Μηδική η ελάχιστη
Etymology of Medicago minima: 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". Latin "minimum" is the neuter form of "minimus" meaning "the smallest", referring to the small size of its flowers, leaflets and fruit.
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 minima is a plant that is born, develops, reproduces and dies in the same vegetation period. It can reach 5-40 cm, spreading or erect. Its leaflets are small, obovate or wedge-oblong, denticulate at the top, not spotted. Its stipules are entire or slightly toothed. Its flowers are yellow, small (3-4 mm), 1-6 in number on short, awned peduncles, barely equaling the leaf. The pedicels are shorter than the calyx tube - wings. Its pod is small, globose, with 3-5 whorls of whorl not very visible, as well as the faces, with obtuse narrow edges, bristling with numerous spines, close together, erect, fine, slightly hooked at the tip. The seeds are oblong in the kidney.
Medicago minima is a common plant in Cyprus that exists all around the island except for the northwestern part. It appears up to an altitude of 1150 metres. Its flowering period is between February and May.
How to identify Medicago minima:
It is a pubescent herb looking similar to Medicago polymorpha but easily differentiated by hairy stems, nearly entire stipules, smaller 5-10 mm long leaflets and smaller (unique) fruit with 3-5 coils and spines away from the marginal border, at the right angles to the disc.
