Άγχουσα η αδρότριχη
Etymology of Anchusa strigosa
The genus name Anchusa comes from Ancient Greek "ἄγχουσα" [anchusa]. Greek grammarian Hesychius of Alexandria explained around 6th-5th century B.C. that it was a "ῥίζα ᾗ φυκοῦνται γύναια", meaning "a root with which women use to beautify themselves", as Anchusa's root was used for cosmetic purposes. Hesychius used the term "ἔγχουσα" [enchusa]. He also explained that the verb "ἀγχουσίζομαι" [anchusizome] meant "utilize anchusa, dye", hence "anchusa" meant "(a) dye". "Strigosa" is the female Latin for "bearing rigid hairs", referring to its rigid, prickly hairs.
Habitat of Anchusa strigosa
Anchusa strigosa is native to the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Its distribution encompasses regions such as Greece (including the Aegean Islands), Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Jordan, and parts of Iran and Iraq. Within this range, it is a relatively common plant, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean.
Its preferred habitats are typically dry and sunny environments. You can often find Anchusa strigosa growing on roadsides, in open fields and uncultivated land, along stream banks, and in rocky or gravelly soils. It is well-adapted to the warm and often arid conditions prevalent in these regions and can thrive in disturbed areas as well as more natural, open landscapes.
The Anchusa genus in Cyprus
There are at least five Anchusa species in the Cypriot habitat.
Anchusa strigosa in Cyprus
Anchusa strigosa is a quite common plant in Cyprus. Anchusa strigosa is a perennial plant growing up to 200 cm high. It is encountered mostly in western Cyprus between 100–1075 metres. It is found on roadsides, stream banks, and uncultivated fields. It can be found either with blue or white flowers, and what distinguishes it from Anchusa azurea are its prickly hairs. Its flowering period is mostly between March and June.
Differences between Anchusa strigosa and Anchusa azurea
Distinguishing Anchusa strigosa (Bristly Alkanet) from Anchusa azurea (Italian Bugloss or Garden Anchusa) can be done by carefully observing several morphological characteristics. Here's a detailed breakdown of major differences:
Hairs and Bristles
Anchusa azurea: The entire plant is covered in rough, bristly hairs, but these are generally less stiff and prickly compared to A. strigosa. The hairs arise from small, swollen bases.
Anchusa strigosa: As its common name suggests ("Bristly Alkanet" and the Latin "strigosa" meaning "bearing rigid hairs"), this species is characterized by very stiff, prickly, and almost stinging hairs that cover the stems and leaves. This is often the most immediately obvious difference.
Leaves
Anchusa azurea: The basal leaves are large, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, and can be quite coarse. The stem leaves are smaller, alternate, and become more lanceolate as they ascend the stem. They are hairy but less harshly bristly than in A. strigosa.
Anchusa strigosa: The leaves are lanceolate to linear-lanceolate and are densely covered with the characteristic stiff, prickly hairs. The basal leaves are not as distinctly larger compared to the stem leaves as in A. azurea.
Flowers and Inflorescence
Anchusa azurea: Produces numerous bright blue, showy flowers in large, branched, and often somewhat scorpioid (curled) cymes. The individual flowers are typically larger than those of A. strigosa.
Anchusa strigosa: The flowers are typically a lighter blue, often described as gentian blue or even sometimes white. The inflorescences are also cymose but tend to be less densely flowered and less showy than A. azurea.
Calyx
Anchusa azurea: The calyx lobes are lanceolate and hairy.
Anchusa strigosa: The calyx lobes are also lanceolate and are covered with the same stiff, prickly hairs as the rest of the plant.
