Distribution & Habitat Cyclamen cilicium grows in coniferous woodland in the cilician Taurus Mountains of southern Anatolia, Turkey. Specifically, it grows amongst rocks and screes generally in shade or partial shade at altitudes between 700 - 2000m. Description C. cilicium has deep green generally oval leaves between 1.5 - 5 cm (0.5-2 inches) wide with silvery markings. Flowers are generally pale to rose pink, with a magenta blotch at the nose.

There is also a forma album Frank & Koenen, which has pure white flowers. The flowers which appear between September and November, are small with petals between 1.5 & 2 cm (0.5-0.8 inches) long with a distinct honey scent. C. cilicium has a chromosome count of 2n=30.

Cyclamen cilicium var. intaminatum is now considered to be the distinct species C. intaminatum

Cultivation

Although not as hardy as C. hederifolium, C. coum or C. purpurascens, C. cilicium will survive very low temperatures and grows well in the garden particularly where there is some shade. If frosted, the leaves will recover except when subjected to very low temperatures. In the USA, C. cilicium has survived in a zone 4 area in New York State, although the flowers were severely effected by the cold and it was found more satisfactory to grow it in a glasshouse. As perhaps indicated by the fact that it grows in coniferous woodland, it enjoys decayed pine needle litter incorporated in the compost.