Trifolium leucanthum

Τριφύλλι το λευκανθές

Etymology of Trifolium leucanthum: The name of the genus, "Trifolium" derives from the Ancient Greek "τρία" [tria], meaning "three" and the Latin "folium", which means "leaf", hence "three-leafed", referring to the three leaflets that comprise a leaf. This word is a calque of the Ancient Greek "τρίφυλλο" [trifyllo], which actually means the same thing. "Leucanthum" comes from the Ancient Greek "λευκόν + ἄνθος" [lefkon/leucon + anthos], meaning "white flower", referring to the colour of its flowers (which could be either white or both white and pink).

Around 35 Trifolium taxa (species and subspecies) have been identified in the wild Cypriot habitat so far.

Trifolium leucanthum is a relatively common plant in Cyprus. It is encountered in the majority of the Cypriot territory, excluding the northwestern part, the capital city and surrounding areas, as well as the central-eastern part of Cyprus, up to a maximum altitude of 1400 metres. It primarily grows on dry, short grassland and roadsides. Its flowering period is between March and May.