Andalucia Life Fauna and Flora, Flowers of Andalucia Southern Spain

October 2004, Pheasant's Eye, Adonis annua

The Adonis genus has about 20 species of annuals and perennials, mainly from alpine habitats. This is one of the few that grows in lowland areas.

The pretty little flower was photographed in March this year, growing wild on the edge of the Embalse de Celemio, near Benalup.

The petals vary in colour from bright red to to a deep shade of orange, and are similar in appearance to anemones. The red flower indicates that it is an annual, perennials have yellow petals.

The leaves are fine, feathery and divided and the seeds resemble a loganberry.

The Latin name Adonis is said to remember the young Adonis who was killed by a wild boar; this flower supposedly sprang up from the ground where his blood fell.

Pheasants have red eyes, and the common name refers to this fact. The binoculars are there solely to give an impression of size.