Silybum marianum

Σίλυβον το μαριανόν

Etymology of Silybum marianum: The name of the genus "Silybum" is of an unknown etymology. It comes from the Ancient Greek "σίλυβον" or "σίλλυβον" [silyvon/sillyvon], a name with which Dioscorides called some edible thistles, taken over by Pliny with sillybus, a type of thistle. The specific epithet "marianum" derives from the Virgin Mary: the legend attributes to the milk of the Virgin Mary, fallen on the leaves of the plant while fleeing to Egypt.

This is the one and only Silybum taxa (of the two that exist in the world) which grows in Cyprus.

Silybum marianum does not appear to be a common plant in Cyprus. It does not grow in northwestern and central-northern Cyprus. It is encountered up to an altitude of 925 metres. Its flowering period is between March and May.