Distribution & Habitat C. intaminatum is a diminutive plant which has been found at a number of disjunct sites in Western Turkey, near Burujuk (Buruk), Eskisehir and Akseki. It is only at the latter site that the plant overlaps in distribution with C. cilicium. It grows in mountain deciduous Oak woodland, amongst rocks and tree roots, and has been recorded between 100m and 1100m (3,278 - 3600ft).

Description

Cyclamen intaminatum has a confusing past. It was first discovered by E.K. Balls and collected under his number EKB669a in June 1934. However, he simply described it as C. cilicium var. and although it was briefly erroneously referred to as C. alpinum, it was not until 1978 that it received a formal name as Cyclamen cilicium var. intaminatum Meikle. Undoubtedly, the plant is closely allied to C. cilicium and shared the chromosome count 2n=30, but in 1988, Grey-Wilson recognised that it was distinct and elevated it to specific status as Cyclamen intaminatum.

The flowers which appear from September to November, either before or with the leaves, are small with petals only 7-16mm (1/4 - 5/8 inch) long. Usually, they are white with characteristic grey veins, but flowers are often found which are pale pink. Neither form has any basal blotch. The leaves are almost round (sub-orbicular) and are either plain green or have a grey marbling in the centre.

Cultivation

C. intaminatum is fairly hardy - certainly as hardy as C. cilicium and C. mirabile, but due to its diminutive stature it is usually grown in pots or pans in an alpine house or frame, however, it is likely to thrive in a sheltered raised bed.