Primula
Primula is a genus of hugely diverse flowering plants, each with their own properties. For example, did you know that the common cowslip, found in the Netherlands, produces soap substances against insects that may also help fight cervical cancer? In other words, a curative plant! To protect the diversity of this plant genus, Rotterdam Zoo manages the National Plant Collection for Primula with other botanical gardens.
Primula plants are herbaceous flowering plants that always have five or multiples of five petals. More than 500 different species of Primula are known. But they are also crossed many times, creating many hybrid species and subspecies. Their generic name Primula is derived from the Latin "primus", meaning "early". This refers to the early spring in which these plants bloom.
Primula flowers can be found all over the world, but the origin of most wildflowers is in the northern hemisphere. By far the most species are found in mountainous areas: for example, of the fifteen European species, eleven come from the Alps. In addition, more than half of the wild species are found in and around the Himalayas.
As with most other flowers, the colours and blooms of Primula species are adapted to the animal that pollinates them. In the mountains, many different colours occur, such as white, pink or blue. Here, mainly butterflies spread the pollen contained in the flowers. In the low-lying areas there are fewer butterflies, but many bee species. Therefore, Primula flowers in the lowlands often have a yellow colour. This attracts more bees than white or blue flowers.
The use of Primula plants in cooking and medicine has a long history. For example, the plant was once used as a "paralytic herb", as it was said to help against rheumatic pain, paralysis, cramping and convulsions. The flour was also used to make flour and jam. You can even bake pancakes with Primula batter!
Primula plants have been known since the Middle Ages. The first, somewhat complete description of this species collection dates back to 1753. The Swede Carl Linnaeus began introducing taxonomic descriptions as we know them today. The Primula was among one of the first species collections he described. Darwin later still used the plant to research different forms of the same plant within the same species. For example, within the same species of Primula, there are different types of leaves, flowers and stem lengths that can be crossed with each other.
A large proportion of the Primula flowers at Rotterdam Zoo are kept only behind the scenes. Consequently, there are around 100 different species there. Fortunately, you can discover some Asian species near the Himalayan Rock. These can be found in the little house next to the Forest Guardian Hut, near the red pandas and tufted deer. There are always a number of Primula in bloom here from early spring onwards.