Northeastern

A King’s Retreat

A Greentours Tour Report

25th March – 2nd April 2013

Led by Stefano Doglio & Amanda Borrows

Daily Report and Fauna lists – Amanda Borrows. Flora systematic list – Stefano Doglio

Day 1 Monday March 25th London – Nador

We all arrived at Heathrow for the morning flight, spending time watching the planes land and take-off, before we boarded our flight to Madrid, where we transferred to a smaller plane for the short journey to Melilla. We left a bitterly cold England of minus degree, to be greeted by a rainy five degrees in Madrid, but then a warm, sunny Melilla, a very pleasing feeling as we left the plane.

We next had to cross the border to Nador, as technically we were still in Spain. Stefano was there to greet us, and had arranged local taxis to take us to the border through the fruit traders and across no-man’s land to the border crossing. Some of the group stopped to look at Little Egrets and Glossy Ibis that were feeding in the dank water that was supposed to be a river (it was the only place we had Glossy Ibis for the whole of the trip).

Once we had all assembled on the other side of the border, we boarded our minibus met our driver Abdel and headed to our hotel. The journey took us out of the city, and along a mountain road decorated extravagantly with bushes of Mimosa either side of the road, high above the bustling life we had just left. The hotel was nestled between a conifer woodland, and spreading views of the valley below. It was quite a spectacular scene on a starry night.

Day 2 Tuesday March 26th Gareb –

After a restful night some of the group were out for an early morning walk around the grounds of the hotel before breakfast. The African race of Blue Tit and Chaffinch were up to greet them, as well as a tuneful Serin perched high on a vantage point, while the noisy House Sparrows sat naughty on the building ledges chattering away.

Today we were heading for the coastal town of Al Hoceima, where we would be spending the next three days. This journey was broken up with several stops the first of which was next to an

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olive grove. At first glance, this seemed to be a very nondescript area, with little vegetation, but with further exploration it soon changed into a wildlife haven.

Butterflies bounced, flitted or hid as we exited the mini-bus, trying not to miss a species. A dazzling male Moroccan Orange-tip gave a flurry of excitement in the group, particularly for Ken when it flew passt. This was a new species for him, and he was off trying to get that photo, as we all looked on to admire this wonderful individual, the butterfly of course. From here people wandered off to see what they could find. Fresh posing specimens of Provence Hairstreak were hard to pass by as these were a target species for the trip. The contrasting iridescent green of the underside shone brightly as they rested against the vegetation. People were quite engrossed with everything, so it took a while for us to leave this little area. Plants were in abundance with Anthyllis tetraphylla and cytisoides, Trifolium stellatum, Asteriscus maritimus, Calendula arvensis and Calycotome infesta, to name but a few.

Our next stop was a rocky knoll. A splendid display of the lovely Erodium guttatum greeted us along the path side as well as Salvia verbenaca, Lathyrus cicera, and Glaucium corniculatum are some of many species distracting us as we made our way through the small rows of broad beans and peas to the rocky outcrop. Stefano was on a mission to find Ophrys ciliata amongst the boulders, shouting to those who were behind that he had found them, which sent an urge in people to get to the top. There were several spikes of this unusual orchid, mixed in with the delightful Gladiolus italicus. Meanwhile, the butterfly people among us had diverted to the lower shrubs of heather and Ken had found the very small False Baton Blue, while Geoff had completely disappeared to the lower slopes and shelter in hope of more butterflies. However, they were soon at the top with the rest of the group when Rob found a Spanish Festoon near a lovely bush of Aristolochia baetica.

The landscape was quite diverse as we drove along; from flowery roadsides, deep valleys to dried river wadis. A brief stop was made for the bush Launaea arborescens along a dry river wadi; a roadside stop for Anacyclus valentinus, Frankenia (laevis) composita, and another North African endemic the beautiful creamy bush Lavatera flava, before moving on to a lunch spot. We were greeted by a pair of Southern Grey Shrikes flitting around the thorny bushes, while Bee-eaters flew around the fields as we ate. The delightful Adonis annua adorned the ground around the mini-bus. At one point some local young ladies stopped to see if we needed any help, as it was very unusual to see foreigners in the middle of nowhere.

A couple more stops were made before we reached our hotel at Al Hoceima. The first was an interesting stop for the gorgeous endemic Perralderia pauli, where superb bushy displays coloured the parched ground. Further searching provided Pallenis spinosa, Ononis natrix and Globularia alypum whetting everyones enthusiasm. A highlight for some for this afternoon was the enormous camouflaged female grasshopper Pamphagus elephas. A slight movement had attracted Amanda’s attention to this large six-inch invertebrate and everyone who wanted to see it eventually got on to it, with much finger-shadow pointing. Geoff had an added bonus that not many people can claim to. He was trying for that right picture, and was close and personal when it pooped in front of him, before leisurely walking away, much to a bemused Geoff.

Our last stop was next to the roadside for a very peculiar plant Periploca angustifolia. Its pods are like buffalo horns or a very large version of Poirot’s moustache. We were also fortunate to see the star like flowers, a truly intriguing bush. Finally we reached our hotel, and before dinner, many Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 2

of the group watched the evening full moon rise over the tranquil sea, a fitting end for a busy day.

Day 3 Wednesday March 27th Al Hoceima

The dark clouds loomed and a spot of rain wetted the outdoor patio, not a very encouraging sign for today’s activities. Sue had decided to stay behind and explore this bustling lively and charming Moroccan town. This may be a good choice with the grey skies above us.

We had hardly left the outskirts of the town when the vehicle stopped and we all got out to admire one flowering Yellow-horned Poppy. Stefano added that this might be the only sighting of this lovely plant we would get on the trip. The opposite bank also proved interesting with a fruiting Solanum sodomeum and several delicate flowering white Tamarisk shrubs.

Our next couple of stops were around the coastal headland, where Abdel pointed out a female Blue Rock Thrush, before we saw the dashing blue male, on the rocks below. It was while we were watching this pair that Red-billed Chough called from the cliff-sides and a pair of Peregrines flew high over our heads. This is supposed to be a good spot for Osprey. However, it wasn’t until the group had disappeared into the shrubby slopes looking for the large-flowered Blackstonia perfoliata subsp. grandiflora (which unfortunately was only in bud), when a shout from Amanda alerted people to the Osprey above their heads. The group also disturbed a pair of cackling Barbary Partridges.

The sun was slowly trying to push its way through the clouds, which was enough to entice the butterflies to make an appearance which was a delight. On a small craggy road-side bank, where a group of ten people looked like a crowd, was an amazing spray of unusual and attractive plants, we were having to watch where we stepped in case the rare plant that Stefano had just shown us was no more. The slope was awash with Ophrys ciliata, small clumps were just posing for that photograph, as well as a fine colony of Anthericum liliago. A small cluster of Anagallis monelli, Cynoglossum creticum, and pretty patches of Viola arborescens had people searching for more flowery goodies. Stefano pointed out the unusual Lapiedra martinezii identified by its distinctive silver ribbed leaves, a species that would flower later on in the season. There were scattered spikes of Aphyllanthes monspeliensis, a species that is normally clump forming, next to the bursting Genista cephalantha with its sunshine flowers that brightening up the rocky face in front of us. Moving up the slope, the ground vegetation comprised swathes of Tetragonolobus purpureus, Fedia cornucopiae and Coronilla scorpioides, with small patches of Papaver argemone dotted among the low-growing vegetation. In the meantime Clouded Yellow, Small Skippers and Small Heath were taunting the butterfly people among us in that they would not settle, unlike the patrolling Wall Brown that posed against the cliff-side making it almost impossible to see if you had not seen it land.

We eventually had to tear ourselves away from this lovely site, a slow process for people as new species were being spotted as we walked back, but lunch was calling. Lunch was next to a dry gravely river bed, both sides alive with the smell from the bushes of Lavandula dentata and stoechas. The group scattered while food was being prepared, searching the gully and finding some lovely specimens of Gynandriris sisyrinchium, Orobanche ramosa, Teucrium fruticans, blousy Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 3

bushes of Cistus albidus, as well as both Paronychia argentea and capitata, and while prostrating over the gravel, delicate Silene colorata, Spergularia rubra and Medicago littoralis.

The sun was high and we were in a sheltered area, so butterflies were on the wing, with Small Copper, Moroccan Orange-tip and Swallowtail nectaring on the rows of lavender species that lined the river bed, while a Lang’s Short-tailed Blue was spied after lunch near an area of Tassel Hyacinth. Birds overhead included a Long-legged Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Lesser Kestrel and a juvenile Peregrine, while Sardinian Warblers called noisily from the surrounding scrub.

Would the weather hold as we made our way to the last site, the Iris site, indicated by the abundance of flowering Gynandriris sisyrinchium, lining the road-verges, and the rocks, it was quite an amazing sight. Wandering up to the top of the stony area, Anagallis monelli dressed the grey stone in blue, with the odd pink flower head. Amongst the blue were scattered pink bushes of Thymus munbyanus, and pink flashes of Gladiolus italicus. Further along, the stunning yellow and red heads of Tulipa australis could be found embellishing the existing assembly of colour. Finally, several superb specimens of Iris filifolia were found towering over the low-growing plants, making the decision hard of which would be the best stem for that picture. People were still searching when the sky darkened and the rain didn’t hold back, indicating it was time to leave and we made our way back to the hotel, and hoping that Sue had had a good day as well.

Day 4 Thursday March 28th Al Hoceima National Park

Today we walked through a section of the Al Hoceima National Park. The route took roughly four hours of steady walking along winding paths, before descending alongside a pretty river – though we were on foot for four hours, we spent a great deal of that time stopping and looking at flora and fauna.

Our walk started around the agricultural area at Zidauna, where we all stopped to eat raw broad beans and peas. We stopped to admire the view and take several shots of the enchanting haystacks with Islamic domes. Various plants such as Limonium lobatum, Cistus clusii, Ononis natrix and Phagnalon rupestre, were scattered along the narrow route as we headed for the ridge. Delicate sprays of Viola arborescens bright yellow flowers of the bizarre Cytinus hypocistus, a parasite of Cistus, decked the grey stony ridge, while Dorothy found the minute Polygala rupestris. The grassy areas produced Valerianella microcarpa, Herniaria hirsuta, Stellaria media, and Ranunculus paludosus.

Lunch was at a lovely grassy area, next to a stream, where Luafi shared out his home-grown figs, and for those people who didn’t like figs, they definitely do now. Luafi introduced us to some of the local herders, three young ladies, who were willing to come down and talk to us. They were dressed in traditional garb of the area, weaving grass for string and hats, as they watched over their herds of goats and sheep that grazed this area. We followed the shallow stream, taking us up to a grazed area, and down towards the river gorge. Showy clumps of Cistus albidus and Helianthemum appeninum decorated our path. Amazing clumps of double-headed Oxalis pres- caprae hid among the rocky scree, while we searched for our target species, which Luafi found eventually near the end of our walk, Sonchus masgindalii. It looked like a very scruffy dandelion!

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Birds of note were Short-toed Eagle and Long-legged Buzzard around the high canyon area, Barbary Partridge around the low areas. However, the highlight was the sudden appearance of circa 30 Bee-eaters swirling, calling, all around us. What a colourful magical moment of sight and sound. Butterflies were thin on the ground with Small Copper and False Baton Blue on the more sparse areas and Wall Brown in the sheltered areas. A couple of insects worth mentioning are the very large female grasshopper, Pamphagus tunetanus, that Dorothy found basking on a rock face, and a camouflaged Long-nosed Grasshopper Acrida ungarica, which Marilyn found hiding in a dead brown bush.

Our walk ended at the beach looking over Badès or Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, which is a large rock, but is peculiar as it is administered by the Spanish central government. It is part of several peñones, or rock-fortresses, along the coast of Northern Africa. It is now a military outpost, and as Rob nearly found out, you can still be locked up if you cross the short strait to the gates. Geoff looked a lot better and was making the most of the beach, while Sue, Jean and Marilyn finished their walk with Moroccan tea at the local café. The rest of us ate the rest of our lunch by the beach or did a bit of beach-combing before we left the shores and headed back to the hotel, after a stop at Luafi’s house.

Day 5 Friday March 29th Al Hoceima – Chefchaouen

The sun was shining and the sky was blue. Common and Pallid Swifts screamed goodbye as we boarded the mini-bus to start the onward journey to Chefchaouen, but not before a cry of Geranium Bronze. Ken had found a beautiful fresh dazzling specimen on the geraniums in the front of the hotel. An impromptu stop was made for Little Owl, after a shout from Amanda who spotted one sitting on some rocks beside the road, further along we stopped by a rocky hillside, which is a good site for orchids.

A quick scan revealed a marvellous display of the blousy Ophrys tenthredinifera, on the upper reaches of the slopes, but it wasn’t until returning to the bus, that Geoff had found a stunning swathe of this species. There was approximately a hundred spikes of this flowery orchid, all standing on parade. The other plants to note were a small colony of Ophrys lutea, decorating the upper slopes, and some large spikes along the roadside.

A couple of more stops were made before lunch to admire the stunning mountainous landscape that we were climbing through. Lesser Kestrels hovered in the thermals as we looked down into the valley, while a pair of duelling Scarce Swallowtail added movement to the view, while at the second stop we were wowed by the beautifully scented and intriguingly designed Cladanthus arabicus. A large clump of Centaurea along the edge of the parking spot had us discussing what species it might be. Later examination found that it was Centaurea sphaerocephala.

Lunch was looking over the valley we had ascended, next to a small stream running down from the road. Further examination of this area, particularly in the damp areas, revealed colonies of the delightful demure Romulea bifrons and Gagea maroccana, most of which were fully open taking in the mid-afternoon sun, all this to a background of Serins singing and display flying. Some of the group were also watching a pair of the gorgeous Moussier’s Redstarts watering near a pond. Large Tortoiseshell was the only butterfly of note. Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 5

Lunch over we travelled on and reached the high limits of the ridge, following the contour and taking in the outstanding views, either side. Winding through the Cedrus atlantica and Quercus suber forests we stop at a promontory overlooking the forested hills. This was a good area for the dainty Narcissus cantabricus. There were little flurries of Romulea clusiana, carpeting the shaley rocks as we searched for the Narcissus, before Stefano found a couple of gorgeous heads hanging precariously in the shale shingle.

Our last stop was just before Chefchaouen for Cistus ladanifer, which when in flower is outrageous, unfortunately it was late in the day, so many of the flowers had fallen or closed, but we would have a chance to see the fantastic floral display tomorrow. Chefchaouen is a popular destination with tourists. The name derives from the Berber word for horns, Ichawen, as the mountain tops above the town look like two goat horns, apparently. Chefchaouen is famed for its very attractive blue-rinsed buildings which are most striking. We ended the day with some tasty, typical Moroccan food in a very traditional blue-styled accommodation, a very nice way to end the day.

Day 6 Saturday March 30th Bouhachem

The foreboding atmospheric grey skies and some rain gave rise to a change of plan for today. We headed inland to try and find a bright patch to explore.

Morocco is renowned for its excellent pottery, so it was decided to stop at one of the roadside stalls to view the many different designs and colour of cups, lamps, bowls, etc. All was very tempting and some of us succumbed to some of the beautiful designs, and tried not to think about how they would get home without breaking.

The rain persisted, with the odd break in cloud to show us the grey table-cloth covering the mountain ridge before we were enveloped in it again. Our first bright interlude was next to a confluence of rivers, where showy bushes of Cistus monspeliensis and populifolius garnished the river banks, but it was the blousy Phlomis purpurea blossoming proudly that stole the ‘wows’. The misty white weather stayed with us as we wound along the mountain road, giving the dark shapely woodland a distinctive gnarled moody character. The dominant trees here were Quercus coccifera, with an understory of Erica, mainly arborea and australis, and the odd Viburnum tinus was noted flowering along the rockier parts of the woodland.

The brooding mist was not going to let up, so we had to imagine the views, when Stefano told us on a clear day we could see the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean when we had reached the highest point at Mouley Abdeslam, a pilgrimage village. Lunch was amidst the surrounding woodland with water-proofs. Some of the group had gone to find a nature stop, when Dorothy found the lovely endemic Leucojum tingitanum, and further along the wet path, Rob had startled a large troop of Barbary Apes, still in their thick winter coat!

Just slightly further up from where we had our lunch was our target species for today the absolutely spectacular Narcissus albimarginatus in the most stunning scenery on top of a mossy boulder. It did involve traversing a mountain stream in the wet! It was well worth it though. Other flowers included Primula vulgaris and Ranunculus macrophyllus. Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 6

During the journey back the cloud started to lift, which took some of the pressure off Abdel and allowed us to see some of the landscape we had been driving through, including a startling display of pink slopes from various Silenes, with scattered displays of Lupinus angustifolia. We were all thinking about a hot shower and food, when Stefano stopped the bus, for a super display of Scilla peruviana, before resuming our journey back to Chefchaouen. We caught up with Sue back at the hotel who had decided to have more of a relaxing day around this appealing blue town and haggle for a carpet.

Birds were scarce with Raven, pale phase Booted Eagle, Black Kite and Stonechats making an appearance along the route, but a Short-toed Treecreeper that Amanda had spotted, delighted some of the group as they clambered up to see Narcissus albimarginatus. The butterflies were keeping their heads down today.

The Mountains are known as the wettest part of Morocco for nothing and today we had been part of the wetness.

Day 7 Sunday March 31st Akchour Gorge

The rain had eased up this morning, and blue patches were appearing in the white sky as we made our way through the old part of Chefchaouen with its lovely decorated buildings and green central park. We were heading for a pair of old steam rollers on the outskirts of town, an unusual sight, particularly as they were made in Leeds.

Our first stop was over-looking a 1930’s built Spanish reservoir, where a nesting White Stork had prompted the stop. Singing Corn Buntings, Crested Larks and Nightingale created a musical chorus for us as we wandered along the flowery verge. Dorothy and Jean found a Little Owl, doing an impersonation of a Nightjar. On the plant front the lovely Star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum algeriense was a good find.

From here we had a ‘Marilyn’s Cliff’ stop, which proved to be a bit of a winner. The bus had stopped as Marilyn thought she had spotted the previous days endemic plant, but unfortunately not. However, on further investigation of the cliff-side, several exciting species were found. Lovely blooms of Cirsus albidus interspersed the rocky scree, Ophrys lutea and Tassel hyacinth littered the grassy slopes, while a good fine was the lovely local endemic Rhodanthemum laouense growing in the crevices, and Jane had found a superb clump of Linaria tristis. Butterflies were on the wing with Moroccan Orange-tip, Large White and Wall Brown.

The next stop created a bit of a ’wow’ moment from the bus, due to the dramatic scenery in-front of the bus. Further along we stopped to see if we could find any Strawberry Trees in flower. There was a short walk before lunch along the gravelly sides of a river. This was a productive spot for several new species; Saxifraga granulata, Orobanche minor, the rock-hugging Rupicapnos africana, Centaurea pullata, and Antirrhinum majus. Butterflies were more abundant here in the sheltered spots, notably Wall Brown, a gorgeous Green Hairstreak, Clouded Yellow, and a flouncing Cleopatra. Bird wise it had to be the stunning Cirl Bunting that sang boldly on a bare- leaved fig in front of several members of the group, such a wonderful sight. Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 7

After lunch we headed for Akchour Gorge, a popular destination as we were soon to find out being a Sunday. This is an attractive woody ravine, where thunderous ice-blue melt water added an energetic splash of colour to the various shades of greens as it travelled along the gorge. We followed the narrow footpath, stopping to scrutinise a small patch of Ophrys lutea, and Ophrys fusca (ed – Michael Lowe suggests that these are an as yet un-named species within the Ophrys fusca group) then finding a couple of spikes of Aceras anthropophorum and Neotinea maculata causing a flurry of excitement. Further along a large bush was ornamented by both the flower and fruit of Aristolochia baetica. It was at the same spot where Sue had spotted a Dipper flying along the river below. Following the path up a single spike of Ophrys scolopax was a good find, before a sit down to appreciate the stunning view with some Moroccan Tea. The mint for our tea was freshly cut from outside the hut.

Our final stop was at another of ‘Marilyn’s cliffs’, where some stunning Brown Bluebell were found, a bit of a bonus, as we had not seen any of them yet. Unfortunately while we were examining this rock, we noticed a heavy mist starting to wander towards us and looking back the dramatic landscape had turned mysterious and moody. We decided to leave and make our way back to the hotel.

Day 8 Monday April 1st Chefchaouen – Tangier

This morning we were greeted with a friendly smile from our English speaking guide Abdeslam, who would be enlightening us this morning about the history and culture of Chefchaouen. Our tour followed the route through the old medina and Abdeslam was excellent in explaining about the history and traditions of this delightful blue town. However interesting the tour was, ‘one’ could not walk past a Nightingale in full song, without pausing to listen to this beautiful song, which did leave Abdeslam on his own at one point.

The rain had stayed off and walking up the final steps back to our hotel the clouds started to peel away and blue sky shone through. By the time we were on our way, the sun was up and the clouds had been dispelled, making lunch a very pleasant affair underneath the Moroccan marque at Abdeslam’s home. Lunch was made more appealing from the delicious home cooking of lentil soup, and various meat dishes. There was some lovely Ornithogalum along the rocky slope next to the road. In the field a very large spike of Orobanche hederae caused a bit of a commotion, as it was hard to find its host plant. It was in a field of legumes, but the stigma lobes were yellow rather than brown as in Orobanche minor, which would have been the broomrape of choice. Just to add to the quizzical identification questions, an amazing orange Scrophularia proved to be a challenge.

The rest of the journey was broken up with a couple more stops for some splendid stands of Scilla peruviana, a gorgeous deep ruby red Orobanche foetida and Moroccan tea, where a mixed collection of hirundines – Swallows, House Martins and Red-rumped Swallows - swooped in front of the restaurant window. It was while we were all watching the swallows and Geoff disappearing into the distance in search of butterflies, that Rob spotted a Southern Grey Shrike on the post beyond, good spot Rob. The other bird of note was a very distant Black-shouldered Kite. We eventually reached Tangier and what a contrast it was to the quiet country roads and towns we had just visited; hustle and bustle was all around, even the large colonies of screaming Common Swifts seemed more frenetic as they whizzed around the buildings. Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 8

Day 9 Tuesday April 2nd Departure

It was an early start this morning and we were all ready to tackle the morning rush-hour of Tangier to the airport. Sue gave a quick thank you to Abdel on behalf of everyone, who had been an excellent driver for the week, before we embarked. A simple twenty minute journey could take us an hour, as we found out last night, however, this morning it wasn’t so bad, and we got to the airport in plenty of time to check-in and say goodbyes.

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Systematic List Number 1 Birds

The taxonomic nomenclature & systematic order follows both that of Collins: Bird Guide 2nd edition. A total of 77 species was recorded for the trip. The numbers indicate the dates on which a species was seen.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchus the only duck of the trip, found around water body areas (29 – 31)

Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara very noisy went disturbed, but we did get some great views of this elusive species (27, 28 &31)

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus recorded around water bodies (30 & 31)

Gannet Morus bassanus around the rocky headland opposite the hotel at Al Hoceima

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo around the coast areas at Al Hoceima & lake area at the ‘Spanish reservoir’ (31)

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis common seen most days, include the rainy day where a gang of them were exploring the rubbish bins

Little Egret Egretta garzetta another common species, often with Cattle Egret, recorded most days

Great White Egret Egretta alba this large egret fly over the van has we made our way back to Chefchaouen (30)

White Stork Ciconia ciconia only recorded around the environs of Chefchaouen (30 – 1)

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus this lovely bird was only recorded in no-man’s land as we crossed the border from Spain to Morocco feeding in the dank river (25)

Osprey Pandion haliaetus several individuals were recorded over the trip, one near the coastal headland at Al Hoceima (27); three were displaying over the mountain ridge near at our last stop at Tetouan (1)

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus one bird was recorded flying over the group towards the end of the gorge walk near the beach (28)

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus a couple of individuals were recorded, giving the group some clear views of this small eagle (27), including a pale phase bird (30)

Black Kite Milvus migrans common in large numbers around the environs of Chefchaouen (29 – 1)

Long-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus a common species, several individuals seen regularly over the holiday

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Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus individuals recorded over the trip at several locations (26 & 29)

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus a brief view of this species from the vehicle as we made our way to Tangier (1)

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus common seen most days

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni lovely views of this species at our lunch site (27); several taking in the thermals along the mountain ridge enroute to Chefchaouen (29)

Peregrine Falco peregrinus five individuals were seen circling around coastal headlands near Al Hoceima, with a juvenile flying past the group while we were eating out lunch (27)

Coot Fulica atra recorded around waterbodies enroute to Tangier (1)

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta a small group flying around the coastal area near the border area (25)

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus a very brief view of a single individual along the lake-edge has we made our way to our lunch site (1)

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus the only other gull seen on the trip around the river area near our lunch site

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis common & seen everyday

Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia common seen most days around urban areas

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus only recorded near the rocky knoll on our first day (26)

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto common & seen most day

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus one was heard calling from the woodland behind where we had stop to enjoy the mountainous valley views, enroute to Chefchaouen (29)

Little Owl Althene noctua one was seen from the vehicle sitting on some rocks, enroute to Chefchaouen (29); Dorothy spotted one doing a Nightjar impersonation, lying low on some rocks near the ‘Spanish reservoir’ (31)

Swift Apus apus common, & recorded most days around urban areas

Pallid Swift Apus pallidus a couple seen screaming over the hotel with Common Swift at Al Hoceima (29)

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Hoopoe Upupa epops three individuals were recorded flying around near the airport environs on the last day (2) Bee-eater Merops apiaster occasionally recorded trip, mostly on migration, with small groups calling overhead (26, 28 & 29). However, a small flock came low down & bubbled around the group as we waited by the bus, before the gorge walk, fantastic (28)

Crested Lark Galerida cristata common, seen everyday

Crag Martin Hirundo ruestris small flock around the cliffs at Akchour Gorge (31)

Swallow Hirundo rustica common, seen everyday

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica several individuals flying around the restaurant at our tea stop (1)

House Martin Delichon urbica occasionally recorded over the course of the week, mainly with other hirundines

White Wagtail Motacilla alba for a common species, it was only rarely recorded (26, 30 & 1)

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea recorded along the stream at Akchour Gorge (31)

Dipper Cinclus cinclus Sue found this species along the stream at Akchour Gorge (31)

Robin Erithacus rubecula only heard towards the end of the trip (31 – 1)

Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos only heard towards the end of the trip, with a particular loud one in the reeds next to where we were starting our tour of the old part of Chefchaouen (31 – 1)

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros only seen in the early part of the trip around buildings (26 – 27)

Moussier’s Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri a gorgeous common species for the area, but unfortunately only one pair were seen at a watering hole near the lunch site, along the mountain ridge road enroute to Chefchaouen (29)

Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura several sightings of this lovely wheatear, but on one day & unusual from the vehicle (26)

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra several individuals enroute to Chefchaouen (29)

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola a very common species around Bouhachem (30); otherwise frequently seen over (31 – 1)

Blackbird Turdus merula common, seen or heard everyday

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Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius excellent views of a pair of this species at the coastal headland (27); recorded around rocky areas on the following days (28 & 31)

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla recorded over a couple of days in shrubby habitats (26 & 31)

Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala common, seen or heard everyday

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis mainly heard around wet areas, but we did have views of this species bouncing in the air at the ‘Spanish reservoir’ (29, 30 &31)

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti a familiar call for most people, but only heard around the reeds, below the rocky knoll (26) & lunch site (28)

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita single individuals in shrubby areas (26 & 28)

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes only heard the once as we sat enjoying Moroccan mint tea, admiring the tremendous view in front of us at Akchour Gorge (31)

Great Tit Parus major regularly seen over the trip (26, 27, 29 & 31)

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus only seen around the hotel at Al Hoceima

Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla an individual seen in the oak woodland around the Narcissus site at Bouhachem (30)

Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridonalis a pair at the lunch site (26); one perched behind the restaurant at our last stop (1)

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator mainly seen on telegraph wire from the vehicle (26 & 1)

Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus common, seen or heard everyday

Jackdaw Corvus monedula only recorded around Al Hoceima

Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax some lovely views of this species around the coastal areas (27, 29 & 1)

Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus small groups in the mountainous areas (28 – 29)

Raven Corvus corax a common bird for the trip regularly recorded most days

Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor recorded around habitation (26, 30 – 1)

House Sparrow Passer domesticus common, seen or heard everyday

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs infrequent across the trip, mainly around wooded areas

Linnet Carduelis cannabina regularly recorded in most habitats over the trip

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis common, seen or heard most days

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris common, seen or heard most days

Serin Serinus serinus common, seen or heard everyday Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 13

Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus fantastic views of this colourful bunting along the riverside walk before lunch (31)

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra fantastic views of this chunky species around agricultural areas (26, 28 & 31)

Rock Bunting Emberiza cia mainly males seen around rocky areas (27 – 29)

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Systematic List Number 2 Butterflies

The taxonomic nomenclature & systematic order follows both that of Collins: Butterflies of Europe, Tolman & Lewington. A total of 26 species was recorded for the trip. The numbers indicate the dates on which a species was seen.

Swallowtail Papilio machaon only recorded once feeding on lavender at the lunch stop (27)

Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius the most numerous of the swallowtails, but only recorded over two days (26 & 29)

Spanish Festoon Zerynthia rumina a nice view of this species around the rocky knoll on our way to Al Hoceima (26th)

Large White Pieris brassicae the most commonest of the butterflies seen most days

Bath White Pontia daplidice recorded during the day by Ken (26)

Greenish Black-tip Eophinstonia charlonia this lovely species only recorded once (26)

Moroccan Orange-Tip Anthocharis belia this gorgeous species seen most days

Clouded Yellow Colias crocea mainly around rocky slopes (26, 27 & 29)

Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni recorded around wooded areas (26 & 29)

Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra a lovely male flounced around the shrubs, during our lunch stop (31); another one was briefly seen flying away, in the afternoon (1)

Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi only recorded the once, feeding in a legume field next to the river near our lunch site (31)

Provence Hairstreak Tomareas ballus numerous fresh specimens at our first stop on the first day (26); several specimens recorded again around shrubby vegetation (29)

Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas a common species across the trip

Lang’s Short-tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous only a single specimen of this lovely species was seen around the lunch area (27)

Geranium Bronze Cacyreus marshalli a dazzling fresh male in front of the hotel at Al Hoceima (29)

Mediterranean Blue Tarucus rosaceus a tricky species to find & identify but a lovely male was found at our first stop on our first day (26)

False Baton Blue Pseudophilotes abencerragus several individuals of this demure species in open rocky areas, giving some wonderful posing shots for those who were willing to chased & wait (26 & 28)

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Common Blue Polyommatus icarus the commonest of the blues, including a well- worn specimen which won’t settle, giving us a merry dance to what it was, until we saw the photos (26 & 29)

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta individuals recorded at the beginning of the holiday in a variety of habitats (26-27)

Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros good views of this lovely species around sheltered areas (29 & 31)

Painted Lady Cynthia cardui individuals recorded in a variety of habitats (26, 27 & 29)

Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus mainly seen around Al Hoceima area

Moroccan Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcanioides only recorded on the gorge walk (28)

Wall Brown Lasiommata megera a very common species across the trip

Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae only recorded at the first stop on our first morning (26)

Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris recorded around grassy areas (27)

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Systematic List Number 1 Flowers

Stefano has not yet completed the 2013 flora systematic list, and so we have included here the systematic list for the flora from the 2011 trip compiled by Paul Green. There will obviously be differences between the two years and there will be species listed in the daily notes that are not included in this systematic list. When the 2013 flora list turns up we’ll replace the one here.

Selaginellaceae Selaginella denticulata widespread Clubmoss

Equisetaceae Equisetum ramosissimum seen from the bus twice

Adiantaceae Adiantum capillus-veneris on damp rock faces in a couple places Anogramma leptophylla damp rocks in Akuchour Gorge Chelianthes acrostica seen on rocks in a few places

Pteridaceae Pteridium aquilinum widespread Asplenium ceterach widespread on rocks Asplenium onopteris Akuchour Gorge Asplenium trichomanes scattered on rocks

Polypodiaceae Polypodium cambricum on rocks in Akuchour Gorge

Woodsiaceae Athyrium filix-femina Bou Hamcen Forest

Dryopteridaceae Polystichum setiferum Bou Hamcen Forest

Blechnaceae Blechnum spicant Bou Hamcen Forest

Pinaceae Pinus pinea in the mountains Pinus halepensis widespread Pinus nigra subsp. mauretanica scattered Abies maroccana Talassemtane National Park Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 17

Cedrus atlantica Talassemtane National Park

Cupressaceae Tetraclinis articulate scattered Juniperus oxycedrus widespread

Ephedraceae Ephedra fragilis only seen hanging from rocks, take it to be this species

Cannabaceae Cannabis sativa seedlings coming up on riverbed, Aferdan

Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia baetica Akuchour Gorge Aristolochia paucinervis Talassemtane National Park

Ranunculaceae Adonis annua roadside on last day Nigella damascene Al Hoceima National Park Ranunculus ficaria damp woodland and by streams Ranunculus macrophyllus Akuchour Gorge, Bou Hamcen Forest Ranunculus muricatus damp ground Ranunculus paludosus scattered at start of trip Ranunculus peltatus in ponds and pools, etc. Laou Beach

Berberidaceae Berberis hispanica Talassemtane National Park

Papaveraceae Glaucium flavum seen on rock faces along the coast and on beach at bottom of Al Hoceima National Park Papaver hybridum arable weed at start of Al Hoceima National Park Papaver rhoeas scattered

Fumariaceae Fumaria capreolata white flowers turning red, Akuchour Gorge Rupicapnos africana on rock face at start of Akuchour Gorge

Urticaeae Urtica membranacea scattered, mostly around habitation Urtica pilulifera as above

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Urtica urens as above

Fagaceae Quercus cocciera low scrubby oak Quercus faginea wooded areas Quercus suber scattered in wooded areas

Cactaceae Opuntia maxima common Opuntia monacantha seen on last day, one patch, fruits reddish-purple rather than red as in O. maxima

Chenopoiaceae Chenopodium murale rare on rough and disturbed ground

Portulacaeae Montia fontana damp stream side, Bou Hamcen Forest Portulaca oleracea rough and disturbed ground

Aizoceae Carpobrotus edulis on the coast, often planted

Caryophyllaceae Arenaria serpyllifolia very scattered Cerastium glomeratum common Herniaria glabra very tiny flowers, mat forming species. Widespread Herniaria hirsuta widespread Paronychia argentea scattered Paronychia capitata scattered Polycarpon tetraphyllum very tiny plant, seen many times during trip Scleranthus annuus widespread Silene colorata scattered Silene gallica scattered on sandy and waste ground – pink or greyish white flowers Spergula arvensis Dissouka village Stellaria media very scattered

Meliaceae Melia azedarach planted tree often seen along the roads

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Polygonaceae Limonium lobatum Al Hoceima National Park Emex spinosa Al Hoceima National Park and other places, looks very much like a dock Polygonum maritimum on beach at bottom of Al Hoceima National Park Rumex bucephalophorus little red dock, Al Hoceima National Park

Paeoniaceae Paeonia coriacea Only one flower out, Talassemtane National Park

Hypericaceae Hypericum pubescens damp spot in wood on day three

Cistaceae Cistus albidus widespread, pink flowers Cistus clusii narrow leaves, small white flowers Cistus crispus pink flowers Cistus ladanifer large white flowers, tall shrub Cistus monspeliensis white flowers Cistus populifolius large area of scrub, large red buds, white flowers, only a few seen flowering. Cistus salvifolius sage like leaves, white flowers. Fumana laevipes yellow flowers, very like a Helianthemum Helianthemum appeninum white rock rose, also seen with pink flowers Helianthemum guttata small yellow flowered rock rose. Helianthemum salicifolium yellow flowers, Al Hoceima National Park

Violaceae Viola arborescens Al Hoceima National Park and several other days Viola munbyana purple flowers, Bou Hamcen Forest Viola odorata Talassemtane National Park Viola riviniana Akuchour Gorge

Tamaricaeae Tamarix canariensis scattered Tamarix afranica scattered Frankenia laevis Laou Beach

Cucurbitaceae Bryonia dioica Beni Hosmai

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Brassicaceae Alyssum alyssoides widespread, small, with yellow flowers Arabis alpina Talassemtane National Park Arabis verna purple flowers, Akuchour Gorge Biscutella baetica widespread Cakile maritima on the coastal sands Capsella bursa-pastoris very scattered Cardamine hirsuta scattered Cardaria draba scattered Draba hispanica yellow flowers, Talassemtane National Park Erophila verna very scattered Eruca sativa widespread Hornungia petraea tiny white flowers, Talassemtane National Park Lobularia maritima widespread Malcolmia littorea beach on last stop of trip before airport Matthiola tricuspidata Tala Youssef Raffenaldia primuloides one roadside near Chefchaouene, Talassemtane National Park Rapistrum rugosum yellow flowers and round fruits, Qued Aliane Sinapis arvensis very scattered Sisymbrium orientale weedy places and around towns Teesdalia nudicaulis Talassemtane National Park

Resedaceae Reseda alba scattered

Ericaeae Arbutus unedo Akuchour Gorge and other wooded areas Erica arborea common amongst scrub Erica erigena pink flowers, Bou Hamcen Forest

Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis scattered Anagallis monelli mostly blue, but also a couple pink flowers in Al Hoceima National Park Primula vulgaris on wooded roadside and Talassemtane National Park

Crassulaceae Crassula tillaea very tiny, Al Hoceima National Park Sedum dasypyllum widespread on rocks, not flowering Sedum sediforme scattered Umbilicus rupestris Akuchour Gorge

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Saxifragaceae Saxifrage granulata flowering nicely in Talassemtane National Park

Rosaceae Aphanes microcarpa very small flowers, whole plant green Crataegus monogyna very scattered Prunus lusitanica Bou Hamcen Forest Sanguisorba minor Beni Hosmai Viburnum tinus scattered, wooded areas and gorges

Fabaceae Anthyllis tetraphyum widespread Astragalus caprinus yellow spiny pea Astragalus lusitanicus large erect white pea Calycotome infesta spiny yellow pea Coronilla scorpioides yellow annual pea Hippocrepis multisiliquosa yellow flowers Lathyrus cicera red pea, Tala Youssef Lathyrus clymenum lovely pea seen on roadside bank, on way to Laou Beach Lotus corniculatus widespread Lotus arenarius beach on last day Lupinus angustifolia common blue lupin seen on roadside Lupinus micranthus roadside on last day, another blue lupin Medicago arabica small yellow pea with a black spot on each leaf Medicago littoralis on dunes on last day Medicago lupulina black medick Medicago marina scattered along coast Medicago minima like the above, but with very small flowers Melitotus indicus rough and waste ground Ononis laxiflora pale pink flowers Ononis natrix common yellow pea Pisum sativum very scattered Pterospartium tridentatum flat stemmed yellow flowered shrubby pea Retama raetum shrub pea with white flowers Tetragonolobus maritimus yellow pea Tetragonolobus purpureus very dark red/black pea Trifolium fragiferum very scattered Tripolium resupinatum deep pink/red flowers very similar to T. tomentosum Tripolium scabrum very scattered, small white clover Trifolium stellatum widespread Trifolium subterraneum mat forming, white flowers, Talassemtane National Park Trifolium tomentosum scattered, white woolly ball seed pods Vicia sativa very scattered Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 22

Lythraceae Lythrum junceum only leaves seen

Thymelaeceae Daphne gnidium wooded areas Daphne laureola flowering well, Talassemtane National Park

Loranthaceae Viscum cruciatum red berried mistletoe, seen around Chefchaouene

Rafflessiaceae Cytinus hypocistis Al Hoceima National Park

Aquifoliaceae Ilex aquifolium Talassemtane National Park

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia helioscopia widespread weed Euphorbia characias widespread in wooded and scrubby areas Euphorbia peplus weedy places Euphorbia many other species of spurge were seen but not named Mercurialis annua very scattered Ricinus communis along roadsides

Linaceae Linum bienne scattered

Polygalaceae Polygala boissieri limestone pavement, Polygala webbiana rock face, Aferdan

Aceraceae Acer opulus subsp. granatense Talassemtane National Park

Anacardiaceae Pistacia lentiscus widespread and common

Malvaceae Lavatera cretica roadsides Lavatera maritima pale pink flowers near bottom of Al Hoceima National Park Malva parviflora scattered, small pink flowers Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 23

Zygophylaceae Fagonia cretica purple flowers, scattered Zygophyllum fontanesii Tala Youssef

Geraniaceae Erodium aethiophicum by Spanish reservoir Erodium cicutarium widespread Erodium malacoides scattered Erodium moschatum Akuchour Gorge Geranium dissectum scattered Geranium molle scattered Geranium robertianum very scattered Geranium rotundifolium widespread

Araliaceae Hedera ilex subsp. maroccana wooded areas, but rare

Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare on roadsides near towns Scandix pectin-veneris very scattered on disturbed ground Sanicula europaea Bou Hamcen Forest Thapsia transtagana Al Hoceima National Park Torilis nodosa small white heads and bristly fruit

Gentianaceae Blackstonia perfoliata widespread Centaurium erythraea subsp. grandiflorum Aferdan

Apocynaceae Nerium oleander scattered Vinca difformis widespread

Asclepiadaceae Gomphocarpus fruticosus Aferdan, along river bank Periploca angustifolia star shape flowers Caralluma hesperidium looks like a rock, Al Hoceima National Park

Solanaceae Daturea stramonium Aferdan, along river bank Hyoscyamus albus only seen on walls from bus Nicotiana glauca Al Hoceima National Park Solanum nigrum scattered Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 24

Solanum sodomeum Qued Aliane in fruit and seen flowering on last day Triguera osbeckii lovely purple flowers Withania frutescens Tala Youssef & Al Hoceima National Park

Convolvulaceae Convolvulus althaeoides scattered Convolvulus tricolor seen from bus and on beach with broomrapes at last stop of trip

Boraginaceae Anchusa azurea Al Hoceima National Park Borago officinalis scattered Cerinthe major scattered Cynoglossum cheirifolium Izemmouren and several other places Cynoglossum clandestinum scattered at start of trip Cynoglossum creticum Al Hoceima National Park & Dissouka Village Echium creticum scattered at start of trip Echium plantagineum widespread, especially at start of trip Lithodora fruticosa Al Hoceima National Park Lithodora maroccana Al Hoceima National Park Lithospernum arvense small white flowers, very scattered Neatostema apulum tiny plant with yellow flowers, Al Hoceima National Park

Lamiaceae Lamium album Qued Aliane Lamium amplexicaule widespread Lavandula dentata rocky open areas Lavandula multifida as above Lavandula stoechas French Lavender Marrubium alysson Tala Youssef Marrubium vulgare scattered Mentha pulegium damp places and margins of pools Prasium majus Tala Youssef and Beni Hosmai Phlomis purpurea pink flowers Prunella vulgaris Bou Hamcen Forest Rosmarinus officinalis very scattered Salvia verbenaca scattered Stachys arvensis scattered on disturbed ground Stachys cirinata rock face, Beni Hosmai Teucrium botrys yellow flowers Teucrium polium small deep purple flowers, Al Hoceima National Park Teucrium fruticans scrub along woodland track Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 25

Teucrium pseudo-chamaepitys (named as T. brevifolium on our list), white flowers Thymus algeriensis scattered

Callitrichaceae Callitriche lusitanica by stream, Talassemtane National Park

Plantaginaceae Plantago afra widespread Plantago coronopus scattered Plantago lanceolata very scattered Plantago major seen once or twice

Oleaceae Phillyrea angustifolia along woodland track on day three

Scrophulariaceae Antirrhinum majus seen on rock faces in several places Misopates orontium Akuchour Gorge and Spanish reservoir Scrophularia canina purple and while flowers, Al Hoceima National Park Scrophularia sambucifolia leaves only seen Veronica arvensis scattered Veronica cymbalaria widespread, white flowers Veronica persica very scattered

Globulariaceae Globularia alypum blue heads, seen on day one

Orobanchaceae Orobanche densiflora on beach/sandy cliff tops on last day. Many brown spikes Orobanche cernua a purple broomrape

Acanthaceae Acanthus mollis Akuchour Gorge and Beni Hosmai

Campanulaceae Campanula erinus small pale blue flowers, Tala Youssef

Rubiaceae Sherardia arvensis tiny pink flowers, widespread Rubia peregrina scattered in scrubby places Valantia hispida very small plant with very tiny flowers, scattered

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Caprifoliaceae Lonicera implexa scattered in scrubby places

Valerianaceae Fedia cornucopiae widespread Valerianella microcarpa small pink flowers on way up to Talassemtane National Park

Asteraceae Anthemis cotula widespread, often turning areas white Asteriscus maritimus deep yellow flowers Bellis annua very scattered, purplish white petal Bellis sylvestris Al Hoceima National Park and a couple other places Calendula arvensis common, yellow or orange flowers Calendula suffruticosa Beni Hosmai Carduus tenuiflorus widespread Carduus nutans mostly just leaves seen, flowering on last day Catananche cearulea Al Hoceima National Park Centaurea pullata by river, Aferdan Centaurea polyacantha Talassemtane National Park, Beni Hosmai Chrysanthemum coronarium widespread Chrysanthemum segetum very scattered Cladanthus arabicus roadside on day three Cotula coronopifolia Laou Beach Dimorphotheca one of this species near beach on last day Evax argentea scattered Filago minima small narrow cudweed Galactites tomentosa widespread, only seen flowering the last couple days Lactuca orientalis yellow flowers Launaea arborescens spiny bush Pallenis spinosa widespread Perralderia paui endemic daisy Phagnalon rupestre scattered Rhodanthemum laouense endemic daisy Senecio vulgaris scattered Silybum marianum very common Sonchus oleraceus scattered on roadsides and disturbed ground Sonchus masguindalii silver-leaved, yellow flowers, endemic, on rocks, Al Hoceima National Park Taraxacum officinale surprisingly rare Tolpis barbata yellow daisy, scattered

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Alismataceae Alisma lanceolatum margins of water Alisma plantago-aquatica margins of water and along ditches on roadside

Arecaceae Arisarum vulgare leaves seen only Arisarum simorrhinum leaves very common, only seen flowering a couple times Arum italicum widespread around Chefchaouene

Juncaceae Juncus acutus Laou Beach Luzula pilosa Bou Hamcen Forest

Cyperaceae Bolboschoenus maritimus seen on last day Carex divisa Qued Aliane Scirpus holoschoenus scattered

Liliaceae Fritillaria lusitanica several flowering in Akuchour Gorge Gagea durieui Ketma, lunch stop on day three Gagea maroccana Akuchour Gorge Tulipa australis/sylvestris limestone pavement, Izemmouien

Hyacinthaceae Dipcadi serotinum on rock face, Aferdan and beach on last stop before airport Muscari grandifolium rock face, Beni Hosmai Ornithogalum algeriense scattered Scilla monophyllos Bou Hamcen Forest Scilla peruviana rock face, Beni Hosmai

Alliaceae Allium nigrum Beni Hosmai Allium roseum One seen flowering, Beni Hosmai Allium subvillosum Aferdan Allium triquetrum rock ledges, Beni Hosmai. Also a few other places

Ruscaceae Ruscus aculeatus Talassemtane National Park Ruscus hypophyllum Akuchour Gorge

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Asphodelaceae Asphodelus fistulosus widespread Asphodelus tenuifolius widespread

Anthericaeae Anthericum lilago limestone pavement, Izemmouien, Al Hoceima NP

Aphyllanthaceae Aphyllanthes monspeliensis lovely blue flowers, very scattered

Amaryllidaceae Leucojum tingitanum Bou Hamcen Forest Narcissus albimarginatus Bou Hamcen Forest Narcissus cantabricus Talassemtane National Park Narcissus papyraceus seen on rock faces etc several times, but always in seed Pancratium maritimum only leaves seen

Iridaceae Gladiolus italicus widespread Gynandriris sisyrinchium flowering well at Qued Aliane Iris filifolia limestone pavement, Izemmouien Iris pseudacorus yellow flower, Laou Beach Romulea bifrons plentiful in open grassy areas on way to Chefchaouene Romulea clusiana Qeud Aliane

Smilacaceae Smilax aspera scattered in scrubby areas

Dioscoreaceae Tamus communis Akuchour Gorge

Orchidaceae Aceras anthropophorum Akuchour Gorge Cephalanthera longifolia under low scrub on way up to Talassemtane National Park Ophrys bombyliflora Qued Aliane Ophrys fusca Akuchour Gorge Ophrys lutea Akuchour Gorge Ophrys scolopax Qued Aliane Ophrys speculum/ciliata Tala Youssef Orchis champagneuxii dead heads seen several times Orchis italica one seen flowering, Beni Hosmai Neotinea maculata leaves only seen on several days including in Akuchour Gorge Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 29

Gramineae Arundo donax very tall grass seen often along roadsides etc Bromus diandrus scattered on roadsides Bromus madritensis about habitation Lamarckia aurea widespread Poa annua scattered Poa bulbosa widespread Poa infirma scattered

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