Σκυλλάκι, Αντίρρινον το μέγα
Etymology of Antirrhinum majus: "Antirrhinum" derives from Ancient Greek "αντίρρινον" [antirrhinon], as the prefix "αντί-" [anti-] means "opposite, against" and the noun "ρινόϛ" [rhinos], means "of the nose", and that probably due to the resemblance of the flower to an animal's snout; when the flower is pressed on the base, a "nose opening against the lower jaw" is distinguished. This is the reason why in Cyprus it is called "puppy" [skyllaki], as when it is pressed and released several times low, near the calyx, the flower seems as if it's a canine that barks. "Majus" is an old word for "magnus" meaning "the great, large", a reference to its large flowers.
Antirrhinum majus is the only Antirrhinum species that exists in Cyprus and it is found in the habitat both as indigenous (Kerynia district) and as naturalized, non-invasive (Troodos Mountains Range and surrounding mountains). Antirrhinum majus, in Cyprus, appears at an altitude between 0-750 metres. Its long flowering period is between March and November. It is a relatively common plant encountered in uncommon places. That is because it is very often seen growing inside mountainous communities on walls of any kind or in other places unrelated to gardens.
