Cyprus' native plant life

Welcome to the Mediterranean's abundance: Cyprus' endemic flora

In addition to its rich history and culture, one of the distinctive features that make Cyprus unique is its nature. Many treasures are hidden in Cyprus' unique flora, which embraces all the beauty of the Mediterranean climate. When we think of the forests that house various migratory birds and a rich flora filled with endemic plants, as well as subtropical varieties, we can see that all these are as valuable as a treasure.

Northern Cyprus' special geographical location also forms a wonderful base that makes its flora unique, and it is no surprise that it impresses nature lovers with its charm. More than 1900 flowering plant species are found in Northern Cyprus. 46 of the orchid species, of all those known in the world, grow in Cyprus. One of them is Ophrys kotschyi, also known as the Cyprus bee orchid. North Cyprus on the island is home to 19 plant species that are not found anywhere else on the island.

From orchids to century-old olive trees, from sage to tulips, from thyme to cloves... In Cyprus, you are greeted with different scents and colors with every step you take. That is why Dionysus, the god of fertility and vineyards, chooses Cyprus as his favorite island. Cyprus is the unique flower garden where Aphrodite meets her love Adonis... It is Antony's wedding gift to Cleopatra... This island bears the sign of the wind that brings fertility with white waves, where Aphrodite was born. Now, let the wind blow us away to start our walk among endemic plants together.

The memory of Orkis: Orchids

Let's begin our tour among endemic plants with orchids... According to Confucius, orchids are the "king of flowers"; fragile, elegant and equally enduring... Since ancient times, they have been the darlings of medicine, a strong symbol of love and the auspicious flower of Cyprus. Orchis, born of a nymph and a satyr, has for centuries been associated with fertility. People have always waited for the end of winter and for Orkis to show its beautiful and colorful flower again... The myth of Orkis as a symbol of fertility lives on to this day, and Cypriots celebrate Orkis' return every spring. The island is blessed every year with colorful orchids. How about taking a closer look at the amazing beauty of orchids?

From white to purple, Anatolian Orchids (Orchis anatolica) are colorful, and they are the best attention-grabbing parts. From March to April, if you go to Lapta or Beşparmak mountains, Anatolian Orchids will welcome you with a big ceremony. You also have a good chance of finding fool orchids (Orchis morio ssp syriaca) in various places on the island. Don't forget to ask this cute little orchid where its name comes from.

When April comes, pink orchids bloom all over the island... When you look closely at their leaves, you will notice a naked human form. That is why it is called the Naked Man Orchid by the locals, although the Latin name is Orchis italica. On the other hand, the Cyprus orchid (Ophrys kotschyi, Cyprus bee orchid) can be found in pine forests. It lives only in Cyprus and was named after Herr Kotschy, a prominent Austrian botanist in the 19th century. If it's March, you can see it in meadows and under pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees...

Nature's most beautiful celebration: Orchid Festival

The orchid has been loved in all periods of history; it has been a hero in mythological stories and a cure for diseases... Most importantly, the beautiful orchid played a leading role in one of the most special festivals in Northern Cyprus: the traditional Hisarköy Orchid Festival. Every year in the first week of March, when the orchids bloom, a festival starts that has a strong attraction for Cypriots. This festival is one of the ways Cypriots show their deep appreciation for nature.

The symbol of the fight against cancer: The March of the Orchid One of the best examples of showing the spirit of Cyprus is the "March of the Orchid". Started 17 years ago by the Cancer Research Foundation, this event celebrates the value of a healthy life with the ancient symbol of health: Orchids. With the enthusiastic participation of local people who want to draw attention to the fight against cancer, this beautiful march is always a celebration. As the Kıbrıs Development family, we support and participate in the Orchid March every year, celebrating our peaceful culture embedded in our nature.

Patron of endemic plants: Saint Hilarion

Since many of the endemic plants of Northern Cyprus live on or near the Saint Hilarion part of the island, this brings Saint Hilarion to mind. Saint Hilarion, who emigrated from Jerusalem and spent his life praying in the monastery, was considered the patron of the island. Looking at the hill and its plants, you will believe that St. Hilarion not only protected the island, but also blessed it.

Saint Hilarion Castle was built on a hill that controlled Kyrenia and has protected this city like an angel ever since. But to get to this castle, you have to climb a little - to the top of the Beşparmak mountains, which are 700 meters above sea level. In your impressive journey of 480 steps to the castle, endemic plants from Cyprus will accompany you. When you finally reach the top, Delphinium casey (Casey's root trough) will welcome you with its huge trunk. Delphinium casey is the oldest guest of the old monastery and one of the rarest plants seen in Cyprus. Phlomis Cypria awaits you on the south side of the hill with its golden glittering leaves. Phlomis cypria looks like a group of friends having fun, and the flowers that bloom one after another can be distinguished even from a distance thanks to their eye-catching color.

Are you ready to meet the most flowering and charming cabbage Brassica hilarionis (St. Hilarion cabbage)? This unique plant has lived in Cyprus for over a thousand years under the protection of Saint Hilarion and it may be the only one to have witnessed the long history of warships appearing on the horizon, princesses, princes and guests sighing for its beauty. ..

Although reaching the castle is not that easy, a unique reward awaits you for every step you take. If you look closely at the surroundings, you will see a small white leafy flower looking at you, and it can only be found in Cyprus... Pimpinella anisum, which is called Pimpinella cypria in Latin, prefers to live in the shade, and with its white leaves, it can be easily distinguished. As you approach the castle, you will meet another Cypriot that chooses to live inside the cliffs: Arabis cypria. It has all warm colors from white to pink. And also, Arabis cypria is the loyal scout of Saint Hilarion Castle. It has looked out to the horizon through the cliffs, and for tens of thousands of years it was the first to see who approached the island.

Cyprus Tulip: North Cyprus' abundance

Scientifically it is called Tulipa cypria, but the islanders call it Medoş Tulipan. Every year between May and April, the Medoş Tulipan appears from the lush meadows. Medoş Tulipan lives only in Northern Cyprus, and with its poetic red tones it announces the summer that is coming to us...

Every year a festival named after the Medoş Tulip is celebrated. The islanders love Medoş so much that people visit these tulips in their natural environment, take pictures of them and celebrate the resurrection of nature with dance and song.

A Living Book: Cyprus' Endemic Flora

We need to write a big book to properly explain all the endemic plants that inhabit North Cyprus. If you want to read this living book yourself, Northern Cyprus awaits you with its unique flora. You can walk among the cypresses in the Beşparmak Mountains, swim among the sand lilies on the beach and witness the miraculous moments when endemic orchids bloom.

Northern Cyprus' flora is as unique and deep as its culture and history. Whether you're taking a walk in the Beşparmak Mountains or sunbathing on the beach, Aphrodite Island always has an endemic story to tell you.

Source Orchids from Northern Cyprus, Serkan İlseven, 2017