The Odours of the Cliffs

2023

This installation shows the odours of the plants that characterize the olfactory panorama of the Ericeira’s cliffs. Some of these plants played a significant role in the history of the Portuguese, and are part of Portugal’s identity. By paying attention to what these plants are saying to us, we are contributing to the preservation of cliff ecosystems and their rich biodiversity.

 Find a digital representation of the cliff here.

Exhibit at Centro de Interpretação da Reserva Mundial de Surf

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Immortelle

Helichrysum italicum

Location: Praia da Empa, Ericeira;

Origin: Native;

Scent: dry, warm, sweet with a soft touch of spices and a woody and earthy background;

Properties: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidants;

Edible parts: leaves and flowers.

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Sea Fennel

Crithmum maritimum

Location: Praia da Empa, Ericeira;
Origin: Native;
Scent: citrus, salty, fresh with strong notes of lemon evoking the sea breeze;
Properties: antioxidants, diuretics, carminative, depurative, antiscorbutic, digestive and rich in vitamins A, C and E;
Edible parts: leaves.

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Juniper

Juniperus turbinata

Location: Praia da Empa, Ericeira;

Origin: native;

Properties: diuretic;
Scent: woody, resinous, citrus and balsamic with notes of cedar;
Edible parts: pine cones and globules.​​​​​