Cyclamen pseudibericum

Cyclamen pseudibericum, also known as Turkish cyclamen, is a rare botanical species that flowers in winter in the cool undergrowth of the Amanus Mountains and the Anti-Taurus located in southern Turkey. It bears the largest and most colourful flowers among wild cyclamens. It is recognised by its beautiful purple-pink flowers, its violet fragrance, and its dark green leaves with grey marbling. This hardy plant grows in autumn and rests in summer. Ideal for shady corners, it naturalises through spontaneous sowing at the base of large trees and under bushes.

Cyclamen pseudibericum belongs to the Primulaceae family, just like primroses. It is a small perennial plant with a tuberous root (called a tuber). In nature, it is found in deciduous forests or among shaded rocks, in a small mountainous region that is slightly more humid than the rest of Turkey. It grows in limestone, schist, and sandy rocks, in soils covered with thick humus that protects it from excessive aridity. This modest-sized species measures approximately 15cm (6in) in height when in bloom.

The tubers of Cyclamen pseudibericum are compressed spheres, measuring up to 7cm (3in) in diameter when mature. They are brown and become rough with age. The roots grow from the lower surface. The foliage generally develops in October-November. The oval leaves are slightly cordate, strongly dentate, and measure about 7 to 8cm (3in) in length. The leaf lamina has a dark green central triangle surrounded by a lighter, pale grey-green or silver-grey zone, bordered by dark green. The undersides of the leaves are reddish-purple. As soon as the soil dries up, the foliage disappears and the plant enters a dormant state. This usually occurs in June.

Flowering occurs from January to March, depending on the climate, almost at the same time as that of Cyclamen coum. The pointed flower buds, initially lying on the ground, rise on reddish peduncles. The flowers have a sweet violet fragrance. Each flower is composed of 5 purple-pink petals with contoured and twisted edges. A small brown macule is present at the base of the petals, and the throat is white. After pollination, the flower gives way to a small round fruit, with the floral stem spiralling to allow the fruit to come into contact with the ground. Ants relish their sweet flesh. They disperse the seeds.

Plant Cyclamen pseudibericum with its cousins, Cyclamen coum or C. cilicicum, as a ground cover. They will multiply on their own over time, forming unforgettable carpets in shaded and somewhat dry areas of the garden, which can sometimes be difficult to plant. It is ideal for enhancing the base of a deciduous tree in woodland soil. It is quite resistant to cold (-12 to -14°C (10.4 to 6.8°F)), but its tuber cannot tolerate excessive humidity, both in winter and summer. It will find its place in a half-shaded rockery, in the company of Anemone blanda and liverworts, for example. For a double flowering, mix them with Naples cyclamens and botanical narcissus from the tazetta group, for example.