The Sorrento Peninsula

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

Naturetrek Tour Report 5 – 12 April 2017

Italian Wall Lizard by Marigold Norbye Pink Butterfly Orchid by Jessica Turner

The Amalfi Coast by Marigold Norbye Tree Spurge by Marigold Norbye

Report compiled by Jessica Turner and Andrew Bray Images by Marigold Norbye and Jessica Turner

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 Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula

Tour Participants: Jessica Turner and Andrew Bray (leaders) with 15 Naturetrek clients

Summary

Our trip to the Sorrento Peninsula was blessed with warm, fine and sunny weather, in which we could enjoy the dramatic cliffs and turquoise sea. While bird life was rather quiet, possibly partly due to the settled conditions, we enjoyed some good sightings. The avian highlight was the number of Pied Flycatchers we saw on the beautiful Isle of Capri, where we also saw many fine Naked Man Orchids (Orchis italica). With the opportunity to explore Pompeii, experience Vesuvius and enjoy the spring plants, birds and butterflies, in a lovely hotel and in good company, everything added up to a very enjoyable week in Sorrento.

Day 1 Wednesday 5th April Travel to Sorrento The fifteen group members met with Jessica and Andrew at Gatwick South Terminal for the British Airways early morning flight to Naples. Having landed and sorted luggage, we located the vehicles, loaded up, and set off for the Sorrento Peninsula in bright sunshine. With Vesuvius towering above on one side, and the Bay of Naples on the other, we stopped at a service station for a snack lunch, noting the Italian Sparrows which were after crumbs.

We left the autostrada at Castellammare di Stabbia, driving through three long tunnels before emerging onto the busy, but scenic coastal road. We stopped in a layby at Punta Gradelle, above Meta, enjoying the views of the rocky coastline and the amazingly blue sea. Here we saw Yellow-legged Gulls, some close enough to see their leg colour clearly, while three Ravens and a Kestrel flew overhead. Serins were flitting around, and we had lovely views of a male in perfect light. The main highlight was, however, a Blue Rock Thrush which allowed some very good, if rather distant, views. Meanwhile, we also enjoyed the plants, introducing ourselves to the bright green- and orange-leaved Tree Spurge (Euphorbia dendroides), Lentisk (Pistacea lentiscus) and Scorpion Senna (Hippocrepis emerus) which carpet the cliffs. We also noted Sicilian Snapdragon (Antirrhinum siculum), Giant Fennel (Ferula communis), the white Sweet Alison (Lobularia maritima), often used as a bedding-plant, and the bright purple Hoary Stock (Matthiola incana), amongst other species. Butterflies included Wall Brown, Brimstone, Cleopatra and Holly Blues; Italian Wall Lizards were enjoying the sun, and two Western Whip Snakes were seen, of the all-black ‘carbonarius’ variant, found in Italy and Malta.

Continuing on through the busy evening traffic, we soon arrived at the Best Western Hotel La Solara, our base for the week, where we received a warm welcome. We soon settled in to our rooms, meeting for a complimentary drink whilst Jessica outlined some of the plans for the week ahead. We then enjoyed an excellent meal before retiring for some much-needed rest.

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Day 2 Thursday 6th April Punta Campanella We woke to a beautiful morning and, after a good breakfast, were soon on our way to the village of Termini for the start of our first walk. Our destination was the Punta Campanella headland with its old lighthouse. Having parked the vehicles, we distributed the picnic and set off, pausing as we were greeted by Enrico, the owner of the juice bar. As we walked down the first section of the road, through Olive groves, market gardens and woodland, we noted Borage (Borago officinalis), Giant Reed (Arundo donax), Mediterranean Elm (Ulmus canescens), Rustyback (Ceterach officinarum) on the walls, and Tassel Hyacinths (Leopoldia comosa). Wall butterflies were abundant and Italian Wall Lizards were living up to their name. Birds were generally quite elusive, but included Serin, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap and Wren, while a Melodious Warbler was a nice find.

As we walked down the track, a rocky cliff held the bright blue-flowered Rosemary-leaved Gromwell, with some patches having paler mauve flowers. Another open, rocky patch held Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bomby;iflora), a spike of Tongue Orchid (Serapias lingua), emerging Naked Man Orchid (Orchis italica) and the endemic Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera. Further on, we encountered a clump of Pyramidal Orchids (Anacamptis pyramidalis) and a shady patch held some Field Gladioli (Gladiolus italicus). Overhead we recorded Raven, Common Buzzard and Common Kestrel, and butterflies included Common and Little Blues and Cleopatras. We started to recognise some of the members of the Pea family, especially the colourful pink-and-purple Lathyrus clymenum (the ‘party pea’), mauve-and-pale Bithynian Vetch (Vicia bithynica) and the dark-red, velvety Asparagus Pea (Lotus tetragonolobus).

Eventually the track opened out into open ‘garrigue’ scrubland, and we continued to descend, scanning the hill slopes and the sea. We had our picnic at the lighthouse, exploring the rocky headland with its steep cliffs. A Yellow-legged Gull, panting on its nest, was photographed and six Barn Swallows were noted over the headland, but the highlight was a sighting of Common Rock Thrush. Later on, a Northern Wheatear was glimpsed, but both these birds vanished, never to be seen again. Wood Pink (Dianthus sylvestris) in flower was unexpected. We eventually started the long walk uphill back to Termini. Two Swallowtails and a Scarce Swallowtail were new for the butterfly list, and a Peregrine was heard but not seen. We were pleased to arrive back at Enrico’s, where we refreshed ourselves with freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, before returning to the hotel. Some chose to have a dip in the pool, before we all met to complete our lists and enjoy another delicious meal.

Day 3 Friday 7th April Positano On another beautiful morning, we left the hotel after breakfast to drive in the direction of Massa Lubrense and Sant Agata, with the objective of visiting the splendid Amalfi coastal road and 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. We parked in a lay-by just outside Positano, and Andrew distributed the lunch while Jessica drove two of the group to the town, which they had opted to explore for the day. Before setting off on the walk, we saw a Peregrine Falcon.

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

We then took the steep path which would take us up above this magnificent coastline. As we began the early climb we soon noted Orange Tip butterfly, the Arum-like Friar’s Cowl (Arisarum vulgare), Shrub Germander (Teucrium fruticans) with pretty, pale blue flowers, and White Mignonette (Reseda alba). We climbed slowly up through Downy Oak (Quercus pubescens) and Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis) trees, passing clumps of a silvery-leaved Knapweed (Centaurea cinerea), not yet in flower. After a steep climb, we emerged onto a saddle where we paused to catch our breath, admire the views and to have a drink. At our feet were spikes of Pink Butterfly Orchid (Anacamptis papilionacea) and occasional Tongue Orchids (Serapias lingua). Goldcrest was heard, but remained out of sight, and a Kestrel was over the distant ridge.

We carried on climbing steadily, past Nice Milkwort (Polygala nicaeensis), Common Rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium) and the similar-flowered Fumanas (Fumana arabica and Fumana ericoides). The path forked right just after a patch of Narrow-leaved Lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) and entered woodland dotted with pink Spring Sowbread (Cyclamen repandum). A Violet Carpenter Bee was by a wooden fence, and butterflies included Green Hairstreak, Green-underside Blue and Swallowtail.. By an area of cliff face, we recorded the shrub Thymelea tartonraira, related to Daphnes, and Hairy Broom (Cytisus hirsutus), whose yellow flowers are stained with brown. We also found Naked Man Orchids (Orchis italica) in bud, and more Tongue Orchids. Sardinian Warblers continued to call from deep cover, and a Blue Rock Thrush was also heard. We had our picnic at some rustic tables before continuing on the path which followed the contours.

As we started to descend through more Oak (Quercus spp.), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Flowering or Manna Ash (Fraxinus ornus) woodland, we found a single spike of Sword-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia). We came out into a market garden, and past a house where a swing and a double-decker see-saw caused some amusement, before dropping steeply down to emerge back on to the road at Positano. From here, we walked to the famous Bar Internazionale for well-earned refreshments, and to meet up with the others, who had enjoyed this delightful town which rises so steeply from the sea. Jessica and Andrew then went to collect the buses and picked up the group for the journey home to the hotel.

Day 4 Saturday 8th April Monte Faito The sun was again shining as we left the hotel to head through busy Sorrento to Vico Equense, where we turned right and began to climb into the Lattari Mountains. After the village of Moiano, the road rose more steeply towards Monte Faito, at nearly 1200 metres above sea level. We stopped at a café with magnificent views down over the Bay of Naples, before continuing to the nearby cablecar station, where we parked. Walking back down the road a short way before joining the ridge path, we found many blue and white Apennine Anemones (Anemone apennina). We had excellent views of two Firecrests feeding in Black Pine (Pinus nigra) in perfect light. As we progressed, we added Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus), Alpine Squill (Scilla bifolia), Spring Crocus (Crocus vernus), Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna agg.). We also found a very fresh spike of Elder-flowered Orchid (Dactylorhiza sambucina). It was apparent that, at this higher altitude, the vegetation had a more montane feel, and the season was later than at sea-level. Among the birds, we recorded Raven, Buzzard, Nuthatch and Coal Tit. An avian highlight was a pair of Marsh Tits, with the female begging food from the male as part of a courtship ritual.

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Further on, on a rocky outcrop, we recorded the endemic pansy Viola pseudogracilis (very similar to Viola eugeniae, but with a longer spur) and the leaves of Round-leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga rotundifolia). Eventually, we started to retrace our steps, stopping on a grassy bank to enjoy Southern Festoon butterflies flitting around their food plant, the Birthwort Aristolochia pallida. Arriving back at the buses, we drove a short distance to have our picnic amidst Beech trees, with their bright green, newly emerging leaves. We then drove up to the church of San Michele, seeing a couple of Northern Wheatears and a Black-eared Wheatear, as we arrived. Although the church was closed, we enjoyed the amazing views of the surrounding peaks. We then returned to the café we’d visited earlier, and relaxed in the warm sun, also recording Red Admiral butterfly.

We started our descent, stopping by the roadside to explore a rocky slope. Here we found a good number of Sparse-flowered Orchids (Orchis pauciflora), and more, very fresh Pink Butterfly Orchids (Anacamptis papilionacea). Here, we also recorded the cushions of Spiny Spurge (Euphorbia spinosa), the tiny, blue-flowered Spring Rock- cress (Arabis verna), Wild Clary (Salvia verbenaca) and Red Pea (Lathyrus cicera). We then completed the rather slow journey back to the hotel. A Tawny Owl was calling at night.

Day 5 Sunday 9th April Capri We had an early start this morning, leaving at 7am to reach Sorrento harbour in good time for our trip to Capri. While Jessica went to get the tickets, Andrew organised breakfast, which we enjoyed on a waterside terrace in the morning sun, watching the Yellow-legged Gulls. We were on the 8.30am ferry for the 25-minute journey, docking at the Marina Grande. Jessica then purchased and distributed the tickets for the funicular railway up to Capri Town and the bus to Anacapri. When we had all gathered, we began the walk to Monte Solaro which, at 587 metres above sea level, is the highest point on the island. Two of the group opted to remain in the town, meeting us for lunch in Le Terrazze restaurant.

As we set off up the path, we were aware of many small birds flitting between the trees, including Serin, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, and Blue and Great Tits. We also recorded a Pied Flycatcher, and then another and realised that there had been a ‘fall’ of this species, with many recorded over the day. A Short-toed Treecreeper gave good views overhead. On the plant front, we noted the leaves of Bear’s-breech (Acanthus mollis), and the sweet scent of Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum). In more open areas, we found plenty of emerging spikes of Naked Man Orchid (Orchis italica), the endemic Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera, Starry Clover (Trifolium stellatum) and Small-flowered Viper’s-bugloss (Echium parviflorum). Butterflies included Wall Brown, Wood White, Large White, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue. A surprise sighting was three Red Crossbills on the pine cones.

We reached an open saddle where Jersey Buttercup (Ranunculus paludosus) was flowering profusely, and a pair of Black Redstart was seen. Some of the group explored the rocky slope with Andrew, recording Peregrine Falcon, Black Redstart, and carpets of orchids on a further slope. On the way down, Subalpine Warbler, Wryneck, and a Nightingale on the path were all seen. Others followed the level path to the sanctuary overlooking the stunningly blue sea. On the way, we found Bunch-flowered Narcissi (Narcissus tazetta), which was over, beautiful pink Anemone hortensis and large patches of Wild Clary (Salvia verbenaca). We also saw another Pied Flycatcher, a Robin, a Red Admiral and, best of all, were able to listen to a Nightingale in the peaceful surroundings.

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

We all met up for lunch at Le Terrazze, before having some free time before the ferry home. Some explored Anacapri, visiting the churches and Axel Munthe’s villa, while others spent more time in Capri Town or at the harbour, where we enjoyed ‘gelati’. Eventually we all gathered for our journey back to the mainland. Back in Sorrento, we collected our vehicles and drove back through the town to the hotel. This evening was a Gala Dinner with piano accompaniment, the chefs presenting the food with a flourish!

Day 6 Monday 10th April Vesuvius and Pompeii This morning, after an early breakfast, we were soon on the road east, towards Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that dominates Naples. Once in the Vesuvius National Park, we started the steep, winding ascent that goes almost to the top of this awesome peak. As it was close to Easter, it was very busy with visitors, and long buses which struggled on the narrow road. We parked at the 800-metre car park and took the shuttle to the ticket office. From here, we had to walk to the top car park and the beginning of the trail to the summit crater. Up here were few plants; French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus), Etna Broom (Genista aetnensis) and the Mount Vesuvius Lichen (Stereocaulon vesuvianum) being the most notable. We also recorded Scarce Swallowtail and Andrew saw two Peregrine Falcons in the crater. We also saw the fumarole, indicating this volcano is still ‘live’, although it hasn’t erupted since 1944. Other plants on the slopes included Pink Rock-cress (Arabis rosea), Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis morio) and Field Marigold (Calendula arvensis).

We made our way back down, heading south towards Pompeii, stopping for a quick picnic en route. Here, we entered by the quieter entrance near the amphitheatre. While Jessica bought the tickets, the group were able to see the casts of some of the Roman victims of the terrible eruption of AD79, which destroyed but preserved this amazing site. The group then had time to explore – never enough time for such an amazing place, visiting a variety of streets and buildings. Tree Sparrows were also noted. We had to leave the site in good time to avoid an Easter procession in Meta, which we successfully did, returning to the hotel for dinner.

Day 7 Tuesday 11th April Above Termini, then Marina del Cantone This morning was cooler than previously, with some cloud. Two of the group opted to explore Sorrento for the day, while the rest of us returned to Termini. On the way, we stopped at a dry stream gorge near Marciano. Here we noted Lupins being grown as a crop, presumably for their seeds, which are a local delicacy. We also recorded Italian Melilot (Melilotus italicus), Tunic Flower (Petrorhagia saxifraga), Osyris (Osyris alba) and Morning Glory (Ipomaea purpurea). Blackcap and Serins were about.

In Termini, we parked and walked past Enrico’s bar, to climb up to the little church of San Constanzo. The plants under some of the Olive groves had been sprayed, but we found some nice Naples Garlic (Allium neapolitanum), Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum) and Italian Figwort (Scrophularia peregrina). A new orchid species was Provence Orchid (Orchis provincialis), of which there was a fine show, along with Bumblebee Orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora), Pink Butterfly Orchid (Anacamptis papilionacea) and Tongue Orchid (Serapias lingua). Birds were again quiet, apart from the ubiquitous Serin and Sardinian Warbler, although two Greenfinches were seen, and a

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Crested Lark which sat briefly on a rock. It was cloudier today, and we were teased with only glimpses of the Bay of Naples and the headlands below us.

Walking back down to Enrico’s, which was more sheltered so warmer, we dined on local mozzarella and tomato salad, with prosciutto and home-made pickled vegetables, plus more of his freshly squeezed juice. Replete, we then drove the short distance through the old village of Nerano and down to the sea at Marina Cantone. We parked the vehicles behind the beach and took a sheltered and sunny path round the headland. It was a good place for looking at seed pods, as many of the small plants had finished flowering, and we were able to compare Cockscomb Sainfoin (Onobrychis caput-galli) with its close relatives Onobrychis aequidentata which resembles a jester’s hat, and Spiny Sainfoin (Hedysarum spinosissimum). We walked to a ruined defence tower, glimpsing Sardinian Warblers, Blue Rock Thrush and a Peregrine, and hearing Subalpine Warbler. However, the highlight was a Black-eared Wheatear, seen by some on the return walk.

When we were ready, we retraced our steps to the beach, and enjoyed ice creams, looking over the sea. We then made our way back to the hotel for the final evening and, for some, another dip in the pool.

Day 8 Wednesday 12th April

Punta Capo As our flight was not until later today, we had time for further exploration. After a leisurely start with time to pack, settle bills and check out, and leaving our luggage at the hotel, we used one vehicle and the hotel shuttle to drive the short distance to the road junction at Via Capo. We took the path down towards the point, passing initially between walls bearing such plants as the tiny Annual Bellflower (Campanula erinus). Tree Sparrows were on an old house, so we were able to compare them with the Italian Sparrows we had been seeing, and a Hoopoe was glimpsed at the campsite. The point contains the remains of a Roman Villa, and we were able to explore the ruins of various rooms. Looking out to sea, we saw six Little Egrets flying by, but the biggest surprise was a flock of about 20 Scopoli’s Shearwaters, close in. We ate our last picnic in the sun, during which a Hoopoe was also seen in flight. It was then time to return to the hotel. A final new butterfly for the list was a Brown Argus, seen as we were waiting for the transport back.

After a short break and with time to re-pack, we loaded the minibuses and said our farewells and thanks to the hotel staff. We had a smooth journey back to the airport, arriving in good time for our flight back to Gatwick, with memories and photographs of the beautiful area that is the Sorrento Peninsula.

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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

PTERIDOPHYTES FERNS & ALLIES

Lycophytes Clubmosses & Quillworts

Selaginellaceae Lesser Clubmoss Family Selaginella denticulata Mediterranean Clubmoss Punta Capo

Leptosporangiate Ferns True Ferns

Aspleniaceae Spleenwort family Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black Spleenwort Positano Asplenium ceterach Rustyback Termini Asplenium onopteris Irish Spleenwort Positano Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens Maidenhair Spleenwort Monte Faito

Athyriaceae Lady Fern Family Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern Termini

Cystopteraceae Bladder-fern Family Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern Termini

Dennstaeditiaceae Bracken Family Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Termini

Polypodiaceae Polypody Family Polypodium cambricum Southern Polypody Termini Polypodium interjectum Intermediate Polypody Punta di Capmanella

Pteridaceae Ribbon Fern Family Adiantum capillus-veneris Maidenhair Fern Positano Anogramma leptophylla Jersey Fern Positano Cheilanthes pteridioides -

GYMNOSPERMS CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Juniper Family [Cupressus sempervirens] Italian Cypress Planted Juniperus phoenicea Phoenician Juniper Punta Campanella

Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Positano Pinus nigra subsp. nigra Black Pine Monte Faito [Pinus pinea] Stone or Umbrella Pine Widespread

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Taxaceae Yew Family Taxus baccata Yew Monte Faito

ANGIOSPERMS FLOWERING PLANTS

Pre-Dicots Primitive Angiosperms

Aristolochiaceae Birthwort Family Aristolochia pallida a Birthwort Monte Faito

Lauraceae Bay Family Laurus nobilis Bay Tree Positano

Eu-Dicots True Dicotyledons

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

Adoxaceae Moschatel Family Sambucus nigra Elderberry Roadsides

Anacardiaceae Sumach Family Pistacia lentiscus Mastic Tree Common

Apiaceae Carrot Family Crithmum maritimum Rock Samphire Punta Campanella Daucus carota Wild Carrot Punta Campanella (leaves) Elaeoselinum asclepium Elaeoselinum Positano (leaves) Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo San Costanzo Ferrula communis Giant Fennel Punta Gradelle Oenanthe globosa Mediterranean Water Dropwort Marina del Cantone Scandix pecten-veneris Shepherd's-needle Punta Campanella Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders Termini Tordylium apulum Tordylium Termini

Apocynaceae Periwinkle Family Vinca difformis Intermediate Periwinkle Monte Faito Vinca major Greater Periwinkle Termini

Aralaceae Ivy Family Hedera helix Ivy Termini

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

Boraginaceae Forget-me-not Family Borago officinalis Borage Termini Echium parviflorum Small-flowered Viper's-bugloss Capri Echium vulgare Viper's-bugloss Positano Glandora rosmarinifolium Rosemary-leaved Gromwell Punta Campanella Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-me-not San Contanzo

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Brassicaceae Cabbage Family Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Monte Faito (leaves) Arabis caucasicus Garden Rock-cress Punta Campanella Arabis hirsuta Hairy Rock-cress Punta Campanella Arabis rosea Pink Rock-cress Vesuvius Arabis turrita Tower Cress Positano Arabis verna Spring Rock-cress Below Monte Faito Brassica oleracea subsp. robertiana Wild Cabbage Punta Gradelle Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse Termini Cardamine impatiens Cut-leaved Bitter-cress Positano Lobularia maritima Sweet Alison Punta Gradelle Lunaria annua Honesty Monte Faito Matthiola incana Hoary Stock Punta Gradelle Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. raphanistrum Wild Radish San Constanzo

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

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula erinus Annual Bellflower Punta Capo

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

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Dianthus sylvestris Wood Pink Punta Campanella Moehringia muscosa Mossy Sandwort Monte Faito (leaves) Petrorhagia saxifraga Tunic Flower Marciano Gorge Silene gallica Small-flowered Catchfly Punta Campanella Silene italica Italian Catchfly Positano Silene latifolia White Campion Punta Campanella Spergularia rubra Sand Spurrey San Constanzo Stellaria media Common Chickweed Positano Stellaria neglecta Greater Chickweed Termini

Cistaceae Rock-rose Family Cistus creticus Pink Cistus Positano Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Positano Fumana arabica Arabian Fumana Positano Fumana ericoides a Fumana Positano Helianthemum nummularium Rock-rose Positano

Compositae (Asteraceae) Daisy Family Anthemis chia - Punta Campanella Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Punta Gradelle Bellis perennis Daisy Monte Faito Calendula arvensis Field Marigold Vesuvius Centaurea cinerea* a Knapweed Punta Campanella Centaurea parlatoris subsp. tenorei* a Knapweed Positano Conyza bonariensis Argentine Fleabane Punta Capo Dittrichia viscosa Stink Aster Punta Gradelle

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Erigeron karvinskianus Mexican Fleabane Positano Filago (Evax) pygmaea Evax San Constanzo Galactites tomentosa Galactites Punta Campanella Glebionis coronarium Crown Daisy Punta Campanella Glebionis segetum Corn Marigold San Constanzo Helichrysum italicum Italian Everlasting Punta Gradelle Helichrysum rupestre an Everlasting (no smell) Punta Capo Jacobaea maritima (Senecio cineraria) Silver Ragwort Punta Capo Launea resediofolia Launea Punta Capo Phagnalon rupestre Phagnalon Punta Campanella Pulicaria odora Mediterranean Fleabane Marina del Cantone Santolina chamaecyparissus Lavender Cotton Monte Faito Senecio vulgaris Groundsel Termini Sonchus arvensis Field Sowthistle Termini Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle Termini Urospermum dalechampii Urospermum Punta Campanella

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Calystegia sepium Hedge Bindweed Positano Convolvulus althaeoides Mallow-leaved Bindweed Punta Gradelle Ipomoea purpurea Common Morning Glory Marciano Gorge

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum dasyphyllum Fat-leaved Stonecrop Positano Sedum forsterianum Rock Stonecrop Positano Umbilicus rupestris Wall Pennywort Termini

Cucurbitaceae White Bryony Family Bryonia dioica White Bryony Positano

Cytinaceae Cytinus Family Cytinus ruber Red Cytinus Positano

Ericaceae Heather Family Erica arborea Tree Heather Punta Campanella

Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge Positano Euphorbia characias subsp. characias Mediterranean Spurge Punta Campanella Euphorbia dendroides Tree Spurge Common Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Termini Euphorbia spinosa Spiny Spurge Below Monte Faito Mercurialis annua Annual Mercury Punta Capo Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury Monte Faito

Fagaceae Beech Family Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Monte Faito Fagus sylvatica Beech Monte Faito Quercus ilex Holm Oak Positano Quercus pubescens Downy Oak Punta Capo

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Punta Capo (leaves)

Geraniaceae Crane’s-bill Family Erodium cicutarium Common Stork’s-bill San Constanzo Erodium malacoides Mallow-leaved Stork’s-bill Punta Gradelle Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Termini Geranium purpureum Little Robin Termini Geranium pyrenaicum Hedgerow Crane's-bill Capri Geranium rotundifolium Round-leaved Crane's-bill Punta Gradelle

Lamiaceae Dead-nettle Family Acinos arvensis Basil Thyme Punta Capo Ajuga genevensis Blue Bugle Positano Lamium maculatum Spotted Dead-nettle Monte Faito Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle Monte Faito Micromeria graeca a Micromeria Positano Origanum vulgare Marjoram Positano Prasium majus Prasium Punta Campanella Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Punta Campanella Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary Capri Sideritis romana a Sideritis San Constanzo Teucrium fruticans Shrub Germander Positano Thymus polytrichus Wild Thyme Monte Faito

Leguminosae (Fabaceae) Pea Family Anthyllis barba-jovis Jupiter's Beard Punta Campanella Anthyllis vulneraria agg. Kidney Vetch Punta Campanella Calycotome villosa Hairy Thorny Broom Positano Ceratonia siliqua Carob or Locust Tree Punta Campanella [Cercis siliquastrum] Judas Tree Planted Coronilla scorpioides Annual Scorpion-vetch Positano Cytisus hirsutus Hairy Broom Positano Cytisus scoparius Broom Monte Faito Dorycnium hirsutum Hairy Dorycnium Positano Genista aetnensis Etna Broom Vesuvius Hedysarum spinosissimum Spiny Sainfoin Marina del Cantone Hippocrepis (Coronilla) emerus Scorpion Senna Punta Gradelle Lathyrus cicera Red Pea Below Monte Faito Lathyrus clymenum a Pea Punta Campanella Lathyrus setifolius Red Grass Vetchling Positano Lathyrus venetus a Spring Vetch Positano 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 Lupinus angustifolius Narrow-leaved Lupin Punta Campanella Medicago arabica Spotted Medick Capri Medicago disciformis a Medick Marina del Cantone Medicago orbicularis a Medick Punta Capo Medicago polymorpha Toothed Medick Punta Capo Melilotus indicus Small Melilot Marina del Cantone

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Melilotus italicus Italian Melilot Positano Onobrychis aequidentata a Sainfoin Marina del Cantone Onobrychis caput-galli Cockscomb Sainfoin Marina del Cantone Scorpiurus muricatus Scorpion-vetch Punta Campanella Spartium junceum Spanish Broom Punta Campanella Trifolium patense Red Clover Punta Capo Trifolium repens White Clover Positano (leaves) Trifolium stellatum Starry Clover Punta Campanella Tripodion (Anthyllis) tetraphyllum Bladder Vetch Marina del Cantone Vicia bithynica Bithynian Vetch Punta Campanella Vicia sativa subsp. segetalis Common Vetch Punta Gradelle Vicia villosa A Fodder Vetch Positano

Linaceae Flax Family Linum bienne Pale Flax Punta Capo Linum suffruticosum White Flax Positano

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva arborea Tree Mallow Punta Campanella Malva multiflora (Lavatera cretica) Small Tree Mallow Punta Gradelle Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Positano

Moraceae Mulberry Family Ficus carica Fig Punta Campanella

Myrtaceae Myrtle Family Myrtus communis Myrtle Punta Campanella (leaves)

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus ornus Flowering Ash Positano Olea europaea Olive Widespread Phillyraea latifolia - Punta Capo

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Orobanche minor Common Broomrape Punta Campanella Orobanche ramosa Branched Broomrape Punta Campanella Parentucella latifolia Southern Red Bartsia Below Monte Faito

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

Papaveraceae Poppy Family Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine Vesuvius Fumaria capreolata White Ramping Fumitory Punta Gradelle Fumaria muralis Common Ramping Fumitory Termini Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy Termini

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Antirrhinum majus Common Snapdragon Walls by roads Antirrhinum siculum Sicilian Snapdragon Punta Gradelle Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Punta Capo Linaria purpurea Purple Toadflax Positano

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Miosopates orontium Weasel Snout Punta Campanella Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain Punta Capo Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Punta Capo Plantago major Greater Plantain Punta Capo Veronica cymbalaria Cymbalaria-leaved Speedwell Punta Campanella Veronica persica Common Field Speedwell Monte Faito

Platanaceae Plane Family [Platanus x hybrida] Plane Planted

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Limonium sp. a Sea Lavender Punta Campanella

Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala myrtifolia - Planted Polygala nicaeensis Nice Milkwort Positano

Polygonaceae Knotweed Family Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima Sea Beet Punta Campanella Rumex scutatus French Sorrel / Rubble Dock Vesuvius

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis subsp. arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel (may be blue) Punta Campanella Cyclamen repandum Spring Sowbread Positano

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

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda alba White Mignonette Punta Campanella

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Rhamnus alaternus Mediterranean Buckthorn Punta Gradelle

Rosaceae Rose Family Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Termini [Eriobotrya japonica] Japanese Loquat Marina del Cantone (planted) Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Positano Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry Monte Faito Prunus avium Wild Cherry Monte Faito Pyrus amygdaliformis Almond-leaved Pear Positano Rosa canina agg. Dog Rose Monte Faito Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble Termini Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Capri

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Galium mollugo Hedge Bedstraw Punta Capo Galium aparine Cleavers Punta Gradelle Rubia peregrina Wild Madder Punta Campanella Sherardia arvensis Field Madder Capri Valantia hispida Valantia Positano

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

Salicaceae Willow Family Populus x canadensis Hybrid Black Poplar Termini

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Osyris alba Osyris Marciano Gorge

Sapindaceae Maple Family Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Monte Faito

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga bulbifera Bulbous Saxifrage Monte Faito (leaves) Saxifraga rotundifolia Round-leaved Saxifrage Monte Faito (leaves)

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Scrophularia peregrina Italian (Nettle-leaved) Figwort San Constanzo Verbascum sinuatum a Mullein Positano Verbascum thapsus Aaron’s Rod Positano

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade Punta Campanella

Thymelaeaceae Daphne Family Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel Monte Faito Thymelaea tartonraira - Positano

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus canescens Mediterranean Elm Termini

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

Verbenaceae Vervain Family [Lantana camera] Lantana Positano

Violaceae Violet Family Viola alba subsp. dehnhardtii Mediterranean Violet Positano and Monte Faito Viola pseudogracilis* a Pansy Monte Faito Viola odorata agg. Sweet Violet Monte Faito

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Monocots Monocotyledons

Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Allium ampeloprasum Wild Leek Punta Campanella (leaves) Allium neapolitanum Naples Garlic San Constanzo Allium subhirsutum - Punta Campanella Allium triquetum Three-cornered Leek Capri Allium paradoxum Few-flowered Leek Termini Allium roseum Rosy Garlic Punta Campanella Narcissus tazetta Bunch-flowered Narcissus Capri (over)

Asparagaceae Asparagus Family [Agave americana] Century Plant Planted Asparagus acutifolius Prickly Asparagus Capri Drimia (Urginea) maritima Sea Squill Punta Gradelle (leaves) Leopoldia (Muscari) comosa Tassel Hyacinth Punta Campanella Ornithogalum angustifolium Common Star of Bethlehem Capri Polygonatum verticillatum Whorled Solomon's-seal Capri (leaves) Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s Broom Positano Scilla bifolia Alpine Squill Monte Faito

Araceae Arum Family Arum italicum subsp. italicum Large Cuckoo Pint Punta Campanella Arum italicum subsp. neglectum Large Cuckoo Pint (plain leaves) Punta Campanella Arisarum vulgare Friar's Cowl Positano

Cyperaceae Sedge Family Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge Positano

Dioscoreaceae Black Bryony Family Dioscorea (Tamus) communis Black Bryony Punta Campanella

Iridaceae Iris Family Crocus vernus Spring Crocus Monte Faito Gladiolus italicus Field Gladiolus Punta Campanella [Iris albicans] a White Iris Planted

Juncaceae Rush Family Luzula campestris Good Friday Grass Monte Faito Luzula forsteri Southern Woodrush Positano

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Anacamptis (Orchis) papilionacea Pink Butterfly Orchid Positano Anacamptis (Orchis) morio Green-winged Orchid Vesuvius Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Punta Campanella Cephalanthera longifolia Sword-leaved Helleborine Positano Dactylorhiza sambucina Elder-flowered Orchid Monte Faito Ophrys argolica subsp. crabronifera (O. pollinensis) - Punta Campanella Ophrys bombyliflora Bumblebee Orchid Punta Campanella Ophrys fuciflora Late Spider Orchid Positano Orchis italica Naked Man Orchid Punta Campanella Orchis pauciflora Sparse-flowered Orchid Below Monte Faito

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name Location

Orchis provincialis Provence Orchid San Constanzo Serapias lingua Tongue Orchid Punta Campanella

Poaceae Grass Family Aegilops ovata Aegilops Marina del Cantone Ampelodesmos mauritanicus Mauritanian Vine Reed Punta Campanella Anisantha tectorum Drooping Brome Capri Arundo donax Giant Reed Termini Briza maxima Large Quaking Grass Punta Campanella Calamagrostis epigejos Wood Small-reed Positano Lagurus ovatus Hare’s-foot Grass Positano

Smilaceae Smilax Family Smilax aspera Common Smilax Punta Gradelle

Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodel Family Asphodelus aestivus Common Asphodel Punta Campanella

Lichens - thanks to Bob Francis for this list

The woodland walk on Monte Faito in the Lattari Mountains was the best place to see the corticolous (tree growing) lichens while the ascent to the church of Santa Costanzo was rich in saxicolous (rock growing) lichens on hard limestone - the National Park of Vesuvius provided acidic rocks and volcanic ash with large swathes of Stereocaulon vesuvianum

Species Day Site and appearance Aspicilia calcaria 2/4/7 White crustose patches on hard limestone well seen at Termini Belonia nidarosiensis 7 Orange reddish brown patches on hard limestone Calaplaca citrina 2/4/7 A yellow orange granular thallus with orange fruiting bodies on concrete and hard limestone Calaplaca ferruginea 4 Small patches of reddish fruiting bodies on tree bark Calaplaca flavescens 2/4/7 Orange circular patches often with white centre on hard limestone Candellariella auriella 7 On nutrient-enriched areas on calcareous substrates Collema auriforme 7 A black jelly lichen found on hard limestone Evernia prunastri 4 Pendant elongate lobed tufts (white underside) on pine trees Flavoparmelia caperata 6 A yellow green foliose lichen seen on a tree trunk on Vesuvius Flavoparmelia conspersa 6 A greenish yellow foliose lichen seen on acid rocks on Vesuvius Hypogymnia tubulosa 4 Grey tubular foliose lobes with granular ends on tree branches Lecanora albescens 4 Crowded collections of fruiting bodies on concrete rendering on wall Lecanora chlarotera 4 A white thallus with ‘jam tart – like’ fruiting bodies on branches Lecidella elaeochroma 4 Black discs on a grey brown granular thallus on twigs and branches Lepraria incana agg. 7 Grey green powdery granules seen on bare earth, trees and rocks Ochrolechia parella 4 A creamy crustose thallus with prominent fruiting bodies on tree bark Opergrapha calcarea 2 A white thallus with black stellate fruiting bodies on hard limestone Parmelia acetabulum 4 A deep green foliose lichen with a glossy surface on pine bark Parmelia saxatilis 4 A grey foliose lichen, often with dark granular centre on tree bark Parmelia sulcata 4 A grey foliose lichen with a wrinkled surface on tree bark Pertusaria amara 4 A grey crustose lichen sprinkled with white dots here seen on beech Pertusaria pertusa 4 A greenish crustose warty lichen seen in large patches on beech trees

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

Species Day Site and appearance Physcia aipolia 4 A grey foliose lichen with black fruiting bodies on twigs and branches Physcia tenella 4 A narrow-lobed ciliate lichen on twigs and branches Pseusoevernia furfuracea 4 Pendant elongate lobed tufts (black underside) on pine trees Punctelia subrudecta 4 A grey foliose lichen sprinkled with white patches on tree bark Ramalina farinacea 4 A stiff tufted lichen with white granular patches on tree bark Ramalina fastigiata 4 A stiff tufted lichen with apical discs to some lobes on tree bark Stereocaulon vesuvianum 6 Dense mats of tufted lichen growing on acidic volcanic ash Verrucaria baldensis 2/4/7 Irregular white patches with small black holes on hard limestone Verrucaria nigrescens 2/4/7 Black tar-like patches on hard limestone Xanthoria parietina 2/3/4 An orange pollution-tolerant foliose lichen on trees and metal

Birds (x – recorded but not counted; H – heard; LO – leader only) April Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 1 2 Scopoli's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea 20+ 3 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 6 4 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 5 2 3 1 5 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis         6 Rock Dove [Feral] Columba livia feral         7 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 1 8 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto        9 Tawny Owl Strix aluco LO/H H 10 Common Swift Apus apus 1 11 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops LO 1 1 12 Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla 1 13 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1 2 1 1 1 1 14 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus H 2 1 2 1 15 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius H H H 16 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica 1 1 1 1 17 Hooded Crow Corvus cornix 1      18 Northern Raven Corvus corax 3 3 3  3 1 1 19 Coal Tit Parus ater  20 Marsh Tit Poecile palustris 2 21 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus      22 Great Tit Parus major 1        23 Crested Lark Galerida cristata 1 24 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 1 6 2 LO 3  25 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 1 26 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti H H 27 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 1 28 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus H H H 29 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta 1 30 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis 1 31 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla  H H  1 H  32 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis H H 33 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans 2 H 34 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala   H H   H 35 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla 3

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 36 Goldcrest Regulus regulus H H H 37 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H H H H H H 38 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea 2 39 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhis brachydactyla 1 40 Common Blackbird Turdus merula 1        41 European Robin Erithacus rubecula 1 42 Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos 2 43 European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca  44 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 2 45 Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 1 46 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 1 H 1 47 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 1 2 48 Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica 1 1 49 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 1 50 Italian Sparrow Passer italiae         51 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus   52 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 1 53 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs  H     54 European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris H  2  55 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 3 56 European Serin Serinus serinus        

Reptiles & Amphibians 1 Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula         2 Western Whip Snake Coluber viridiflavus  

Mammals 1 Feral Goats 

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 Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines      7 Clouded Yellow Colias crocea    8 Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra       9 Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni    10 Wood White Leptidea sinapis  11 Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi  12 Little Blue Cupido minimus   13 Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus        14 Green-underside Blue Glaucopsyche alexis  15 Brown Argus Aricia agrestis  16 Common Blue Polyommatus icarus   17 Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae  18 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta    19 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria aegeria      

Italy - The Sorrento Peninsula Tour Report

April Common name Scientific name 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 20 Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria tircis  21 Wall Brown Lasiommata megera        

Moths

Humming-bird Hawk-moth, Macroglossum stellatarum Pine Processionary Moth larval tent, Thaumetopoea pityocampa

Other Invertebrates

Red-veined Darter, Sympetrum fonscolombae Egyptian Grasshopper, Anacridium aegyptium Fire Bug, Pyrrhocoris apterus Gendarme Ground Bug, Lygaeus saxatilis a Beefly, Bombylius sp. a Hoverfly, Episyrphus balteatus a Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa violaceus Honey Bee, Apis mellifera White-tailed Bumblebee, Bombus lucorum Common Carder Bee, Bombus pascuorum a Chafer, Oxythyrea funesta Pollen Beetle, Tropinota squalida Harlequin Ladybird, Harmionia axyridis a Millipede, Diplopoda sp Pill Millipede, Glomeris marginata Pill Woodlouse, Armadillium vulgare

Molluscs

White-lipped (Banded) Snail, Cepaea hortensis Roman Snail, Helix pomatia Clausilid Snail, Papillifera bidens

Yellow-legged Gull by Jessica Turner