Σαρατζιηνός, Γαουράγκαθθο, Ονόπορδο το χρυσόφεγγο
Etymology of Onopordum bracteatum: The word "onopordum" comes from Ancient Greek "ὄνος + πορδή" [onos + pordhi], meaning "donkey +fart", hence "fart of the donkey", referring to the alleged effects of intestinal turbulence that the plant gave to the donkeys. "Bracteatum" is Latin and it means "covered with a veneer of gold/shining like gold".
There are two Onopordum species in Cyprus and one hybrid.
Although Onopordum bracteatum is a common Onopodum species, it is encountered only in southern and hilly or mountainous Cyprus. Onopordum bracteatum, "the Saracen" as it is called in Cyprus, grows at an altitude between 250-1350 metres and it blooms usually between June and August, depending on the altitude. They mostly appear on uncultivated grassland and roadsides.
