Λάθυρος ο γοργόνειος
Etymology of Lathyrus gorgonei: 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. "Γοργόνα" [gorgona] in Ancient Greek means "mermaid", unknown why it was named as such.
There are at least 14 Lathyrus species/kinds growing on their own in the wild Cypriot habitat. There are some additional domesticated species and subspecies growing in gardens.
This is a yellow or pale orange Lathyrus encountered all around Cyprus at an altitude of up to 1375 metres. Lathyrus gorgonei grows on roadsides, waste ground, and cultivated fields. Lathyrus gorgonei blooms from February to May.
How to identify Lathyrus gorgonei:
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.
