Crithmum maritimum

Κήρταμα, Κρίθμο το παράλιο

Etymology of Crithmum maritimum: The name of the genus, "crithmum", which survived through the centuries derives from Ancient Greek "κρίθμον or κρῆθμον" [crithmon], of uncertain etymology. It is speculated that it could relate to "κριθή" [krithē], meaning "barley" because of the similarity of the fruit by form and shell to a barley bean. The Latin epithet indicating the species, "maritimum", refers to its exclusive habitat.

Crithmum maritimum is the only Crithmum species that grows in the Cypriot wild habitat. The specimens in the picture were photographed in Ayia Napa.

Crithmum maritimum is a wild seaside herb that grows on soil or rocks at the sea shore only. It is encountered almost all-around Cyprus (basically it is found in all the districts). Its flowering period starts very late, in hot July, and ends around November. It is a draught and salt-tolerant plant.