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Tulip Facts

Tulip Facts
Tulip is one of the most beautiful and most popular flowers in the world. There are 75 wild tulip species and over 3000 varieties of tulips created via selective breeding. Tulips originate from central Asia. They were brought to Europe in 16th century, when people started to cultivate them on a massive scale. Today, tulips can be found throughout the world. These beautiful plants live in temperate climate, with cold spring which lasts extended period of time. Specific weather conditions (especially low temperature during the spring) are required for the growth of the seed. Number of certain species of tulips is decreased in the wild because of the over-collection and habitat destruction as a result of increased human activity.
Interesting Tulip Facts:
Most species of tulips can reach between 2.7 to 4 inches in height.
Color of tulips depends on the variety. Most tulips have flowers in different shades of yellow, orange, pink, red and violet. Certain varieties have flowers made of combination of several colors.
Tulips can have one or more flowers on the stem.
Flower is shaped like a cup and it consists of 3 petals and 3 sepals. Since petals and sepals look alike, they are both known under the common name "tepals".
Name "tulip" originates from Turkish language, where this plant represents national flower. Tulip in Turkish means "turbin" because this flower has the similar shape like unique-looking Turkish hat.
Certain varieties of tulips got their names by the unique scents. Apricot Beauty is a sort of tulip which smells like apricot.
Tulips have between 2 and 6 leaves. Some species have up to 12 leaves. Leaves are strap-shapes and covered with wax. They are spirally arranged on the stem.
Tulips develop from the bulbs, located 4 to 8 inches under the ground. Soil need to be well aerated and moist.
Tulips became popular from the moment they were brought to the Holland. During the period called "tulip mania", single tulip had the price equal to annual salary of a craftsman.
Tulip do not live long period of time, but they can continue growing even after removing the flower from the ground. Tulip in the vase can grow one inch in length.
Tulips are affected by fungal, bacterial and viral diseases. Rabbits, gophers and squirrels like to eat tulips.
Tulips produce tuliposides and tulipalins, chemical substances that induce allergy.
Consumption of tulips can induce poisoning of horses, cats and dogs due to substances called tulipalin A and B.
Even though certain parts of tulips are toxic, petals have been used as food during the Second World War.
Tulips do not have long lifespan. They usually live from 3 to 7 days.


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