Alkanna tinctoria

Αλκάννα η βαφική

Etymology of Alkanna tinctoria: "Alkanna" comes from the Medieval Latin "alcanna" (with Spanish origin) which means "henna". "Tinctor" in Latin means "dyer" because its roots were used as a red dye.

Only this Alkanna taxa has so far been recorded in the Cypriot habitat. The specimens of the pictures were photographed in Akrotiri (Lemesos district), and Athalassa (Nicosia district).

Even though Alkanna tinctoria exists all-around Cyprus except in the Akamas region, it is actually a relatively rare plant for someone to find. It appears at an altitude of up to 850 metres on sandy or stony ground, roadsides and hillsides. Its flowering period is between February and April.