Rumex cristatus

Αλαπαθκιά, Λάπαθο το κορωνιδοφόρο

Etymology of Rumex cristatus: "Rumex" was named after Pliny; Rumex means "javelin or spear", due to the pointed shape of the leaves of many species of this genus. The name "cristatus" is Latin meaning ''tufted, crested'' and alludes to the distinctive crests in this species.

At least 15 Rumex species and subspecies have been identified so far in Cyprus, of which one subspecies is exclusively growing in occupied Cyprus.

Rumex cristatus despite being a common plant in Cyprus grows only on the Troodos mountain range and the surrounding high mountains, as it appears at an altitude of 925–1950 (the peak of Olympus mountain). It primarily grows on non-rough cultivated or uncultivated ground in open areas. The plants in the pictures were photographed in Kato Platres, Lemesos. Rumex cristatus's flowering period is between May and July. 

How to identify Rumex cristatus:

The most apparent feature of this species is the density of the fruits on the flowering branches that appear crowded and compacted, the one close to the other. Branching is not strongly divaricated, becoming rather crowded.

In addition to the above, the plant is tall, up to 150 centimetres high with spear-shaped leaves. It has thin pedicels, longer than the perianth segments. The margins of the fruiting valves are irregularly erose-denticulate. The largest callus is 2-3 x 1.5 mm.