While walking from one beach to another on Milos, I came across a stunning little white flower growing in the sand. I was amazed by how this flower could thrive in such a harsh environment beneath the scorching sun.
The flower, also known as the sea daffodil, sea lily or sand lily is a perennial wildflower that belongs to the Amaryllis family. As its various names suggest, its habitat is the sandy beach. Its bulbs grow underground, buried deep in the sand until August when its shoots make their way up through the loose coastal sand. The fully grown plant has beautiful, large flowers in a pure white colour, that have an exotic, sweet lily scent.
Its Latin name is Pancratium maritimum. Pancratium means ‘All Strengths’, perhaps referring to the strength this plant must have to tolerate the extreme climate of the dry summer beach. Maritimum means “from the seacoast” as it always grows near the sea.
The sea daffodil has been well known since ancient times, especially in Crete. The Minoans greatly valued this flower and incorporated it into their art and culture. Several frescos representing this elegant and fragrant beauty were found in the Palace of Knossos.
TOP TIP:
Sea Lilies are endangered as most of their range is used for tourism. Please admire their delicate fragrance and beauty from a distance and keep them safe.
