Andalucia Life Fauna and Flora, Flowers of Andalucia Southern Spain

July 2005, Tulip, Tulipa celsiana

Tulip, Tulipa celsiana

There are a number of species of tulip native to the Mediterranean but Tulipa celsiana only occurs in Southern Spain. This one was photographed at Grazalema. Most people will have seen the vast range of large tulip bulbs available in garden centres and over the last twenty years or so an increasing number of miniature tulips suitable for rock gardens. All have been obtained by selectively crossing native tulips over a period of about 300 years. Tulipa celsiana is a native miniature tulip. It only grows to a height of 15 cms with its two or three slim sword shaped leaves only 10 cms tall in ideal conditions. More often the solitary flower is found coiled up on the ground in a tight cigar shape in open woodland and grassy areas. It is only fully open for a very brief period.