Species: Ivy-leaved Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium)
Family: Primroses (Primulaceae)
Category: Flowering Plants
Location: SW
A. Flowering Plants
More extensive information on flowering plants can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Primroses (Primulaceae)
This is a mainly temperate and cold region family, with many familiar wildflowers and cultivars amongst its members.
C. Ivy-leaved Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium)
Cyclamens are members of the Primrose family, and this one is a hardy flowering plant that doesn't lose its leaves in winter. It is an established native in southern England, often found in churchyards and cemeteries (although the plant photographed here escaped everyone's attention for several years, only becoming visible after a patch of brambles was lightly cleared). It is originally from the Mediterranean region but has been established in England for perhaps two hundred years.
The shape and patterning of the leaves - resembling the leaves of Common Ivy - gives it its name. A similar species, Cyclamen neapolitanum indicates an Italian origin.
Additional Information
Cyclamens and the Virgin Mary
The association between this plant and the mother of Jesus is better-known in Mediterranean and Middle East countries than it is in Britain. The flower's bowed head and the immaculate white petals are an obvious link. Red tinges to these petals suggest the Virgin's bleeding heart. Churches would often be decorated with bouquets of cyclamens, and incense was sometimes prepared from the flowers for church use.
Images
Ivy-leaved Cyclamen
Cyclamens are members of the Primrose family, and this one is a hardy flowering plant that doesn't lose its leaves in winter.
Ivy-leaved Cyclamen
The shape and patterning of the leaves - resembling the leaves of Common Ivy - gives it its name.
This plant was photographed at the end of September 2023.
