The zopnik plant stands out for its flowers, which grow in several places on the stem as if straight from it. There are three endemic species of this shrub found in Cyprus.
Where can you find these plants and how do they differ?
Zopnik Cyprus, Cyprus variety (Phlomis cypria var. cypria)This is a shrub that reaches a height of approximately 1.5 meters. The shoots are erect, the leaves are simple, slightly toothed. The flowers are collected in numerous yellow bunches. Blooms from April to June. Grows at altitudes from 150 to 650 meters, loves dry limestone slopes.
It is found only in some areas of the western part of the Pentadaktylos mountain range, in the area between the peaks of Agios Hilarionas and Kornos.
Cyprus zopnik, western variety (Phlomis cypria var. orientalis)This is also a shrub; it is distinguished from the previous one by a different leaf shape. It grows at altitudes from 50 to 750 meters, loves pine forests and slopes with low vegetation. Blooms from March to June.
Found only in certain areas of the Paphos region, such as Akamas, Arminou and the Venetian bridge of Gefiri tis Elias.
Short-leaved zopnik (Phlomis brevibracteata)It is a shrub with erect and hairy shoots. Reaches a height of up to 2 meters. The leaves are simple, pubescent below. The flowers are also yellow, many are collected in whorls. Blooms from May to June. Prefers volcanic or limestone slopes located at an altitude of 100 to 900 meters.
It is a relatively rare species, found in parts of the Pentadaktylos mountain range and in the areas of Lefkara, Kakoragi, Kalavasos and Trimiklini.
Photo pixabay.comThe text was prepared based on materials from “Polygnosi”
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The island is home to 1,738 species of flora, of which 143 are found only here. This gives the island the highest proportion of plant uniqueness in Europe at 8.2%. These are the latest data from the World Resources Institute. Read more.
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