Cyclamen rohlfsianum

One of 23 species of Cyclamen, C. rohlfsianum occurs on coastal plains and the mountains of northern Libya at altitudes up to 450m. It has a flattened, corky tuber, and the upper surface of the foliage is a glossy green with toothed margins, and distinct silver-grey markings, while the underside is a maroon-red. Flowering from September to November, the pink, delicately scented flowers have five reflexed corolla lobes which twist 180°, and which have a deeper pink base. In the wild C. rohlfsianum grows on limestone amongst rocks and crevices in scrub and woodland. This is a frost-tender species, so requires winter protection in the United Kingdom.