Σκαρόχορτο, Σκαρολάχανο, Σικλόχορτο, Βρωμόχορτο, Μερκιουριάλη η μονοετής
Etymology of Mercurialis annua: Clarke and Charters indicate that the name of the genus "Mercurialis" is probably a tribute to Girolamo Mercuriale (1530-1606), an Italian physician and philologist. On the contrary, Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) in "Critica Botanica" (1737), included it in a list of names derived from deities, and more specifically for "Mercury", the Roman god. He was the corresponding god of the Ancient Greeks "Ermis" [Hermes] and in Ancient Greece Mercurialis annua was called "Ἑρμοῦ βοτάνιον", meaning, "Herme's herb". Hence, Linnaeus' explanation sounds more realistic. Latin "annua'' means "annual", referring to its lifetime period, as it is an annual plant.
It is the only Mercurialis kind (a species) found in Cyprus.
Mercuarialis annua, in Cyprus, exists in all the regions except for the one of Morfou, and it is encountered up to an altitude of 250 metres. It blooms between October and April.
