A nation’s chosen flora often serves as a living symbol of its identity, heritage, and the distinct natural landscape it encompasses. Israel, situated at the crossroads of continents, possesses a remarkably rich and diverse array of wildflowers that burst forth after the winter rains. This vibrant tapestry of native plants provides a powerful connection to the country’s ancient roots and the unique Mediterranean ecosystem.
Identification of the National Flower
The flower most commonly associated with the title of Israel’s national flower is the Cyclamen persicum, known locally by its Hebrew name, Rakefet. This delicate, tuberous perennial is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, thriving in the country’s varied climate. The plant is easily recognizable by its distinctive, heart-shaped leaves, often dark green with silvery patterns.
The flowers are poised on slender stems, featuring five petals that reflex backward, giving the blossom an inverted, windswept appearance. These blooms range in color from pure white to various shades of pink, lavender, and deep magenta. The Rakefet blooms throughout the winter and early spring, from December to May.
The Selection Process
The designation of a national flower in Israel was formalized through a public vote in 2013, an initiative launched by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) and a major news outlet. The campaign was designed to celebrate the SPNI’s 60th anniversary and highlight the importance of conserving the nation’s wildflowers. The Cyclamen persicum was a strong contender, reflecting its widespread popularity and deep cultural resonance.
However, the Cyclamen finished as the runner-up, securing 23% of the public vote. The Anemone coronaria, or Kalanit, ultimately won and was officially declared the national flower. Despite this outcome, the Rakefet remains deeply ingrained in the country’s consciousness and is frequently identified with the formal title due to its historical and literary connections.
Cultural and Historical Meaning
The Cyclamen holds a profound place in Israeli culture, largely due to an enduring legend linking it to King Solomon. According to folklore, the shape of the Cyclamen blossom served as the inspiration for the crown of King Solomon. This association gave rise to the Hebrew nickname, Netzer Shlomo, meaning “King Solomon’s Crown.”
The flower’s characteristic posture, with its bloom bent downward on a curved stem, is steeped in symbolic meaning. One version of the legend suggests that the flowers bowed their heads in sorrow following the destruction of the First Temple. This image of a modest, downcast head represents humility and perseverance. The Rakefet has also been immortalized in Hebrew poetry and music.
Ecological Context and Conservation
The Cyclamen persicum is a geophyte, meaning it grows from an underground storage organ, specifically a compressed, perennial tuber. This tuber allows the plant to survive the harsh, rainless Mediterranean summers by entering dormancy. The plant’s habitat is widespread across Israel, favoring rocky hillsides, scrubland, and woodlands, often growing in the shade of trees or in crevices of bare rock.
The tuber contains a toxic compound called cyclamin, which acts as a natural defense mechanism by deterring animals from consuming the plant. Due to its popularity and the widespread problem of over-picking in the mid-20th century, the Cyclamen persicum was designated as a protected wild flower under Israeli law. This legal status prohibits picking, uprooting, or selling the species, an effort that successfully curbed the practice and allowed the Rakefet to flourish.