Cyclamen

Cyclamen Pink blooms from the rocks

רקפתCyclamen persicum

The cyclamen, raqefet in Hebrew, grows from rocky crevices in the hills of the Galilee, the Carmel, and Judea. Its pink or white flowers appear from November to March, held above heart-shaped leaves with silver patterns. After blooming, the stem curls down and pulls the seed pod toward the ground. Ants then carry the seeds away. It is protected, but cultivated cyclamens are widely sold as pot plants, and many Israelis plant them in winter window boxes.

Glossary: Cyclamen