Σκουτελλάρια η κυπρία υποείδος η ψηλότερη
Etymology of Scutellaria cypria subspecies elatior
"Scutellaria" derives from Latin "scutella", which means "a small dish, tray or platter" that describes the shape of the calyx of the flowers in this genus. "Cypria" is the female Latin for "Cypriot" as Scutellaria cypria is a Cyprus indigenous and endemic plant. "Elatior" is also Latin and it means "taller" (compared to Scutellaria cypria subsp. cypria).
The Scutellaria genus in Cyprus
There are three taxa of Scutellaria in the Cypriot habitat, one species (growing exclusively in occupied Cyprus north) and two subspecies.
About Scutellaria cypria subspecies elatior
Scutellaria cypria subspecies elatior is a Cyprus indigenous, endemic plant. It is a perennial, erect herb that in height reaches up to half a meter tall. The leaves are simple, opposite, fleshy and hairy. Hairy are also the square shoots. The flowers are corymbose, zygomorphic, with a two-tiered crown, and have a lilac color, sometimes yellow. It prefers igneous or calcareous slopes, sometimes banks of streams.
Scutellaria cypria subspecies elatior in Cyprus
Scutellaria cypria subspecies elatior is encountered in western Cyprus at altitudes between 300-1150. It is found in several areas of the Paphos district (Pafos forest, Drouseia, Panagia, Theletra) and other areas, such as in Limassol district (Pera Pedi, Lania, Pano Platres etc) and Larnaka district (Agioi Vavatsinias, Lefkara, etc). The specimen with the white flowers in the image was photographed near Kouris dam (Alassa, Limassol district) at an altitude of 300 metres, and the specimen with the lilac flowers was photographed in Pano Platres - it grew on a wall - at an approximate altitude of 1150 meters. Its flowering period in Cyprus is between April and June.
How to identify the lilac Scutellaria cypria subspecies elatior
Identifying Scutellaria cypria subspecies elatior versus Scutellaria cypria subspecies cypria relies on a few key morphological and habit differences:
1. Height and Growth Habit:
subsp. elatior: Tends to be taller, reaching up to 50 cm. Its stems are described as erect or ascending. The Latin "elatior" literally means "taller."
subsp. cypria: Generally shorter, typically 20-30 cm high. Its stems are described as diffuse (spreading or loosely branched).
2. Hairiness (Pubescence) of Stems and Leaves:
subsp. elatior: Stems are pubescent with recurved, crispate hairs. Leaves are densely pubescent.
subsp. cypria: Stems are villose with long, patent hairs (meaning long, soft, and spreading hairs). Leaves are also villose. In essence, subsp. cypria is often described as a generally "hairy" plant.
3. Leaf Size and Base:
subsp. elatior: Leaves are typically 2-3.5 cm long, and generally ovate with a truncate or broadly cuneate base (meaning the base is straight across or broadly wedge-shaped).
subsp. cypria: Leaves are smaller, less than 2 cm long, and also villose.
