Παρβαρεσσιά, Γλυκαγκαθκιά, Μπερμερίτζιν, Βερβερίς η κρητική
Etymology of Berberis cretica: The genus name "Berberis" comes from New Latin (its initial known use is from 1561), an alteration of Medieval Latin "barberis" which derives from the Arabic "بَرْبَارِيس" [barbaris], meaning "barberry". "Cretica" derives from the island of "Creta", most likely because the species was initially discovered on the island of Creta, Greece.
Berberis cretica is the only Berberis species that exists in the Cypriot habitat.
Berberis cretica is a deciduous, spiny shrub, growing up to 150cm high. It can be found at a high altitude, between 925–1950 metres, in the Troodos Mountains range. The specimens in the pictures were photographed in Kardama locality (Nicosia district, 1050 metres altitude) and Mount Olympos (Lemesos district, 1950 metres altitude). Berberis cretica mostly grows in pinewoods and rocky slopes. Its flowering period is between May and July.
