ROUTE 9: RÍO BOROSA
156
Along the first section of the trail there are many Strawberry Trees, which attract two interesting butterflies: Chapman's Green Hairstreak and the Two-tailed Pasha. Large Tortoiseshell is common and typical for this habitat as well. Rosemary Broomrape, Grass-leaved Buttercup and Narrow-leaved Helleborine are among the interesting wildflowers. Southern Midwife Toad inhabits the mountain streams in this sierra but is difficult to find. Where the river cuts through a deep ravine, the trail continues on a rather spectacular boardwalk, suspended from the cliff face on the righthand side of the river.
2
The ravine is the place to see the rare and endemic Eelgrass-leaved Butterwort* (Pinguicula vallisneriifolia), a carnivorous plant that catches insects on its sticky leaves. It grows on the wet cliff in great numbers, together with Maidenhair Fern. In summer, thousands of Oak Yellow Underwing (a moth) rest in this gorge during daytime and fly up as you walk along – a spectacular sight. On the river, Common Goldenring and Beautiful Demoiselle are two frequent dragonflies. The trail leads along an absolutely splendid wet cliff, carpeted with the endemic, insectivorous Eelgrassleaved Butterwort* (Pinguicula vallisneriifolia).
3
In the next section, the river flows more gently and beautiful vistas open up of the surrounding mountains and (seasonal) waterfalls. Crag Martins are numerous. Look for Dense-flowered Orchid, which grows in the woodland on the right side of the trail. Common Grape Vine (Vitis vinifera), the wild ancestor of table and wine grapes, can be seen in the riparian vegetation. As a liana, it spirals up the trees to reach its place in the sun. This is also a good stretch to look for Spanish Algyroides, a rare lizard which is endemic to the Sierra de Cazorla and the adjoining mountain ranges. It inhabits rocky woodlands in the vicinity of fastflowing mountain streams and is not uncommon here.
CROSSBILL GUIDES • EASTERN ANDALUCÍA