Medicago littoralis

Μηδική η παράκτια

Etymology of Medicago littoralis: 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". "Littoralis" is derived from the Latin meaning ''of the sea shore" because it is often seen growing near the sea (but it grows at higher altitudes as well).

There are at least 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 littoralis is a relatively common plant of Cypriot nature. It appears all around the island up to an altitude of 600 metres. It primarily grows coastally. The specimens in the pictures were photographed at the beach of Latchi (Pafos district). Its flowering period is normally between February and May.

How to identify Medicago littoralis:

Medicago littoralis can also be seen with fruits bearing minimal or no spikes.

It is a plant with similar fruits as Medicago ciliaris. Their main difference is that ciliaris has straight spikes and littoralis has curved/horizontal.