Λάμιο το περίβλαστο, Σφυρούι
Etymology of Lamium amplexicaule: There are two assumptions for the etymology of the name of the genus. Considering Lamium has a Latin origin, "lamium" in Latin means "dead nettle". The explanation for this is that Lamium's leaves resemble stinging nettles with no ability to sting. If the name derives from Ancient Greek, then it derives from "Λαμία" [Lamia] which means "monster" because of its open mouth-like flower resembling a monster. (In Greek mythology, Lamia was a beautiful queen from Libya who transformed into a monster and devoured young children). Lamium amplexicaule was named "amplexicaule" after Latin "amplexus", which means "clasped", and "caulis", which means "stalk/stem".
There have been three kinds (1 species and 2 other subspecies) of the Lamium genus identified so far in Cyprus.
Lamium amplexicaule is an extremely common plant in Cyprus excluding the Karpasia peninsula. Its circular-like leaves distinguish it from the rest Lamium species in Cyprus. Also, the higher leaves do not have a pentacle. It grows at an altitude of up to 1500 metres, primarily on cultivated ground. It blossoms from December to May.
