Scorpiurus muricatus

Σκορπίουρος ο εχινόδερμος

Etymology of Scorpiurus muricatus: The name of the genus, "Scorpiurus", derives from the Ancient Greek "σκορπίος" [skorpios], meaning "scorpion" and "οὐρά" [oura] meaning "tail", hence "scorpion's tail", referring to its long fruit that wraps inward like a scorpion's tail. Latin "Muricatus" derives from "murex", meaning "shaped like a purple-fish, pointed", referring to the tiny prickles appearing on its fruit.

This is the one and only Scorpiurus taxa that exists in Cypriot nature.

Scorpiurus muricatus is a rather uncommon plant, even though it is encountered all around the island at an altitude of up to 600 metres. Its flowering period is from February to June.