FEATURES
| Size: It can reach a height of 30cm. It usually has four fleshy leaves, two at the base which are larger and lanceolate, and the two upper leaves which are much smaller and almost linear. Colour: The flowers are deep red in colour with light black streaks in the middle. Flowering: It flowers from March to April and bears fruits in May. |
The name of the genus Tulipa comes from the Turkish word tülbent which means turban, because of the similarity of the tulip flower to the turban. The species bears the scientific name cypria because it is found only in Cyprus (endemic).
This species is native to the Akamas Peninsula, in the wider Kormakitis-Mirtos-Panagra area, between Mammari-Deneia, while recently it has also been found on the Karpasia Peninsula. It is specifically found in cereal crops, pastures, limestone rocks and forests with juniper trees (Juniperus phoenicea), at altitudes from 150 to 300m.
The species is endangered mainly because it is cut for its beautiful flowers. Additionally, in the Akamas region, the Tulip is threatened by overgrazing, as goats like to feed on its young leaves and fruits. Another threat posed to the tulips is residential development and the use of herbicides.
The species is listed in Annex II & IV of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and is also included in the Red Book of the Flora of Cyprus, where it is classified as Endangered. The total population varies from year to year, depending on climatic conditions and it is estimated to be around 6,000 individuals.