Photo tour and photo tour for wild tulips in Almaty region -
The best time is in spring to observe the flowering of tulips in Zhambyl region -
The Ili tulip (Tulipa iliensis) is not just a flower, but a true legend of the Kazakh steppes and foothills, this rarest type of tulip grows only on the territory of Kazakhstan. With its bright yellow bloom, it symbolizes the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature. The tulip was first described in 1877 by the Russian botanist Alexander Grigorievich von Bunge during his expeditions to Central Asia. The species got its name due to the place of discovery – the valley of the Ili River, where it was first found. This species is an important part of Kazakhstan's natural heritage and is of great interest to science and eco-tourism. The tulip blooms in early spring – from the end of April to the beginning of May. This species prefers dry steppes, foothills and rocky slopes. The greatest concentration is found in the vicinity of the Ili River, where it is easiest to observe the flowering since the places are not so far from the city of Almaty, from where it is convenient to start your botanical tour. The plant is resistant to drought and temperature changes, which allows it to survive in a sharply continental climate.
How to find see and view -
The Ili tulip is endemic and grows exclusively on the territory of Kazakhstan, the area of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains, the Ketmen Mountains, the Terskei Alatau Mountains, the upper reaches of the Ili River, the Almaty region.
Information -
We organize unique spring botanical tours for the Ili tulip so that you can see this rare species in its natural environment. Our routes run through the most picturesque corners of Kazakhstan, where the tulip creates unforgettable landscapes. Our tours include: professional lessons in botanical photography, visits to the best places to shoot blooming tulips, the opportunity to take unique pictures against the backdrop of mountain landscapes. Our guides will tell you about the flora and fauna of the region, the history of the discovery and exploration of the Ili Tulip, and you will visit nature reserves and national parks with our guides. In parallel, we also conduct cultural programs where you will be provided with an introduction to the traditions and culture of the Kazakh people, tasting of national cuisine, and visiting historical sites.
The spring flowering of the Ili Tulip is a real miracle of nature, which lasts only a few weeks. Don't miss the opportunity to see it with your own eyes! Our tours will give you unforgettable impressions, unique photos and the opportunity to learn more about the fragile beauty of Kazakhstan's nature.
Due to the reduction of habitats, the Ili tulip is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. The main threats to its population are cattle grazing, flower picking, and landscape changes as a result of economic activity. Work is underway to preserve it, including cultivation in botanical gardens. This tulip is important not only as a rare natural phenomenon, but also as an object of scientific research. Breeders are studying its gene pool to breed new varieties of cultivated tulips.
Detailed information -
The Ilian tulip (Tulipa iliensis) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a height of 10 to 30 cm, which is distinguished by its graceful beauty and unique features. This species is endemic to Kazakhstan and plays an important role in the ecosystems of the region. Bulb: Egg-shaped, 1-2 cm thick, covered with thinly leathery brown-black shells. The inner part of the bulb at the tip and base is covered with pressed hairs, which helps it retain moisture in arid conditions. Stem: glabrous or slightly pubescent at the top. Leaves: usually 3-4 of them, they are spaced, deflected, rarely bent. The leaves are glabrous, except for the upper one, which may sometimes be pubescent. The lower leaf is almost belt-shaped or linear–lanceolate, 0.7-1.5 cm wide. The leaves usually do not exceed the flower in height. Flower: Single, bright yellow. The perianth lobes are 2.5–3.5 cm long, sharp or slightly pointed, and have a purple or greenish tinge on the outside. The inner lobes are inversely oblong, which gives the flower an elegant shape. Stamens: 2-2.5 times shorter than the perianth, slightly expanded in the middle and narrowed towards the ends. The filaments of the stamens are yellow, the anthers are 1.5 times longer than the filaments. Ovary: 1.5 times shorter than the stamens, with an almost sessile stigma. This species is endemic and is found in the following regions: Ketmen Mountains and Terskey Alatau: Steppe and clay slopes, where the tulip grows among shrubs. Dzungarian Alatau: upper reaches of the Ili River, where the species was first described. The Ili tulip prefers open sunny areas with well-drained soils. It often grows in shrubby thickets, on steppe slopes and in foothills. The Ili tulip is close to the following species: Ferghana tulip (Tulipa ferganica), Kolpakovsky tulip (Tulipa kolpakowskiana Regel), Four-leaved tulip (Tulipa tetraphylla Regel). The tulip was first described by Eduard Ludwigovich Regel in 1879 on the basis of specimens collected in the upper reaches of the Ili River. The species got its name in honor of this river, which flows through Kazakhstan and China. The tulip reproduces both by seeds and vegetatively (by daughter bulbs). This allows the species to maintain its population even in difficult conditions.
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