Σίναπη η λευκή, Λαψάνα
Etymology of Sinapis alba: The name of the genus, "Sinapis", derives from the Ancient Greek "σινάπι" [sinapi] or "σίναπις" [sinapis], which was used by the ancient Greeks to call primarily Sinapis arvensis, as well as its seeds. "Alba" is the female Latin for "white", which refers to the pale colour of the seeds.
There are two Sinapis species in the wild habitat of Cyprus.
This is one of the most common plants that someone may encounter in Cyprus, and it is by far more popular than the other, arvensis species. Sinapis alba appears all around Cyprus except for central-eastern Cyprus (mostly referring to the capital and surrounding villages), up to an altitude of 1200 metres. It primarily grows on any territory disturbed by human intervention, primarily on cultivated earth. Its lengthy flowering period is between February and ends in July, primarily due to the draught season.
How to identify Sinapis arvensis:
The main difference between Sinapis alba from the arvensis species is the leaves; all Sinapis alba's leaves are pinnatisect, whilst Sinapis arvenis's upper leaves are narrowly ovate or lanceolate.
