Giant Fennel

If we were to select a single plant species as a symbol of Sicilian spring flora it would have to be Giant Fennel or Ferla. In mid-spring Giant Fennel produces an impressive upright bloom stalk as much as 6ft (2m) tall from a basel clump of fine textured foliage. This large, vigorous perennial is easily confused with the edible Fennel, which also grows in the area. A simple identity test is to crush a small sample of leaves. Ferla or Giant Fennel lacks the unmistakable sweet aromatic odor of edible Fennel.

Scientific name: Ferula communis

Italian common name: Ferla, Ferula

English common name: Giant Fennel

Flowering Ash

At this time of year Flowering Ash is one of the showiest native trees at Gangivecchio. Frothy white clusters of tiny flowers are fragrant and lavishly ornamental displayed against bright green masses of young foliage. In Sicily, this winter deciduous tree is well known for the Manna sugar which is produced from incisions cut into the bark of the trunk and branches. Manna is still sold locally in small packets for use as a sweetener as well as for various folklore medicinal purposes.

Scientific name: Fraxinus ornus

Italian common name: Orniello, Frassino da manna

English common name: Flowering or Manna Ash

Honeywort

One of the eye-catching wildflower beauties now found in open, sunny locations at Gangivecchio is Honeywort. The nodding yellow and purple blooms of this hardy annual open in clusters at the tips of upright stems that recurve gracefully toward the ground. The effect is a bold stroke of form and color that enriches the fast growing spring flora of the countryside.

Scientific name: Cerinthe major

Italian common name: Erba vaiola, Succiamele

English common name: Honeywort

Borage: appetizing, attractive and curative

What to do with this native herb that is attractive in bloom, deliciously edible and -according to traditional folklore- has medicinal properties as well? That's the dilemma we face here at Gangivecchio when Borage appears in March and April.

Most often we enjoy it cooked like spinach, but small tender leaves can be added fresh to salads. The bright blue flowers are sometimes candied or used to color tea or vinegar.

Scientific name: Borago officinalis

Italian common name: Borragine

English common name: Borage

And now...the Anemones

Just a five- minute walk from Gangivecchio, along an old country lane, lies a sunny slope where this little perennial adds splashes of vibrant spring color, in shades of pink and lavender, to the awakening natural landscape. Several other anemone species and hybrids that vary in size and bloom time are popular garden plants.

Scientific name: Anemone hortensis

Italian common name: Fior-stella

English common name: Anemone

Narciso

Drifts of this delicate little narcissus are now making quite a show in nearby fields of young wheat and along roadsides. Waxy white petals, a short yellow cup and an intense fragrance make it easy to identify.

Scientific name: Narcissus tazetta
Italian common name: Narciso nostrale
English common name: Cream narcissus