Cyclamen persicum Mill. and Leontice leontopetalum L., common vernacular names – and their relation to washing, incense and the unexplained ‘Jordan Dome’

Abstract Background Vernacular plant names reflect cultural perceptions, historical interactions, and practical uses. The names of Cyclamen persicum and Leontice leontopetalum exhibit complex historical transformations across the Middle East. Methods We examined linguistic and historical sources alongside botanical, ethnobotanical, and phytochemical data to trace the origins, meanings, and diffusion of the vernacular names of these two species. Results Comparative analysis revealed overlapping semantic fields related to washing textiles and incense use, which contributed to the convergence of vernacular names in different languages and regions. Historical and philological evidence supports the identification of the Mishnaic ‘Kippat ha-Yarden ’ (‘Jordan Dome’) with Leontice leontopetalum , as hypothesized by Immanuel Löw. Conclusions Integrating linguistic, historical, botanical, and ethnobotanical data provides new insights into the evolution of vernacular plant nomenclature and contributes to the identification of problematic plant names in ancient sources.