ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Ziziphora: A Genus of Annual or Perennial Herbs with Distinctive Characteristics

Ziziphora is a genus of annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae. This group comprises 17 species and 13 subspecies, with a wide distribution across Central Asia, Mongolia, Afghanistan, the Balkan peninsula, Israel, Spain, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Crimea, Ukraine, Russia, Siberia, Xinjiang, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and other regions. The genus is characterized by aromatic leaves, simple green ones with short stalks, and distinctive flowers.

The distribution of Ziziphora species varies greatly across the mentioned regions. In Israel, for example, there are three distinct types: an unpopular one grown in most areas, including Bahrain; a rare species found in the high belt of the Hammon; and another rare species thriving in the desert belts of Judea and the High Negev. The Hebrew name "Ababa" is derived from the Greek word for " pipe", likely due to the narrow shape of its flowers.

The characteristics of Ziziphora plants are notable, with rounded crystals that contain a double preacher-like structure. The leaves have short stalks, often raised on one side, and are scattered along the stem with leafy or dense kites. The flowers are bisexual, with 13 arteries and two unclear lips, featuring an upper language with three teeth and a lower language with two teeth. These features contribute to the unique shape of the flower's title tube.

The title tube is slightly noticeable from the cup, enlarged at the top, and lacks a ring of hairs inside. The upper lip is old, innocent, and codified, while the lower lip is less prominent. This distinctive structure allows for easy identification of Ziziphora species within the genus.