Tulipa agenensis

Λαλάς, Τουλίπα του αζάν

Etymology of Tulipa agenensis: The name of the genus, "Tulipa", derives from the Ottoman Turkish "tülbent", meaning "fine muslin, turban", which originates from Persian "دلبند" [dolband], meaning "turban", because the Muslims saw relativity of the tulip flowers with their turbans. The Latin epithet "agenensis", refers to the French town of Agen, where a wild colony of tulips were found.

There are three Tulipa species that can be found in Cyprus, and this one is the most "popular", as it exists in more regions, and more specicifically, in central and western Cyprus between at an altitude of 100-450 metres. Tulipa agenensis is a very rare plant to find in Cyprus, but it is a common plant in the village of Polemi, in Pafos. It is considered endangered in Cyprus. It is a non-endemic, naturalized but not invasive plant. Agenensis is a perennial with an ovoid bulb, growing up to 30 cm high. Tulipa agenensis, depending on the weather conditions, usually blooms for a short period between March and April.