Αλουπόχορτον, Ψατζιή, Παιωνία η αρρενωπή υποείδος η αρρενωπή
Etymology of Paeonia mascula subspecies mascula: The name of the genus Paeonia derives from the Ancient Greek "Παιών" [Paeon], Modern Greek "Παιώνας" [Paeonas], who was a student of the physician of the Gods, Asclepios. In the Homeric epics, Paeon is presented as a physician who heals the deadly wounded Hades (otherwise called Pluto, subterranean god of the dead and king of the underworld) on Mount Olympus. According to tradition, he was healing with the help of herbs. In addition, Asclepios murdered him out of envy and Hades/Pluto (or according to others Zeus) transformed him into a flower - Paeonia. "Mascula" is derived from the Latin "masculus", meaning "masculine" and refers to the form of the underground tubers.
Since antiquity, it is said that the peony had medicinal uses. It was considered an antidote to fevers and poisonings. Hippocrates (460-377 BC) in the History of Plants mentions the peony which he proposes as an antispasmodic in epilepsy and other neurological diseases. Dioscorides (1st century AD) used 10 or 12 red Paeonia seeds to cure stomach ulcers, while according to him black ones dispelled the nightmares. He used the dried root in obstetrics, in stomach pains, jaundice and in diseases of the kidneys and bladder. Today according to medicine, the peony is considered to have analgesic and sedative properties. Peony has the property of affecting the blood and thus can be used in the treatment of gynaecological problems, muscle spasms and cramps. On a mental level, it has a therapeutic effect on people who are harsh, aggressive, easily angered and can act as a sedative.
Paeonia mascula subsp. mascula is a rare plant in Cyprus's habitat, encountered at a very high altitude of 1375–1725 metres, in the Troodos Mountains range only. It is the only Paeonia kind growing in the natural environment of Cyprus. Its flowers have a cinnamon scent that attracts many insects. The plant may reach 60-80 centimetres in height. Paeonia mascula subspecies mascula's flowering period is from April until June.
