Χωστή, Καυκαρούα, Κυνάρα η κερατοφόρα
Etymology of Cynara cornigera: Cynara was named after the Ancient Greek "κυνάρα" [kynara] which means "artichoke". "Cornigera" is the Latin female for "bearing horns".
At least three Cynara species have been identified in the Cypriot habitat and they are all uncommon plants to encounter in Cyprus.
Cynara cornigera exists in small numbers and at low altitudes (maximum 300 metres) in most Cypriot regions, excluding the one of Kerynia and the Karpasia peninsula. I have encountered them at Souni village (Limassol district) and Pano Arodes (Akamas region). In the Cypriot dialect Cynara cornigera is called "hosti", meaning "hiding place", obviously because ants gather inside it. Cynara cornigera's flowering period is brief, we may see it bloom only around April and May.
In Cyprus, the premature fruit was edible in the same way the original artichoke is being cleaned and eaten.
