Lathyrus annuus

Λάθυρος ο ετήσιος

Etymology of Lathyrus annuus: Lathyrus comes from the Ancient Greek word "Lathyros" [Λάθυρος], from the prefix "λα-" [la-] meaning "extremely," and the suffix "-θυρος" [–thyros] meaning "passionate", referring to the ancient belief in the plant's supposed aphrodisiacal powers. "Annuus" is Latin and means "annual" because this species is annual (but of course, all the Lathyrus taxa in Cyprus are annual).

There are at least 14 Lathyrus taxa growing on their own in the wild Cypriot habitat. There are some additional domesticated species and subspecies growing in gardens.

This species is encountered all around Cyprus at an altitude of up to 600 metres, but still, it is not a common plant. It grows on roadsides, waste ground, and cultivated fields. Lathyrus annuus blooms from February to May.

How to identify Lathyrus annuus:

L. gorgonei is similar to L. annuus. Their obvious difference is that gorgonei's racemes are always 1-flowered, and on the contrary, annuus's racemes are 1-3-flowered. Additionally, gorgonei has stipules generally rather broad, semi-sagittate or semi-hastate, whilst annuus has very narrow stipules.