The "lost tulip", a species unique to Turkey and reported to have disappeared from nature since 1896, began to be reproduced in the Merzifon district of Amasya, its homeland, where its bulbs were brought 4 years ago from Europe. 9 tulips bloomed this year. The new target is to make it become widespread in nature throughout the province.
It was recorded that the plant, which was first seen in nature in 1896, ceased to exist in Anatolia after it was first collected by the German gardener Muhlendorff in 1892 and sent to Europe and introduced to the scientific world under the name "Sprenger's Tulip". The photograph of the mysterious plant, which can survive as an ornamental plant in a few private gardens in Europe, was on the cover of the Turkish Plants List. The project titled "Lost Tulip Returns to its Homeland", initiated by Istanbul Nezahat Gokyigit Botanical Garden in 2016 to bring tulips back to Turkey, yielded results. The lost tulip bulbs and seeds, which were brought to the Nezahat Gokyigit Botanical Garden in Istanbul and then to his homeland Amasya, were planted in the garden of the TEMA Foundation in Merzifon. Bulbs bloomed two years ago. This year, the number of blooming flowers has reached 9. The new target is to spread this special species throughout the province.
TEMA Foundation Merzifon Representative Kadir Acar said, “Our tulip is no longer lost. 125 years later, it blossomed in its home, in its homeland. He had gone to Europe. But it returned to our country. I am very grateful to those who made this happen.” Stating that 9 tulips bloomed this year, Kadir Acar said, “Next year there will be 90 tulips. There will be hundreds in the coming years. We will spread it in nature by moving it to its natural environment. If God gives life, we will try to contribute to the development and spread of this flower in all Amasya, Merzifon, Gumushacikoy and Suluova.”
Source: Medyagazete