Κονβόλβουλος ο ταπεινός
Etymology of Convolvulus humilis: "Convolvulus" comes from the Latin verb "convolvo", which means "interweave" or "roll together, up or around; coil", because it binds itself and winds itself around the stems and leaves of everything in its path and if nothing is in its path, it winds around itself. "Humilis" is also Latin, and it means "lowly," "humble," or "low-growing." This likely describes the plant's growth habit, indicating that it tends to grow close to the ground.
There have been at least 12 Convolvulus kinds (ten species and a hybrid) identified so far in Cyprus.
Convolvulus humilis is thought to be absent in southern Cyprus
Convolvulus humilis is a very rare Convolvulus species to encounter in Cyprus. It is actually considered to be critically endangered, and it is was up to now only been discovered in northern Cyprus. The specimen of the pictures, the one and only I encountered, was located in Germasogia, Limassol district, near the dam. It is the first time that this species has been officially recorded in Limassol.
The plant grows at an altitude of up to 225 metres, and it favors well-drained, often sandy or rocky soils, reflecting its adaptation to the region's characteristically arid summers. Its flowering period is from March until June.
How to identify Convolvulus humilis
Convolvulus humilis resembles convolvulus pentapetaloides. They have two main differences: Convolvulus pentapetaloides's flowers are distinctly stalked, whilst Convolvulus humilis's flowers are sessile or subsessile. Simply put, Convolvulus humilis flowers have no or almost no stalk/peduncle. Also, Convolvulus pentapetaloides's capsules are glabrous, whilst Convolvulus humilis's capsules are hirsute.
Additional differences between the two species
Convolvulus humilis is characterized by its distinctly low-growing, prostrate or decumbent habit, spreading along the ground and maintaining a close proximity to the soil. This "humilis" nature is reflected in its short, often nearly absent, peduncles, which contribute to its low-profile appearance. While variations in flower size and color exist, specific numerical ranges are best ascertained from regional botanical floras. Leaf morphology is also variable, with leaves typically being small and exhibiting a range of shapes.
Conversely, Convolvulus pentapetaloides, an annual herb, exhibits a somewhat more upright growth pattern, reaching heights of up to approximately 30 centimeters. Its "pentapetaloides" designation highlights its five-petaled flowers, which often display a distinct two-colored appearance. This species also has distinct floral traits that differentiate it from Convolvulus humilis. Leaf morphology is characterized by leaves described as narrowly obovate or oblanceolate. The key anatomical differences between these two species lie primarily in their growth habits and floral characteristics, with Convolvulus humilis exhibiting a strictly low-growing, ground-hugging form and Convolvulus pentapetaloides displaying a more upright structure and unique, two-toned flowers.
