Alyssum cypricum

Άλυσσον το κυπριακό

Etymology of Alyssum cypricum: "Alysson" derives from Ancient Greek "ἄλυσσον" [alysson] from the prefix "-ά" meaning "without" +‎ "λύσσα" meaning "rabies". Hence  "ἄλυσσον" means "cure for rage". It basically refers to the ancient belief that this plant could cure madness. Latin "cypricum" means "the Cypriot", as it was initially discovered in Cyprus.

Nine Alyssum species have been so far discovered in the Cypriot habitat.

Alyssum cypricum is an indigenous, near-endemic plant (it also exists in Turkey), which is encountered at a high altitude of 1075–1825 in the Troodos Mountains range. Its flowering period is between April and June.

How to identify Alyssum cypricum:

Alyssum cypricum is similar to Alyssum troodi, but the main obvious difference is their inflorescence; for cypricum is branched, for troodi is unbranched.

Another difference is based on their leaves' shape. Alyssum troodi's leaves are wider (broadly obovate-spathulate) than cypricum's (narrowly obovate-spathulate).

Additionally, cypricum's silicle is sparsely stellate-pillose, about 4 mm long and 2.5 mm wide. On the contrary, troodi's silicle is glabrous, 7-8 mm long, 3-4 mm wide.