Κισσός, Τέτσης, Χεδέρα η παστουχόβεια υποείδος η κυπρία
Etymology of Hedera pastuchovii subspecies cypria: The Latin name "Hedera" was classically used to name Hedera helix, and is translated as ''ivy". It derives from Proto-Indo-European "gʰed-", which means "to seize, grasp, take", referring to Hedera's ability to grasp on other objects and expand. The epithet pastuchovii is a tribute to a person with the surname Pastukhov (maybe Russian military topographer Andrei Vasilievich Pastukhov, 1860-1899?). It is called "cypria" as it is a Cyprus endemic plant, which exists only in Cyprus.
There are two Hedera kinds in the wild Cypriot habitat, one species and one subspecies.
Hedera pastuchovii subsp. cypria is a common plant growing in the Troodos Mountains region up to 1350 metres and areas south of it, exceeding 350 metres. It primarily grows next to streams and rivers climbing on anything high. Its flowering period is usually between August and October.
Hedera pastuchovii subspecies cypria is an evergreen climbing plant, growing slowly to 20–30 metres high where suitable surfaces are available and growing as ground cover where there are no vertical surfaces. It climbs by means of aerial rootlets which cling to the substrate. It is more common at higher altitudes in rocky, shadowy riverine forests. It is a plant that can be domesticated and grow slowly for decades.
How to identify Hedera pastuchovii subsp. cypria:
It can be distinguished easily from Hedera helix because the latter has yellow fruits, while Hedera pastuchovii subsp. cypria is always black-fruited. Additionally, Hedera helix appears in the Akamas region whilst cypria in central mountainous Cyprus. Finally, for H. helix the trichomes on the leaves are stellate (best seen in juvenile leaves) whilst for H. pastuchovii subsp. cypria are scale-like.
