Distribution & Habitat Cyclamen balearicum comes from the mountains of the Spanish Mediterranean islands of Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Cabrera (Balearic Islands) where it typically grows in scrubby woodland in shady places beneath Quercus ilex (the Holm Oak)and Quercus coccifera (the Kermes Oak). It is found between sea level and 1443m. There are also five separate, isolated populations in southern France from the Pyrenees to the Rhone valley.

Here they grow in "...terrain consisting of a patchwork of north-facing valleys ... on relatively steep slopes fairly close to cliff faces or in areas where rock outcrops occur. The vegetation is woody and dense, dominated by small evergreen trees and shrubs such as the holm oak (Quercus ilex) and box (Buxus sempervirens). The understorey is composed of relatively few species, with small Asplenium ferns and Ruscus aculeatus widespread." (Affre, Thompson & Debussche; 1996). See 'More Pictures' for illustrations of French locations.

Description

C. balearicum is closely related to C. creticum and C. repandum with which it shares the subgenus Psilanthum, often referred to as the 'Repandum group' of species. Like C. repandum, with which it will hybridise in cultivation, it has a chromosome count of 2n=20.
Cyclamen balearicum is a small species with grey-green leaves, often with a silver sheen. The under side of the leaves is crimson. The flowers are white and sometimes of a stumpy appearance, but sweetly scented and appear in March or April. The twisted petals often have a veining of pale pink or of white similar to C. intaminatum.

Cultivation

In cultivation, C. balearicum should not be exposed to strong sunlight and requires protection from all but light frost (Zone 9). It requires a free draining compost and appreciates the addition of some non-coniferous leaf litter.