Petrorhagia dubia

Πετροραγία η αβέβαιη

Etymology of Petrorhagia dubia: The name of the genus, "Petrorhagia", comes from the Ancient Greek "πέτρα + ῥαγάς" [petra + ragas], meaning "rock + crack", hence "rock-cracking", which alludes to the genus's prevalence in rock crevices. Petrorhagia dubia is called "dubia" because of its uncertain identity. It was originally thought to be related to Petrorhagia saxifraga, but later observations suggested it was its own distinct species. The Latin word dubium means "doubtful" or "uncertain", so the species was given the name dubia to reflect its uncertain identity.

Three Dubia taxa exist in Cypriot nature, all species.

Petrorhagia dubia is an unpopular plant in Cyprus, despite its possible existence in all the districts of the island, especially the southern ones. The plant can be seen up to an altitude of approximately 1375 metres. It primarily grows on garigue, open forests, and hillsides. The specimen in the picture was photographed in the open, eucalyptus forest of Athalassa (Nicosia district). Its flowering period is between February and May.