Μηδική η αραβική
Etymology of Medicago arabica: The term "Medicago" derives from "Μήδια" [Media], a historical geographic area occupied by the Medi that occupied a large part of today’s central and western Iran south of the Caspian Sea, the territory from which the ancient Greeks thought the plant originated; from this derived the Ancient Greek word for plant "μηδική" [medice], meaning "of Media". Latinized "Medicago" became as such from "medica" + the suffix "-ago", as in "Plantago". It is called "arabica" because it was believed to originate from the Arabian peninsula (or it was initially recorded there).
There are at least 25 taxa, 24 species and one hybrid in the wild Cypriot habitat (plus another domesticated one), of which one species appears exclusively in the occupied north. Another one's existence is questionable.
Medicago arabica is not an endemic plant. It is encountered in the Troodos Mountains range and less in southern areas. It also exists in northern-central Cyprus. It appears at an altitude of up to 1350 metres. Its flowering period is between March and July.
