Intro: probably 1739. Origin: Rhodes, Cyprus, Crete(?), a single location in southern Greece (near Athos), south-west Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, northeast Algeria and northern Tunisia. From these from December to March flowering species, hybridisers developed the well-known (pot) cyclamen. The flower colour ranges from white to pale pink. Fragrant. The mostly heart-shaped, toothed green leaves come in many forms and have light yellow stripes and polka dots. Not hardy.