Centaurea aegialophila

Κενταύρια η αιγιαλόφιλη

Etymology of Centaurea aegialophila: The genus's name derives from Ancient Greek "κένταυρος", which means "centaur". The centaurs in Greek mythology were half men, half horses; having the torso of a man extending where the neck of a horse should be. The name is said to be in reference to Chiron, the centaur of Greek mythology who discovered medicinal uses of a plant eventually called "centaury" [κενταύρια]. "Aegialophila" is Greek and it means "friend of the coastline".

A total of 10 Centaurea species have been identified in Cyprus, 11 taxa in total with the subspecies.

Centaurea aegialophila is found all-around Cyprus, almost at any altitude, and it is a relatively common plant. Centaurea aegialophila is neither a rare nor a common plant. Places that can be seen include Ypsonas, Alassa, Troodos, Lady's Mile beach (Lemesos district) and Milikouri (Nicosia). It appears as an erect plant or a plant growing horizontally on the ground. Its flowering period is from March until August.