The Alyssum lesbiacum

The Alyssum lesbiacum is a local Lesvian plant. It is found mainly in rocky terrains with open maquis vegetation in dry meadows at altitudes 200-800 m and East Mediterranean pine forests. It usually grows on Mount Olympus, Gera Bay and the Dipi marshland. It blooms from mid-April to mid-May.

Its species name (Lesbiacum) is indicative of its place of origin (from Lesvos) and Alyssum originates from the composite word alyssum (“a-” [alpha privative] denoting absence and –lyssa meaning rabies in Greek), signifying that it helps treat rabies, rage, manias and hydrophobia.