Erodium ciconium

Ερωδιός ο πελαργoειδής

Etymology of Erodium ciconium: The name of the genus, "Erodium", derives from the Ancient Greek "ἐρωδιός" [erodios], meaning "heron", due to the long beak on the fruit that gives rise to some of its common names such as storksbill and cranesbill, a meaning reinforced by the family name Geranium, the derivation of which is "γερανός" [yeranos or geranos], meaning "crane". Latin "ciconium" means "pertaining to stork", again referring to the beak on the fruit.

At least nine Erodium species and subspecies/kinds have been recognized in Cypriot nature so far.

An uncommon Erodium to encounter in Cyprus. Erodium ciconium exists at low to medium altitudes, up to 600 metres. It is found all around Cyprus except for the Troodos mountains region, the Pafos Forest and the Karpasia peninsula. Erodium ciconium can reach a maximum height of 21 centimetres. It blooms between February and April.

How to identify Erodium ciconium:

It has large flowers, more than 2 cm in diameter (as Erodium gruinum); its leaves are deeply pinnatisect, pinnatifid, lobed or entire, not divided into distinct leaflets.