The COVID-19 pandemic in Cyprus has saved a rare plant from extinction – thanks to the complete absence of people on the island of Yeronisos, the threat of extinction of Cistanche deserticola has disappeared, reports PhileNews.

Cistanche deserticola is also known as “desert ginseng”. In Asia, its stem has been used for years to make tonic remedies. In addition, Cistanche has laxative, immunomodeling, antioxidant properties.

Until two years ago, the plant’s population in Cyprus was of great concern to the environmental authorities – they were worried that archaeological research on the uninhabited island of Yeronisos would cause irreparable damage to its flora and fauna. But “coronavirus” restrictions interrupted the excavations – and the rare species was able to thrive unhindered.

When the survey resumes, the archaeologists will be accompanied by Forest Department officials to point out areas that must not be touched, so as not to harm the Cistanche population.