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The giant agave is never far from the seafront

Poppies are many and memorable: eye-catching yellow horned-poppies (Glaucium flavum) sprawl on beaches, and are easily recognisable for their long pointed seed pods. Brilliant crimson specimens of the common poppy (Papaver rhoeas), on the other hand, are found along streams, forming vivid carpets in olive groves. Inland rural settings are also the habitat for colourful lupins (Lupinus) that mostly come in blue.

A surprising number of flowers bloom as late as September: meadow saffron, cyclamens and the white blossom of the common myrtle (Myrtus), a typical Mediterranean shrub whose evergreen leaves contain an essential oil. It was named after a legendary maiden from ancient Greece, who was slain by a rival (male) gymnast and turned into this lovely bush. The curious strawberry tree is another late noteworthy: it bears its white bell flowers and fruit at varying stages of maturity at the same time. When ripe, the rough red balls taste like strawberries – if you ignore the lumpy bits. The second part of the Latin name Arbutus unedo means ‘eat one’, implying that one is sufficient!