Annual observation of the tulip bloom in Zhambyl region -
Botanical eco-tourism in Kazakhstan -
The Four Leaves Tulip (Tulipa tetraphylla) is one of the most unique and rare species of tulips that adorns the steppe and mountain landscapes of Central Asia. With its bright bloom, it symbolizes the arrival of spring and reminds of the fragile beauty of nature. This species is distinguished by its grace and resistance to the harsh conditions of the steppe and foothill climate. The tulip was first described by Eduard Ludwigovich Regel in 1875. The name of the species is associated with its unique feature – the presence of four leaves, which is quite rare in tulips. This species belongs to the subgenus Eriostemones and is endemic to Central Asia.
The Four-Leaves Tulip blooms in April-May, depending on the altitude above sea level and climatic conditions. Its bright flowers decorate the steppe expanses and foothills, creating picturesque landscapes. It prefers dry steppes, foothill plains and rocky slopes at altitudes up to 1,500 m above sea level. It often grows in small groups, forming colorful spots among the spring greenery.
How to find see and view -
The Four Leaves Tulip is endemic, grows on the territory of Kazakhstan, the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau, the Kungei Alatau Mountains, the Ile-Alatau Nature Park, the Almaty region. In Kyrgyzstan, it grows in the area of the Kochkur River.
Information -
The tourist attraction of the Four Leaves Tulip (Tulipa tetraphylla) is not only a botanical value, but also an important object for ecotourism. We organize special tours so that you can see this rare species in its natural environment. Our tours include: visits to the steppe regions and foothills of Kazakhstan, excursions with professional guides and botanists, lessons in botanical photography, acquaintance with the nature and culture of the region. You will learn a lot about the flora and fauna of the region. We support responsible tourism and take care of nature conservation.
The four-leaved tulip is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan and some other countries due to the threat of population decline. The main reasons are cattle grazing, flower picking, and the destruction of natural habitats. Botanical gardens are working to preserve this species, and breeders are studying its gene pool to create new ornamental varieties. Due to its unpretentiousness and resistance to drought, it is of interest for cultivation in regions with arid climates.
The spring flowering of the Four–Leaved 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 Central Asian nature.
Detailed description -
The bulb of the Four-Leaved Tulip is oval, up to 2.5 cm in diameter, covered with tough leathery scales of brown-black color, which are pubescent from the inside at the tip with thick pressed hairs. The stem is thin, glabrous, 10-25 cm high. Leaves, most often in the amount of 4 (less often 3 or 5-6), strongly converged, narrow, belt-shaped, often with very wavy edges, usually longer than the flower. The flower reaches a height of up to 6 cm, drooping in the bud. The inner side of the petals is golden or dark yellow, without a pronounced spot at the base. The outer leaves of the perianth have a bluish-green stripe along the back with a clear red or red-purple border. The staminate filaments are yellow, thickish, expanded in the upper half, with a suddenly pointed tip. The fruit is a broadly oblong capsule up to 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Reproduction occurs by seed. The Four-leaved Tulip blooms from mid-April to the end of May, preferring rocky slopes and steppe areas in the lower and middle belts of the mountains. Its main places of growth are the Zailiysky and Kungei Alatau in the Almaty region. Part of the range of the species is located on the territory of the Ile-Alatau National Natural Park. The four-leaved tulip has been successfully tested in culture in Tashkent, Bishkek, Moscow, St. Petersburg and Almaty. Under experimental conditions, individuals transferred by bulbs successfully bloom and bear fruit for more than 4 years. This species is highly decorative and resistant in the southern regions, especially appreciated for rock gardens. There is no data on its use in breeding yet, but the species is of interest for hybridization due to its polyploidy (tetraploid forms). There are known cases of spontaneous hybridization with the Kolpakovsky Tulip (Tulipa kolpakowskiana). The species is responsive to agrotechnical care, and specimens transferred from low mountains often form 2-3 flowers. Part of the range of the Four-Leaved Tulip is under protection in the territory of the Ile-Alatau National Natural Park, which contributes to the preservation of this unique species.
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