Tulips
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Liliales
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Tulipa
Tulipa, commonly referred to as tulips, are a popular perennial bulbous flowering plant found in many gardens. Tulips frequently display one flower per stem, although some varieties can have up to four flowers. The flowers of Tulipa come in a variety of colours, ranging from dark purples and reds to lighter shades of pink and bright yellow. While some varieties of tulips have up to a dozen leaves, most varieties contain between two to six. Tulips can range in height from 10 to 70 cm.
While many link tulips to the Dutch and Holland, the plant and its name actually derive from the Ottoman Empire. The tulip is native to Turkey, Afghanistan and Iran. The Turkish word "lale" refers to tulip. Tulips were introduced to Europe in the 16th century. They become very popular in the region now known as the Netherlands. It was the Dutch ambassador, Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq, who sent the flowers from Turkey back to his native land for cultivation. Many growers developed new varieties. Tulips soon became very popular and were even used as a form of currency. Between the years 1634-1637 "tulip mania" swept through Europe. Cultivators bred new varieties and were charging large amounts of money for these new types. Tulips became more than a status symbol for the wealthy.
Tulip festivals are held in the Netherlands, Australia, England and Canada. The Canadian Tulip festival is a three-week long event held in the capital city Ottawa every May. A large portion of Ottawa's tulips are descended from Netherland's original gift of tulips, which were sent as a form of appreciation for Canada's efforts during World War II. The Dutch Royal Family sought refuge in Ottawa during the war and the Canadian military played a significant role in freeing Holland.
Tulips are beautiful flowers that are grown by many. They are found in gardens, as potted plants and as fresh cut flowers. For many individuals they symbolize the emergence of warmer weather and Spring.
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