The Genus Cyclamen

This guide in this series of botanical monographs aims to provide a comprehensive account of the 19 species of the genus cyclamen. The genus cyclamen comprises of a group of very distinct species native to parts of Europe and western Asia, as well as North Africa. It belongs to the primrose family, the primulaceae, and although the flowers bear some resemblance to other genera in the family, especially dodecatheon and soldanella, cyclamen has no obvious affinities and holds a rather isolated position. The book gives details of the history and full cultural information of the genus, stating that with the right selection of species it is possible to have cyclamen in flower almost throughout the year. The study is aimed at botanists and keen gardeners.