Plant species of Cyprus

In 2002, we embarked on a two-week journey to Cyprus during the spring season, specifically late March to early April. Our destination was the Greek part of the island, and we stayed at a hotel located east of Larnaka, which is where the only airport on the Greek part of Cyprus is situated. Along the narrow sandy beach to the east of the city there are numerous hotels spanning several kilometers, extending all the way to towards the British military zone.

The primary purpose of our holiday was to explore the island's natural beauty, with a special focus on its diverse flora. To facilitate our travels across the island, we opted for the convenience of renting a car for seven days through our travel agent. We found that renting a car on-site was significantly more expensive than renting one in advance. However, we also discovered that the public bus transport system was well-organized and efficient, connecting the larger towns on the island.

On this page you will find (click to jump):

• Used identification keys on the flora of the areas we visited
• A day-by-day report of our Botanical Journey
• A list of all recorded species

Useful identification keys

• R. Jahn and P. Schönfelder: Exkursionsflora für Kreta (Stuttgart 1995).
• R.D. Meikle: Flora of Cyprus Volume 1 and 2 (Kew 1985 and 1997).
• V. Pantelas, T. Papachristophorou and P. Christodoulou: Cyprus Flora in Colour. The Endemics (Lefkosia 1993).
• G. Sfikas: Wild flowers of Cyprus (Athens 1992).
• T. Ch. Tsintides: The endemic plants of Cyprus (Nicosia 1998).
• D. E. Viney: An illustrated flora of North Cyprus (Volume 1 and 2) (Koenigstein 1994 and 1996).

Report of this BotanicalJourney

East of Larnaka, close to our hotel, we discovered an excellent birdwatching site in a rare and precious habitat: a salty marsh. This unique ecosystem provided us with good opportunities to observe various bird species.

North of the highway near Larnaka was a limestone area, but we soon found out that this it was situated too close to the sensitive 'green line,' which marks the boundary between the Turkish and Greek parts of Cyprus. A stop for a walk there immediately alarms the continuously patrolling Greek soldiers. We learned to be cautious and to stay at least 10-15 kilometers away from this line to avoid any potential issues. Moving on foot in the villages at this distance from the border was generally safe, but signs with cameras and red slashes were often posted to mark prohibited areas, making it challenging to determine the exact boundaries of the prohibited areas.

An unexpected incident occurred while we visited the botanical garden in Nicosia, which happened to be near a military base (as we found, military bases were quite common around Nicosia). While innocently taking a picture of a plant, we were promptly apprehended by soldiers and taken to the police station. We were treated kindly by the police officers, and they quickly released us. In hindsight, the situation seemed rather comical. The headline "Tourists Arrested for Taking Pictures of Plants in Botanical Garden" would have made for an amusing story indeed.

Nicosia itself was a charming city with its labyrinthine alleys, bustling even in March with early tourists. We imagined that in summertime the city would be populated by even more visitors. It felt quite surreal that the 'green line' cut through this lively area. We came across a sort of Berlin Wall, marked by dead-end streets, empty houses and soldiers stationed at the end, armed with heavy guns. The streets were painted in the colors of the Greek flag - blue and white. From a distance, we could spot a mountain slope in the forest on the Turkish side, adorned with a carved-in Turkish flag. Tourists could acquire a one-day visa to visit the Turkish part of Nicosia, but are then only allowed to travel by foot. Driving around with our rented car was strictly prohibited. It seemed that Nicosia was the only transit point for tourists across the whole island.

On the western tip of Cyprus, some 180 kilometers from Larnaka, lies a paradise for nature lovers called Akamas. It is particularly popular among German tourists for hiking, and we understood why. The northeast coast, adorned with numerous hotels and small shops selling Turkish delights, fruit and cola, was relatively smaller in scale compared to Larnaka. However, the countryside itself was incredibly beautiful, despite some overgrazing by goats. The constant sound of goat bells added a lovely touch to the atmosphere. Between Akamas and Paphos, we enjoyed a fantastic hike in a peaceful area free from military presence, and the locals were incredibly friendly. We got the impression that for a more enriching experience beyond just beach lounging, this part of the island was the place to be.

Venturing into the Troodos Mountains in March, we encountered cold and sometimes unfavorable weather. Rain fell for about 4 to 5 days, and there were even a couple of days with snow. The remaining days were often foggy. Nevertheless, we managed to explore the mountain area on a relatively clear day with temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius. Just north of the mountains the weather improved, making it a great spot for hiking. On the southern side of the mountains, we stumbled upon a typical tourist town, Troodos, with small hotels, a post office and a map kiosk. We didn't spend much time there, as we were more drawn to the natural wonders surrounding the area.

Cyprus truly delighted our taste buds with its delicious food offerings. We couldn't resist the temptation of the local bakery and vegetable stall in Larnaka, where we indulged in the most delectable breads, citrus fruits, pieces of feta and cooked eggs seasoned with salt on the outside. Dining out was equally delightful, with "Mezze" being one of our favorite choices—a delightful assortment of small appetizers that made for a satisfying meal. In our hotel, we relished a hearty stew that left us feeling content.

We also ventured to local restaurants for culinary adventures. One standout was a fantastic döner-kebap eatery in the western part of Larnaka near the seaside. The aroma of the charcoal fire outside added to the charm. The restaurant's walls were filled with numerous foreign currency notes, which contributed to its backpacker-friendly ambiance. We're certain the eatery will soon find a place in the Lonely Planet guide. Near the English military zone, we treated ourselves to a hearty English breakfast, complete with sausages, chips, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, and bread. It was a meal fit for champions and sustained us for quite some time.

Beyond the English zone, we reached Agia Napa, a bustling tourist town with numerous bars, a decent beach, and an exquisite Greek church. We learned the hard way not to enter the church in our bathing suits—the sign outside made it clear! Agia Napa was teeming with British tourists, and every available cafe was tuned in to an English football match. Rumor had it that the town was popular among wealthy Russian visitors as well, and we did catch a glimpse of some well-dressed ladies wrapped in fur coats.

Heading further west, we reached Cape Grekko, where we found lovely plants. We took a leisurely walk along the coast, though we did spot soldiers stationed in a small military hut atop the Cape—a reminder of the island's complex political situation.

List of the recorded plant species

26-3-2002: Lanarca-east (Google Map)

Anchusa azurea
Bellardia trixago
Cakile maritima
Chenopodium murale
Echium angustifolium
Erucaria hispanica
Lagurus ovatus
Parentucellia latifolia
Plantago afra
Plantago albicans
Silene colorata
 

26-3-2002: Lanarca-east II (Google Map)

Allium neapolitanum
Bellardia trixago
Medicago rigidula
Notobasis syriaca
Ononis pusilla
Orobanche ramosa
Polygonum equisetiforme
Spergularia diandra
Spergularia media
Trifolium tomentosum
Urtica pilulifera

 

26-3-2002: Lanarca-west (Google Map)

Cnicus benedictus
Gynandriris sisyrinchium
Helichrysum italicum
Hordeum marinum
Plantago cretica

 

27-3-2002: Water dam north-west of Limasol  (Google Map)

Anthemis tricolor
Asteriscus aquaticus
Catananche lutea
Gladiolus triphyllus
Lomelosia prolifera
Pallenis spinosa
Plantago cretica
Salvia viridis
Thesium humifusum
Tragopogon hybridus
 

27-3-2002: Stop between Limasol and Yerasa (Google Map)

Bellevalia trifoliata
Gagea graeca
Geranium tuberosum
Lathyrus gorgonii
Ophrys iricolor
Ophrys scolopax
Orchis italica
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Ranunculus asiaticus
Serapias vomeracea
Silene behen
Valeriana dioscoridis

 

27-3-2002: 10km north-east of Kividhes (Google Map)

Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia
Anacamptis morio subsp. picta
Melica minuta
Onosma fruticosa
 

28-3-2002: Nicosia-south (Google Map)

Aegilops geniculata
Anemone coronaria
Astragalus hamosus
Bromus madritensis
Convolvulus dorycnium
Crupina crupinastrum
Erodium botrys
Filago pyramidata
Galium setaceum
Helianthemum obtusifolium
Lathyrus aphaca
Lycium ferocissimum
Nonea ventricosa
Onobrychis venosa
Ophrys umbilicata
Prasium majus
Ranunculus asiaticus
Rumex vesicarius
Salvia controversa
Tordylium apulum
Veronica cymbalaria
 

28-3-2002: Kellaki (Google Map)

Alyssum strigosum
Asterolinon linum-stellatum
Barlia robertiana
Biscutella didyma
Centranthus calcitrapae subsp. orbiculatus
Cerastium dichotomum
Cheilanthes maderensis
Erodium malacoides
Ferula communis
Lavandula stoechas
Mandragora autumnalis
Minuartia hybrida
Neotinea maculata
Smyrnium olusatrum
Thymelaea tartonraira
Thymus integer
Trifolium pilulare
Trifolium spumosum
Umbilicus horizontalis
Vicia hybrida

 

29-3-2002: Between Pyoi and Larnaca (Google Map)

Allium trifoliatum
Anchusa undulata
Anthemis tricolor end.
Coronilla scorpioides
Hippocrepis unisiliquosa subsp. bisdiqua
Linum strictum
Matthiola longipetala
Minuartia sp.
Onobrychis aequidentata
Onobrychis caput-galli
Ononis reclinata
Papaver hybridum
Pistacia lentiscus
Platanus orientalis
Ranunculus asiaticus
Salvia fruticosa = Salvia triloba
Sarcopoterium spinosum
Satureja nervosa = Micromeria nervosa
Trifolium angustifolium
Valerianella discoidea
Vicia laxiflora = Vicia parviflora = Vicia tetrasperma subsp. gracilis
Vicia pubescens
Zosima absinthiifolia
 

29-3-2002: Cornfield near Kiti (Google Map)

Leontice leontopetalum
Legousia speculum-veneris
Linaria chalepensis
Legousia hybrida
 

29-3-2002: Kiti-dam (Google Map)

Cynoglossum creticum
Nonea ventriculosa
Ranunculus muricatus
Scirpoides holoschoenus
 

30-3-2002: Agios Napos (Google Map)

Anthemis rigida
Asparagus stipularis
Didesmus aegypticus
Juniperus phoenicea
Lotus edulis
 

30-3-2002: Cape Grecco (Google Map)

Adonis flammea
Ajuga orientalis
Anthemis pseudocotula ssp.rotata
Arum dioscoridis
Bupleurum lancifolium
Centaurea aegialophila
Hymenocarpos circinnatus
Limonium sinuatum
Limonium virgatum = Limonium oleifolium
Lotus cytisoides
Malva cretica
Medicago polymorpha
Medicago rugosa
Onopordum cyprium end. = Onopordum illyricum
Ornithogalum narbonense
Pallenis spinosa
Paronychia macrosepala
Rubia tinctorum
Smilax aspera
Tetragonolobus purpureus
Theligonium cynocrambe
Tordylium apulum
Torilis leptophylla
 

31-3-2002: Troodos and Adelfi Forest (Google Map)

Acer obtusifolium
Ajuga orientalis
Alkanna tinctoria
Arabis purpurea end.
Arabis verna
Barlia robertiana
Cardamine graeca
Cyclamen cyprium end.
Dryopteris pallida
Euphorbia venosa end.
Gagea juliae end.
Geranium lucidum
Geranium tuberosum
Lathyrus ochrus
Ononis sp.
Ophrys lutea
Quercus alnifolia end.
Ranunculus ficaria subsp. ficariiformis
Silene italica cf.
Smyrnium rotundifolium
Turrites laxa = Arabis laxa
Valeriana italica
Vicia lunata
 

1-4-2002: Smigies (Google Map)

Lithodora hispidula
Alyssum akamasicum end.
Andropogon distachyos
Astragalus boeticus
Bellevalia nivalis
Bellis sylvestris
Carex distans
Cyperus laevigatus
Hedysarum spinosissimum
Lathyrus blepharicarpos
Lithodora hispidula
Muscari neglectum
Ononis sp.
Ophrys sp.
Orobanche cypria end.
Phlomis fruticosa
Reseda orientalis
Salvia sp.
Sideritis curvidens
Thymus sp.
Trifolium echinatum
Urtica membranacea

 

2-4-2002: Macharia(-s) / Makheras -forest (Google Map)

Alyssum sp.
Cynosurus elegans
Dactylorhiza romana
Helianthemum salicifolium
Sedum cyprium end.
Silene aegyptiaca
Trifolium angustifolium
Trifolium campestre ssp.paphium end.
Tripodion tetraphyllum
Vicia narbonensis
 

3-4-2002: Lanarka Beach (Google Map)

Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima
Coronilla repanda
Frankenia pulverulenta
Hedypnois cretica
Helianthemum syriacum
Imperata cylindrica
Medicago scutellata
Onobrychis venosa end.
Ononis sicula
Phalaris minor
Phyla nodiflora
Picris altissima
Polygonum maritimum
Polypogon monspeliensis
Pseudorlaya pumila
Salvia lanigera
Ziziphus lotus
 

4-4-2002: Agia Napa (Google Map)

Anchusa azurea
Astragalus hamosus
Atractylis cancellata
Chrysanthemum coronarium
Convolvulus oleifolius
Cutandia dichotoma
Erodium botrys
Erodium malacoides
Frankenia laevis
Gladiolus italicus
Hedysarum spinosissimum
Helianthemum obtusifolium
Lotus edulis
Nigella arvensis
Ophrys lapethica
Parapholis incurva
Prasium majus
Ranunculus asiaticus
Sedum porphyreum
Serratula cerinthifolia
Sherardia arvensis
Silene behen
Sinapis alba
Spergularia bocconi cf.
Trifolium hirtum
 

5-4-2002: Larnaka (Google Map)

Aegilops geniculata
Chamaesyce serpens
Filago pyramidata
Hyoscyamus aureus
Medicago constricta cf.
Polycarpon tetraphyllum
Sphenopus divaricatus

 

All photographed plants in aplphabetical order (end = endemic to Cyprus)

Acer obtusifolium
Adonis annua
Aegilops geniculata
Ajuga chamaepitys ssp.palaestina
Ajuga orientalis
Alkanna lehmanii
Alkanna tinctoria
Allium neapolitanum
Allium trifoliatum
Alyssum akamasicum end./cf.
Alyssum chondrogynum cf.
Alyssum strigosum cf.
Anchusa azurea
Anchusa humilis
Andrachne telephioides
Andropogon distachyon
Anthemis pseudocotula ssp.rotata
Anthemis rigida
Anthemis tricolor end.
Arabis purpurea end.
Arabis verna
Arum conophalloides
Asparagus stipularis
Asteriscus aquaticus
Asterolinon linum-stellatum
Astragalus boeticus
Astragalus cyprius end.
Astragalus hamosus vr.
Atractylis cancellata
Barlia robertiana
Bellardia trixago
Bellevalia nivalis
Bellevalia trifoliata
Bellis sylvestris
Beta vulgaris ssp.maritima
Biscutella didyma
Bupleurum lancifolium
Cakile maritima
Calycotoma villosa
Cardamine graeca
Carex distans
Catananche lutea
Centaurea aegialophila
Centranthus calcitrapae ssp.orbiculatus end.
Cerastium illyricum
Chamaesyce serpens
Cheilanthes pteridioides
Chenopodium murale
Chrysanthemum coronarium
Cnicus benedictus
Convolvulus oleifolius
Coronilla repanda
Coronilla scorpioides
Cutandia dichotoma
Cyclamen cyprium end.
Cynoglossum creticum
Cynosurus elegans
Cyperus laevigatus
Dactylorhiza romana
Didesmus aegypticus
Dryopteris pallida
Echium angustifolium
Erodium ciconium
Erodium malacoides
Erucaria hispanica
Euphorbia helioscopia
Euphorbia sintenisii
Euphorbia venosa end.
Evax eripsphaera
Ferula communis
Filago pyramidata
Frankenia laevis
Frankenia pulverulenta
Gagea graeca
Gagea juliae end.
Geranium lucidum
Geranium tuberosum
Gladiolus italicus
Gladiolus triphyllus end.
Gynandriris sisyrinchium
Hedypnois cretica
Hedysarum spinosissimum
Helianthemum obtusifolium
Helianthemum salicifolium
Helianthemum syriacum
Helichrysum conglobatum
Hippocrepis unisiliquosa ssp.bisdiqua
Hordeum marinum
Hymenocarpos circinnatus
Hyoscyamus aureus
Imperata cylindrica
Juniperus phoenicea
Lagurus ovatus
Lathyrus blepharicarpos
Lathyrus gorgonei
Lathyrus ochrus
Lavandula stoechas
Legousia hybrida
Legousia speculum-veneris
Leontice leontopetalum
Limonium sinuatum
Limonium virgatum
Linaria chalepensis
Linum strictum
Lithodora hispidula
Lolium perenne
Lotus cytisoides
Lotus edulis
Malva aegyptia
Mandragora autumnalis
Matthiola longipetala
Medicago constricta cf.
Medicago polymorpha
Medicago rigidula
Medicago rugosa
Medicago scutellata
Melica minuta
Minuartia hybrida
Minuartia picta
Muscari neglectum
Neotinea maculata
Nigella arvensis
Nonea ventricosa
Notobasis syriaca
Onobrychis aequidentata
Onobrychis caput-galli
Onobrychis crista-galli
Onobrychis venosa end.
Ononis biflora
Ononis reclinata
Ononis serrata
Ononis viscosa
Onopordum cyprium end.
Onosma fruticosa end.
Ophrys iricolor
Ophrys lapethica
Ophrys lutea
Ophrys scolopax
Ophrys spec.
Ophrys sphegodes ssp.mammosa
Orchis italica
Orchis morio ssp.picta
Ornithogalum narbonense
Ornithogalum pedicellare end.
Orobanche cypria end.
Orobanche ramosa
Palenis spinosa
Pallenis spinosa
Papaver hybridum
Parapholis incurva
Parentucellia latifolia
Paronychia macrosepale
Phalaris minor
Phlomis fruticosa
Phyla filiformis
Picris altissima
Pistacia lentiscus
Plantago afra
Plantago albicans
Plantago cretica
Plantago squarrosa
Platanus orientalis
Polycarpon tetraphyllum
Polygonum equisetiforme
Polygonum maritimum
Polypogon monspeliensis
Prasium majus
Pseudorlaya pumila
Ptilostemon chamaepeuce ssp.cyprius
Quercus alnifolia end.
Ranunculus asiaticus
Ranunculus ficaria ssp.ficariiformis
Ranunculus muricatus
Ranunculus paludosus
Reseda orientalis
Rubia tenuifolia
Salvia fruticosa
Salvia hierosolymitana
Salvia lanigera
Salvia viridis
Sarcopetrium spinosum
Satureja nervosa
Scabiosa prolifera
Scirpioides holoschoenus
Sedum cyprium end.
Sedum litoreum
Sedum prophyreum
Serapias vomeracea
Serratula cerinthifolia
Sherardia arvensis
Sideritis curvidens
Silene aegyptica
Silene behen
Silene colorata
Silene italica cf.
Sinapis alba
Smilax aspera
Smyrnium rotundifolium
Spergularia bocconi cf.
Spergularia diandra/media
Sphenopus divaricatus
Tetragonolobus purpureus
Theligonium cynocrambe
Thesium humile
Thymelaea tartonraira ssp.argentea
Thymus integer end.
Tordylium apulum
Torilis leptophylla
Tragopogon hybridus
Tragopogon sinuatus
Trifolium angustifolium
Trifolium campestre ssp.paphium end.
Trifolium clypeatum
Trifolium echinatum
Trifolium hirtum
Trifolium pilulare
Trifolium spumosum
Trifolium tomentosum
Tripodium tetraphyllum
Turrites laxa
Umbilicus horizontalis
Urtica membranacea
Urtica pilulifera
Valantia hispida
Valeriana italica
Valerianella coronata
Vicia hybrida
Vicia laxiflora
Vicia lunata
Vicia narbonensis
Vicia pubescens
Ziziphora capitata
Ziziphus lotus
Zosima absinthiifolia
Zygophyllum album