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 Day 1 Wednesday 9th March
Weather: Continuous rain
Eight tour members met with Paul at Malaga airport, having arrived on three separate flights from London Gatwick, Exeter and Birmingham. We made our way from the arrivals hall to the multi-storey car park, to collect our minibus. Leaving the airport, we drove west and then north towards Alhaurin de la Torre, and on towards Cartama, where we joined the A355 in the direction of Campillos, turning left for Ronda just north of Ardarles. On the outskirts of Ronda, we turned onto the El Burgo road, and were soon arriving at the ‘Finca de Guzmana’, our base for the week. We were met by Peter, our host, who soon had us settled into our rooms. After freshening up, we met in the lounge for sherry and nibbles, before heading off for dinner at the local Venta la Codorniz.
Day 2 Thursday 10th March
Weather: Overcast with some rain & drizzle
After a splendid breakfast, we drove down to a mini market on the outskirts of Ronda, to buy our picnic, before setting off on the Seville road to the village of Grazalema. As we left the main road, west of Ronda, we saw several Crested Larks and Corn Buntings. As we approached the village the occasional Griffon Vulture was spotted and a large flock of Red-billed Chough were seen. Parking in the main village car park, we made our way to the Visitor Centre to buy maps and to collect our Natural Park permits. Saxifraga granulata (Meadow Saxifrage) was noted covering a wall, and a few Serins were seen.
We now made our way some 14 km to the Garganta Verde, the location of our first walk. This is renowned as the largest nesting colony of Griffon Vulture in Europe. Owing to the unfavourable weather, not too many of these majestic birds were present and, in these circumstances, we were quite fortunate to see a bird sitting on a ledge and a few in the air, struggling with the lack of thermal currents. However, the lack of Vultures was compensated by two separate groups of Spanish Ibex. These normally shy creatures were seen browsing on vegetation, whilst young ones played chase me. Plants here included Ophrys fusca (Sombre Bee Orchid), Ophrys tenthredinifera (Sawfly Orchid), Chamaerops humilis (Dwarf Fan Palm) and Clematis cirrhosa (Maiden’s Bower). Black Redstarts were also fairly numerous, and Sardinian Warbler was heard.
We now drove the short distance From the Garganta Verde to the car park at the start of our afternoon walk at the Sierra del Pinar. Before setting off we had our picnic as the rain began to fall. After lunch, we set off up the path towards a ridge. Just after leaving the car park, we found Ophrys fusca (Sombre Bee Orchid), and the young leaves of Ptilostemon hispanicus (a Thistle). The path rose through Pinus pinaster (Maritime Pine) forest, mixed with Quercus species (Oaks) and Juniperus species (Juniper). After about a kilometre and a half, we emerged from the forest onto an open saddle, with splendid views in all directions, when the fast moving clouds permitted. Exploration of an area of broken limestone boulders, adjacent to the path, revealed Narcissus assoanus (Rush-leaved Jonquil) in bud and the diminutive, yellow Viola demetria. Looking along the northern side of the ridge, towards the Cerro de San Cristobel, we were able to see one of only two relic remnants of Abies pinsapo (Spanish Fir) forest. On our descent, we stopped to look at a small pool which contained Newt tadpoles, and we also found the emerging spikes of Orchis olbiensis (an Early Purple Orchid). Rejoining our vehicle, we set off back towards Ronda in time for dinner.
Day 3 Friday 11th March
Weather: Rain and drizzle
We travelled in the opposite direction today, towards the village of El Burgo. Just after we crossed the ‘Puerto del Viento’ we stopped to see Iris planifolia (Broad-leaved Iris). A large flock of Spotless Starlings were seen on a nearby overhead line. We drove on through El Burgo and took the road to Ardales, breaking the journey with a second stop to examine a very floristic bank. Rhamnus alaternus (Mediterranean Buckthorn), Narcissus assoanus, Prunus dulcis (Almond) and Ophrys fusca (Sombre Bee Orchid), were all found.
Continuing on towards Ardales, we took the road along the eastern shore of the Embalse del Conde de Guadalhorce Lake. Our objective was the ‘Mirador’ where three lakes meet, where we parked. An exploration through the Pinus halepensis (Aleppo Pine) woodland revealed Orchis italica (Naked Man Orchid), Orchis collina (Fan-lipped Orchid), Narcissus cantabrica (White Hooped Petticoat Daffodil), Fritillaria lusitanica (Portuguese Fritillary), Orchis anthropophora (Man Orchid) and Aristolochia baetica (Birthwort). Birds were once again, hard to detect due to the weather, but we did hear a distant Great Tit!
After our picnic lunch, we walked down the track back towards the road, adding Polygala rupestris (Rock Milkwort), Chaenorhinum villosum, Dipcardi serotina (Brown Bluebell), Juniperus phoenicea (Phoenician Juniper), Rupicapnos africana and Lithodora prostrata subsp. lusitanica (a Gromwell). By now, the rain had become particularly heavy, so we began our homeward journey with coffee at the little café by El Chorro railway station. Before heading back towards Ronda, we found Echium plantagineum (Purple Viper's-bugloss), Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) and Andryala integrifolia.
We retraced our route back via El Burgo and made our way to a track on the outskirts of Ronda, our last stop of the day. Exploration of the verges and banks revealed Orchis collina (Fan-lipped Orchid), Nicotiana glauca (Shrub Tobacco), Cynoglossum chierifolium (a Hounds-tongue), Calycotome villosa (Spiny Broom) and Antirrhinum barrelieri (a Snapdragon). It was now time to return to the Finca to prepare for dinner.
Day 4 Saturday 12th March
After breakfast, we headed off in a south easterly direction and into the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. Our objective was the Los Quejigales recreation area, situated some seven kilometres from the road. The park road took us, initially, through Quercus woodland with shrubby scrub below, then on up through a mixture of Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinaster woodland, before emerging above the tree line into a karst limestone area. It was in this latter habitat that we made our first stop to check out a colony of Narcissus assoanus (Rush-leaved Jonquil) with Paronychia capitata (Paronychia), and emerging Orchis olbiensis (an Early Purple Orchid).
Our second stop in similar habitat was made to see Narcissus bugei (Long-spathed Daffodil). This was growing on a damp slope, where we also found Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore), Jonopsidium prolongoi (False Candytuft), and Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), each of which supported a good colony of Viscum cruciatum (Red-berried Mistletoe). At this same point, we also had a distant view of Alpine Accentor and close views of a single Common Crossbill.
 From here, we continued on to Los Quejigales. After parking, we set off up the path towards the regions second relic population of Abies pinsapo (Spanish Fir), passing good numbers of Ranunculus ficaria subsp. ficariformis (Lesser Celandine). Passing through more mixed pine forest, as we went, we recorded Great Tits and Wrens, both of which were very much in evidence. As we continued, the pine began to thin out making way for shrubs such as Ulex parviflorus (Small-flowered Gorse), Daphne gnidium (Mediterranean Daphne), Daphne laureola (Spurge Laurel) and Berberis hispanicus (Spanish Barberry). We also began to find young Abies pinsapo. It was not too long before we reached some of the more ancient and noble specimens. Growing below them we also found Lavandula lanata (Felted Lavender), a local endemic. Coal Tit was also recorded.
After our picnic lunch, we made our way into the Moorish influenced town of Ronda for the afternoon. As we were leaving the Natural Park, we stopped to watch a Short-toed Eagle, a Sparrowhawk, a pair of Ravens and a Northern Wheatear. After we had parked in Ronda, we walked along the cliff edge walkway where we recorded Rock Thrush, and a good number of Chough. Moricandia moricandioides (Moricandia) and Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) were seen clinging to the cliff edge. After spending some free time exploring Ronda, we made our way back to base for dinner.
Day 5 Sunday 13th March
Weather: Dry and cloudy with some sun, rain later
Leaving Finca de Guzmana, we took the road towards Campillos. Swallows and a good number of Corn Buntings were seen as we went. When we reached the small village of Teba, we turned east and stopped to explore a cutting and river gorge at Tajo del Molino. The roadside had a number of clumps of the white Antirrhinum graniticum (a Snapdragon), Erodium gruinum (Long-beaked Stork’s-bill) and Geranium rotundifolium (Round-leaved Crane's-bill). In the gorge we saw a skittish group of Rock Doves and a good number of Red-billed Chough. The highlight however, was a steady stream of raptors. Short-toed Eagles were the most numerous with seven. There was a single Bonelli's Eagle and a Sparrowhawk. These birds were probably moving north following the recent bad weather.
Moving on towards Antequera, via Campillos, we passed a small lagoon in a field. Here we saw a pair of Gull-billed Terns and a flock of feeding Black-winged Stilts. Moving on we passed a second of these temporary pools with a large flock of Greater Flamingo feeding. Passing through Antequera, we made our way up to the summit of El Torcal, the highest point in the El Torcal de Antequera Natural Park, and parked by the visitor centre. We immediately took our picnic lunch among the spectacular limestone outcrops and boulders. Himantoglossum robertianum (Giant Orchid) was present here. After lunch we walked one of the circular tracks finding Euphorbia characias subsp. characias (Mediterranean Spurge), Ruscus aculeatus (Butchers Broom) and the beautiful Linaria anticaria (Toadflax), a local endemic. Black Redstarts and Rock Bunting were also seen.
We made the return journey via Alora, where we stopped to check out the River Guadalhorce for wildlife. Unfortunately, the river was somewhat swollen from recent rain, and the normally plant rich gravels were submerged. Nevertheless, we did find Stellaria neglecta (Greater Chickweed), Reseda alba (White Mignonette) and Allium ampeloprasum (Wild Leek). The birdlife comprised, Common Sandpiper, Mallard, Cormorant and Little Egret. We now made our way back to Ronda, in time for dinner.
Day 6 Monday 14th March
Weather: Wet, with occasional dry periods
After breakfast, we again left the hotel to a chorus of House Sparrows with a little Serin for good measure. Today, we made our way out of Ronda on the Seville road, turning off towards Benaojan and Montejaque. Our objective was the famous Cueva de la Pileta. This cave is the only site where you can still see original wall paintings. All of the group visited the cave and marvelled at its subterranean splendour. When they emerged, Booted Eagle and a solitary Alpine Swift were seen for the first time on the trip. Just outside the cave entrance, we found Jasminum fruticans (Yellow Jasmine), Linaria platycalyx (a local endemic) and Anogramma leptophylla (Jersey Fern) growing by the path.
 From here we moved on to the small town of Montejaque, making our way up to the ‘Hidden Valley’ in the Sierra de Montalata. Stonechat, Rock Bunting and a Griffon Vultures were seen. This valley has some special plants, and Paul pointed out Ornithogalum reverchonii (a Star of Bethlehem), Narcissus cuatrecasasii (Rock Jonquil), Saxifraga bourgaeana and Linaria tristis (a Snapdragon).
Leaving the Hidden Valley, we sent off north from the village of Montejaque, stopping by a failed hydro dam system at Cerro Tavizna, where we saw Griffon Vultures struggling to gain altitude owing to lack of thermals. Plants included Orchis olbiensis (an Early Purple Orchid), Linaria aeruginea (Toadflax) and Vinca difformis (Periwinkle). A little further along the road, we stopped to explore a scrubby area by a corn field. Here we found a good colony of Himantoglossum robertianum (Giant Orchid) [including a white form], Ophrys fusca (Sombre Bee Orchid) and Sanguisorba minor agg. (Salad Burnet).
We now made our way back to Ronda and back out onto the road Road to El Burgo, to the area around Cerro del Viento. Here we were entertained to an arial display by a flock of Red-billed Choughs. Around our feet we found Iris planifolia (Broad-leaved Iris), Urtica membranacea (Mediterranean Nettle) and the diminutive Viola demetria, as well as tightly budded Paeonia broteroi (Peony).
Day 7 Tuesday 15th March
Weather: Cloudy for much of the day, with some sunny periods
Following a leisurely breakfast, we set off in the direction of Montejaque, to revisit the Hidden Valley, in order to photograph some of the plants we had seen the previous day, when it was too wet for photography. From here, we moved on to Grazelama, parking under the cliffs on the outskirts of the village. The cliffs held a number of special plants including Centaurea clementei (an endemic Knapweed), Hesperis laciniatus (Cut-leaved Dame's-violet) and Biscutella frutescens (Perennial Buckler-mustard). We continued on, exploring the boulder-strewn fields and wet roadside, finding Cerinthe major (Honeywort), Ophrys tenthredinifera (Sawfly Orchid), Ophrys bombyliflora (Bumblebee Orchid) and Narcissus paperaceus (Paper-white Daffodil). Birds included, Black Wheatear, Whinchat, Rock Bunting, Chough and Blue Rock Thrush.
Returning to our vehicle, we now drove on through Grazelama towards Zahara, passing over the Puerto de las Palomas (the Pass of the Doves), where we paused to enjoy the view, before continuing on to a Mirador (viewpoint), overlooking the Garganta Verde, where we stopped for our picnic. Around the Mirador, we found Romulea bulbocodium (Sand Crocus), Astragalus lusitanicus (a Milk Vetch) and Fritillaria lusitanica (Portuguese Fritillary).
We now moved on down past the village of Zahara in order to explore the banks of the Embalse de Zahara-El-Gastor. Here we began to examine the ancient olive groves. Thekla Lark and Great Crested Grebe were both seen. Arisarum vulgare (Friar’s Cowl) and Ophrys lutea (Yellow Bee Orchid), Solanum herculeum and Himantoglossum robertianum (Giant Orchid) were all recorded.
We completed the day by visiting Zahara for refreshments. Here, we also found Erodium tordylioides (a Stork's-bill), Linaria platycalyx and Rupicapnos africana, as well as seeing Lesser Kestrel, Short-toed Eagle and Booted Eagle. It was now time to make our way back to Ronda in time to pack before dinner.
Day 8 Wednesday 16th March
Weather: Dry, warm and sunny
After breakfast, and before we departed to Malaga airport, we took time to explore the area around the Finca, finding Muscari neglectum (Grape Hyacinth) and Erodium moschatum (Musk Stork's-bill). We also saw Serin, Hoopoe and Spotless Starling.
It was now time to say our farewells to Peter, thanking him for a wonderful stay in this beautiful area. We arrived in Malaga in good time for our various flights back to the UK.
Report written by Tour Leader Paul Harmes
Species Lists
PLANTS
PTERIDOPHYTES-Ferns and Allies
Selaginellaceae-Lesser Clubmoss Family
Selaginella denticulata-Mediterranean Clubmoss-Near El Chorro
Equisetaceae-Horsetail Family
Equisetum arvense-Field Horsetail-Grazalema
Adiantaceae-Maidenhair Ferns
Anogramma leptophylla-Jersey Fern-Cueva de la Pileta
Cheilanthes pteridioides-Resurrection Fern-Near El Chorro
Aspleniaceae-Spleenwort Family
Asplenium trichomanes-Maidenhair Spleenwort-El Torcal
Ceterach officinarum-Rusty-back-Sierra del Pinar
Polypodiaceae-Polypody Family
Polypodium cambricum-Southern Polypody-Grazalema
PINOPSIDA-Conifers & Allies
Cupressaceae-Juniper Family
Cupressus macrocarpa-Monterey Cypress-Planted
Cupressus sempervirens-Italian Cypress-Probably Planted
Juniperus communis-Juniper-N of Grazalema
Juniperus phoenicea subsp. phoenicea-Phoenician Juniper-Gargante Verde
Pinaceae-Pine Family
Abies pinsapo-Spanish Fir-Sierra de las Nieves-Cedrus deodar-Deodar Cedar-Planted
Pinus halepensis-Aleppo Pine-Sierra del Pinar
Pinus pinea-Stone or Umbrella Pine-Near Ronda
Pinus pinaster-Maritime Pine-Sierra del Pinar
MAGNOLIOPSIDA
Flowering Plants
Magnoliidae (Dicotyledons)
Acanthaceae-Bear's-breech Family
Acanthus mollis-Bear's-breech-El Chorro
Anacardiaceae-Sumach Family
Pistacia lentiscus-Mastic Tree-Gargante Verde
Apiaceae-Carrot Family
Bupleurum fruticosum-Shrubby Hare's-ear-Near El Chorro
Bupleurum spinosum--Sierra del Pinar
Ferula communis-Giant Fennel-El Chorro
Foeniculum vulgare-Fennel-Roadsides
Scandix pecten-veneris-Shepherd's Needle-Tajo del Molino
Smyrnium olusatrum-Alexanders-Near Ronda
Thapsia garganica (leaves only)-Thapsia-Near El Chorro
Apocynaceae-Periwinkle Family
Nerium oleander-Oleander-Roadsides
Vinca difformis-Periwinkle-Common
Araliaceae-Ivy Family
Hedera helix-Ivy-Sierra de las Nieves
Aristolochiaceae-Birthwort Family
Aristolochia bætica-Dutchman's pipe-Near El Chorro
Asteraceae-Daisy Family
Andryala integrifolia-Andryala-El Chorro
Bellis perennis-Daisy-Below Grazalema
Bellis sylvatica-Southern Daisy-Gargante Verde
Calendula arvensis-Wild Marigold-Gargante Verde
Carduus pycnocephalus-Plymouth Thistle-Embalse de Zahara-El-Gastor
Carlina corymbsosa (in fruit)-Flat-topped Carline Thistle-Gargante Verde
Centaurea clementei-Clemente's Knapweed-Grazalema
Centaurea pullata-Southern knapweed-Sierra del Pinar
Cynara cardunculus-Cardoon-Sierra del Pinar
Galactites tomentosa-Galactites-Common
Cynara cardunculus-Cardoon-Sierra del Pinar
Galactites tomentosa-Galactites-Common
Glebionis coronarium-Crown Daisy-Pizzara
Glebionis coronarium var. discolor-Crown Daisy-El Chorro
Glebionis segetum-Corn Marigold-Tajo del Molino
Hyoseris radiata--Ronda
Phagnalon saxatile--El Chorro
Ptilostemon hispanica*-Spanish Thistle-Sierra del Pinar
Reichardia tingitana--Tajo del Molino
Senecio nevadensis-a Ragwort-Cerro Tavizna
Senecio vulgare-Groundsel-Gargante Verde
Silybum marianum-Milk Thistle-Common
Sonchus asper-Prickly Sow-thistle-Pizarra
Sonchus oleraceus-Smooth Sow-thistle-Ronda
Urospermum picroides--Tajo del Molino
Xanthium spinosum-Spiny Cocklebur-Pizarra
Berberidaceae-Barberry Family
Berberis hispanica-Spanish Barberry-Sierra de las Nieves
Bignoniaceae-Bignonia Family
Catalpa bignonioides-Indian Bean Tree-Planted
Boraginaceae-Forget-me-not Family
Borago officinalis-Borage-Ronda
Cerinthe major-Honeywort-Below Grazalema
Cynoglossum cheirifolium--Near El Chorro
Echium boissieri (in fruit)-Boissier's Viper's Buglos-Sierra de las Nieves
Echium plantagineum-Purple Viper's Buglos-El Chorro
Lithodora prostrata subsp. lusitanica-a Gromwell-Near El Chorro
Nonea viscaria-Nonea-Tajo del Molino
Brassicaceae-Cabbage Family
Biscutella baetica-Andaluz Buckler Mustard-Sierra de las Nieves
Biscutella frutescens--Below Grazalema
Capsella bursa-pastoris-Shepherd’s Purse-Finca la Guzmana
Cardamine hirsuta-Hairy Bitter-cress
Clypeola jonthlaspi-Clypeola-Gargante Verde
Draba hispanica (leaves)--Sierra del Pinar
Eruca sativa-Eruca-Common
Erysimum cheiri-Wallflower-Grazalema
Hesperis laciniatus-Cut-leaved Dame’s Violet-Below Grazalema
Hornungia petraea-Hutchinsia-Sierra del Pinar
Iberis sempervirens-Candytuft-Near El Chorro
Jonopsidium prolongoi-False Candytuft-Sierra de las Nieves
Lobularia maritima-Sweet Alison-Near El Chorro
Moricandia moricandioides-Purple Cabbage-Ronda
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum-Watercress-Alora
Sinapis alba-White Mustard-Zahara
Sinapis arvensis-Charlock-Ronda
Cactaceae-Cactus Family
Opuntia ficus-indica-Barbary Fig or Prickly Pear-Naturalised
Campanulaceae-Bellflower Family
Campanula mollis--Zahara
Caprifoliaceae-Honeysuckle Family
Lonicera arborea-Tree Honeysuckle-Sierra de las Nieves
Viburnum tinus-Laurustinus-Near El Burgo
Caryophyllaceae-Pink Family
Arenaria montana subsp. intricata--Embalse de Zahara-El-Gastor
Cerastium glomeratum-Sticky Mouse-ear-Embalse de Zahara-El-Gastor
Paronychia capitata-Paronychia-Sierra de las Nieves
Silene colorata--Near El Chorro
Silene gallica-Small-flowered Catchfly-Pizarra
Stellaria media-Chickweed-Grazalema
Stellaria neglecta--Pizarra
Cistaceae-Rock-rose Family
Cistus albidus-Grey-leaved Cistus-Sierra del Pinar
Cistus ladanifer-Gum Cistus-Near Grazalema
Cistus salvifolius-Sage-leaved Cistus-Near El Chorro
Helianthemum nummularium-Common Rockrose-Near El Chorro
Helianthemum origanifolium-Marjoram-leaved Rock-rose-Gargante Verde
Convolvulaceae-Bindweed Family
Convolvulus althaeoides-Mallow-leaved Bindweed-Pizarra
Cuscuta epithymum-Dodder-El Chorro
Crassulaceae-Stonecrop Family
Mucizonia hispida-Mucizonia-Zahara
Sedum brevifolium-Short-leaved Stonecrop-Near El Chorro
Sedum dasyphyllum-Fat-leaved Stonecrop-Gargante Verde
Sedum sediforme-Large Stonecrop-Common on Rocks
Umbilicus rupestris-Navelwort-Gargante Verde
Cucurbitaceae-White Bryony Family
Bryonia cretica-White Bryony-Cueva de la Pileta
Ecballium elaterium-Squirting Cucumber-Pizarra
Euphorbiaceae-Spurge Family
Euphorbia characias subsp. characias-Large Mediterranean Spurge-El Torcal
Euphorbia exigua-Dwarf Spurge-Near El Chorro
Euphorbia helioscopia-Sun Spurge-Gargante Verde
Euphorbia nicaeensis--Roadsides
Mercurialis annua-Annual Mercury-El Chorro
Ricinus communis-Castor Oil Plant-El Chorro
Fabaceae-Pea Family
Anagyris foetida-Bean Trefoil-Below Grazalema
Anthyllis cystoides-Shrubby Kidney Vetch-El Chorro
Anthyllis tetraphylla-Bladder Vetch-Tajo del Molino
Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. maura-Mediterranean Kidney Vetch-Near El Chorro
Astragalus lusitanicus--Above Grazalema
Bitumaria bituminosa-Pitch Trefoil-Tajo del Molino
Calycotome villosa--West of Ronda
Ceratonia siliqua-Carob-Gargante Verde
Lathyrus clymenum--Pizarra
Lathyrus sphaericus--Alhaurin de la Torre
Lathyrus tingitanus--Verge in Ronda
Lygos monosperma-White Broom-Sierra del Pinar
Medicago arabica-Spotted Medick-Grazalema
Scorpiurus muricatus-Spiny Scorpion-vetch-Pizarra
Spartium junceum-Spanish Broom-Common on Roadsides
Ulex parviflorus-Small-flowered Gorse-Common
Vicia faba-Broad Bean-Cultivated only
Vicia sativa subsp. sativa-Fodder Vetch-Pizarra
Fagaceae-Oak & Beech Family
Quercus coccifera-Kermes Oak-Sierra del Pinar
Quercus faginea
Quercus ilex-Holm Oak-Sierra del Pinar
Quercus suber-Cork Oak-S.E. of Ronda
Fumariaceae-Fumitory Family
Fumaria muralis-West of Ronda
Fumaria officinalis-Common Fumitory-Gargante Verde
Platycapnos spicatum--Tajo del Molino
Rupicapnos africana--Near El Chorro
Geraniaceae-Geranium Family
Erodium cicutarium-Common Stork's-bill-Gargante Verde
Erodium gruinum-Long-beaked Stork's-bill-Tajo del Molino
Erodium malacoides-Mallow-leaved Stork's-bill-El Chorro
Erodium moschatum-Musk Stork's-bill-Finca la Guzmana
Erodium tordylioides--Zahara
Geranium lucidum-Shining Crane’s-bill-Gargante Verde
Geranium purpureum-Little Robin-Gargante Verde
Geranium rotundifolium-Round-leaved Crane’s-bill-Tajo del Molino
Lamiaceae-Dead-nettle Family
Ballota pseudodictamus (leaves)-Garden Horehound-Gargante Verde
Lamium amplexicaule-Henbit Deadnettle-Near Montejaque
Lavandula lanata*-Woolly lavender-Sierra de las Nieves
Lavandula multifida-Cut-leaved Lavender-El Chorro
Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas-French Lavender-Near El Chorro
Phlomis purpurea (leaves)-Purple Phlomis-Gargante Verde
Rosmarinus officinalis-Rosemary-Near El Chorro
Salvia verbenaca-Wild Clary-Gargante Verde
Stachys oxymastrum-Hairy Woundwort -Pizarra
Teucrium polium-Felty Germander-Near El Chorro
Thymus capitatus-Capitate Thyme-Sierra del Pinar
Lauraceae-Laurel Family
Laurus nobilis-Bay-El Torcal
Loranthaceae-Mistletoe Family
Viscum cruciatum-Red-berried Mistletoe-Sierra de las Nieves
Malvaceae-Mallow Family
Malva sylvestris-Common Mallow-Gargante Verde
Moraceae-Fig Family
Ficus carica-Fig-El Chorro
Myrtaceae-Myrtle & Gum Family
Eucalyptus camaldulensis-River Red Gum-Planted
Eucalyptus globosus-Tasmanian Blue Gum-Planted
Eucalyptus robusta-Iron Bark-Planted
Myrtis communis-Myrtle-Gargante Verde
Oleaceae-Olive Family
Fraxinus angustifolia-Narrow-leaved Ash-North of El Burgo
Jasminum fruticans-Jasmine-Cueva de la Pileta
Olea europaea-Olive-Common
Oxalidaceae-Wood-sorrel Family
Oxalis pes-caprae-Bermuda Buttercup-Very Common (Naturalised)
Papaveraceae-Poppy Family
Papaver rhœas-Common Poppy-Ronda
Paeoniaceae
Paeonia broteroi (leaves)-a Peony-Near El Burgo
Paeonia coriacia (leaves)-a Peony-Hidden Valley
Plantaginaceae-Plantain Family
Plantago arenaria-Branched Plantain-Pizarra
Plantago lagopus-Hare's-tail Plantain-Tajo del Molino
Plantago lanceolata-Ribwort Plantain-Finca la Guzmana
Polygalaceae-Milkwort Family
Polygala rupestris-Rock Milkwort-Near El Chorro
Polygonaceae-Dock Family
Rumex scutatus-French Sorrel-Tajo del Molino
Primulaceae-Primrose Family
Anagallis arvensis-Scarlet Pimpernel-Tajo del Molino
Punicaceae-Pomegranate Family
Punica granatum-Pomegranate-Below Grazalema
Ranunculaceae-Buttercup Family
Anemone palmata-Yellow Anemone-Near El Chorro
Clematis cirrhosa-Virgin's Bower-Gargante Verde
Helleborus foetidus-Stinking Hellebore-Sierra de las Nieves
Ranunculus ficaria subsp. ficariformis-Lesser Celandine-Sierra de las Nieves
Ranunculus spicatus subsp. blepharicarpos-a Buttercup-El Burgo
Resedaceae-Mignonette Family
Reseda alba-White Mignonette-El Chorro
Reseda lutea-Mignonette-Tajo del Molino
Reseda luteola-Weld-Benaojan
Reseda phyteuma-Corn Mignonette-West of Ronda
Reseda suffruticosa-a Mignonette-Near El Chorro
Rhamnaceae-Buckthorn Family
Rhamnus alaternus-Mediterranean Buckthorn-Near El Burgo
Rosaceae-Rose Family
Cratægus monogyna -Hawthorn-Sierra de las Nieves
Prunus dulcis-Almond-Near El Burgo
Prunus prostratus-Prostrate Plum-Sierra del Pinar
Prunus spinosa-Blackthorn-Roadsides
Rubus fruticosus agg.-Bramble-Alhaurin de la Torre
Sanguisorba minor subsp. minor-Salad Burnet-Cerro Tavizna
Rubiaceae-Bedstraw Family
Galium aparine-a Bedstraw-Common
Putoria calabrica (leaves)-Putoria-Sierra del Pinar
Rubia peregrina-Wild Madder-Gargante Verde
Sherardia arvensis-Field Madder-Finca la Guzmana
Rutaceae-Rue Family
Citrus limon-Lemon-Planted
Citrus sinensis-Orange-Planted
Citrus aurantium-Bitter Orange-Planted
Saxifragaceae-Saxifrage Family
Saxifraga bourgaeana--Hidden Valley
Saxifraga granulata-Meadow Saxifrage-Grazalema
Santalaceae-Sandalwood Family
Osyris alba-Osyris-Grazalema
Scrophulariaceae-Figwort Family
Antirrhinum barrelieri-a Snapdragon-Frequent
Antirrhinum graniticum-a Snapdragon-Tajo del Molino
Chaenorhinum villosum--Near El Chorro
Cymbalaria muralis-Ivy-leaved Toadflax-Ronda
Linaria aeruginea*-a Toadflax-Cerro Tavizna
Linaria anticaria*-a Toadflax-El Torcal
Linaria platycalyx*-a Toadflax-Cueva de la Pileta
Linaria tristis-a Toadflax-Hidden Valley
Scrophularia canina-Dog Figwort-West of Ronda
Scrophularia sambucifolia-Elder-leaved Figwort-Below Grazalema
Verbascum sinuatum-a Mullein-West of Ronda
Solanaceae-Nightshade Family
Nicotiana glauca-Shrub Tobacco-Ardales (Naturalised)
Solanum herculeum--Embalse de Zahara-El-Gastor
Thymelaeaceae-Daphne Family
Daphne gnidium (leaves)-Mediterranean Mezereon-Sierra de las Nieves
Daphne laureola-Spurge Laurel-Sierra de las Nieves
Ulmaceae-Elm Family
Ulmus minor agg-Small-leaved Elm-Roadsides
Urticacae-Nettle Family
Parietaria judaica-Pellitory-on-the-wall-Ronda
Parietaria officinalis-Large Pellitory-of-the-wall-Grazalema
Urtica membranacea-Mediterranean Nettle-N of Ronda
Urtica urens-Small Nettle-Finca la Guzmana
Valerianaceae-Valerian Family
Fedia cornucopiae-Fedia-Gargante Verde
Violaceae-Violet Family
Viola demetria-Sierra del Pinar
Liliidae (Monocotyledons)
Agavaceae-Century Plant Family
Agave americana-Century Plant-Planted
Araceae-Arum Family
Arisarum vulgare-Friar's Cowl-Embalse de Zahara-El-Gastor
Arum italicum-Italian Arum-Gargante Verde
Arecaceae-Palm Family
Chamærops humilis-Dwarf Fan Palm-Gargante Verde
Phœnix dactylifera-Date Palm-Planted
Phœnix canariensis-Canary Palm-Planted
Iridaceae-Iris Family
Iris fœtidissima-Stinking Iris-El Torcal
Iris planifolia-Broad-leaved Iris-North of Ronda
Romulea bulbocodium-Romulea-Above Gargante Verde
Liliaceae-Lily Family
Allium ampeloprasum-Wild Leek-Finca la Guzmana
Allium neapolitanum-Naples Garlic-Montejaque
Allium triquetrum-Three-cornered Leek-Below Grazalema
Asparagus acutifolius-Sharp-leaved Asparagus-Tajo del Molino
Asparagus albus-White-Stemmed Asparagus-West of Ronda
Asphodelus aestivus-Common Asphodel-Roadsides
Asphodelus albus-White Asphodel-Gargante Verde
Asphodelus fistulosus-Small Asphodel-Tajo del Molino
Dipcadi serotinum-Brown Bluebell-Near El Chorro
Fritillaria lusitanica-Portuguese Fritillary-Near El Chorro
Gagea foliosa-a Yellow Star of Bethlehem-Near El Chorro
Hyacinthoides hispanica (leaves)-Spanish Bluebell-El Torcal
Muscari neglectum-Grape Hyacinth-Near El Chorro
Narcissus assoanus-Rush-leaved Jonquil-Sierra de las Nieves
Narcissus bugei -A Daffodil-Sierra de las Nieves
Narcissus cantabricus-White Hooped-petticoat Daffodil-Near El Chorro
Narcissus cuatrecasasii-Rock Jonquil-Hidden Valley
Narcissus paperaceus-Paper White Daffodil-Below Grazalema
Ornithogalum reverchonii*-Star of Bethlehem-Hidden Valley
O. orthophyllum subsp. baeticum-Star of Bethlehem-Hidden Valley
Ruscus aculeatus-Butcher's Broom-El Torcal
Smilax aspera-Common Smilax-Gargante Verde
Urginea maritima (leaves)-Sea Squill-Gargante Verde
Orchidaceae-Orchid Family
Himantoglossum robertianum-Giant Orchid-El Torcal
Ophrys bombyliflora-Bumble Bee Orchid-Below Grazalema
Ophrys fusca-Sombre Bee Orchid-Gargante Verde
Ophrys lutea-Yellow Bee Orchid-Embalse de Zahara-El-Gastor
Ophrys speculum-Mirror Orchid-Near El Chorro
Ophrys tenthredinifera-Sawfly Orchid-Gargante Verde
Orchis anthropophora-Man Orchid-Near El Chorro
Orchis collina-Fan-lipped Orchid-Near El Burgo
Orchis italica-Naked Man Orchid-El Chorro
Orchis olbiensis-an Early Purple Orchid-Common in mountains
Orchis papilionacea-Pink Butterfly Orchid-Near El Chorro
Poaceae-Grass Family
Anisantha diandra-Great Brome-Tajo del Molino
Arundo donax-Giant Reed-Common (Naturalised)
Avena barbata-Bristle Oat-Tajo del Molino
Avena sterilis-Winter Wild Oat-Finca la Guzmana
Bromus rubens-Red Brome-El Chorro
Dactylis glomerata -Cock's-foot-Zahara
Hyparrhenia hirta --Tajo del Molino
Lagurus ovatus-Hare's-tail Grass-Near El Chorro
Lamarckia aurea-Lamarck's Golden Grass-Zahara
Phragmites australis-Common Reed-Pizarra
Poa annua-Annual Meadow Grass-Finca la Guzmana
Stipa tenacissima--El Chorro
Typhaceae-Reedmace Family
Typha latifolia-Bulrush-Pizarra
Fungi
Cage Fungus-Clethra rubra
BIRDS
Mallard-Anus platyrhynchos
Great Crested Grebe-Podiceps cristatus
Greater Flamingo-Phoenicopterus roseus
Western Cattle Egret-Bubulcus ibis
Grey Heron-Ardea cinerea
Great Egret-Ardea alba
Little Egret-Egretta garzetta
Great Cormorant-Phalacrocorax carbo
Eurasian Griffon Vulture-Gyps fulvus
Short-toed Snake Eagle-Circaetus gallicus
Eurasian Sparrowhawk-Accipiter nisus
Bonelli's Eagle-Aquila fasciata
Booted Eagle-Hieraaetus pennatus
Lesser Kestrel-Falco naumanni
Common Kestrel-Falco tinnunculus
Peregrine Falcon-Falco peregrinus
Common Moorhen-Gallinula chloropus
Eurasian Coot-Fulicia atra
Black-winged Stilt-Himantopus himantopus
Common Sandpiper-Actitis hypoleucos
Black-headed Gull-Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Yellow-legged Gull-Larus michahellis
Lesser black-backed Gull-Larus fuscus
Gull-billed Tern-Gelochelidon nilotica
Common Pigeon-Columba livia ‘feral’
Rock Dove-Columba livia
Common Wood Pigeon-Columba palumbus
Eurasian Collared Dove-Streptopelia decaocto
Common Cuckoo-Cuculus canorus (H)
Little Owl-Athene noctua (LO)
Alpine Swift-Tachymarptis melba
Eurasian Hoopoe-Upupa epops
Eurasian Jay-Garrulus glandarius
Red-billed Chough-Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Carrion Crow-Corvus corone
Northern Raven-Corvus corax
Coal Tit -Periparus ater (H)
Great Tit-Parus major
European Blue Tit-Cyanistes caeruleus (H)
Crested Lark-Galerida cristata
Thekla Lark-Galerida thecklae
Barn Swallow-Hirundo rustica
House Martin-Delichon urbicum
Red-rumped Swallow-Cercropis daurica
Cetti's Warbler-Cettia cetti
Sardinian Warbler-Sylvia melanocephala (H)
Common Firecrest-Regulus ignicapill (H)
Eurasian Wren-Troglodytes troglodytes
Spotless Starling-Sturnus unicolor
Common Blackbird-Turdus merula
Mistle Thrush-Turdus viscivorus
European Robin-Erithacus rubecula (H)
Black Redstart-Phoenicurus ochruros
Whinchat-Saxicola rubetra
European Stonechat-Saxicola rubicola
Northern Wheatear-Oenanthe oenanthe
Black Wheatear-Oenanthe leucura
Common Rock Thrush-Monticola saxatilis
Blue Rock Thrush-Monticola solitarius
House Sparrow-Passer domesticus
Alpine Accentor-Prunella collaris
Dunnock-Prunella modularis
White Wagtail-Motacilla alba
Water Pipit-Anthus spinoletta
Common Chaffinch-Fringilla coelebs
European Serin-Serinus serinus
European Greenfinch-Carduelis chloris
Eurasian Siskin-Carduelis spinus
European Goldfinch-Carduelis carduelis
Red Crossbill-Loxia curvirostra
Corn Bunting-Emberiza calandra
Rock Bunting-Emberiza cia
NB. This species list follows the names, taxonomy and species order of the International Ornithological Congress (version 2.9 , July 2011)
(H) Heard Only (LO) Leader Only
Butterflies
Papilionidae
Spanish Festoon-Zerynthia rumina
Pieridae
Large White-Pieris brassicae
Nymphalidae
Red Admiral-Vanessa atalanta
Moths
Common Carpet-Epirrhoe alternata
Pine Processionary Moth-Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Nests seen in trees)
Other Invertebrates
Assassin Bug-Rhinocoris sp.
a Chafer-Oxythera funesta
‘Rhino’ Dung Beetle-Copris lunaris
Ladybird-Epilachna chrysomelina
Mammals
Spanish Ibex-Capra pyrenaica
Red Deer-Cervus elaphus
Brown Hare-Lepus europaeus
Rabbit-Oryctologus cuniculatus
Amphibians & Reptiles
Newt sp.-Salamandridae sp.
Iberian Water Frog-Pelophylax perezi
Moorish Gecko-Tarentola mauritanica
Molluscs
Great Grey Slug-Limax maximus
Our thanks go to Paul Harmes for compiling this Tour Report and the Species Lists.
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