"In seventeenth-century Netherlands, during the time of the Dutch Golden Age and Tulipmania, an infection of tulip bulbs by the tulip breaking virus created variegated patterns in the tulip flowers that were much admired and valued. This phenomenon was referred to as "broken". While tulips had probably been cultivated in Asia from the tenth century, they did not come to the attention of the west till the sixteenth century, when western diplomats to the Ottoman court observed and reported on them. They were rapidly introduced into Europe and cultivated and became a frenzied commodity during Tulipmania. Tulips were frequently depicted in paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, and have become associated with the Netherlands, the major producer for world markets, ever since." Wikipedia
Scientific name: Tulipa
Higher classification: Lilioideae
Rank: Genus
Did you know: With proper care, tulips should last from four to eight days. beneva.com
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