Echium italicum

Έχιο το ιταλικό, Καττουδκιά

Etymology of Echium italicum: "Echium" is called in Ancient Greek "ἔχιον" [ehion] and "έχις" [ehis]. Έχις derives from "έχιδνα" [ehidna] which means "viper", as the shape of the fruit resembles a viper's head. "Italicum" is the Latin for "Italian" as it was most likely initially recorded in Italy.

There are 6 Echium species in Cyprus.

Echium italicum is not a common plant in Cyprus. It is encountered only in western Cyprus at an altitude between 250–925 meters. The specimens of the picture were recorded on roadsides in Pretori village, Pafos, and Kato Platres village, Lemesos. Its flowering period is usually between April and June.