Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment has chosen to present the humble donkey thistle to mark World Environment Day, on Saturday, in a bid to showcase the intrinsic value and important role of all plants in maintaining a balance and preserving the country`s natural ecosystems.

This year`s World Environment Day is even more important as it marks the beginning of the UN decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the Ministry says in a press release.

The Cyprian Donkey Thistle (Onopordum cyprium) is endemic to Cyprus and is found widely across the island from 0 to 1,250 meters altitude. 

A significant part of its population is located in protected areas of the Natura 2000 network and National Forest Parks or other state forest land with controlled activities, the press release adds.

“The donkey thistle, a favourite food for donkeys, has important healing properties for people which have been known since antiquity, so in some countries without enough sunshine, it is cultivated for medicinal purposes. Bees also appreciate the thistle, as they are attracted to its flowers,” it says.