Lotus purpureus

Λωτός ο ερυθρός

Etymology of Lotus purpureus: "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". "Purpureus" is Latin and it means "scarlet", referring to the colour of its flowers.

There are at least 11 Lotus species/kinds in Cyprus of which three are endangered to extinction (and hard to encounter).

Lotus purpureus is a common plant in the Cypriot habitat.  It basically does not exist in the Troodos region and the majority of the Mesaoria region, and it mostly appears coastally. It is found at an altitude of maximum of 750 metres. Lotus purpureus blooms from February until May.

Synonyms:

Lotus palaestinus (Boiss.) Holmboe.
Lotus tetraptera Stokes.
Scandalida rubra Medik.
Scandalida tetragonoloba (L.) Medik.
Tetragonolobus edulis Link.
Tetragonolobus palaestinus Boiss.
Tetragonolobus purpureus