Tulipa aka Tulip

Tulips (Tulipa) are a genus of spring-blooming perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes. With about 75 species divided among four subgenera, these flowers are usually large, showy, and brightly colored, ranging from red, pink, yellow, to white. Often, they have a different colored blotch at the base of the petals and sepals. The tulip is a member of the lily family, Liliaceae, and is closely related to Amana, Erythronium, and Gagea. Originally found in a band stretching from Southern Europe to Central Asia, tulips have become widely naturalized and cultivated, adapting to steppes and mountainous areas with temperate climates. They grow wild in the Near East and Central Asia and were cultivated in Byzantine Constantinople as early as 1055. Tulips gained popularity in the 15th century, becoming a symbol of the later Ottomans. They were later introduced to Northern Europe and became highly sought after during the tulip mania. Tulips are often depicted in Dutch Golden Age paintings and have become closely associated with the Netherlands, the major producer for world markets. Breeding programs have created thousands of hybrid and cultivars, making them popular as both ornamental garden plants and cut flowers. One specific variety, Tulip 'Orange Emperor', is a late-flowering perennial with pure white flowers that open in the sunshine. It has large, wide petals in a glowing orange color, with a pale buttercup yellow base and black anthers. Standing tall at 70cm, this tulip can withstand strong winds and adds a touch of elegance with its sword-like foliage.