THE TULIP'S ANCESTOR, THE TURKISH TULIP
The Turkish tulip, known as the ancestor of the tulip, is among the species that need to be protected due to its genetic diversity and endemic structure. Pınar Kınıklı, Projects Coordinator of the Antalya Orchids and Biodiversity Conservation Association (ANTOK), said, "Instead of buying this species from abroad, we can use our own resources in our parks and gardens."
ANTOK Projects Coordinator Pınar Kınıklı gave information about the endemic plant conservation efforts carried out in Antalya. Stating that they have carried out many national and international projects since 2010, Kınıklı said that they have carried out important studies especially for the protection of endangered species. Stating that endemic plant species were determined throughout Antalya within the scope of projects supported by the European Union, Kınıklı said, "As a result of our studies, we identified the 40 most endangered plant species. We carried out various projects in cooperation with the Regional Directorate of Forestry and National Parks to protect these species."
SPREAD FROM MANISA TO THE MEDITERRANEAN
Emphasizing that one of the most important species taken under protection is the Turkish tulip, Kınıklı said, "This species is spread from Manisa to the Mediterranean. It is extremely important because it is unique to Turkey. It is a plant that attracts attention with its red-eyed flowers that herald the spring." Stating that the Turkish tulip is considered the ancestor of tulips, Kınıklı said, "The tulip species used in parks and gardens today are cultured forms that have been subjected to genetic studies. However, the homeland of the tulip is Turkey. It is of great importance to study and protect this plant, whose genetic material was taken abroad and developed in history, in our country again."
'WE CAN INCREASE THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF THE TULIP'
Emphasizing the importance of protecting and promoting the Turkish tulip, which is known as the ancestor of the tulip, Kınıklı stated that these types of plants grown in Turkey should be taken care of. Underlining the development in tulip production with the fact that the homeland of the tulip is Turkey, Kınıklı said, "Instead of buying this species from abroad, we can use our own resources in our parks and gardens. We can even increase the genetic diversity of the tulip by doing more research and sell it abroad."
