Cyclamen cilicium is a species of flowering perennial plant in the family Primulaceae. It is native to coniferous woodland at 700–2,000 m (2,300–6,600 ft) elevation in the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey.

Etymology

The species name cilicium is the adjective of Cilicia, an ancient name of a region of southeast Turkey.

Description

Leaves

The plant grows from a tuber, forming a mound about 10 cm (3.9 in) tall and broad. The leaves are heart-shaped or oval and green, often patterned with silver. The flowers bloom in autumn (fall) and have 5 sepals and 5 upswept petals, white to rose-pink with magenta markings on the nose. They are fragrant.

C. cilicium is hardy down to −5 °C (23 °F), so is best grown in a warm or coastal location. Like many hardy cyclamens, it requires sharp drainage and a hot, dry summer. If this cannot be provided, a controlled environment under glass may be preferable. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (confirmed 2017).

Forms

Cyclamen cilicium forma album has pure-white petals.

Cyclamen intaminatum was formerly known as Cyclamen cilicium var. intaminatum.

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