On our hike in the coastal areas of both Portugal and Spain we had the opportunity to observe a wide variety of flowers. Some are associated with the spring season that we witnessed, some probably have a more permanent long-term presence. Two flowers in particular resonated with me in a profound way. The first one was the ice plant. It is a ground covering succulent plant that we saw both in yellow and pink growing in many places along the broad walks on the Portuguese and Spanish Atlantic coast. I had to look up its English name- in German and apparently also in Spanish it is called the midday flower, because it has the property to open up when the sun is close to its peak point, and to close again when it lowers. Along the way I learned that it is not native to the two countries but originates from South Afrika and was brought here in the 1700s. Originally intended as ornamental plants – their soil stabilization properties were quickly appreciated and utilized- until their invasive nature was fully understood. I had previously seen them in large quantities along highways in the Monterey area in California – and I know now that they were brought there also intentionally for stabilizing railroad tracks- alas with the same side effects. And for completeness it shall be noted that it is also eatable – leaves and stems can be used in salads.
Now you wonder – what is this all about. My father and my mother used to plant these very flowers in their garden and watch them on many days going through their opening and closing cycles, enjoying them day after day and pointing it out equally often. So, this memory stuck with me and every time now when I see the ice plant I think of my parents. Trips to California happened occasionally in the past, but over the last two weeks I saw the ice plants every day and it triggered the reflexion.
A second plant caught my attention similarly. It is called Calla Lilly. I had never seen them in nature before – only in funeral flower arrangements and I never knew where they actually grow. And here we are on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula and they are everywhere. Turns out though also this flower is not native to Portugal or Spain and came here a few hundred years earlier- also from South Africa. What makes you wonder and pause is that a caring person must have brought them on board the sailing vessels and must have cared for them probably for many weeks, sparing the precious water on board to nourish them along the way. The Portuguese and Spanish sea farer prowess had probably established regular shipping routes in the 1700s – after the early and likely much harder journeys over a hundred years earlier! Still – I consider this dedication and curiosity.
When my father passed away over 10 years ago these flowers were there for decoration in the funeral home and also present in the wreaths that people brought. So, a surprising arc connecting the joy and fond memories from my childhood with the remembrance of a not-so-distant past, both being a daily presence for the last three weeks. Quite a beautiful way to look back and to remember.
Note: My research revealed that in the local culture white Calla Lilies are also a common wedding flower or anniversary gift, and with color variations are further used on many other occasions.