Cretan Cyclamen
Cretan Cyclamen
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The Cretan cyclamen is an endemic species found exclusively in Crete and Karpathos.

The Cretan cyclamen (Cyclamen creticum), belonging to the family of Primulidae, thrives in shaded areas during the spring season.

The Cretan cyclamen (Cyclamen creticum) is an endemic species found in Crete and Karpathos. Featuring long-petiolate, ivy-shaped leaves, its thin, purple stem supports broad, dark green leaves with white spots and a reddish-purple underside.

The mature flowers have five lobes, and as they blossom, five stamens turn downward. These white flowers bloom from March to April. Notably, its root is also utilised in pharmacy.


Photo 1: Liapakis,S. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete

Photo 2: Trichas,A. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete