Salkimi

Salkimi is a climbing plant whose name comes from the Turkish word salkım, meaning “hanging bunch”, referring to the long clusters of flowers that hang from its branches. The plant was widely used in Asia Minor, where it thrived in the courtyards of traditional houses, often growing over wooden frames and stone walls to provide shade and decoration. From there, it spread to the islands of the eastern Aegean, where it adapted perfectly to the local climate.

In Lesvos, and especially in Molivos, salkimi has become an essential part of the village’s character. Every spring, when the plant blooms, it is covered with intense purple flowers, while its strong, sweet fragrance fills the air, making the whole area smell wonderful and leaving visitors impressed by its beauty and aroma.

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 salkimi of Molivos

Salkimi can be found in many parts of Molivos, but the most characteristic place is the market street of the village, where the plant grows above the cobblestone alley, forming a natural canopy. Its climbing branches spread over wooden beams and tiled roofs, creating shade during the day and a magical atmosphere in the evening.

During springtime, the narrow streets of Molivos are filled with colour and fragrance. The blooming flowers hang above the traditional stone houses, giving the impression of walking through a natural garden. This image is one of the most memorable sights for visitors who explore the village for the first time.

A flower connected with Easter and tradition

The presence of salkimi is especially strong during the Easter period, when the plant is in full bloom. Its flowers are traditionally used for the decoration of churches and epitaphs, and they can be seen in courtyards, balconies and small gardens throughout the village.

For the locals, the scent of salkimi is closely connected with spring, celebrations and childhood memories. It is a sign that the season has changed and that the village is coming back to life after winter.

Decoration of an epitaph with the flowers of Salkimi

A unique natural decoration in the market alley

The twisted trunks of the plant, its strong climbing ability and the wide branches that extend above the roofs of the stone buildings create a unique landscape. In the evening, when the lights of the market are low, the shadows of the branches give the alley a mysterious and almost unreal appearance.

During the day, the thick leaves provide natural shade, keeping the narrow street cool even in warm weather. This natural cover, combined with the traditional architecture of Molivos, creates a view that is rarely seen elsewhere in such a large scale.

Visitors often stop to take photos under the flowering branches, amazed that a plant can cover an entire street and become part of the village’s identity.

Photo by George Seretis‍ ‍

One of the reasons the market street is famous

The salkimi is one of the main reasons why the market alley of Molivos is often described as one of the most beautiful streets in Greece and one of the most picturesque traditional alleys in the Aegean.

The combination of stone houses, cobblestones, soft lighting and the purple flowers hanging above creates a unique atmosphere that makes the walk through the village unforgettable.

For many visitors, the memory of Molivos is closely connected with the smell of salkimi in spring and the feeling of walking under its flowers.