Μυροφόρα, Λαμπρή, Λεβάντα η στοιχάς
Etymology of Lavandula stoechas: The name of the genus, "Lavandula", is a Medieval Latin word translated into English as "lavender". It is said to originate from the Latin "lavare", meaning "to wash" because the Romans used its fragrant oil in their baths. "Stoechas" derives from the Ancient Greek "στοιχάς" [stichas], meaning "the one who is arranged in lines, in rows", referring to the appearance of its flowers on a spike.
This is the only lavender species/kind that grows without human intervention on the island.
Lavandula stoechas is not a common plant of Cypriot nature. It can grow up to 120cm. It does not exist in northwestern, northeastern and southeastern Cyprus. It is primarily encountered on dry hillsides and open forests. It prefers an altitude of up to 700 metres. Its flowering period is between March to May.
Some villages where the plant appears include Kalo Chorio (Limassol district), Kornos, Delikipos (Larnaka district), Mathiatis, and Lazanias (Nicosia district).
