestris var. pygmaea Sagina pilifera Sagina subulata Stachys corsica Teesdalia coronopifolia Thymus herba-barona Veronica persica Veronica serpyllifolia

Beach near mouth of the River Liamone

Alopecurus myosuroides Althaea hirsuta Ammophila arenaria Anthemis chia Anthemis maritimus Carprobrotus edulis Carex otrubae Corrigiola telephium Cyperus esculentus Eleocharis acicularis Eruca sativa Euphorbia hiberna subsp. insularis Fumaria officinalis Galium palustre subsp. elongatum Glaucium flavum Holcus lanatus Iris pseudacorus Juncus articulatus Juncus effusus Juncus tenageia Lagurus ovatus Lotus ornithopodioides Lotus pedunculatus Matthiola incana Medicago marina Medicago sativa subsp. sativa Myosotis sicula Oenanthe fistulosa Parentucellia viscosa Paronychia argentea Phragmites australis Polycarpon tetraphyllum subsp. Polygonum maritimum diphyllum Portulacca oleracea Potamogeton schweinfurthii Ranunculus muricatus Ranunculus sardous Rumex conglomeratus Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Spergularia marina Succisa pratensis Trifolium hirtum Trifolium incarnatum Typha latifolia

3rd May

Col de Vergio

Armeria multiceps Berberis aetnensis Crocus corsicus Erophila verna Gagea soleirolii Lepidium hirtum subsp. oxyotum Luzula spicata subsp. mutabilis Plantago sarda var sarda Sagina pilifer Sagina subulata var. gracilis Scleranthus burnatii Sedum ardegavense Teesdalia nudicaulis Thymus herba-barona Viola reichenbachiana

Santa Regina Gorge

Anacamptis papilionacea var. Saxifraga corsica Saxifraga pedemontana subsp. papilionacea cervicornis Cerastium soleirolii Parentucellia latifolia maquis near Francardo

Anacamptis papilionacea var. Anemone hortensis subsp. hortensis Arabis hirsuta papilionacea Arabis collina Blackstonia imperfoliata Centaurium erythraea

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Cystopteris fragilis Echium plantagineum Helianthemum nummularium var. grandiflorum Hypochaeris achyrophorus Lathyrus angulatus Lathyrus aphaca Lathyrus hirsutus Linaria pelisseriana Linaria vulgaris Malus sylvestris Ophrys sphegodes Anacamptis morio Orchis provincialis Pastinaca sativa Polygala nicaeensis subsp. corsica Potentilla recta Quercus coccifera Quercus pubescens Serapias parviflora Trigonella officinalis

4th May

Verghello Valley

Alnus cordata Cistus × sintenisii Cistus salvifolius Cytinus hypocistis Erica terminalis Helianthemum nummularium var. grandiflorum Lavendula stoechas Limodorum abortivum Lupinus angustifolius Parentucellia viscosa Polygala vulgaris Poterium sanguisorba subsp. balearica Poterium verrucosum Pulicaria odora Quercus petraea Spartium junceum Trifolium arvense Trigonella elegans Vulpia myuros

Flush and stream up the valley

Apium repens Athyrium distentifolium Athyrium felix-femina Carex demissa Carex echinata Carex frigida Carex lepidocarpa Carex leporina Carex microcarpa Carex pallescens Carex remota Dactylorhiza saccifera Eupatorium cannabinum subsp. Hypericum corsicum Luzula multiflora var. multiflora corsicum Osmunda regalis Salix cinerea subsp. cinerea Sanicula europaea Serapias vomeracea

Helicopter landing for Lunch

Cardamine flexuosa Carex leporina Cirsium vulgare Conopodium majus Juncus bufonius Juncus effusus Juncus inflexus Luzula campestre Luzula forsteri Luzula pedemontana Moenchia erecta Montia fontana subsp. chondrosperma Myosotis ramosissima Myosotis stricta Origanum vulgare Parentucellia latifolia Phytolacca americana Rumex obtusifolius Sagina subulata subsp. revellieri Teesdalia nudicalis Trifolium micranthum Umbilicus horizontalis Urtica atrovirens Veronica officinalis Veronica persica Vicia sativa var. sativa Viola arvensis Viola kitaibeliana

Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Col de Vizzavon

Achillea millefolium Aesculus hippocastanum Alliaria petiolata Allium ursinum Aquilegia dumeticola Arctium minus Carex caryophyllea Carex pilulifera Corydalis pumila Dryopteris affinis Fagus sylvatica Fragaria vesca Galium odoratum Galium rotundifolium Geum urbanum Ilex aquifolium Juncus effusus Luzula campestris Luzula pedemontana Luzula sylvatica subsp. sieberi Moehringia pentandra Potentilla micrantha Ranunculus macrophylla Ranunculus platanifolius Rumex acetosa Sagina procumbens Sambucus edulis Selaginella kraussiana Stellaria media Trifolium micranthum Urtica dioica Veronica hederifolia Veronica montana Veronica repens Veronica serpyllifolia Viola reichenbachiana Viola riviniana

5th May

Plage de Padulone

Allium oleraceum Asparagus officinalis Equisetum ramosissimum Lonicera etrusca Matthiola sinuata Foeniculum vulgare subsp. vulgare Salix alba Salix purpurea

Etang d’Urbino

Allium roseum Anagallis arvensis Aster tripolium Blackstonia perfoliata Bolboschoenus maritimus Carex distans Cichorium intybus Cistus laurifolius subsp. atlanticus Equisetum telmateia Gladiolus italicus Halimione portulacoides Hordeum marinum Inula crithmoides Juncus acutus Juncus maritimus Lathyrus annuus Lathyrus aphaca Lathyrus bythinicus Lathyrus clymenum Lathyrus hirsutus Lathyrus odoratus Mentha suaveolens subsp. insularis Oenanthe lachenalii Phragmites australis Polygonum aviculare Polypogon monspeliensis Potentilla verna Salsola kali Salsola fruticosa Typha domingensis Vicia sativa

Lunch at the Conservatoire du Littoral

Alopecurus pratensis Bartsia trixago Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima Bolboschoenus maritimus Calystegia sepium Calystegia soldanella Carex divisa Centaurium maritimum Chenopodium album Cytinus ruber Halimione portulacoides Hordeum marinum Hordeum secalinum Juncus acutus Juncus maritimus Lamium purpureum Lolium perenne Malva neglecta Parapholis incurva Phalaris aquatica Phragmites australis

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Polypogon monspeliensis Rhinanthus minor Rumex crispus Serapias parviflora Sonchus oleraceus Spergula marina Spergula rubra Tamarix gallica Trisetum flavescens Zostera noltei

Roman ruins at Aleria

Allium neapolitanum Campanula rapunculus Convolvulus althaeoides Eryngium campestre Marrubium vulgare Scrophularia canina subsp. pinnatifida

Tavignano River

Adiantum capillus-veneris Apium nodiflorum Carex distans Carex frigida Carex lepidocarpa Carex microcarpa Carex panicea Cyperus longus Erica scoparia Epilobium hirsutum Equisetum ramosissimum Holoschoenus vulgaris Hypericum corsicum Juncus articulatus Juncus bufonius Juncus requienii Mentha aquatica Mentha × piperita Nasturtium officinale Osmunda regalis Plantago major Ranunculus parviflorus Schoenus nigricans Typha angustifolia

6th May

Tavignano Valley Aegilops geniculata Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. Arenaria serpyllifolia vulneraria Cheilanthes acrosticha Cheilanthes guanchica Clematis recta Clinopodium calamintha Convolvulus althaeoides Convolvulus cantabrica Cuscuta planiflora Cytisus striatus Dipsacus fullonum Euphorbia cupanii Euphorbia exigua Euphorbia helioscopus Euphorbia pithyusa subsp. Ervillea sativa Eryngium campestre cupanii Galium verum Genista corsica Helechrysum italicum subsp. italicum Lamarckia aurea Lavendula stoechas Linum trigynum Medicago orbicularis Leopoldia comosa Olea europaea var. sylvestris Phillyrea latifolia Plantago afra Plantago bellardii Pulicaria odora Quercus coccifera Rosmarinus officinalis Ruta chalapensis Santolina corsica Scorpiurus subvillosus Sedum rubens Selaginella denticulata Stachys corsica Trifolium resupinatum Trisetum flavescens Valerianella locusta

Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Lunch near Corte

Anacamptis papilionacea var. Anthemis arvensis Apium nodiflorum papilionacea Bellis sylvestris Bunias erucago Campanula rapunculus Cynodon dactylon Cynosurus echinatus Equisetum arvense Eupatorium cannabinum subsp. Filago vulgaris Galium mollugo corsicum Eryngium campestre Holoschoenus vulgaris Lavendula stoechas Mentha aquatica Mentha suaveolens subsp. Mentha suaveolens subsp. insularis suaveolens Ononis reclinata Pastinaca sativa Rosa canina Rubus sp. Rumex acetosella Rumex sanguineus Sedum caespitosum Sherardia arvensis Silene latifolia Silene mutabilis Trisetum flavescens Urtica dioica Scolymus hispanicus Verbascum sinuatum

Tralonca Cemetery

Anacamptis laxiflora Anacamptis morio Anacamptis laxiflora × A. morio Anacamptis papilionacea var. Anacamptis papilionacea var. Anemone hortensis subsp. hortensis expansa papilionacea Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. rubriflora Dorycnium hirsutum Dorycnium pentaphyllum Lavendula stoechas Lonicera implexa Neotinea maculata Orchis anthropophora Orchis provincialis Orchis purpurea Orobanche amathystea

Birds (=recorded but not counted; H = heard only: • = endemic) April/May Common name Scientific name 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 3 2 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 2 3 3 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 2 4 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus 6 5 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides 1 6 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 1 7 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 1 1 8 Great Egret Ardea alba 2 9 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 2 10 European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis 2 11 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 1  12 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 3 13 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 2 14 Red Kite Milvus milvus  2      15 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo   2 1 2 16 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra  17 Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria 1 18 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 6 19 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 1 1 1 1 20 Sanderling Calidris alba 3 21 Ruff Philomachus pugnax 3

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

April/May Common name Scientific name 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 22 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis    23 Common Tern Sterna hirundo  24 Rock Dove Columba livia        25 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 4      26 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur h 27 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto      28 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus h 3 h h h h 29 Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops h h h h 30 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba 6 31 Common Swift Apus apus        32 Pallid Swift Apus pallidus 1 33 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster 5 12  h 34 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 1 35 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla h 36 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 4 3 37 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 2 1 1 1 2 1 38 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2 39 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 1 40 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus 6 41 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 1 2 2 4 4 3  42 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix        43 Northern Raven Corvus corax 3 5      44 Coal Tit Periparus ater 1       45 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus        46 Great Tit Parus major        47 Woodlark Lullula arborea  48 Sand Martin Riparia riparia  49 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica  1    50 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 1    51 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum        52 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica 1 53 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti h 1 h h 54 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 2 2 4  2 55 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 1 56 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita h 1 57 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis 2 2 58 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla  4    h  59 Marmora's Warbler Sylvia sarda 1 60 Moltoni's Warbler Sylvia subalpina 2 3 1 61 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala  h 2 h 6  62 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla h   h h 63 Goldcrest Regulus regulus 3 64 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes   65 Corsican Nuthatch • Sitta whiteheadi 2 3 66 Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris 2 67 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor     68 Common Blackbird Turdus merula 4       69 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 70 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 4 1 1 1 4 2 71 European Robin Erithacus rubecula       72 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos h h h h

Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

April/May Common name Scientific name 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 73 European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca 1 74 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 1 1 75 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 1 76 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 3 1 77 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola 1 1 1 3 78 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 1 79 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus 2 2 3 2 2 80 House Sparrow Passer domesticus   81 Italian Sparrow Passer italiae       82 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 2 1 1 4 3 2 83 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 1 84 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 1 2 1 85 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta 3 86 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs        87 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris 4 2     88 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina 2 h 89 Red Crossbill • Loxia curvirostra corsicana 25 2 90 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis        91 Corsican Finch • Carduelis corsicana    92 European Serin Serinus serinus        93 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra h 1 2  94 Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 2 2   1 1

Mammals (‡ = introduced)

Mouflon ‡, Ovis orientalis Wild Boar ‡, Sus scrofa

Reptiles

Bedriaga's Rock Lizard •, Archaeolacerta bedriagae Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard •, Podarcis tiliguerta Italian Wall Lizard, Podarcis sicula

Amphibians

Corsican Fire Salamander •, Salamandra corsica Italian Pool Frog ‡, Rana bergeri

Butterflies

Mallow Skipper, Carcharodus alceae Swallowtail, Papilio machaon Scarce Swallowtail, Iphiclides podalirius Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni Clouded Yellow, Colias crocea Large White, Pieris brassicae Green-veined White, Pieris napi Small White, Pieris rapae Wood White, Leptidea sinapis Small Copper, Lycaena phlaeus Brown Argus, Aricia agestis Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus Green-underside Blue, Glaucopsyche alexis Common Blue, Polyommatus icarus Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta Peacock, Inachis io Queen of Spain Fritillary, Issoria lathonia Southern Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria aegeria Corsican Wall Brown •, Lasiommata paramegaera Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina Small Heath, Coenonympha pamphilus

Tour Report Corsica - The Scented Isle

Dragonflies

Scarlet Darter , Crocothemis erythraea

Other Insects

Blue-winged Grasshopper, Oedipoda caerulescens Egyptian Grasshopper, Anacridium aegyptium Fire Bug, Pyrrhocoris apterus Hornet, Vespa crabro Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa violacea Larder Beetle, Oedomera nobilis Dung Beetle, Scarabaeus laticollis Click Beetle, Dilus flavescens Rose Chafer, Cetonia aurata Pond Skater, Gerris lacustris

Moths Common name Scientific name Notes

Sesiidae Fiery Clearwing Pyropteron chrysidiformis Endangered in UK Plutellidae Diamond-back Moth Plutella xylostella Abundant immigrant to UK Oecophoridae Denisia ragonotella Little information available; possibly endemic Gelechiidae Nothris verbascella Extinct in UK Pseudosophronia exustellus Not found in UK Tortricidae Hedya nubiferana Common in UK Epinotia cynosbatella Common in UK Pterophoridae Merrifieldia semidactylus Endemic to Corsica & Sardinia Rusty Dot Pearl Udea ferrugalis Common immigrant to UK Achyra nudalis Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella Common immigrant to UK Pyralidae Bee moth Aphromia sociella Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Acrobasis obliqua Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Homoeosoma sinuella Common in UK Geometridae: Sterrhinae Portland Ribbon Wave Idaea degeneraria Portland is the traditional locality in UK Lustrous Least Carpet Idaea filicata Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Widespread, often sitting on sides of buildings Small Dusty Wave Idaea seriata) (common in UK) Satin Wave Idaea subsericeata Widespread in UK Small Blood-vein Scopula imitaria Common in UK Tawny Wave Scopula rubiginaria Very local in UK Vestal Rhodometra sacraria) Regular immigrant to UK Geommetridae:Larentiinae Gem Orthonama obstipata Regular immigrant to UK Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata Common in UK Coenotephria ablutaria Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Ochreous Pug Eupithecia indigata Widespread in UK Masked Pug Eupithecia oxycedrata Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Strawberry Tree Pug Eupithecia unedonata Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Netted Pug Eupithecia venosata Widespread in UK

Corsica - The Scented Isle Tour Report

Common name Scientific name Notes

Geometridae:Ennomianae Isturgia assimilaria Endemic to Corsica & Sardinia Willow Beauty Peribatodes rhomboidaria Common in UK Euchrognophos mucidaria Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Yellow Belle Aspitates ochrearia Widespread in UK, especially on coasts Euchrognophos mucidaria Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Sphingidae

Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Regular immigrant to UK Notodontidae Pine Processsionary Thaumetopoea pityocampa Larval webs widspread (2 records for UK) Erebidae:Arctiinae Formerly confined to SW coasts in UK, but now Hoary Footman Eilema caniola spreading Erebidae:Boletobiinae Small Marbled Eublemma parva Scarce immigrant to UK Noctuidae:Acontiinae Pale Shoulder Acontia lucida Very rare immigrant to UK Noctuidae:Aediinae Four-spotted Tyta luctuosa Very local in UK Sorcerer Aedia leucomelas Very rare immigrant to UK Noctuidae:Noctuinae Turnip Moth Agrotis segetum Common in UK Noctuidae:Hadeninae Hadena sancta Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Perigrapha rorida Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Delicate Mythimna vitellina Common in UK Noctuidae:Xyleninae Dotted Chestnut Conistra rubiginea Local in UK, but increasing Pale Mottled Willow Caradrina clavipalpis Common in UK Paradrina noctivaga Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK Noctuidae:Plusiinae Silver Y Autographa gamma Common immigrant to UK Nolidae Nola squalida Widespread in Mediterranean; not found in UK

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