Steppe and mountain tulips of Kazakhstan -
Traveling around Kazakhstan and searching for wild tulips -
The Tianshan Tulip (Tulipa tianschanica) is one of the most striking and unique representatives of the flora of Central Asia. Its delicate but surprisingly persistent flowers adorn mountain slopes and valleys, creating stunning landscapes. This species was discovered at the end of the 19th century and has since become an object of admiration for botanists, travelers and photographers. The tulip was first described in 1877 during expeditions across the Tien Shan. Its name is associated with the Tien Shan mountain system, where this species was discovered. Since then, it has attracted attention for its unusual coloring and ability to survive in extreme conditions. The tulip flower is its main decoration, the petals are bright yellow, with an orange or reddish tinge at the base. The outer petals often have a richer shade, which creates the effect of a "fiery splash" among the mountain landscape. The tulip blooms in April-May, and bears fruit in June. The tulip is found on mountain slopes and in the valleys of the Tien Shan, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It prefers open sunny areas with well-drained soils, and often grows on rocky slopes and in river valleys.
How to find see and view -
The Tianshan tulip (Tulipa tianschanica) grows in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Tien Shan Mountains.
Information -
If you want to capture the beauty of the Tianshan tulip in its natural environment, our company offers unique multi-day photo tours and day trips to places where tulips bloom. Our routes are laid out through the places of mass flowering of this species, where you can take amazing shots. Our guides know where to find the most picturesque places to shoot. You will be able to capture tulips against the backdrop of mountains, gorges and the endless sky. We will help you choose the right lighting and composition so that your photos become real works of art. We care about nature, so our botanical tours are organized with minimal impact on the environment.
For those who want to learn more about Kazakhstan's tulips, we offer guided tours with experienced botanical guides. Our excursions are not just walks, but a real immersion in the world of wildlife. You will learn about how tulips were discovered, how they adapted to harsh conditions, and why tulips are so important to the ecosystem. We conduct master classes on plant identification, herbarium collection and study of the flora of the region. Our excursions are organized so that you can enjoy nature without unnecessary worries. For scientists, students and lovers of botany, we offer specialized botanical tours. You will be able to see the Tianshan tulip during its mass flowering, which is a rare and impressive sight. We are conducting research on the tulip populations of Kazakhstan, and you can take part in them. For scientists and students, we offer the opportunity to collect data that can be used in scientific work. We know all about wild tulips in Kazakhstan and we are ready to share this knowledge with you. We only offer places where nature has preserved its pristine beauty. We teach our guests to take care of fragile ecosystems.
The Tianshan tulip is not just a flower, it is a symbol of harmony and beauty of mountain ecosystems. Join our tours to see this miracle with your own eyes and create unforgettable memories!
Detailed description -
The Tianshan tulip (Tulipa tianschanica) is a perennial plant with an egg—shaped bulb 1.5–2 cm thick. The bulb is covered with thin, black-brown scales, which are densely pubescent with pressed hairs on the inside near the tip. The stem is 6-15 cm high, naked. The leaves, usually in the number of three, are close together, bent and often curly, exceeding the length of the flower. The lower leaf is lanceolate, 7-10 mm wide, with smooth edges, 2-3 times wider than the upper narrow-linear-lanceolate leaves, which have ciliated edges.
The flower is single, with yellowish tepals, 15-25 mm long. They are inversely oblong, gradually tapering into a nail, blunt and naked. The outer leaflets are dirty purple on the outside and slightly longer than the inner ones. The stamens are almost twice as short as the perianth; their filaments are yellow, glabrous, slightly expanded above the middle, and gradually narrow towards the base. Anthers are yellow, oblong-elliptical, 2.5–3 mm long. The ovary is slightly shorter than the stamens, with a long column. The box is oblong, about 1 cm wide and 2 cm long, with a long spout. The flowering period is May-June.
The Tianshan tulip grows on rocky slopes in the Alpine belt. It is found in Central Asia, mainly in the Central Tien Shan, where it is a rare species. It is also known in the Dzungarian-Kashgar region. It was first described from the Agiaz River, and its type is kept in St. Petersburg.
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