Erkan Kilim asked:


The Pentadactylos Mountains began to emerge eleven million years ago at the end of the Miocene era, but the Mesaoria appeared much later, during the Pleistocene Age, a million years ago. Today, the Troodos massif, a bulky range with the 1951m Mount Olympus at its peak, dominates the south of the island. It consists of igneous rock and pillow lavas originally formed from molten rock beneath the 8,000- metre deep ocean that ocean separated the continents of Eurasia and Afro-Arabia. Its serpentine rocks contain rich deposits of copper, asbestos, chromites and iron pyrites. Troodos provides a unique opportunity for anyone interested in geology, because it is one of the rare places in the world where you can actually stand on the earth’s mantle. The Pentadactylos range, which runs parallel to the northern coastline, is the east Mediterranean’s southernmost range of the great Alpine-Himalaya chain. It consists of thrust masses of limestone of the Permian, Carboniferous and Cretaceous periods, with marl, sandstone and conglomerates from the Miocene era on the lower slopes. The Mesaoria, between the two mountain ranges, stretches from Morfou in the west to Famagusta in the east, with the capital, Nicosia, lying more or less in the middle. This central plain is mainly marl and shell-limestone, while in the eastern foothills of the Troodos range, chalk, limestone and gypsum are common.

The rock formations have played a significant role in the development of the landscape. The erosion resistant dunites, serpentines, gabbros and diabases of the Troodos massif are the main reason for its height and its harsh, rugged scenery, while less erosion-resistant chalk at lower altitudes have formed the rounded white landscape of the vineyards. The limestone cliffs of the Akamas have created karsts, with subterranean streams, reservoirs and caves containing stalagmites and stalactites. There are also deep gorges at the west of the island. The rivers flowing radially from the Troodos have opened steep-sided river valleys and there are significant waterfalls at Kalidonia, Mesapotamos and Fini. The Salt Lakes at Akrotiri and Larnaka lose their water is summer sue to evaporation and, until quite recently, the salt harvested from the dried-out lake at Larnaka was sold on the local market. Coupled with the rock types are the various kinds of soil, which give distinct colour to the landscape. Deep and fertile terra rosa has developed on the hard limestone of the Kokkinochoria (Red Villges) in the southeast, and rich brown soils have developed on the pillow lavas. The white limey soils, derived from the decomposition of limestone rocks, are widespread and the most suitable foor the cultivation of vines in the districts of Pafos and Lemesos (Limassol), while very fertile alluvial soils are present in the river valleys.

The natural vegetation of Cyprus is broadly split into four categories: forests, maquis, Mediterranean garrigue and herbaceous plants. The main forests trees at high altitude are pines, including the flat-topper Troodos pine. Cedar, plane, alder, maple and the endemic golden oak grow on the lower slopes and, near the coasts, juniper predominates. The golden oak has beeen declared the national tree of Cyprus. Maquis vegetation, which thrives on poor quality siliceous soil, includes rockroses, arbutus, myrtle and rosemary. The scrub vegetation of the garrigue is chiefly on limestone soil and includes the spiny burnet, capers and aromatics such as thyme, rosemary, oregano and lavender. Cyprus is characterized by an extremely high number of indigenous plant species, approximately 2000, of which almost 140 are emdemic, such as the Cyclamen cyprium, which has been declared the national flower of Cyprus. For nature lovers, early spring is the most rewarding period of the year. There is a riotous blossoming of poppies, anemones, cyclamen, iris, gladioli, tulips and crown daisies. Approximately fifty species, subspecies and varieties of orchid are found, including several endemics. Birds on the spring and autumn north –south migration use Cyprus as a stopping point and the two Salt Lakes (Larnaka and Akrotiri) offer a winter home to large flocks of greater flamingos. Nightingales, golden orioles, hoopoes, rollers and bee-eaters are among the visitors and residents include several endemic species, such as the Cyprus warble and the Cyprus Wheatear. The population of te Griffon Vulture has declined rapidly over recent years and the birds no longer visit many of their traditional nesting sites. The Game Service has seet up a small reserve at Agios loannis on the Xeros River and action is being taken to prevent the loss of the species.the endemic moufflon, a type of wild sheep, considered by namy to be Cyprus’ national animal. At one time, these beautiful shy animals were hunted almost to extinction. However, a captive-breeding programme has saved the species and today around 10,000 live in and around the Pafos Forest. They are best seen in a reserve at the Stavros tis Psokas Forest Station., in the Troodos range. Cyprus is one of the few remaining nesting grounds for the endangered Green Turtle and the Loggerhead Turtle. Turtles lay their eggs in the sand on isolated beaches. Gradual human encroachment into their territory and depredation of the nests and hatchling by foxes and other predators has severely jeopardised the survival of these primeval marine creatures.Northern Cyprus Holidays In 1978, the Cyprus Fisheries Department established a turtle hatchery at Lara Beach, one of the main nesting sites on the west coast. Turtle eggs are also transported from other beaches to hatch in safe conditions at Lara. Although not a wild animal in danger of extinction, the Cyprus donkey has always been an important feature of rural life. It was a form of transport, beast of burden and the means for drawing water from the wells. The Nubian Donkey is believed to be the domestic donkey’s ancestor and it is known that donkeys were domesticated before horses. What is not known is when the first donkeys arrived in Cyprus but the remains of an *** have been found in a tomb from the seventh century BC. Villagers from the remoter areas can still be seen riding and working with donkeys, and there is a Donkey Sanctuary at the village of Vouni, northwest of Lemesos (Limassol)



MEROLA

David Cowley asked:


Black Truffles

Truffles is a mushroom that has formed a symbiotic relationship their environment.  They grow underground among the roots of trees with only a few types of trees, such as cedar and maples that are not associated with truffle forming fungi.

Many mushrooms look quite similar to truffles but are poisonous so never eat a wild mushroom without the guidance from an expert.  Truffles are found underground among the roots of chestnut, elm, oak, pine and willow trees during the fall, winter and spring seasons.

Where Can I Find Truffles?

Truffles are quite common in the Pacific Northwest Mountains from California through Oregon and Washington to British Colombia.  They have also been reported to have been found in Idaho, Montana and New York but these rumors have not been validated.

How Can I Find Truffles?

In the United States three things clues are used by shroom hunters when searching for this elusive fungi.  The first is that the soil under the trees must be moist and warm.  A good time to search is 10 to 14 days after a good heavy rain.

The second clue is that the right type of tree must be present.  Look for Beech, Birch, Douglas fir, Eucalyptus, Fir, Hazel nut, Hickories, Oak and Pine trees.

White Truffles

The third clue is that the truffle fungi need animals to disperse the spores.  Look for the signs of rodents or other small animals such as squirrels and chipmunks have been digging in the area.  Use a four tine garden cultivator to rake the leaves and other debris off the surface of the ground starting about 10 feed from the trunk of the tree working inward.  Work to a depth of 1 to 6 inches.  Always replace the litter when you are done and leave the area as you found it.  Truffles can be brown, red, white and black in coloration and often look like a small dirt clod.

A well ripened truffle will smell like deep fried sunflower or a walnut seed through not everyone has the ability to detect the odor.  In the past pigs have been used to hunt for truffles.  A female pig (sows) become sexually excited when they smell the fungi because it produces a smell that is similar to smell of the *** hormone produced by a male pig.

How Do I Store Truffles?

Truffles should be used as fresh as possible but if you are a hunter extraordinary, then you can store them in a paper bag for several days.  Never store them in a plastic bag because they will mold very rapidly.  They also can be frozen in a glass jar or immersed in olive oil.  The olive oil will absorb the flavor and can be added during food preparation.  A dehydrator can be used to dry the mushroom for later use.  Soaking in warm water for about one half an hour prior to use is recommended.

Where Can I Sell My Treasures?

You can sell them at upscale restaurant, at a local farmers market and at swap meets for $65 to $80 a pound for white truffles and $100 to $150 a pound for black truffles.  This mushroom is used in gourmet dishes around the world and is in high demand.  The taste is often compared to garlic and mushroom blended.  It is often served uncooked on salads, omelets and pasta.  On a good day you could find 4 or 5 pounds, not a bad day’s work.

Happy Treasure Hunting.



DUE