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.