Where to see and how to see the famous wild tulips of Kazakhstan -
Photo tour from Almaty for Berkarinsky tulip in Zhambyl region -
The Berkarinsky tulip (Tulipa berkariensis) is one of the earliest and brightest wild tulips in Kazakhstan, which blooms in early spring, delighting travelers with its rich colors. At first, this type of tulip was named after the botanist Theodore Kaufman, who studied the flora of Central Asia, who in the late 1960s invited scientists from the Russian Society of Natural History Enthusiasts to participate in the study of the nature of this region. Then, after additional research and data refinement, Kaufman's tulip was renamed Berkarinsky tulip as a separate type of tulip growing exclusively on the territory of Kazakhstan. Due to its unusual flower shape and variety of shades, the tulip has become the basis for breeding varieties widely used in decorative gardening. This tulip is distinguished by the extraordinary shape of the flower, resembling a star. The petals open wide in the sun, creating the effect of a blazing fire among the mountainous landscape. The height of the plant reaches 15-30 cm, and the color varies from bright red and burgundy to pale yellow and white, sometimes with a contrasting spot at the base of the petals. The leaves of the tulip are narrow, often decorated with purple strokes, which makes it even more decorative.
How to find, see and view -
Berkarinsky tulip grows wild exclusively on the territory of Kazakhstan in the Turkestan region (South Kazakhstan region), Zhambyl region, Karatau mountain range, Western Tien Shan Mountains.
Information -
The Berkarinsky tulip grows on the foothill and mountain slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau, Dzungarian Alatau and Tien Shan. It can be found on rocky and clay soils, in places with good lighting. Flowering begins in March and lasts until mid-April, creating a stunning sight among the still awakening nature. For those who dream of seeing the Kaufman tulip bloom in its natural environment, special tours and photo expeditions are organized. These trips allow you not only to enjoy the splendor of the blooming fields, but also to take unique photos. Experienced guides will talk about the biology of the plant, its importance in the ecosystem and the importance of preserving the natural heritage. The Kazakhstan Tulip Tour is a great opportunity for photographers, naturalists and nature lovers to capture rare moments of the steppe's awakening in spring. Bright floral carpets, mountain landscapes and clean spring air create an atmosphere filled with harmony and inspiration.
Berkarinsky tulip is one of the natural resources of Kazakhstan that requires protection. Like many other wild species, it suffers from uncontrolled harvesting and changes in natural conditions. That is why it is important to comply with environmental regulations and protect the places where it grows. Watching this flower in the wild is not only an aesthetic pleasure, but also an opportunity to touch the unique natural heritage of the country.
The Berkarinsky tulip is a symbol of the beauty of Kazakhstan's nature and one of the most impressive spring flowers. Its flowering is the real magic of spring, which attracts people from all over the world. Add this tour to your travel list and you will discover the unique world of Kazakhstan's wildlife!
Detailed description -
The bulb of the Berkarinsky tulip reaches a thickness of up to 4 cm and is covered with dense brown leathery scales. The stem of the plant, from 10 to 50 cm high, often has anthocyanin coloring. The leaves in the amount of 2-4 pieces are wide, with a bluish tinge. The flowers can take various shapes, from cup–shaped and goblet-shaped to star-shaped, with pointed or slightly rounded tips of the petals. The color of the flowers is very diverse: there are white, cream, golden, yellow, orange, light red and even burgundy shades. A distinctive feature of the species is a bright contrasting stripe on the back of the outer petals. In extremely rare cases, you can find yellow flowers with small reddish spots on the inside of the petals. Such specimens may represent hybrid forms or transitional species to Tulipa tschimganica Z. Botsch., which are found in the Ugama range. The Kaufman tulip fruit grows up to 7 cm long and 2 cm wide, and the number of seeds in a box can reach 270. It reproduces both by seed and vegetative methods. Flowering begins at the end of March and can last until the beginning of July. Most often, this tulip prefers shaded slopes, meadow areas and shrubby thickets, less often found in rocky areas from the lower to the upper mountain belt. For the first time, the Kaufman tulip was tested in culture in 1877 in St. Petersburg. Later, it was grown in botanical gardens in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States and Belarus, and studied in detail in Tashkent, Bishkek and Almaty. There are about 10 natural forms in the collections of researchers. Seedlings grown from seeds fully retain the appearance and color of their parent plants, and their first flowering occurs around the fifth year. The main value of the Kaufman tulip lies in its early flowering and high ability for vegetative reproduction. Due to these qualities, it is widely used in breeding and is an important object for creating new ornamental varieties.
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