Άλυσσον το ομπρελλοειδές
Etymology of Alyssum umbellatum: "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. The name of the species comes from the Latin "umbella", meaning "parasol", a reference to the umbel-arranged flowers.
Nine Alyssum species have been so far discovered in the Cypriot habitat.
Alyssum umbellatum is an endangered plant, which makes it automatically a rare plant to meet. It is encountered at high altitudes between 1100-1600 in the Troodos Mountains range. The specimens in the pictures were photographed around 300 metres south of Troodos Square (Limassol district). Its flowering period is between May and June.
How to identify Alyssum umbellatum
Two key characteristics differentiate Alyssum umbellatum from the other Alyssum species in Cyprus: the leaves, which are similar to A. foliosum, and the silicle, which is similar to A. simplex, and A. strigosum, but differentiate it from Alyssum foliosum.
Leaves
The leaves of Alyssum umbellatum are typically described as linear to narrowly lanceolate in shape, meaning they are long and thin, sometimes slightly widening towards the middle and tapering to a point. They are usually sessile, lacking a distinct stalk and attaching directly to the stem. The surface of the leaves is often greyish-green due to the presence of a dense covering of fine, stellate (star-shaped) hairs, giving them a somewhat downy or velvety texture. These hairs contribute to the overall glaucous (bluish-grey) appearance of the plant.
In contrast, the leaves of Alyssum foliosum are also linear to narrowly oblong in shape, maintaining a relatively narrow form along their length. Similar to Alyssum umbellatum, they are also sessile and attach directly to the stem without a petiole. A key distinguishing feature of Alyssum foliosum is its denser covering of greyish-white, stellate hairs, which often gives the entire plant a more intensely grey-green or almost whitish appearance. The term "foliosum" itself suggests a plant with many leaves, and while the individual leaves might not be dramatically larger than those of Alyssum umbellatum, the overall impression can be of a denser foliage.
Silicle
Additionally, only 3 Alyssums in Cyprus have a stellate-pilose silicle, this one, and the short species simplex and strigosum.
