Dittrichia graveolens subspecies graveolens

Ντιτρίχια η βαρύοσμη υποείδος η βαρύοσμη

Etymology of Dittrichia graveolens subspecies graveolens: Dittrichia is a rare example in the floral genus onomatology as it is named after German botanist Manfred Dittrich (1934-2016). Latin ''graveolens" means "strong-smelling", referring to its aggressive aroma.

There are two Dittrichia subspecies in Cyprus (of the species graveolens and viscosa).

Dittrichia graveolens subsp. graveolens is a common plant in Cyprus but it does not appear in the majority of the  Larnaca district. It primarily grows on roadsides, stream banks and non-fertile ground up to an altitude of 1150 metres. Its flowering period is usually in October and November, some times may last until December.

How to identify Dittrichia graveolens subsp. graveolens:

Dittrichia graveolens subsp. graveolens has a capitula of less than 1 cm in diametre; its ligules are 3-3.5 mm long; its leaves are linear-oblanceolate or linear, 2-8 mm wide; it is a slender annual plant.

Dittrichia viscosa subsp. angustifolia on the contrary has a larger capitula of 1-2 cm in diametre; its ligules are larger, 6-7 mm long; its leaves are lanceolate, 3-30 mm wide; it is a perennial plant with a woody base.