Securigera securidaca

Σεκουριγκέρα η τσεκουρωτή

Etymology of Securigera securidaca: The name of the genus, "Securigera", derives from the Latin "securiger", meaning "axe-bearing". Similarly, the epithet "securidaca" means "axe-bearing" and derives from "securis", meaning "axe"; both names refer to the allegedly axe-shaped fruit.

There are three Securigera species/kinds in the wild Cypriot habitat, of which one is found exclusively on the northern coasts of occupied Cyprus. Securigera cretica's existence in Cyprus is endangered.

Securigera securidaca's flowers can vary in number on a stem and when fertilized some sort of horns appear as sporangiums replacing the dead flowers, carrying the seeds.

The plant is quite uncommon in Cyprus, despite the fact that it exists in many parts of Cyprus, such as the northern occupied coasts, the western coasts and the central-northern coasts up to a maximum altitude of 800 metres. The specimens in the pictures include plants recorded near Agios Nikolaos village (Pafos district) at an altitude of around 800 metres. In Cyprus, it is mostly seen growing on top of all on roadsides, and then in cultivated fields, grassy banks, near streams and rivers. Its flowering period is within spring (March and May).