Scolymus hispanicus

Σχόλυμος ο ισπανικός

Etymology of Scolymus hispanicus: The genus name "Scolymus" derives from the Ancient Greek "σχόλυμος", meaning "artichoke". Pliny used this name for Scolymus hispanicus. The Latinized epithet "hispanicus" means "Spanish".

There are two Scolymus species in the wild Cypriot habitat. Scolymus hispanicus is the most common of the two.

Scolymus hispanicus is an uncommon plant in Cyprus. It is encountered in all the Cypriot districts, up to an altitude of 925 metres. It can be mostly seen on roadsides, waste ground and cultivated fields. Its flowering period begins in May and ends in August.