This is the commonest tulipa in Israel and Lebanon, growing in diverse habitats. It is characterized by 3 longer sharp outer perianth lobes and 3 smaller wider inner perianth lobes; the black patch at the base of the inner side of the perianth lobe normally have a yellow stripe at its edge.  Its morphological borders with Tulipa systola are not clear and one can see a gradual change between the 2 species. The coastal populations of T. agenensis were described as ssp. sharonensis. At the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens we grow dozens of plants in the grounds and in containers without any irrigation. They bloom every year.  

Dr Ori Fragman-Sapir (March 18, 2006)
Head Scientist
The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
Giv'at-Ram, 91904
Jerusalem, Israel
 
Tel. +972-52-4472401, Fax. +972-3-5182842
 
Please visit our website www.botanic.co.il