SIDERITIS
(Sideritis perfoliata)
Appearance
An erect perennial, with woody rootstock, which smells of
poppies if bruised. Stems are tetragonal and clothed in long and short
hairs. Leaves are lance-shaped and a crowded flower head of pale yellow
flowers appears between May and July.
Habitat
A rare plant encountered in the Troodos and Limassol areas amongst
garigue or in vineyards on open chalk hillsides from 2,500 ft to 3,600 ft.
Uses and Properties
The plant has been used as a substitute for tea and is
reputed to have tonic and anti-anaemic properties and also helps to induce
perspiration.
NOTE: The generic name Origanum derives from Greek and means, "Joy of the
Mountains", relating to its usual habitat.
