Misopates orontium

Μισοπάτες το ορόντιο

Etymology of Misopates orontium: The name of the genus, "Misopates", derives from the Ancient Greek verb "μισώ" [miso], meaning "to hate" and the Latin verb "pateo", meaning "to be open", referring to its flowers that are reluctant to open (the two lips). The epithet "orontium" is an ancient Greek name for plants that grew on River Orontes (today in Syria).

This is the only Misopates species/kind growing without human intervention in Cypriot nature.

Misopates orontium is not a common plant in the Cypriot habitat; it is nevertheless encountered almost all around Cyprus, excluding the capital and the vast surrounding plains. It grows up to an altitude of 1225 metres. Its flowering period is between March and July.