Γαουράγκαθθος, Ονόπορδο το κυπριακό
Etymology of Onopordum cyprium: 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. It is called "cyprium" because it has been initially recorded in Cyprus, and so far it has not been found elsewhere.
There are two Onopordum species in Cyprus and one hybrid. Onopordum cyprium in an indigenous, endemic plant.
Onopordum cyprium is a common plant in Cyprus and it can be seen all across the island, up to an altitude of 1225 metres. Onopordum cyprium is an endemic and indigenous plant. Its flowering period is between April and July.
How to identify Onopordum cyprium:
Onopordum cyprium has similar flower to Onopordum ×makrisii. Onopordum cyprium has stems thinly arachnoid or glabrescent; stem wings narrow, spinose-lobed. On the contrary, Onopordum ×makrisii has stems white-tomentose; stem wings conspicuous, lobulate, with numerous rigid spines.
