Τραγοπώγονας ο πρασόφυλλος υποείδος ο μακρύρυγχος, Παππούς, Κλέφτης, Γένεια του λαού, Φκιά του λαού, Καλακατσούνα
Etymology of Tragopogon porrifolius subspecies longirostris: "Tragopogon" derives from the Ancient Greek compound word "τραγοπώγων"; from the nouns "τράγος" [tragos], meaning "billy goat" and "πώγων" [pogon], meaning "beard", hence "billy goat's beard", alluding to the hairy pappus that crowns each seed. The specific epithet "porrifolius" comes from Latin "porrum", meaning "leek" and "folium", meaning "leaf", hence "with leek leaves". "Longisrostris" derives from New Latin "longus" meaning "long" and "rostrum" meaning "beak", referring to the elongated apex.
Tragopogon porrifolius subspecies longirostris is the only Tragopogon kind (species, subspecies or hybrid) that is found in the Cypriot habitat.
It is a herbaceous and biennial weed. Known since antiquity (both Theophrastus and Dioscorides refer to it under the name of tragopogon), it has a fleshy, sweet and delicious root that is eaten. In Cyprus, it is found on the edges of rural roads and in fields or uncultivated areas.
Tragopogon porrifolius subspecies longirostris usually grows to a height of around 35-70 centimeters. It has long and thin saber-shaped leaves that when tender are used as vegetables. It gives wonderful flowers that open like large stars of green color with a violet tint in the center.
Tragopogon porrifolius subspecies longirostris is a common plant of the Cypriot habitat. It can be found at any altitude in Cyprus, in any district. Its lengthy flowering period is between March and June.
