This delightful little marigold is widespread on Skopelos, filling sunny places with its bright flowers. It grows in olive groves, on the roadside and even in the pebbles on the upper reaches of Panormos beach. There are yellow and orange forms and some with contrasting dark brown centres (Calendula bicolor).  The flowers are one of the first to appear in early spring and they continue to flower well into summer. The flowers are followed by rather curious seed heads.

It is said that the calendula represents grief and sorrow and one of its Greek names means flower of death (νεκρολούλουδο), which is surprising for such a cheery little flower.