Tulipa praestans is a species of tulip native to the mountains of Tajikistan.[2] Many well known cultivars have been formed from the original plant.[4]
It is a low-growing species tulip,[5] and has 25–45 cm (10–18 in) tall stems.[4] It has 3 to 7 grey-green leaves that are downy and fringed with hairs (ciliate).[4][5] It can have one flower (normally in the wild,[4]) or it can produce multiple flowers per bulb,[6] meaning it can have a pair of flowers or up to a maximum of five flowers per bulb.[4] It blooms in April,[5] with cup shaped flowers.[5][6] The flowers are 5–6.5 cm (2–3 in) wide, in orange-red,[4] orange-scarlet,[5] or scarlet.[6] The anthers are yellow or purple.[4]
The specific epithet praestans, refers to the Latin for 'remarkable',[7]' pre - eminent, superior, excellent or distinguished'.[8]
T. praestans was originally described and published by Carl Anton von Meyer in The Gardeners' Chronicle Series 3, Vol.33 on page 239 in 1903.[3][9]
It is native to temperate areas of Central Asia.[9][4][10]
It is found in Tajikistan,[9] in the Pamir-Alay mountain system.[6][4]
It grows on rocky slopes, screes, and in light woodland,[6] at an altitude of 3,000 m (9,800 ft) above sea level.[6][5]
The following cultivars represent praestans in cultivation: 'Fuselier' always has
All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested. Contact may cause a skin reaction.[18]
Tulipa praestans is a species of tulip native to the mountains of Tajikistan. Many well known cultivars have been formed from the original plant.
