Although many plants are mentioned and illustrated
in this book, it is not intended as a 'flora' of
Mallorca. Rather, it is aimed at the island's visitor
who may wish to know more about the Mallorcan
environment and is ready to forsake the attractions of
the beach for a while to explore further inland, in
quest of 'the other Mallorca' - an island which, beyond
its concrete resorts and despite the destruction such
developments have wreaked, has retained so much unspoilt
scenery to delight in, and still hides natural riches
(among them its flora), whose discovery stimulates the
interest and is a source of recurrent pleasure, since
photographs (and there are endless opportunities to take
them) are bound to recall exciting moments. During the
many years we spent in Mallorca, my husband and I spent
much time walking up and down the country. In the
process, we learned much about the island, concentrating
more particularly on its botanical wealth. Needless to
say, we collected numerous photographs, some of which
are included in this book, to serve as reference
perhaps, but above all, to try and tempt readers to go,
like us, in search of the Mallorca that remains unknown
to many, not to say most, of the visitors who, nowadays
apparently flock to the island in their millions. And if
this happens, if, thanks to, this book, a few readers
are sufficiently impressed and feel the urge to pack a
rucksack (not forgetting the indispensable digital
camera) and start on a discovery journey, then, I shall
feel this enterprise was not in vain. Includes: 240
colour photographs, list of botanical families, list of
plants by flowering time, Latin index of plants, English
index of plants and a bibliography.
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