Πλουμπάγκο το ευρωπαϊκό
Etymology of Plumbago europaea: The name of the genus derives from the Latin words "plumbum" and "agere" which mean "resembles to lead". Plumbago derives its name from a substance found in the root of the European species, hence "europaea", in colour resembling black lead; it is used as a remedy for toothache in France, but stains the teeth grey, this peculiar caustic colouring matter is called Plumbagine.
Europaea is the only plumbago species that appears in Cypriot wild nature. It is a rather rare plant that we encounter in the southern part of Cyprus at an altitude of up to 1075 metres. Plumbago europaea is a perennial that grows a lot, around one metre tall. It blooms during the Cyprus dry season, from June to November.
I have encountered this plant twice: in Vouni village (Lemesos) grown in an abandoned house yard, and in nearby Agios Therapon (Lemesos) grown on the floor of a ruined stone house.
