Σπάρτον το βουρλοειδές
Etymology of Spartium junceum: The name of the genus, "Spartium", derives from the Ancient Greek word "σπάρτον" [sparton] or "σπαρτίον" [spartion]. The word relates to the plural "σπάρτα" [sparta], from the singular ''σπάρτον" [sparton], meaning "rope", as Spartium shoots were used for the manufacture of rope; Homer in Heliad mentions: «καί δή δοῦρα σέσηπε νεῶν καί σπάρτα λέλυνται», meaning "and the ships rot and their sail ropes slackened". Its popular Latin epithet, "junceum" means "rush-like" because of its many green thin shoots that look like rushes.
There's only one Spartium species/kind in Cyprus, which is Spartium junceum.
Spartium junceum is a naturalized and non-invasive, non-endemic plant. In Cyprus, it is encountered only in the Troodos Mountains range, at an average altitude of 950 metres, and is definitely not a popular plant. It primarily grows on roadsides and thrives on calcareous, sandy soils. It bears a plentifulness of vivid yellow flowers that bloom mostly during April and July.
