Scientists agree we are now in a new period of time aptly named the Anthropocene, a period of time where our planet’s climate and ecosystems are all managed or changing due to humans. We are also thought to be entering the sixth mass extinction period with extinction rates much higher than the background rate determined from fossil records. Our planet is being degraded and controlled by humans with little wilderness left, and even these wild areas are severely affected by our impacts. Over the past few decades it has become clear that the fate of humans is more extensively intertwined with nature than we previously thought, and it is becoming more and more obvious that to survive as humans we need to protect nature.
Nature provides services we tend to overlook. Our trees are literally holding our Earth together, most of our medicine comes from plant or microbial sources, and bacteria and fungi decompose our waste. Many great people have been inspired by the natural world leading to iconic stories and artwork and the development of new technologies and designs. Tulips are one such iconic genus that has influenced humans through not only their beauty, but also the less noticeable services they provide. Here I reveal the mysteries of tulips and why you should care about them!
Tulips are an important component of grasslands providing resources for pollinators that in turn support our crops. Pollinator populations are in decline and this is mainly due to the loss or degradation of their habitat including their food sources. The presence of flowers such as tulips are an important resource for many pollinator species especially those hard-working bees. The attractive flowers which produce pollen and nectar provide not only energy to the pollinators, but also enable the plant to sexually reproduce. This mutual relationship is critical in the survival of both of its actors. Many of the pollinators that visit these flowers will also spend some time visiting crop species. Studies have shown that crop yields tend to be larger when pollinated by natural systems as human hand pollination is slow and inefficient. Tulips therefore indirectly support the growth of our food. Brilliant!
Buying tulips is a commonplace activity in the spring. There are over 8000 cultivar types and new ones are being produced regularly. Disease threatens many cultivated species and new unique traits are always sought after avidly. The wild populations harbour a vast range of genetic potential. Many of these species are resistant to forms of disease, have traits that could improve tolerance to stress, and may provide the next exciting flower trait. Although the cultivar populations are much more extensive, we may be returning to the wild species to utilise this genetic store. These traits have evolved over vast periods of time and therefore have not been able to be bred by horticulturalists. Never discount the wild populations as they will always have a few more tricks up their sleeve than those produced by humans.
The cultural value of tulips is unquantifiable! The Dutch may be famous for growing tulips, but tulips can be found across and throughout the gardens of the World. There are extensive collections of tulips in many botanic gardens and stately homes across Europe, in the palaces of Turkey and across the Persian region, and across their native landscapes especially in Central Asia where the wild populations remain an important part of the landscape; notably in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan where this flower holds a special cultural value. The tulip is truly one of the most recognisable flowers! Humans have greatly influenced the story of the tulip. On the other hand, tulips have greatly influenced humans through inspiration for songs, poems and artwork. This genus has rooted itself firmly in the human dominated world making it one of the most successful plants of all time!
Today, the conservation of nature is receiving more attention than at any time in the past. There are motivated conservationists carrying out brilliant work across the world and the public is becoming more engaged in what they can do to reduce their negative impact on the planet. However, there is always more work to do! Next time you think about the planet remember all the incredible things nature is doing for you. Remember especially those beautiful yet hardy tulips braving the cold outdoors to bring you joy in the spring!
Happy new year from all the tulip team!
In search of wild tulips 