Αρκολασμαρίν, Πτιλοστήμων η χαμαιπεύκη ποικιλία η κυπρία
Etymology of Ptilostemon chamaepeuce variety cyprius: "Ptilostemon" derives from the Ancient Greek nouns "πτίλον+στήμων" [ptilon+stemon], meaning "down-like stamen". The adverb and noun "χαμαί+πεύκη" [hame+pefki] mean "ground pine" because it has linear, pine-like leaves. It is called "cyprius" because it was initially recorded in Cyprus.
Ptilostemon chamaepeuce var. cyprius is the only Ptilostemon kind that exists in the wild Cypriot habitat, and it actually exists only in Cyprus, it is an endemic plant.
This plant's flower is similar to the Cirsus and Carduus species but chamaepeuce's extremely soft, oblong, pine-looking, grey leaves are entirely different and definitely not thorny as usual thistles'.
Ptilostemon chamaepeuce var. cyprius is neither a common nor a rare plant. It is found in Cyprus's most regions but not in the vast Mesaoria region (the area from Morfou bay until Famagusta bay). It appears at an altitude between 150–1675 metres. Ptilostemon chamaepeuce var. cyprius is flowering between May and July.
The specimen of the picture was photographed in Agios Therapon village, Lemesos region, where it is unusually popular.
