Photo hunting for rare species of tulips in Kazakhstan -
Spring photo tour for the most beautiful tulips of Zhambyl region -
The Schrenk tulip (Tulipa schrenkii) is one of the most striking and legendary representatives of wild tulips, the forerunner of all garden tulips, adorning the steppes of Kazakhstan and other regions of Central Asia. This wild flower delights with its variety of shades and shapes, as well as its rich history related to culture and botany. The tulip was first described in 1873 by the Russian botanist Alexander Schrenk, after whom it got its name. He is considered one of the founders of modern varieties of tulips, as it was with him that the breeding of these flowers began.
Schrenka tulip is found on steppe expanses, foothills and rocky slopes, preferring open, sunny places. It blooms in early spring, usually in April. The flowering period lasts about two weeks. The flowers open at sunrise and close in the evening, creating the feeling that they are "sleeping". Watching this process is a real pleasure for nature lovers, photographers and travelers. The tulip is widespread in Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia and China. It is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan, as the number of its populations is decreasing due to the plowing of the steppes and grazing of livestock.
How to find see and view -
The Shrenka tulip is widespread in Kazakhstan, West Kazakhstan region, Atyrau region, Aktobe region, Kostanay region, Akmola region, Karaganda region, Ulytau region.
Information -
Schrenk tulip is one of the main characters of the spring photo tours almost all over the territory of Kazakhstan. Blooming steppes dotted with bright tulips create picturesque landscapes that attract photographers, naturalists and nature lovers. Our botanical tours offer the opportunity to see this rare flower in its natural environment, learn more about its biology and importance in the history of breeding. We organize routes to the most picturesque places where you can not only admire the blooming fields, but also take impressive pictures. We adhere to the principles of responsible tourism. Flowers should not be plucked or damaged – all the beauty should remain in nature. It is important not only to enjoy the spectacle, but also to contribute to the preservation of these unique plants. The tulip is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan, as its population is declining due to the plowing of steppes and grazing of livestock.
Schrenk tulip is considered one of the ancestors of modern cultivated varieties, including the famous Dutch tulips. In ancient times, tulips were considered a symbol of spring and rebirth, and their bulbs were even used for food. It is not just a flower, but a symbol of the fragile beauty of the steppe nature. Its flowering reminds us of how important it is to protect the world around us. If you want to see this miracle with your own eyes, plan a spring trip to the steppe – it will be unforgettable!
Detailed description -
The bulb of the Schrenka tulip has an ovoid shape and reaches a diameter of 2.5–3 cm. It is covered with black-brown scales, which are densely pubescent with pressed hairs on the inside. The stem of the plant grows up to 30-40 cm in height, it is naked, sometimes with a reddish tinge in the upper part. The leaves, usually in the number of three (less often four), are spaced, bluish, with slight undulation at the edges, shorter than the flower. The tulip flower has a cup-shaped lily shape and reaches a height of up to 7 cm. Its shape and color vary greatly: from pure white and yellow to reddish-maroon, lilac and almost purple. There may be a yellow or black spot in the center of the flower, although sometimes it is absent. Variegated forms are often found. The staminate filaments and anthers can be yellow or black. The tulip fruit is 4 cm long and 2.2 cm wide, containing up to 240 normally developed seeds. Reproduction takes place by seed method. Flowering begins at the end of April and lasts until the end of May, and fruiting occurs in June. The tulip grows in steppes, deserts and semi-deserts, sometimes on the gravelly slopes of low mountains. It is also found in saline soils. Its distribution range extends from the Caspian Sea to the Eastern Melkosopochnik, covering the northern regions of Kazakhstan to the Balkhash line (including West Kazakhstan, Atyrau, Aktobe, Kostanay, Akmola, Karaganda and Ulytau regions). This species has been successfully tested in all botanical gardens of Kazakhstan, but it feels best in Zhezkazgan and Karaganda. In Almaty, the Schrenk tulip is weakly stable and usually falls out after 5-6 years. It is widely cultivated in various regions of the CIS (about 30 cities), and has long been grown in Western Europe and Turkey. Historical data provided by A. Pavord (1999) indicate that in 1574, by order of Sultan Selim, 300,000 bulbs of this species were planted in the Imperial Gardens of Constantinople, imported from Kefe (now Feodosia in Ukraine). Schrenk's tulip is considered one of the founders of the first cultivated varieties, including the Duke Van Tol class, known since the end of the 16th century. It interbreeds well with varietal tulips. For example, V.M. Kudryavtseva (Minsk) in 1971 received two new varieties – "Chabarok" and "Kupalinka", belonging to the Triumph class. The Shrenka tulip is listed in the Red Book and is protected in the Naurzumsky and Kurgaldzhinsky nature reserves.
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