Cardopatium corymbosum

Όπηρος, Πομινότριφος, Καρδοπάτιο το κορυμβώδες

Etymology of "Cardopatium corymbosum": "Cardopatium" derives from Ancient Greek "κάρδος" [kardos], which means "cactus" and Latin "patere" which means "to lie open", hence "the cactus that lies open". The epithet "corymbosum" is derived from Latin meaning ''flowers arranged in corymbs''.

Cardopatium corymbosum is the one and only Cardopatium species which is encountered in the Cypriot habitat.

Cardopatium corymbosum is an uncommon, drought-tolerant plant which is encountered coastally almost all-around Cyprus (primarily on the South and West coasts of the island) up to an altitude of 300 metres. It is more likely to spot it closer to the beach. It mainly grows on rocky, dry ground and roadsides. Its flowering period is between May and August.

Cardopatium corymbosum is a perennial herb, 8-25 cm high, with short stems, often prostrate, with thorns up to 1 cm long. Cardopatium corymbosum's roots were used in Cyprus in topical applications on wounds and as an antiseptic.