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Mount Ainos & Abies Cephalonica

June 23, 2014 · by: Athina Leave a Comment

Mt. Ainos is the only National Park situated on a Greek Island! It is the tallest mountain in the Ionian Islands region, with an elevation of 5,341 feet (1,628 m). The endemic species of Cephalonian Fir (aka Greek Fir), classified by the British botanist J.W. Loudon in 1838, covers about ⅔ of the park’s area at elevations between 2,296 and 3,937 feet. Semi wild ponies (of the Equus caballus species) inhabit the forest, mostly at the SE side of the mountain. The highest peak is called “Megas Soros”.

Abies Cephalonica by Kicking Back the Pebbles

Abies cephalonica or Greek Fir is endemic to the island of Kefalonia but also native to the rest of the mountains of Greece, primarily in the Peloponnese.

Mount Ainos by Kicking Back the Pebbles

Mount Ainos by Kicking Back the Pebbles

Mount Ainos by Kicking Back the Pebbles

Mount Ainos by Kicking Back the Pebbles

Mount Ainos by Kicking Back the Pebbles

Στην Ελλάδα απαντούν τρία είδη Ελάτης: η Abies cephalonica (κεφαλληνιακή Eλάτη), η Abies alba (λευκή Ελάτη), καθώς και το υβρίδιό τους Abies x borisii-regis. Η Abies cephalonica είναι ελληνικό ενδημικό είδος, δηλαδή απαντά μόνο στον Ελλαδικό χώρο. Συγκεκριμένα, απαντά στην Κεφαλονιά . . . , την Εύβοια και την ηπειρωτική Ελλάδα από την Πελοπόννησο έως τον Όλυμπο και τον Άθωνα, σε περιοχές με υψόμετρο από 600-1600 m. Η ανάγκη της προστασίας του δάσους Ελάτης στον Αίνο, από όπου περιγράφηκε ως νέο είδος (ο κλασσικός τόπος της), καθώς και η φυτογεωγραφική σημασία της παρουσίας της στην Κεφαλονιά, υπήρξαν οι κύριοι λόγοι για τους οποίους το όρος Αίνος κηρύχθηκε το 1962 Εθνικός Δρυμός. Το όνομα Abies cephalonica δόθηκε από τον Άγγλο Βοτανικό J.W. Loudon το 1838, όταν ταξινόμησε την Ελάτη της Κεφαλονιάς ως νέο είδος.
Η έντονη υλοτομία στο δάσος του Αίνου-Ρουδίου κατά τους προηγούμενους αιώνες, κυρίως μετά το 16ο αιώνα και η απουσία μέσων κατάσβεσης για την αντιμετώπιση των πυρκαγιών που ξεσπούσαν στην περιοχή, έθεσαν σε κίνδυνο τη βιωσιμότητα του δάσους της Ελάτης. Αποτέλεσμα αυτών είναι να έχει περιοριστεί η έκτασή του, η οποία σήμερα αποτελεί μόλις το 25% της αρχικής. . . . Μελλοντικά, τα δάση της Ελάτης ενδέχεται να απειληθούν από την αύξηση της θερμοκρασίας, στο πλαίσιο της παγκόσμιας κλιματικής αλλαγής. H αύξηση της θερμοκρασίας, που προβλέπεται ειδικότερα για την Μεσογειακή λεκάνη, θα έχει σημαντικές αρνητικές επιπτώσεις στους πληθυσμούς των περισσότερων ειδών κωνοφόρων, συμπεριλαμβανομένης και της Abies cephalonica.

Βιολογικός κύκλος της  Abies cephalonica
Κάθε άνοιξη στο δάσος του Εθνικού Δρυμού Αίνου μπορείτε να παρατηρήσετε πολυάριθμα νεαρά έλατα, ύψους μόλις λίγων εκατοστών που βλάστησαν με το πέρας του χειμώνα. . . . Από αυτά, τα περισσότερα δεν θα επιβιώσουν τα επόμενα έτη, είτε εξαιτίας φυσικών αιτίων είτε εξαιτίας της παράνομης βόσκησης. Όσα από αυτά επιβιώσουν . . . θα χρειαστούν έως και 50 έτη μέχρι να ωριμάσουν για να παράγουν τα δικά τους σπέρματα. Υπό ιδανικές συνθήκες η ηλικία τους μπορεί να φθάσει μέχρι και τα 500 έτη. Σε κάθε δέντρο τα άρρενα άνθη είναι συνήθως στα χαμηλότερα κλαδιά . . . , όπου σχηματίζουν ερυθροκάστανες ταξιανθίες (ίουλοι), ενώ τα θήλεα άνθη βρίσκονται στα μεσαία και υψηλότερα κλαδιά, όπου σχηματίζουν χαρακτηριστικούς, όρθιους κώνους. . . . Τα σπέρματα ωριμάζουν στους κώνους τον Σεπτέμβριο και διασπείρονται τον Οκτώβριο. H κεφαλληνιακή Ελάτη παρουσιάζει το φαινόμενο της πληροκαρπίας, δηλαδή της παραγωγής μεγάλου αριθμού σπερμάτων που συμβαίνει μόνο κάθε 3-4 έτη.

There are three Fir species in Greece: Abies cephalonica (Cephalonian Fir), η Abies alba (White [sic] Fir), as well as their hubrid Abies x borisii-regis. Abies cephalonica is a Greek endemic species, i.e. it occurs only in the Greek region. In particular it occurs in Cephalonia . . . , and in mainland Greece from Peloponessus to Mt. Olimbos and Mt. Athos at an altitude of 600-1,600 m. The need to protect the Fir forest of Mt. Ainos, where it was described as a new species (locus classicus), as well as the phytogeographical importance of its presence in Cephalonia, constituted the main reasons that resulted in the declaration of Mt. Ainos as a National Park in 1962.
The name Abies cephalonica was given by the English Botanist J.W. Loudon in 1838, when he classified the Fir from Cephalonia as a new species.
In previous centuries, particularly after the 16th century, extensive woodcutting in the forest of Mt. Ainos-Mt. Roudi, as well as the inability to effectively control and put out fires that occurred in the area, threatened the survival of the Fir forest. As a result, its distribution area has been restricted to 1/4 of the initial one. It is possible that the temperature increase in the future, due to global climatic change, may threaten the For forests. The temperature increase, predicted in particular for the Mediterranean basin, will have important negative effects on the populations of most conifer species, including Abies cephalonica.

Abies cephalonica life cycle
In the forest of the National Park of Mt. Ainos you can observe each spring, numerous young fir plants, a few centimeters tall, that germinated by the end of winter. . . . Most of them will not survive in the following years, either due to natural causes or illegal grazing. Those that do manage to survive . . . , will require up to 50 years, in order to reach reproductive maturity and produce seeds of their own. Under ideal conditions, the trees can live to become up to 500 years old.
In each tree the male flowers appear on the lower branches . . . , where they form red-brown infloresences [sic] (catkins), whereas the female flowers occur on the middle and upper branches, forming characteristic erect cones. . . . The seeds reach maturity in September and disperse in October. The Cephalonian Fir is characterized by a masting behaviour, i.e. as large number of seeds is produced only every 3-4 years.

Source: Management Body of Ainos National Park

 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvO-7i8OJTE]

 

Mount Ainos by Kicking Back the Pebbles

Parts of the west & southwest coast line of Kefalonia from Mount Ainos:

Views of the SW from Mount Ainos | Kicking Back the Pebbles

Views of the SW from Mount Ainos | Kicking Back the Pebbles

Views of the SW from Mount Ainos | Kicking Back the Pebbles

Views of the W from Mount Ainos | Kicking Back the Pebbles

Views of the W from Mount Ainos | Kicking Back the Pebbles

Cloudy passersby…

View to the W from Mount Ainos | Kicking Back the Pebbles

View to the W from Mount Ainos | Kicking Back the Pebbles

View to the W from Mount Ainos | Kicking Back the Pebbles

Mount Ainos by Kicking Back the Pebbles

Mount Ainos by Kicking Back the Pebbles

Cercis siliquastrum, commonly known as Judas tree | Kicking Back the Pebbles

Cercis siliquastrum, commonly known as Judas tree

*images by Athina D. Pantazatou for Kicking Back the Pebbles

Category: Greek destinations, Travel Leave a Comment

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Comments

  1. peacelovegreatcountrymusic says

    June 26, 2014 at 09:45

    I’m glad to see you posting again, these photos are beautiful.

    Reply
    • Athina says

      June 26, 2014 at 16:05

      Thank you, once again, for snooping around… I guess this winter proved to be a bit challenging for me and I have a lot of catching up to do with my blogging community! I need to go through your posts as well, I’ve missed so much good stuff!!

      Reply
  2. angelswhisper2011 says

    June 24, 2014 at 00:00

    Wow… Pawsome pics, Athena. Great you’re back 🙂 Pawkisses Little Binky and Granny 🙂

    Reply
    • Athina says

      June 24, 2014 at 00:04

      Thank you both!! Will try hard to keep up 🙂 Pawkisses!

      Reply

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About Me

A stalwart bookworm ever since I can remember myself. I studied English & American Literature and became an EFL/ESOL Teacher. I successfully(!) combined teaching and working as an executive secretary, in a big advertising company and a law firm, for several years. I'm a freelance writer, line editor, and blogger as of lately. Also, a bit ironic by nature but, all in all, quite easy-going. Partner to 1 & mother to 2 cats. I once tried to give up coffee and then swore to never make that mistake again... Read More…

kickingbackthepebbles

If there was ever a time for a black-themed Christ If there was ever a time for a black-themed Christmas tree, I say 2020 is it! 🎄🎄🎄
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I've listed my items, in case you're interested @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). For the items specific to the Greek market, I've listed similar on Amazon and Amazon.co.uk (some are affiliate links).
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P.S.: I realize as I'm posting this that several online shops are swamped with orders during lockdowns and have decided to go on a brief halt. Also, keep in mind that all shipments are susceptible to delays due to Covid-19 restrictions. My post is only meant to inspire you and not to overwhelm you in any way. If you like the look and wish to go for it, you can totally DIY it—or do something similar—with whatever materials you have at hand. To recreate these particular baubles, use matte black spray-paint and give your old ones a coat or two. Use a small paintbrush and mod-podge to draw snowflakes (or any other shape you 🖤), sprinkle with gold glitter, and voilà! Things should get better. Be patient, keep your chin up, and get creative—it helps battle the blues. 
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Final day (7) of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Supe Final day (7) of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week. What a marvelous week this has been! 
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I've kept you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below and today is no exception. Copy & paste the link below to Krystina's final weekly post where you can find a roundup of the entire Superfood Week and today's recipe by Foodie and Wine Lover—a direct link will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). I hope you've enjoyed this as much as I did. Thanks for following along! 😊
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Pear & Blue Cheese Salad 🥗 by @foodieandwinelover @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/15/november-superfood-week-day-7/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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Day 6 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 6 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week. (Take a peek at Monday's post for more deets.)
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I'm keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). Dig in!
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Roasted Pumpkin With Pomegranate and Cream of Feta 🥘 by @eatyourselfgreek @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/14/november-superfood-week-day-6/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire @kouzounaskitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #eatyourselfgreek  #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 5 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 5 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week. (Take a peek at Monday's post for more deets.)
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I'm keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). Dig in!
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Roasted Delicata Squash With Arugula and Aronia Berries 🥗  by Sweet Greek  @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/13/november-superfood-week-day-5/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire @kouzounaskitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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Day 4 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 4 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week, featuring yours truly! (Take a peek at Monday's post for more deets.)
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The recipes are also available on my site, but due to a broken recipe plugin and a chronic procrastinator—yep, referring to me again—they're all messed up and nowhere near shearability. If you do insist on jumping over, you may proceed at your own risk. 😅 For the time being, here's where it's safest:
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Roasted Carrot Saffron Soup & Coriander Chickpea Soup 𝑝𝑎𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑖 @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/12/november-superfood-week-day-4/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 3 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 3 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week—take a peek at my post from two days ago for more deets! 
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You can find the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). As most of the world is in lockdown mode again, I hope we inspire everyone to nourish their bodies and souls. May the warmth and vibrant hustle of our kitchens spread positive vibes, some comfort, and cheer. Dig in! 
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Carrot, Ginger, and Apple Smoothie🧋& Beet Soup 🥣 by @kouzounaskitchen @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/11/november-superfood-week-day-3/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
Day 2 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood We Day 2 of Kouzounas Kitchen's November Superfood Week—take a peek at my previous post for more deets! 
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I'll be keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). As most of the world is in lockdown mode again, I hope we inspire everyone to nourish their bodies and souls. May the warmth and vibrant hustle of our kitchens spread positive vibes, some comfort, and cheer. Dig in! 
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Fasolada, Greek White Bean Soup 🥣 & Briam, Greek Style Mixed Oven-Roasted Vegetables 🥘 by Cook Like a Greek @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/10/november-superfood-week-day-2/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳👩🏻‍🍳 Cook Like a Greek @ https://cooklikeagreekblog.com/
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When it comes to superfood antics, some like kale, When it comes to superfood antics, some like kale, pomegranate, green or matcha teas, nuts, and berries, usually get all of the glory. And yet, more research is uncovering the age-defying, disease-fighting, fat-blasting super-powers of commoner foods you've been likely overlooking. Leeks, carrots, beets, chickpeas, beans, squash, pears (to name but a few) are cheap, quick to prep, unexpectedly tasty, and most are probably already in your kitchen. To make it even easier for you to tap into their head-to-toe benefits, @kouzounaskitchen is hosting a superfood week get-together of foodies (myself included), featuring recipes packed with a wide array of the aforementioned age-erasers! 
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I'll be keeping you posted daily, leaving the links to the recipes of my partners in crime below (copy & paste), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). As most of the world is in lockdown mode again, I hope we inspire everyone to nourish their bodies and souls. May the warmth and vibrant hustle of our kitchens spread positive vibes, some comfort, and cheer. Dig in! 
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Mediterranean Roasted-Chickpea Salad 🥗 & Leek, Vegetable & Feta Cheese Puff Pastry Pie 🥧 by Foodzesty @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/2020/11/09/november-superfood-week/
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➡️➡️ Find the entire Kouzounas Kitchen November Superfood Week @ https://kouzounaskitchen.com/
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👩🏻‍🍳 Foodzesty @ https://foodzesty.com/
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#kickingbackthepebbles #blog #foodblog #bloggerlife #foodie #recipes #kouzounaskitchen #foodzesty #itsfallyall #november #superfoodweek #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #homemade #makeyourown #fromscratch #instagood #fooddiary #foodgram #yumyum #foodcoma #foodisfuel #foodlover #foodstagram #instafeast #heresmyfood #theartofslowliving
— Lucy Maud Montgomery, 𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝐺𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠
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 🍂🌰🍄 I'm slowly falling into autumn even though Attica's warm weather doesn't really agree. One of my favorite web and graphic design sites @designerblogs is helping set the mood instead. I've been using their blog planner for years—it's one of the best you'll find out there. Its pages will help you brainstorm post ideas, draft your weekly uploads, set monthly and yearly goals, track monthly and yearly and stats, track affiliate links, social media advertising and posts, newsletter campaigns, finances, usernames & passwords, giveaways—you name it! I'll leave the links for both their classic design and this year's limited edition blush-color planners below (copy & paste on desktop), but direct links will also be available for a while @ my linktr.ee (follow the link in bio). 
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Aaand don't forget to grab your own monthly quote and matching wallpaper for desktop, phone, and tablet from their FREEBIES section and get your boo-game on with their spooktacular Halloween resources (also linked)! 🎃👻
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➡️➡️ Designer Blogs resources:
2021 Blog Planner (2 colors, 4 sizes) @ https://www.designerblogs.com/2021-blog-planner/
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2021 Life Planner (2 colors, 4 sizes) @ https://www.designerblogs.com/2021-my-life-planner/
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Free October wallpaper @ https://www.designerblogs.com/free-october-wallpaper-2020/
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Halloween freebies @ https://www.designerblogs.com/category/seasonal/halloween/
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