Γαλατούνα, Τζιόγχος, Γαλατόχορτον, Σόγχος ο τραχύς υποείδος ο γλαύκος
Etymology of Sonchus asper subspecies glaucescens: "Sonchus" was called in ancient Greece "σόγχος" [sonkhos] and "σόγκος" [sogos], but the etymology is of unknown origin (the word could be Pre-Greek). The name is nevertheless from the classical times mentioned by Theophrastus and Dioscorides. Latin "asper" means "rough, sharp, coarse", referring to the shape of its leaves. The specific epithet "glaucescens" is both a New Latin (from Latin "glaucus") and an Ancient Greek term (γλαυκός) meaning "bluish grey", referring to the color of the plant.
There are six kinds of Sonchus in Cyprus, three species, two subspecies and one hybrid.
Sonchus asper subsp. glaucescens is an uncommon plant characterized by the shape of its leaves.
How to identify Sonchus asper subspecies glaucescens:
Sonchus asper subspecies glaucescens has its achenes almost flattened, with a distinct marginal wing (the achenes for Sonchus asper subspecies asper are compressed but without a winged margin). The margins and ribs of the achene are ciliolate with minute retrorse bristles (this does not happen with the subsp. asper). Its leaves are generally glaucescent (in Sonchus asper subspecies asper they are mostly vivid green).
