Cyclamen is a genus of more than 20 species of flowering perennial herbs of the primrose family that are native to the Middle East and Europe. The plant grows from a tuber and has no stem above the ground, and the kidney-shaped leaves grow from the base. 

Cyclamens bloom for several months if kept in a cool but brightly lit spot. They do best with temperatures of 50-60 degrees at night and 70 degrees or less during the day. Their delicate petals have evolved to blossom ‘upside down’ to protect their stamen and pistil from rain damage.