Ραγαδίολος ο εδώδιμος
Etymology of Rhagadiolus edulis
The name of the genus, "Rhagadiolus", is a Latinized word coming from the Ancient Greek word "ῥαγάδιον" [raghadion], meaning "of the small slit, small crack" + the Latin suffix "-olus" (meaning small), referring to a small flower, of which the rays of the calyx of its fruits, which are dug in a gutter, resemble a slit. Latin "edulis" means "edible" because it is indeed an edible plant being consumed in some regions until nowadays.
The Rhagadiolus genus in Cyprus
There are two Rhagadiolus taxa in the wild Cypriot habitat, two species.
Rhagadiolus edulis in Cyprus
Rhagadiolus edulis is said to appear all around the island except for the vast, central plains surrounding the capital. It is a plant that can be encountered up to an altitude of 1475 metres. Its flowering period is between March and June.
How to identify Rhagadiolus edulis
Rhagadiolus edulis and Rhagadiolus stellatus have some key differences, which are the below:
Flower head
In terms of the flower head, Rhagadiolus edulis presents with a notably smaller structure, typically measuring between 5 to 8 mm in diameter. These diminutive heads contain the characteristic yellow ligulate florets common to the genus. In contrast, Rhagadiolus stellatus boasts a larger flower head, exceeding 1 cm in diameter and often ranging from 7 to 10 mm, with some observations indicating it can reach up to 2-3 cm. This more substantial flower head contributes to the overall more robust appearance of R. stellatus compared to its slender relative.
Outer fruit achenes
The outer fruit achenes provide a particularly distinguishing characteristic. Rhagadiolus edulis typically develops 5 to 6 outer achenes. These are linear-cylindrical in shape, sometimes exhibiting a slight curve, and are relatively short, measuring around 1 to 1.3 cm in length. A key feature is that these achenes are wholly enveloped by the glabrous (smooth, hairless) phyllary, the set of involucral bracts that surround the flower head. On the other hand, Rhagadiolus stellatus typically produces a greater number of outer achenes, usually around (7-)8. These achenes are also longer, reaching approximately 1.6 cm (or 10-15 mm according to some sources), and are distinctly curved or subulate (awl-shaped), tapering to a point (attenuate). Crucially, the phyllary in R. stellatus is dorsally hispid, meaning it is rough with short, stiff hairs, and it only partially encloses the outer achenes. The curved and spreading nature of these achenes in fruit gives the fruiting head of R. stellatus its signature star-like appearance, hence the name.
Basal leaves
The basal leaves also exhibit differences. Rhagadiolus edulis often features basal leaves with a prominent, somewhat round or suborbicular terminal lobe. The petiole, or leaf stalk, of these basal leaves can be as long as or even longer than the leaf blade itself. This gives the basal rosette of R. edulis a somewhat distinct appearance. In contrast, the basal leaves of Rhagadiolus stellatus are described as repand-dentate, meaning they have a wavy-toothed margin. They do not typically possess a large, round terminal lobe, and the petiole is often indistinct or shorter relative to the leaf blade.
Stem leaves
Finally, the stem leaves show some divergence. In Rhagadiolus edulis, the stem leaves are generally undivided, although they may be sinuate-dentate (wavy-toothed) or nearly entire (smooth-edged). Rhagadiolus stellatus, while its basal leaves are often more divided (lyrate-pinnatifid), can have cauline (stem) leaves that range from being undivided and sinuate-dentate to sometimes ovate or lanceolate in shape. The overall leaf morphology, considering both basal and stem leaves, tends to be more varied and sometimes more divided in R. stellatus compared to the often simpler stem leaves and distinctly lobed basal leaves of R. edulis.
