Κρηπίδα η ιερή
Etymology of Crepis sancta: The name "Crepis" derives from the Ancient Greek "κρηπίς" which is "a platform, the base with stairs, on which the temples were built in ancient Greece", because of the formation of its leaves on where the stems with the flowers stand in some species of the genus. Latin female "sancta" means "holy".
There are about 200 species in this genus. In Cyprus, we encounter 9 species and two subspecies (11 taxa). Their flowers are more or less the same.
Crepis sancta is a very common plant in Cyprus, it is encountered in all the regions of the island, at an altitude of up to 1375 metres. it can reach a maximum height of 40 cm. Crepis sancta blooms between March and April but it could be extended depending on the weather conditions from December until June.
How to identify Crepis sancta:
The leaves are crucial to identify the plant, hence our photo focuses on them instead of the flower. It is an annual plant with a slender taproot; it bears scapose stems; the leaves are all basal, with small tooth-like projections; the leaves' upper surface is green, covered with sparse, whitish stiff hairs; the leaves form a rosette.
