This rare poppy (Papaver Lapeyrousianum) is found in the Sierra Nevada mountains and some parts of the Pyrenees.
This is quite a remarkable plant, unique but endangered. We found growing a few days ago on a windswept ridge of Mulhacén at 3300m. In almost 100 ascents of Mulhacén, mainland Spain's highest mountain, I had never come across this pretty flower and yet there it was flourishing between the rock slabs.
For 8 or 9 months of the year the ridge line here is covered in snow and ice. High bitter winds blast the hillside and huge cornices hang out over Mulhacén's north face. Yet come the late spring, life starts again. By July and August the plant gets ready to flower. It flowers for only a few days during these two months so you have to be in the area on those days to catch a glimpse.
The poppy is not entirely endemic to the Sierra Nevada as it is found in certain higher parts of the Pyrenees. It's hold on life is very fragile so please treat with the utmost respect if you are lucky enough to come across it's path!
Contact us if you want more detailed information regarding location or tips on how and when to visit.
The Sierra Nevada Poppy (Photo: Ian Griffiths)