The MGS Forum

Plants for mediterranean gardens => Annuals => Topic started by: John J on June 10, 2013, 07:05:58 AM

Title: Safflower
Post by: John J on June 10, 2013, 07:05:58 AM

Here in Cyprus there is an abandoned village called Fikardou in which 2 of the houses have been restored and opened as rural museums. The people employed as guardians/guides, when not escorting visitors, pass their time in tending an array of plants/vegetables in the gardens around the properties. On a visit yesterday we came across this beauty.

Title: Re: Safflower
Post by: Alisdair on June 13, 2013, 10:05:45 AM

Lovely picture, John, and lovely plant; is it cultivated in Cyprus?

Title: Re: Safflower
Post by: John J on June 13, 2013, 01:04:25 PM

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) has been grown in the area since ancient times, archaeobotanical finds in Egypt testify to this fact. It may have been known, and possibly grown, on the island from around the same time. A single seed dating from the 4th century BC was apparently found in the ruins of Salamis in the east of Cyprus. Today it is mostly grown in some of the mountain villages of the Troodos range. It is used as one of the colouring agents for the many eggs that are traditionally boiled at Easter, and to flavour and colour the filling for 'flaounes' an Easter bread/cake.