Salkimi

Salkimi is a plant whose name comes from the Turkish word "salkim" which means hanging bunch. It is a plant that was widely used in Mikra Asia (eastern Anatolia, Asia Minor, or the modern-day Republic of Turkey) and thrived in the courtyards of houses. From there it spread to the islands of the eastern Aegean. In the spring when it blooms, it acquires an intense purple colour while its fragrance diffuses into the atmosphere, making the place smell of musk and the passers-by intoxicated by its aroma!

Salkimia are scattered all through Molivos' cobblestones, with a typical example being its market which is covered with them. Especially at Easter, its distinctive aroma spreads in the air since it is the main flower for the decoration of epitaphs and churches without missing from the yards and the houses of the village.

Salkimi generously shades the visitors, perfuming the place and adding colour to the cobblestoned alleys. Its colour feast lasts throughout the Spring!

Photo by George Seretis

The twisting morphology of its trunks, its climbing ability and its spreading branches above the tiled roofs of the stone buildings give an eerie appearance in the evenings with the dim lighting of the market. During the day it cools the air under its shade and gives a special character, attracting the gaze of visitors who have certainly never seen such a natural phenomenon on such an extent before. Salkimi is one of the main reasons why the alley of the market of Molivos has been characterized as one of the most beautiful alleys in the world.

Decoration of an epitaph with the flowers of Salkimi