Wild & Beautiful Plant Life in Israel

May 31st 2017

One of the most exciting things for tourists to see when they come to Israel is the amazing diversity of the country. While the political, cultural, and religious tapestry is unique, colorful, and refreshing, we’re referring to the exquisite climate and landscape that Israel offers. Last week we looked at some of the exotic and endangered species of wildlife you can find throughout the countryside. Today we’ll explore the unusual blends of flora that can be found in fields, along mountainsides, and springing up along the streets of Israel throughout the year. Behold the beauty!

A Vast Array of Floral Delights

Israel is home to close to 3,000 species of plants throughout its landscape, a staggering number considering Israel’s size and desert climate! Botanists have introduced and cultivated roughly 250 new kinds of plants into the area, enriching the tapestry even more.

Rare Blooms

Some flowers are more commonplace than others, but Israel grows some truly unique specimens. Here are a few of the more exotic blossoms you can discover:

Visit the Galilee region to view the Galilee fumitory, a delicate pink budding flower that attracts an exotic species of bee to its sweet nectar. This rare bloom was thought to be extinct until botanists found it here in 2012.

Head to Mount Carmel to see the Lilium Candidum or the Madonna Lily.

The Palestinian iris can also be found in this area, so enjoy the soft, doily-like white petals that gently curl down to the ground on these low growing plants. This is distinctly different than the iris haynei, another iris commonly found around Israel that has a rich, velveteen purple petal and stands upright.

The rakefet, also known as the Persian cyclamen, is another gorgeous flower you can find in the Eshtaol Forest region of Israel. This plant has unusually long, delicate, light purple petals that open and close for a unique display of its color and beauty.

Lupinus pilosus are orchid-like flowers with bright purple/blue bulbs that climb a tall spine and stand proudly to display their deep colors.

Don’t forget to check out the anemone, oxalis, tulip agenesis, and almond blossoms. Each of these has their own tale to tell, and many have become a significant part of the Israeli culture.