Persian violet
Cyclamen persicum
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
A plant that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 25 cm high and spreads 15 cm wide. The stems are erect and flowering. The leaves grow directly from the corm. The leaves are oval or heart shaped and have teeth around the edge. The flowers are pink to violet. They have a dark blotch near the base. They hang down. The petals curl back.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. In Lebanon it grows in open scrub and rocky hillsides. It grows from sea level to 1,200 m altitude. It is best in humus-rich soils. It needs a protected shaded position. It is damaged by drought and frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Europe, Jordan, Lebanon, Mediterranean (country/location of origin), Middle East, Myanmar, Palestine, SE Asia, Slovenia, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten raw in salad or as stuffed leaves. They can also be cooked with rice and meat.
Edible parts
Leaves, soft seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or from the corm.
Its other names
Local names
Alayaprak, Duwayk el Jabal, Sobna ciklama, Za'matoot, Za'matut