Cyclamen

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Cyclamen root shape en 1

Cyclamen purpurascens tuber

Cyclamen auricles

Cyclamen 'Stirling'

Cyclamen is a genus of 23 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. Cyclamen species are native to Europe and the Mediterranean Basin east to Iran, with one species in Somalia. They are valued for their beautiful flowers, often with upswept petals, and attractive foliage. Cyclamen are commonly grown for their flowers, both outdoors in temperate climates and indoors in cooler climates as houseplants.

Description

Cyclamen plants have a tuber, from which the leaves, flowers, and roots grow. The tuber is round, flattened, and grows just below the soil surface. Cyclamen leaves are heart-shaped to oval, often with a silver or grey pattern on the top surface. The flowers have five petals, which are reflexed upwards, and can be white, pink, red, or purple, often with a darker color at the base.

Habitat and Distribution

Cyclamen prefer cool, moist environments. They are found in forests, rocky areas, and scrubland. The natural distribution of Cyclamen covers regions from Europe and the Mediterranean Basin east to Iran, with Cyclamen somalense being an outlier found in Somalia.

Cultivation and Uses

Cyclamen are popular ornamental plants, grown for their attractive flowers and foliage. They require well-drained soil and partial shade. Overwatering or waterlogging can cause the tubers to rot. Cyclamen are often grown in pots and are popular indoor plants in cooler climates. They are also used in gardens, especially in rock gardens and woodland settings.

Species

Some well-known species of Cyclamen include:

• Cyclamen persicum, the Persian cyclamen, widely cultivated and available in a variety of colors.
• Cyclamen hederifolium, known for its ivy-like leaves and one of the hardiest species, suitable for outdoor cultivation in temperate climates.
• Cyclamen coum, which blooms in winter and early spring, often flowering through snow.

Conservation

Several Cyclamen species are considered at risk due to habitat loss and overcollection. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and cultivation of plants from seed rather than collecting them from the wild.

In Culture

Cyclamen have various symbolic meanings in different cultures, including sincerity, lasting feelings, and goodbye. They are often given as gifts to express these sentiments.