Did You Know Lebanon Has a National Flower? Meet the Lebanon Cyclamen

What do you know about Lebanon’s national flower? For starters, we didn’t know we had a national flower to begin with.

The Lebanon Cyclamen, scientifically known as the Cyclamen libanoticum, is a species of flowers in the Primulaceae family. It is native to a small area in the mountains around Jabal Moussa’s Biosphere Reserve. This species was first coined by Friedrich Hermann Gustav Hildebrand in 1898.

In Arabic, it is often referred to as dweik el-jabal (دويك الجبل). Here’s everything you need to know about our national flower.

What Does It Look Like?

This rare flower shows off delicate pink-white petals that seem to flutter like butterflies above its silvery, spotted leaves.

Come spring, the cyclamen steals the spotlight with soft pink to white blooms, each marked by a splash of deep crimson at the base. Its heart-shaped, marbled leaves add to its unique look. The flower also gives off a subtle spicy, peppery scent that’s easy to miss but adds to its character.

Its Natural Habitat

The flower is an extremely rare species, said to only grow naturally in the mountains of Lebanon. Cyclamen libanoticum grows only on and around limestone on the mountain of Jabal Moussa in the valley of Nahr Ibrahim in Lebanon.

But you can definitely spot this flower in other areas, since it typically favors limestone-rich land and lots of shade. It also tends to thrive at elevations between 600 and 950 meters.

Its Cultivation

If you’re looking to cultivate your own Lebanon Cyclamen, you’ll want to keep the plant in cool places with lots of indirect sunlight. To keep this potted plant in good condition, maintain humidity that can allow the cyclamen to stay moist without becoming too saturated from over-watering.

What Is Its Cultural Significance?

This flower is a rare and beautiful endemic plant species native to Lebanon’s mountainous regions. It holds significant cultural value, often symbolizing resilience and beauty. The plant has been featured in cultural traditions and weddings, reflecting its deep-rooted presence in Lebanese heritage.

If you’re interested in experiencing the beauty of the Lebanon’s national flower, consider visiting the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve during spring. It’s a journey into Lebanon’s natural heartland, where flora and culture intertwine.

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