Carmel presents us with flowers in all seasons.
In this column we will always present one of the Carmel flowers, at the same time as it appears in the field, and you will be invited to visit it in one of the places where it blooms.

Savion Spring

Savion spring is an annual, erect herb. It is the most common species of the complex family in Israel. Blooms at the beginning of January after the flowering of the house daisy and the thick-rooted patch, which are also from the compound family.  
His name is derived from the grandfatherly appearance of his mature scalp.

ID

• family: complex
• root: The root is the means of culture through underground shoots that the plant develops.
• height: 15-30 cm.
• Leaves: Pinnate leaves with a simple rim.
• stalk: Round stem.
• rash: Blooms in winter and spring, mainly between January and April.
• Flowers: A scalp of lingual yellow flowers on the sides of the scalp, and tubular yellow flowers in the center.
• The structure of the flower: The lingual flowers are only female, while the tubular flowers are bisexual.
• The fruit: The seeds have a tuft of white hairs, reminiscent of a grandfather's head, and are spread by the wind.
• smell: No information on smell.
• nectar: Contains nectar that attracts bees and flies.
• uses: There are no known uses for the plant.
• Distribution in Israel: Common in all the Mediterranean regions of the country, from the north to the northern Negev. Grows in abandoned fields and roadsides.

A place to meet this week

Entrance to the Forty Grove on Route 672 in front of the main entrance to Carmel Park.

• Drive on Abba Khushi Boulevard from the university and continue on road 672 in the direction of Usafia.
• At the main entrance to the Carmel Park, turn left (towards the northeast) and park the car on the way to the entrance to Horesh Ha'Varaim.
• Get out of the car, on the right side of the entrance to Horesh Arbaim - on the edge of road 672 near the "Danger of Slipping" sign posted on the sides of road 672 you will be able to notice the blooming of the Savion Spring.

If you go to visit the flower in the company of children, you can tell them the legend about the spring sabion and its friend the speck.

The legend of the spring Sabion

In Emek Porah in the Land of Israel, lived many flowers, among them was a special flower called Sabion Avivi. The sabion is the most common flower in the composite family species in Israel, its yellow color was shining like the sun in the middle of the day. Every day, when the sun began to shine and the rains stopped, Savion Avivi bloomed in large areas and brought joy to all its surroundings.

One day, when Sabion was blooming in all its beauty, he noticed a small and dejected flower called a spot. Spot was also a beautiful yellow braid, but she felt sad because it was not as prominent as the other flowers in the valley. All the other flowers, like anemones and marigolds that got a lot of attention, while she felt lonely and plain.

The Savion, who noticed the sadness evident on Tamama's face, decided that this was his chance to help. He approached her and said: "Don't worry, Tama! Every flower is special in its own way. I'm sure you have beauty that needs to be discovered."

Spot gave a small smile, but she wasn't sure of herself. Savion thought of a way to make his girlfriend happy. "How about we have a celebration, invite all the flowers and animals in the valley, and celebrate the beauty of each and every one of us."

The spot was enthusiastic about the idea, and after a few days of preparations, the day of the celebration arrived. The whole valley gathered, curious to see what was about to take place.
The Sabion stood in the center and announced: "Dear friends, today we will celebrate the beauty in all of us! I want to introduce you to my friend the wonderful stain!" He pointed to a spot, which began to feel a sense of dread. The animals and flowers began to clap their hands and call the stain by flattering names. "You're amazing!" Butterflies shouted, "You are a unique commodity in our valley!" cried the birds.

The stain, starting to feel proud, smiled and looked around. She realized that she was no less special than the others around her. The celebration continued with dancing and singing, and everyone shared their story and what makes them special. From that day on, the stain didn't feel lonely anymore. She realized that every flower, of every height and color, is valuable. Savion Avivi became her best friend, and they went through the blooming season together, blooming and smiling at each other. And so, everyone celebrated the difference and beauty in each and every one, and realized that love and friendship are what make the world more beautiful.