Λακτούκη η πριονόφυλλη
Etymology of Lactuca serriola: ''Lactuca'' is derived from the Latin verb ''lacto'', meaning "contain milk", hence "lactuca" is a "milky plant", referring to the white, milky juice of the root and stems of the plant. The "Serriola" etymology is unknown and the closest Latin word, "serrata" means "toothed like a saw", which term actually matches the shape of its leaves.
Seven Lactuca species exist in the Cypriot habitat.
Lactuca serriola is by far the most common species of the genus in Cyprus. It is actually one of the most popular plants that grow in the Cyprus habitat and it grows at any altitude. It is a plant that is absent in the Akamas regions and the Karpasia peninsula. It primarily grows in gardens, sidewalks, roadsides, and fields. Its flowering period is from June until October.
Lactuca serriola is a biennial growing up to 1.8 m. One unusual characteristic about this plant is that its flowers open early in the morning and when the sun appears they close. Another characteristic is the fact that chickens won't consume this plant, even if they are dying from hunger, most likely because it is mildly toxic.
