Λύκος της ξισταρκάς, Κύτινος ο υποκιστίς
Etymology of Cytinus hypocistis: The name of the genus, "Cytinus', derives from the Ancient Greek "κύτινος" [kytinos], which was used to describe the "flower of the pomegranate tree", referring to their resemblance. The epithet "hypocistis" derives from the Ancient Greek "ὑποκιστίς" [ypokistis], from "υπό'' [ypo], meaning "under", and "κίστος" [kistos], meaning the "Cistus" plant, referring to its capacity to grow as a parasite under Cistus plants - the only ones that host it.
This is the only Cytinus kind (one species) that exists in Cyprus.
It is a parasite that usually grows near the rhizome of Cistus plants, on which it parasitizes. It reaches a height of fewer than 10 centimetres and gives fine flowers, red with yellow or white color. The parasite does not appear in northwestern or southeastern Cyprus, nor in the areas within or surrounding the capital Nicosia. It appears between an altitude of 0-1375 metres and its flowering period is between February and May.
