Ριζάριν, Αλιζάριν, Ρούμπια η στενόφυλλη
Etymology of Rubia tenuifolia: The name of the genus "Rubia", derives from the Latin "ruber", meaning red, referring to the reddish dye obtained from the roots of these herbs. "Tenuifolia" in Latin means "having thin leaves".
There are three Rubia species/kinds growing in the wild Cypriot habitat.
Rubia tenuifolia's leaves or branches can stick to clothes. It is a scrambling plant up to 1 metre long or tall. Its seeds are small black balls with juice as ink.
Rubia tenuifolia is not a common plant in Cyprus. As a plant that loves the rocky ground, it doesn't appear in the majority of the Mesaoria region, meaning in Nicosia and the surrounding plains. It is usually encountered on the rough uncultivated ground, especially on hillsides, but generally grows at an altitude of up to 1525 metres. Its flowering period is from March until June.
