Λωτός ο αλατόφιλος
Etymology of Lotus halophilus
"Λωτός" [lotos] is the name given to this plant genus by the Ancient Greeks; it possibly derives from Hebrew " לוֹט " [lot], translated as "myrrh", which in the Septuagint is defined as "a form of oil that drips from various trees".
The specific epithet halophilus is derived from two Greek words: (h)als [ἅλς], meaning "salt" and "philοs" [φίλος], meaning "friend", "fond of".
Therefore, the full etymology of Lotus halophilus literally means "friend of sand Lotus," or "fond-of-salt Lotus", directly describing its preference to grow on coastal areas and beaches.
Lotus halophilus in Cyprus
Lotus halophilus primarily grows on the sandy coastline of Cyprus, and up to elevations of 175 meters. Its flowering period is between February and May.
Key morphological characteristics of Lotus halophilus
This plant is typically largely glabrous (smooth and hairless) or very sparsely hairy throughout its parts, which is a significant distinguishing feature.
Growth Habit
It is a sprawling, herbaceous perennial with a low-lying, prostrate growth habit, often forming ground-covering mats. Its stems are generally smooth or with only minute, sparse hairs.
Leaves
The leaves are small and composed of three leaflets (trifoliate), with two prominent stipules at the base that often resemble additional leaflets. They are characteristically somewhat fleshy or succulent, lending them a slightly plump texture. Their color is typically glaucous (bluish-green), and they are consistently glabrous (smooth and entirely hairless) on both surfaces.
Flowers
The flowers are small, bright yellow, and possess the distinctive pea-like (papilionaceous) structure of the legume family. They are typically arranged in small clusters or umbels, usually containing 1 to 3, and occasionally up to 5, flowers. The calyx (the fused sepals beneath the petals) may have very sparse, short hairs, but the petals themselves are glabrous.
Pods (Fruits)
The fruits are slender, elongated, straight legumes (pods). They are consistently smooth (glabrous) and hairless on their surface and often mature to a reddish-brown color. A defining characteristic is their arrangement, as they radiate outwards from the tip of the flower stalk (peduncle), creating a distinctive "bird's foot" or star-like cluster.
This combination of a sprawling, often succulent, and predominantly hairless nature, along with its specific flower and pod morphology, makes Lotus halophilus well-adapted to its typical habitat in saline environments such as beaches and coastal areas.
Two Lotuses grow on the Cypriot beaches
Lotus halophilus and Lotus cytisoides are the two Lotus species in Cyprus that grow on the beach. While both Lotus halophilus and Lotus cytisoides (often recognized as Lotus creticus in many floras) can be found in coastal environments, they possess several key morphological differences that distinguish them:
Overall Hairiness/Pubescence
Lotus halophilus: Is characterized by being largely glabrous (smooth and hairless) throughout its stems, leaves, and pods. The leaves are distinctly smooth to the touch.
Lotus cytisoides (as L. creticus): Is typically densely covered in silky, appressed hairs on its stems and especially its leaves, giving the whole plant a distinctive silvery or greyish appearance and a velvety feel. This is arguably the most prominent distinguishing feature.
Leaf Texture and Appearance
Lotus halophilus: Has leaves that are somewhat fleshy or succulent and usually glaucous (bluish-green) in color. They appear relatively thick and juicy due to their succulence.
Lotus cytisoides (as L. creticus): Its leaves are generally not fleshy or succulent but are instead covered in the aforementioned dense hairs, appearing distinctly silvery or whitish rather than bluish-green.
Growth Habit
Lotus halophilus: Is typically a herbaceous perennial with a more prostrate, sprawling, ground-covering habit.
Lotus cytisoides (as L. creticus): Is often a sub-shrub or perennial with a more robust, woody base, and can be more erect or sprawling from that woody structure, giving it a more substantial presence.
In summary, if the plant is largely hairless and has somewhat fleshy, bluish-green leaves, it points strongly to Lotus halophilus. If it's densely covered in silvery hairs and is more robust or shrubby, it's more likely Lotus cytisoides (or L. creticus).
