Turritis laxa

Τουρρίτις η αραιή

Etymology of Turritis laxa: "Turritis" derives from Latin "turritus", meaning "tower-shaped", alluding to the pyramidal shape of the plants due to the overlap of leaves and fruits. "Laxa" is also Latin from "laxus", meaning "wide, spacious, roomy", figuratively "loose, free, wide", probably to describe the density of its leaves.

There is only one Turritis species in Cyprus and laxa is this one.

Turritis laxa is an uncommon (in Cyprus) biennial plant growing up to 50cm high, but it is usually seen reaching 25cm high. Although its leaves are usually green can be seen also in dark mauve colour. Its flowering period starts in February and ends in June. Turritis laxa is encountered in the Troodos Mountains region and surrounding mountains in Cyprus, at an altitude of 600-1900 metres. It grows in open forests, shady places (under trees), roadsides and stony slopes. It is relatively common in the Mount Olympus area.