Persian cyclamen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cyclamen persicum |
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| A typical wild form along the green path between Yagur and Nesher, Israel | |
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Cyclamen persicum, also known as the Persian cyclamen, is a beautiful flowering plant. It's a type of herb that lives for many years, growing from a special underground stem called a tuber. This plant is originally from rocky hillsides, shrubland, and woodlands. You can find it growing naturally in places like south-central Turkey, Palestine, and Jordan. It often grows at heights up to 1,200 meters (about 3,900 feet) above sea level.
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What is a Persian Cyclamen?
The Persian cyclamen is famous for its pretty flowers and attractive leaves. It's a popular plant that people grow in their homes and gardens around the world. Even though it's called "Persian," its true home is in the eastern Mediterranean region.
Looks and Features
The flowers of the Persian cyclamen are very unique. They have petals that bend backward, making them look like they are swept up. These flowers come in many colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. Sometimes, they even have different shades on the same petal.
The leaves are also special. They are usually heart-shaped and dark green. Many leaves have lovely silver or light green patterns on them. These patterns make the plant interesting even when it's not flowering. The leaves grow from the tuber, which is like a small, round potato.
Where it Grows Naturally
This plant is native to a region stretching from Turkey down to Israel and Jordan. It likes places with mild winters and dry, hot summers. In its natural habitat, it often grows under trees or shrubs. This helps protect it from the strong summer sun.
Life Cycle and Growth
The Persian cyclamen has an interesting life cycle. Unlike many plants that flower in spring or summer, this cyclamen often blooms in autumn, winter, or early spring. This is when the weather is cooler and wetter in its native lands.
How it Grows
The plant starts its life from a tuber. This tuber stores food and water, helping the plant survive. When the cooler, rainy season begins, the tuber sends up new leaves and flower stalks. The flowers then open, attracting pollinators like bees.
Dormancy
After flowering, usually in late spring or early summer, the plant goes into a resting period called dormancy. During this time, its leaves and flowers die back. The plant survives underground as a tuber, waiting for the next cool, wet season to begin growing again. This helps it cope with the hot, dry summers in its natural home.
Growing Cyclamen at Home
Because of its beautiful flowers and interesting leaves, the Persian cyclamen is a very popular houseplant. Many different types have been bred to have larger flowers or special colors.
Caring for Your Cyclamen
If you have a cyclamen at home, it's important to give it the right care. They like cool temperatures, bright but indirect light, and moist soil. It's best to water them from the bottom or make sure the soil is not too soggy. They need a rest period in the summer, just like they do in the wild.
Images for kids
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Cyclamen persicum cultivars in a Californian nursery operated by Japanese horticulturalists
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A flowering plant in Nazareth
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A flowering plant in the Eshtaol Forest in Israel
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The autumn-flowering variety (C. persicum var. autumnale) with Sternbergia clusiana in the Golan Heights
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Pollinated flowers of a cultivated specimen of C. persicum, showing stem curling
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Cyclamen persicum in Israel
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In the wild
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At a garden centre
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Rose coloured variety
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Emerging flower
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White flowers
See also
In Spanish: Cyclamen persicum para niños
