Italy - the Sorrento Peninsula

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Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

Naturetrek Tour Report 6 – 13 April 2018

Italian Wall Lizard

Anemone apennina

Viola pseudogracilis European Tree Sparrow

Report & images by Paul Harmes & Jonathan Mycock

Naturetrek Wolf’s Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 F: +44 (0)1962 736426 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

Tour Participants: Paul Harmes & Jonathan Mycock (Leaders) with 14 Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Friday 6th April

Travel to Sorrento Fourteen tour members met with Paul and Jonathan at Gatwick’s North Terminal for our EasyJet flight EZY8531 to Naples. Upon our arrival, we soon cleared Passport control and collected our luggage, before making the short walk to the car-hire area. With the vehicle formalities completed and luggage stowed we set off on Autostrada A1 for the Sorrento Peninsula, in bright sunshine and high cloud. After a short drive, we made a stop for refreshments in a motorway service area. Whilst having a snack, Common Kestrel, Yellow-legged Gull, Hooded Crow and White Wagtail were seen. Also noted was the attractive Anagallis arvensis forma carnea (the pink form of Scarlet Pimpernel).

Leaving the service area, our route took us past the imposing Mount Vesuvius and the beautiful Bay of Naples. As we went Collared Dove and Common Blackbird were recorded. We left the motorway at Castellammare di Stabia and turned onto the busy, but scenic, coastal road, entering the first of three long tunnels which cut through the Lattari Mountains. Emerging, we were soon enjoying the views of the Bay of Sorrento and the wider Bay of Naples, including the islands of Ischia and Capri, as well as the rugged coastline. We made a brief stop to stretch our legs at Punta Gradelle, near Meta. Numerous Yellow-legged Gulls were seen together with Common Buzzard, Raven, Serin and Common Kestrel, and a distant Blue Rock Thrush, up on the cliff opposite. For the botanists there was Antirrhinum siculum (Sicilian Snapdragon), Euphorbia dendroides (Tree Spurge), Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood), Leopoldia comosa (Tassel Hyacinth) and Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane’s-bill).

Continuing through the relatively light traffic, we soon arrived in Via Capo and the Best Western Hotel La Solara, our base for the week. We were welcomed by two of our hosts, Massimo and Fabio, who were soon settling us into our rooms, following a Welcome drink. . We met again at 6pm, when we enjoyed a drink and snacks whilst our leaders outlined some of the week’s excursions and general logistics, before going into the restaurant for dinner.

Day 2 Saturday 7th April

Punta Campanella Today, on a bright morning, we travelled the relatively short distance south of Via Capo to the village of Termini. Along the way, we saw Barn Swallow, the very common Italian Sparrow and Collared Dove. In Termini, we parked the vehicles and Paul and Jonathan distributed the picnic, before we set out to walk the road and track from the town to the old lighthouse at Punta Campanella. The Mediterranean flora was very much in evidence here, and it was not long before we were beginning to identify an array of species. The early part of the road, near the town, descended through olive groves, market gardens and woodland, and then into more open ‘garrigue’ scrubland nearer the lighthouse. Early bird sightings were European Serin, Italian Sparrow and Peregrine Falcon. We also heard Goldcrest, Cetti’s Warbler and Blackcap. As we moved on, we also began to record plants. Ulmus canescens (Mediterranean Elm), Anogramma leptophylla (Jersey Fern), Parietaria officinalis (Large

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Pellitory-of-the-Wall), Leopoldia comosa (Tassel Hyacinth) and Anemone hortensis (an Anemone) were all seen. Butterflies were also active, with Holly Blue, Small Copper and Wall Brown as early sightings.

A little further on we found the endemic Glandora rosmarinifolia (Rosemary-leaved Gromwell) and, very close by, we found Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera (a Spider Orchid), Ophrys sphegodes subsp. sphegodes (Early Spider Orchid), Ophrys bombyliflora (Bumblebee Orchid) and an emerging spike of Serapias lingua (Common Tongue Orchid). There was also some activity on the bird front, with Sardinian Warbler, Northern Raven, Peregrine Falcon and Common Buzzard all recorded. With regard to botanical interest, the Pea family was particularly well represented, with Lotus edulis (Edible Lotus), Trifolium stellatum (Starry Clover), Lotus ornithopodioides (a Bird’s-foot Trefoil), Anthyllis barba-jovis (Jupiter's Beard), Lathyrus clymenum, Vicia bithynica (Bithynian Vetch), Lotus tetragonolobus (Asparagus Pea), Calycotome villosa (Hairy Thorny Broom), Lotus creticus (Southern Bird’s-foot Trefoil) and Coronilla scorpioides (Annual Scorpion-vetch) all noted.

While enjoying our picnic lunch at the old lighthouse, we saw a number of Yellow-legged Gulls and Sandwich Terns. Swallowtail, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood [aegeria] and Cleopatra butterflies, and Italian Wall Lizards were also very numerous and active. As we began to retrace our steps, we found Lotus creticus (Southern Bird’s- foot Trefoil), Misopates orontium (Weasel Snout) and Silene latifolia (White Campion). A pod of eight Bottlenose Dolphins was spotted, including a young calf, swimming along close to the shoreline. When we reached Termini, we stopped for well-earned refreshments at a local Juice bar/cafe, belonging to the friendly Enrico and Laura, before beginning our homeward journey.

Day 3 Sunday 8th April

Capri We left the hotel early today, to drive into Sorrento and down to the Marina Piccola, parking the minibuses at the port. Paul went to buy our tickets for the boat over to the beautiful island of Capri, whilst Jonathan organised breakfast at a local bar. We soon boarded the 8.20am ferry for the 25-minute journey over to the island. We travelled on a jet boat which, unfortunately, had no external viewing area, so there was little scope for seeing many sea birds; Yellow-legged Gull was the only offering.

Upon our arrival on Capri, we needed to acquire travel tickets for the little buses that connect Marina Grande with Anacapri, the second main town of the island. Once at Anacapri, we began the walk towards the top of Monte Solaro which, at 587 metres, is the highest point of the island.

Setting off, it was not long before we were finding things of interest, beginning with superb views of Wood Warbler, Firecrest and Collared Flycatcher in trees by the path. As we went we added Sardinian Warbler and European Serin. There were masses of emerging Orchis italica (Naked Man Orchid), a few Anacamptis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid) and Ophrys bombyliflora (Bumblebee Orchid), as well as Large White and Wall Brown butterflies. When we reached a junction in the path, Jonathan and the birders located Eastern Subalpine Warbler and Western Orphean Warbler, both of which were displaying and giving good views. Northern Raven and Willow Warbler were also heard, and Common Kestrel seen later. The botanists, with Paul, found Ranunculus paludosus (Jersey Buttercup), Narcissus tazetta (Bunch-flowered Daffodil), which had nearly finished flowering, a

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Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

couple of spikes of Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera (a Spider Orchid) and Anemone hortensis. One of their number also found Eastern Subalpine Warbler.

We now made our way back to Anacapri for lunch, selecting the ‘Ristorante Le Terrazze’, before getting the bus back to Marina Grande Harbour, to catch the 4.20pm ferry back to Sorrento. Before leaving, we had time for genuine Italian ice-creams, ‘gelati’.

Upon our return to Sorrento, we collected our vehicles and made our way back to our hotel.

Day 4 Monday 9th April

Pompeii - Vesuvius After breakfast, on a dull wet day, we were soon heading north to spend the morning at the extensive archaeological ruins of the Roman city of Pompeii, situated ominously beneath Mount Vesuvius, which had destroyed the city in the eruption of 79AD. After parking the buses, we made our way to the entrance where we bought tickets, maps and guides and set off to explore. All group members made their own way around the archaeological site, reporting a number of species of birds and plants. These included Tree Sparrows, Blackcap, Hooded Crow, Barn Swallow, Jackdaw, Magpie and European Serin. Among the plants were Polycarpon tetraphyllum (Four-leaved Allseed) and Erodium cicutarium (Common Stork’s-bill).

Re-joining our vehicles, we made our way to the autostrada, turning off onto the road into the Vesuvius National Park and the steep winding ascent that goes almost to the top of this awesome volcano. Along the way we noted an increasing number of Barn Swallow and Chelidonium majus (Greater Celandine). We made our way up to a rough car park, where Paul and Jonathan set up our picnic lunch. By now, although the mountain top was shrouded in low cloud, the sun was making an appearance, but there was a chilly wind. Lunch over, we made our way to a coffee shop for warm drinks, before setting off the explore some of the vegetated larva.

The slopes of the mountain had good colonies of the pioneer Lichen Stereocaulon vesuvianum, which gradually over time, will help break the rock down so that vascular plants can grab a foothold. Papaver rhoeas (Common Poppy), Vicia villosa (a Fodder Vetch), Ornithopus compressus (Compressed Bird’s-foot) and Anacamptis morio (Green-winged Orchid) were all noted, as well as Common Buzzard, Jay, Magpie, Common Kestrel and the usual Greenfinches and Serins.

From here we drove back down the mountain and re-joined the autostrada back towards Sorrento, and our hotel.

Day 5 Tuesday 10th April

Positano – Marina del Cantone Leaving the hotel after breakfast, we drove in the direction of Massa Lubrense and Sant Agata, with the objective today of visiting the splendid Amalfi coastal road to the lovely little town of Positano. As we drove, we enjoyed some dramatic views of the mountains and sea cliffs, with the road clinging to their sides. When we arrived

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

where our leaders usually park the minibuses, there was no available parking, so Paul decided that, as an alternative, we would visit the Marina del Cantone, near Nerano, and do a coastal walk instead. Before returning westwards, we stopped in a layby for photographs. Here we found Convolvulus cneorum (Silvery Bindweed), Teucrium fruticans (Shrub Germander) and a Peregrine Falcon.

Re-tracing our steps back to Sant Agata, we made our way down towards Nerano, and on to Marina del Cantone. Along the way we saw Barn Swallows. Parking behind the shingle beach, we distributed the picnic, before setting off towards a beach café for morning coffee, and then set off along the coast path, where we found Onobrychis aequidentata (a Sainfoin), Onobrychis caput-galli (Cockscomb Sainfoin), and Hedysarum spinosissimum (Spiny Sainfoin). On the bird front, we recorded Sardinian Warbler, Yellow-legged Gull, Chiffchaff, and a group of 15 Little Egrets at rest at the base of a cliff. Making our way down into the next cove, we set up our picnic on the beach below the cliffs.

After our picnic lunch, we set off to walk up the eastern side of the cove. The steep steps took us up to some dwellings on the upper level. Along the way we added Geranium columbinum (Long-stemmed Crane’s-bill), Vicia tetrasperma (Smooth Tare), Gladiolus italicus (Italian Gladiolus) and Convolvulus althaeoides subsp. tenuissimus (Narrow Mallow-leaved Bindweed). Scarce Swallowtail, Wall Brown, Small Copper and Cleopatra butterflies were also added.

Re-tracing our route back to Marina del Cantone, we added male and female Blue Rock Thrush and Western Orphean Warbler, a distant and indistinguishable raptor, and Common Blue and Cleopatra Butterflies. We again visited the café at the beach to refreshments and ice creams, before it was time to return to the hotel in good time for dinner.

Day 6 Wednesday 11th April

Monte Faito After breakfast, on slightly cloudy morning, we headed northeast from Sorrento and on to Vico Equense, and then on up to the town of Moiano. Here we turned right and began to climb more steeply towards Monte Faito, our destination for the day. As we went, Pisum sativum (Wild Pea) and Pinus halepensis (Aleppo Pine), together with several Ravens and Blackbird, were all spotted.

Monte Faito is one of the summits which dominate the Lattari range, over 1200 metres high. From here we had views across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius and Ischia. We parked at the cable-car station and were soon exploring the ridge path. Our walk took us on a gentle incline through open rocky grassland and Pinus nigra subsp. nigra (Black Pine), Fagus sylvatica (Beech) and Alnus incana (Grey Alder) open woodland. As a result of its altitude, Monte Faito has a sub-alpine feel to it, and the flora here confirms this. The shrivelled flowers of Crocus vernus (Spring Crocus) were found, as was Scilla bifolia (Alpine Squill), Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore) and Potentilla sterilis (Barren Strawberry). Birds seen included excellent views of Firecrest, Raven, Coal Tit, Eurasian Nuthatch and Marsh Tit.

The path, which leads to the church of St. Michele, took us past a splendid rocky outcrop overlooking the valley below. Here we found the very attractive endemic Viola pseudogracilis (a Pansy) and good numbers of the delicate

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Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

blue or white Anemone apennina (Blue Anemone). On the return journey, we noted some more good plants, including the emerging Asphodelus albus (White Asphodel) and many clumps of Daphne laureola (Spurge Laurel). Once back at the car park, we re-joined our vehicles and made our way east to a picnic site in the Beechwoods where we set up our lunch. After eating, the group went up to the church of St. Michele where, although the church was closed, we enjoyed more stunning views across the valley and a good view of Black Redstart and distant Common Swift; there was also Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton).

With our visit to the church area complete, we dropped down to a local restaurant for warming refreshments, before beginning our descent from the mountain, making our way through Moiana and Vico Equense, back to our hotel for dinner.

Day 7 Thursday 12th April

Termini Today, in warm sunshine, we returned to the cliff-top village of Termini. However, just outside Marciano, we stopped by a small stream gorge. Here we found Grey Wagtail, Pied Flycatcher, Barn Swallow and heard Wren, Serin and Blackcap. For the botanists there was Melilotus italica (Italian Melilot), Ceratonia siliqua (Carob) and Osyris alba (Osyris). Large White and Holly Blue butterflies were also noted.

Once again, we parked on the hill above the village of Termini, but this time began by making our way up towards the church of Santa Costanzo. We were hopeful of some additional migrant birds. At first it was relatively quiet but, as we began to walk up the hill, Italian Sparrow, Greenfinch and Chaffinch were all quite prominent, and it was not too long before we heard Nightingale. As we reached the top of the path, good views were had of Wryneck and Hoopoe. Butterflies included Swallowtail, Painted Lady and Wall Brown. Amongst the plants, we found Ophrys bombyliflora (Bumblebee Orchid), Anacamptis papilionacea (Pink Butterfly Orchid) and Orchis provincialis (Provence Orchid) and Filago pygmaea (Evax). Italian Wall Lizards were also seen.

Returning to Termini, we took lunch with the delightful Enrico and Laura, at their small Snack Bar. We dined on Mozzarella and tomato salad, prosciutto and freshly squeezed fruit juice followed by coffee.

After eating, we made our way a short distance on the path to Punta Campanella, as we had on day two. Down here we added a pair of Whitethoats, Collared Flycatcher, Raven and another distant, indistinct, raptor.

It was now time to make our way back to the hotel in time to pack before dinner.

Day 8 Friday 13th April

Saying our farewells to the staff at the Best Western Hotel, La Solara, we left at 6am, making our way through Sorrento and back to Naples airport for our flightback to Gatwick, with memories of the beautiful area that is the Sorrento Peninsula. Along the way we recorded, Yellow-legged Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Italian Sparrow and a solitary Jackdaw.

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Species Lists

Plants (* = Very localised distribution or endemic; [ ] = Planted or Naturalised)

Please Note: Nomenclature contained within this list follows the taxonomic amendments, based on DNA analysis, made by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Missouri Botanic Garden, and following The Plant List, an internationally accepted list of vascular plant families, published and maintained by these two Institutions.

Scientific Name Common Name Location

LICHENS

Stereocaulon vesuvianum Mount Vesuvius Lichen Vesuvius - Lower slopes

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Lycophytes Clubmosses & Quillworts

Selaginellaceae Lesser Clubmoss Family Selaginella denticulata Mediterranean Clubmoss Punta Campanella

Leptosporangiate Ferns True Ferns

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort family Asplenium ceterach Rustyback Punta Campanella Asplenium onopteris Irish Spleenwort Capri Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens Maidenhair Spleenwort Vesuvius - Lower slopes

Athyriaceae Lady-fern Family Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern Punta Campanella

Dryopteridaceae Buckler-fern Family Cyrtomium falcatum House Holly-fern Marina Piccola, Sorrento

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Punta Campanella

Pteridaceae Ribbon Fern Family Anogramma leptophylla Jersey Fern Punta Campanella Cheilanthes pteridioides -

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS

Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Below Monte Faito Pinus nigra subsp. nigra Black Pine Monte Faito Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine Capri [Pinus pinea] Stone or Umbrella Pine Common

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Scientific Name Common Name Location

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS

Eu-Dicots True Dicotyledons

Acanthaceae Bear's-breech Family Acanthus mollis Bear's-breech Capri (leaves)

Adoxaceae Moschatel Family Sambucus nigra Elderberry Punta Campanella

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Pistacia lentiscus Mastic Tree Punta Gradelle

Apiaceae Carrot Family Conopodium majus Pignut Monte Faito (leaves) Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire Punta Gradelle Daucus carota Wild Carrot Capri Elaeoselinum asclepium Elaeoselinum Punta Campanella (leaves) Ferrula communis Giant Fennel Punta Campanella Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Punta Campanella Oenanthe sp. a Water Dropwort Marina del Cantone Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's-needle Capri Tordylium apulum Tordylium Punta Campanella

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Vinca major Greater Periwinkle Punta Campanella Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle Monte Faito

Aralaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy Capri

Betulaceae Birch Family Alnus incana Grey Alder Monte Faito Carpinus orientalis Eastern Hornbeam Punta Campanella

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Buglossoides incrassata Corn Gromwell Monte Faito Echium parviflorum Small-flowered Viper's-bugloss Capri Echium plantagineum Purple Viper's-bugloss Termini - San Costanzo Glandora rosmarinifolium Rosemary-leaved Gromwell Punta Campanella

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Arabis caucasicus Garden Rock-cress Punta Campanella Arabis verna Spring Rock-cress Monte Faito Armouracea rusticana Horse-radish Punta Campanella Brassica oleracea subsp. robertiana Wild Cabbage Capri Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s-purse Punta Gradelle Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress Termini - San Costanzo Erophila verna Common Whitlow-grass Vesuvius - Lower slopes Hornungia petraea Hutchensia Monte Faito Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison Punta Gradelle Lunaria annua Honesty near San Pietro

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Matthiola incana Hoary Stock Amalfi Coast Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. maritimus Sea Radish Punta Campanella Sinapis arvensis Charlock Punta Campanella

Cactaceae Cactus Family [Opuntia ficus-indica] Prickly Pear Naturalised

Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Punta Gradelle Lonicera etrusca Etruscan Honeysuckle Punta Campanella (leaves)

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Cerastium glomeratum Sticky Mouse-ear Capri Petrorhagia saxifraga Tunic Flower Marina del Cantone Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed Punta Gradelle Silene gallica Small-flowered Catchfly Punta Campanella Silene latifolia White Campion Punta Campanella Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Punta Campanella (leaves) Stellaria media Common Chickweed Punta Campanella Stellaria neglecta Greater Chickweed Punta Gradelle

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Cistus creticus Pink Cistus Capri (leaves)

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy Family Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Punta Gradelle Bellis sylvestris Southern Daisy Punta Campanella Calendula suffruticosa Wild Marigold Vesuvius - Lower slopes Centaurea cinerea* a Knapweed Punta Campanella Centaurea parlatoris subsp. tenorei* a Knapweed Punta Campanella Cirsium eriophorum Woolly Thistle Monte Faito Dittrichia viscosa Stink Aster Punta Campanella Erigeron karvinskianus Mexican Fleabane Meta Filago (Evax) pygmaea Evax Termini - San Costanzo Galactites tomentosa Galactites Punta Campanella Glebionis segetum Corn Marigold Amalfi Coast Helichrysum italicum Italian Everlasting Punta Gradelle Helichrysum stoechas A Curry Plant Marciano Helmenthotheca echioides Bristly Ox-tongue Vesuvius - Lower slopes Hyoseris radiata - Capri Hyoseris scabra - Capri Phagnalon rupestre Phagnalon Marciano Reichardia picroides - Punta Campanella Santolina chamaecyparissus Lavender Cotton Monte Faito Sonchus tenerrimus - Punta Campanella Urospermum dalechampii Urospermum Punta Campanella Urospermum picroides a Urospermum Punta Campanella

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Marciano Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed Marina del Cantone Convolvulus althaeoides subsp. tenuissimus Narrow Mallow-leaved Bindweed Punta Campanella

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Scientific Name Common Name Location

Convolvulus cneorum Silvery Bindweed Amalfi Coast [Ipomoea purpurea] Common Morning Glory Marciano

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum album White Stonecrop Monte Faito Sedum forsterianum Rock Stonecrop Monte Faito Sedum litoreum a Stonecrop Marina del Cantone Sedum rupestre Rock Stonecrop Vesuvius - Lower slopes Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort Punta Campanella

Cucurbitaceae White Bryony Family Bryonia dioica White Bryony Capri

Ericaceae Heather Family Erica arborea Tree Heather Punta Campanella

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Punta Campanella Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp. robbiae a Wood Spurge Monte Faito Euphorbia characias subsp. characias Mediterranean Spurge Punta Campanella Euphorbia dendroides Tree Spurge Punta Gradelle Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Punta Campanella Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Punta Campanella Euphorbia spinosa Spiny Spurge Capri Mercurialis annua (male) Annual Mercury Punta Campanella Mercurialis annua (female) Annual Mercury Punta Campanella

Fagaceae Beech Family Fagus sylvatica Beech Monte Faito Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Punta Campanella

Geraniaceae Crane’s-bill Family Erodium cicutarium subsp. bipinnatum a Stork’s-bill Monte Faito Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork’s-bill Punta Gradelle Geranium columbinum Long-stalked Crane's-bill Marina del Cantone Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Punta Campanella (leaves) Geranium lucidum Shining Crane’s-bill Monte Faito Geranium purpureum Little Robin Punta Campanella Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Crane's-bill Punta Gradelle

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Dead-nettle Punta Campanella Lamium maculatum Spotted Dead-nettle Monte Faito Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle Monte Faito Micromeria graeca a Micromeria Punta Campanella Prasium majus Prasium Punta Campanella Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Capri Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Termini - San Costanzo Satureja hortensis Summer Savory Punta Campanella Teucrium fruticans Shrub Germander Amalfi Coast Thymus polytrichus Wild Thyme Capri

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Scientific Name Common Name Location

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Pea Family Anthyllis barba-jovis Jupiter's Beard Punta Campanella Anthyllis vulneraria agg. Kidney Vetch Punta Campanella Calycotome villosa Hairy Thorny Broom Punta Campanella Ceratonia siliqua Carob or Locust Tree Marciano [Cercis siliquastrum] Judas Tree Planted Coronilla scorpioides Annual Scorpion-vetch Punta Campanella Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca a Scorpion-vetch Punta Campanella Cytisus villosus a Broom Termini - San Costanzo Hedysarum spinosissimum Spiny Sainfoin Marina del Cantone Lathyrus clymenum a Pea Punta Campanella Lotus creticus Southern Bird's-foot Trefoil Punta Campanella Lotus edulis Edible Lotus Punta Campanella Lotus ornithopodioides a Bird's-foot Trefoil Punta Campanella Lotus tetragonolobus Asparagus Pea Punta Campanella Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Punta Campanella Medicago polymorpha Toothed Medick Punta Gradelle Melilotus indicus Small Melilot Punta Campanella Melilotus italicus Italian Melilot Marina del Cantone Onobrychis aequidentata a Sainfoin Marina del Cantone Onobrychis caput-galli Cockscomb Sainfoin Marina del Cantone Ornithopus compressus Compressed Bird's-foot Vesuvius - Lower slopes Pisum sativum Wild Pea Below Moiano Scorpiurus muricatus Scorpion-vetch Punta Campanella Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Capri Trifolium arvense Hare's-foot Clover Vesuvius - Lower slopes Trifolium campestre Hop Trefoil M'way Service Area Trifolium repens White Clover Punta Campanella Trifolium scabrum Rough Clover Marina del Cantone Trifolium stellatum Starry Clover Punta Campanella Tripodion (Anthyllis) tetraphyllum Bladder Vetch Marina del Cantone Vicia bithynica Bithynian Vetch Punta Campanella Vicia sativa subsp. sativa Fodder Vetch Punta Campanella Vicia sativa subsp. segetalis Common Vetch Punta Campanella Vicia tetraspermum Smooth Tare Marina del Cantone Vicia villosa A Fodder Vetch Vesuvius - Lower slopes

Linaceae Flax Family Linum bienne Pale Flax Punta Campanella

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva arborea Tree Mallow Punta Campanella Malva multiflora (Lavatera cretica) Small Tree Mallow Termini - San Costanzo Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow Termini - San Costanzo Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Punta Campanella

Moraceae Mulberry Family Ficus carica Fig Punta Gradelle

Myrtaceae Myrtle Family Myrtus communis Myrtle Punta Campanella

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Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash Massa Lubrense

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Bartsia trixago Bellardia Marina del Cantone (leaves) Orobanche ramosa Branched Broomrape Punta Campanella Parentucella latifolia Southern Red Bartsia Termini - San Costanzo

Oxalidaceae Wood Sorrel Family [Oxalis pes-caprae] Bermuda Buttercup Common

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Vesuvius - Lower slopes Fumaria capreolata White Ramping Fumitory Punta Gradelle Fumaria muralis Common Ramping Fumitory Punta Campanella Fumaria officinalis Common Fumitory Punta Campanella Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy Vesuvius - Lower slopes

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Antirrhinum siculum Sicilian Snapdragon Punta Gradelle Miosopates orontium Weasel Snout Punta Campanella Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Monte Faito Veronica cymbalaria Cymbalaria-leaved Speedwell Punta Campanella Veronica persica Common Field Speedwell Monte Faito

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family [Polygala myrtifolia] - Planted

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Rumex bucephalophorus Horned Dock Vesuvius - Lower slopes

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis subsp. arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel (may be blue) Punta Campanella Anagallis arvensis subsp. arvensis f. carnea Pink Scarlet Pimpernel M'way Service Area Cyclamen repandum Spring Sowbread Monte Faito (leaves)

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Anemone apennina Blue Anemone Monte Faito Anemone hortensis an Anemone Punta Campanella Clematis flammula Fragrant Clematis Punta Campanella Clematis vitalba Old Man's Beard Punta Campanella Ficaria verna agg. Lesser Celandine Monte Faito Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore Monte Faito Ranunculus paludosus Jersey Buttercup Capri

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda alba White Mignonette Punta Campanella

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alaternus Mediterranean Buckthorn Punta Gradelle

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Rosaceae Rose Family Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Termini - San Costanzo [Eriobotrya japonica] Japanese Loquat Planted Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry Monte Faito Prunus avium Wild Cherry Capri Rosa canina agg. Dog Rose Monte Faito Rosa sempervirens a Rose Punta Campanella Rubus ulmifolius a Bramble Punta Campanella

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Punta Campanella Galium aparine Cleavers Vesuvius - Lower slopes Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Punta Campanella Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Capri Valantia hispida Valantia Termini - San Costanzo

Rutaceae Rue Family [Citrus limon] Lemon Planted [Citrus sinensis] Orange Planted

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Osyris alba Osyris Marciano

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga bulbifera Bulbous Saxifrage Monte Faito

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia peregrina Italian (Nettle-leaved) Figwort Marciano Verbascum rotundifolium subsp. rotundifolium* Round-leaved Mullein Amalfi Coast

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Mandragora officinalis Mandrake Punta Campanella Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade Marciano

Thymelaeaceae Daphne Family Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel Monte Faito

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus canescens Mediterranean Elm Punta Campanella

Urticaceae Nettle Family Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-Wall Punta Campanella Parietaria lusitanica a Pellitory-of-the-Wall Punta Campanella Parietaria officinalis Eastern Pellitory-of-the-Wall Punta Campanella Urtica membranacea Mediterranean Nettle Punta Campanella

Verbenaceae Vervain Family [Lantana camera] Lantana Punta Gradelle

Violaceae Violet Family Viola pseudogracilis* a Pansy Monte Faito Viola reichenbachiana Early Dog Violet Monte Faito

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet Monte Faito

Monocots Monocotyledons

Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek Punta Gradelle Allium neapolitanum Naples Garlic Punta Campanella Allium triquetum Three-cornered Leek Capri Allium roseum Rosy Garlic Terminio - San Costanzo Narcissus tazetta Bunch-flowered Narcissus Capri

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family [Agave americana] Century Plant Naturalised Asparagus acutifolius Prickly Asparagus Punta Campanella Drimia (Urginea) maritima Sea Squill Punta Gradelle Leopoldia (Muscari) comosa Tassel Hyacinth Punta Gradelle Scilla bifolia Alpine Squill Monte Faito

Araceae Arum Family Arum italicum subsp. italicum Large Cuckoo Pint Punta Gradelle Arisarum vulgare Friar's Cowl Marina del Cantone (leaves)

Dioscoreaceae Black Bryony Family Dioscorea (Tamus) communis Black Bryony Capri

Iridaceae Iris Family Crocus vernus Spring Crocus Monte Faito Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Marina del Cantone [Iris albicans] a White Iris Amalfi Coast [Iris germanica] Tall Bearded Iris Capri

Juncaceae Rush Family Luzula pilosa Hairy Woodrush Monte Faito Luzula sylvatica Great Woodrush Monte Faito

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Anacamptis (Orchis) papilionacea Pink Butterfly Orchid Capri Anacamptis (Orchis) morio Green-winged Orchid Vesuvius - Lower slopes Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera (O. pollinensis) - Capri Ophrys bombyliflora Bumblebee Orchid Punta Campanella Ophrys sphegodes subsp. sphegodes Early Spider Orchid Punta Campanella Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid Capri Orchis provincialis Provence Orchid Termini - San Costanzo Serapias lingua Tongue Orchid Punta Campanella

Poaceae Grass Family Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Mauritanian Vine Reed Punta Campanella Anisantha diandra Great Brome Marina del Cantone Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome Punta Campanella Arundo donax Giant Reed Punta Campanella Avena sterilis Winter Wild Oat Punta Campanella Brachypodium retusum Mediterranean False Brome Marina del Cantone

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Briza maxima Large Quaking Grass Punta Campanella Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot Marina del Cantone Hordeum murinum Wall Barley Marina del Cantone Koeleria macrantha Crested Hair-grass Termini - San Costanzo Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Punta Gradelle Poa bulbosa var. vivipara Bulbous Meadow-grass Vesuvius - Lower slopes Stipa capensis Mediterranean Feather-grass Marina del Cantone

Smilaceae Smilax Family Smilax aspera Common Smilax Punta Campanella

Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodel Family Asphodelus albus White Asphodel Monte Faito (in bud) Asphodelus ramosus an Asphodel Punta Campanella

Birds (=recorded but not counted; H = heard only; LO = Leader Only) April Common name Scientific name 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus H 2 Little Egret Egretta garzetta  3 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo      4 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis         5 Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis  6 Rock Dove [Feral] Columba livia feral         7 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus       8 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto         9 Tawny Owl Strix aluco H 10 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba LO  11 Common Swift Apus apus    12 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops  13 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla  14 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major H 15 European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis H H 16 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus      17 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus     18 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius   19 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica    20 Western Jackdaw Coloeus monedula   21 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix       22 Northern Raven Corvus corax       23 Coal Tit Parus ater    24 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris  25 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus      26 Great Tit Parus major   H    27 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica         28 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris  29 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti H H 30 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus H 31 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita  32 Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix 

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 33 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta  34 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis H 35 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H    H  H H 36 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin  37 Western Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis   38 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis   39 Eastern Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans  40 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala    H 41 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla   42 Goldcrest Regulus regulus H 43 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H H H H H H H 44 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea  45 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris  LO  46 Common Blackbird Turdus merula        H 47 European Robin Erithacus rubecula LO  48 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos  49 European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca  50 Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis   51 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros   52 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus H  53 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius    54 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola  55 Italian Sparrow Passer italiae         56 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus   57 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea LO  58 White Wagtail Motacilla alba    59 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs H       60 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris H  H    61 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis LO 62 European Serin Serinus serinus         63 Common Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 

Reptiles & Amphibians: 1 Moorish Gecko Tarentola mauritanica LO    

2 Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula      

Mammals (S = Signs Of) 1 European Mole Talpa europaea S 2 Badger Meles meles S 3 Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus 

Butterflies: 1 Swallowtail Papilio machaon    2 Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius  3 Southern Festoon Zerynthia polyxena cassandra  4 Large White Pieris brassicae     5 Small White Pieris rapae       6 Green-veined White Pieris napi 

7 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea     

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8 Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra    9 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni  10 Small Copper Lycaena phlaeus  

11 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus    12 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus  13 Wood White Leptidea sinapis 14 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta   15 Painted Lady Vanessa cardui   16 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria aegeria  17 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera     

Macro Moths 1 Lackey Malacosoma neustria  2 Mullein Wave Scopula marginepunctata  3 Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera  4 Silver Y Moth Autographa gamma  

Other Invertebrates: 1 Egyptian Grasshopper Anacridium aegyptium   2 Lacewing Hemerobiidae sp.  3 Cranefly sp. Tipula sp.  4 a Carpenter Bee Xylocopa violaceus      5 Honey Bee Apis mellifera       6 a Chafer Ceratonia aeruginosa 7 a Chafer Tropinota squalida   8 Seven-Spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata  9 Harlequin Ladybird Harmionia axyridis  10 Darkling Beetle sp. Tenebrionidae sp.    11 Bloody-nosed Beetle Timarcha tenebricosa L  12 Weevil sp. Curculionoidea sp.  13 Pill Millipede Glomeris marginata  14 Zebra Spider Salticus scenicus 

Molluscs: 1 Brown-lipped Banded Snail Cepaea nemoralis 

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