Ράπιστρον το ρυτιδωτό
Etymology of Rapistrum rugosum: The name of the genus, "Rapistrum" derives from the Latin "rapum" (deriving from the Ancient Greek ῥάφη, ῥάφανος) meaning "turnip" and the suffix "-astrum", meaning "incomplete resemblance, partially resembling", referring to the resemblance of this wild plant compared to the cultivated turnip (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus) plant. "Rugosum" is also Latin and means "wrinkled", referring to its wrinkled/ribbed silicles.
This is the only Rapistrum species/taxa that is growing in the wild Cypriot habitat.
Rapistrum rugosum is a quite common plant in Cyprus. It is encountered in the majority of the territory controlled by the Republic of Cyprus (excluding Nicosia and the surrounding plains), and it can also be found in central-northern Cyprus. It grows up to an altitude of 1725 metres. It is mostly seen growing on dry ground, on roadsides and on waste ground. Its flowering period usually begins in March and may end late in July.
How to identify Rapistrum rugosum:
It is a plant similar to the Sinapis species and Sisymbrium irio but it can be easily distinguished by its fruits; they are spherical silicles with a terminal beak and bear a sort of bolstering appendage at the base.
