Lilies of the field: a book of Cyprus wild flowers, by Ann Matthews, 1968.
“A page, a wild flower, a picture, a live description of the Cyprus “lilies” of the mountains gives to the layman great pleasure in stopping and admiring nature; to the specialist it supplies very useful and original information.”
“Lilies of the Field”, originally published in 1968, offers a delightful introduction to the wildflowers of Cyprus. Matthews blends scientific knowledge with a deep affection for the island’s natural beauty, creating a book that appeals to both nature enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Each flower is accompanied by a photograph in its natural habitat, along with its scientific Latin name, common English name and most importantly, its traditional Cypriot name.
The endemic Cyclamen cyprium, unique to Cyprus, is beautifully captured in both image and text. “Cyclamen is locally abundant in shady, stony places along the south-west coast and in the norther range, especially Kantara.” On the sandy shores, the sea lily (Pancratium maritimum L.) blooms with striking elegance surviving harsh conditions like salt water and wind. “Where this flower occurs in extensive groups - as on the dunes at Famagusta – it presents an unforgettable sight, its white spider like flowers dancing on the coastal sands in the fresh sea breezes.”
Centauria cretica Nyman, native to Cyprus, is another striking flower found in the island's wild landscapes. Known for its vibrant, spiky blooms, this species thrives in the rocky, sun-drenched environments of Cyprus. Its bold presence adds to the rich botanical diversity of the island, flourishing in the wild reflecting the island’s resilience and natural beauty. “It is a remarkable plant in that it has two wildly separated habitats within the island: it lives in the sand fairly close to the sea and in the coastal fields, and also on the high rocky slopes of the Troodos mountains.” Crown daisies (Chrysanthemum coronarium) are also notable flower of Cyprus. Apart from their bright yellow petals, these cheerful blooms are also traditionally used in Cyprus to dye Easter eggs, imparting a yellow hue. “The Crown Daisi is sometimes called Λάζαρος for about the time of St. Lazarus’s day the flowers are gathered and used for dyeing the hard boiled eggs bright yellow ready for Easter Day.” This practice reflects the island's rich traditions, where the natural world is not only admired but also incorporated into meaningful cultural customs.
As the island’s landscapes continue to evolve, books like this serve as a record of its botanical past, preserving knowledge for future generations. In a time when the environment is facing many challenges, recognizing and protecting native flora becomes more crucial than ever.
Whether one is strolling through a meadow of anemones in the spring or admiring the rare orchids hidden in the forests, this book enhances the experience by providing a deeper understanding of the plants that define Cyprus’s natural scenery. It encourages readers to take a closer look at the island’s amazing flowers and value the short time they bloom, making it an enjoyable read for both experts and casual nature lovers.
You can find this book, and many more, in the Research Centre of the CVAR.
