Cyclamen cilicium

Cyclamen cilicium is a species of flowering perennial plant in the family Primulaceae. It is native to coniferous woodland at 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

The plant grows from a tuber, forming a mound about tall and broad. The leaves are heart-shaped or oval and green, often patterned with silver. The flowers bloom in autumn 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, 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.

Forms

Cyclamen cilicium forma album has pure-white petals.
Cyclamen intaminatum was formerly known as Cyclamen cilicium var. intaminatum.