Investigation of the possibilities of using some geophytes growing in edirne province in landscape architecture designs

Türkiye combines three climate zones due to its geographical location, and thus is very rich in terms of natural vegetation and plant diversity. Türkiye is also very rich in terms of geophytes. Geophytes are used in landscape architecture studies considering thier flower colors, low maintenance cost and easy maintenance. When using geophytes in plant designs, it is necessary to know their various properties and usage principles. Geophytes in landscape architecture, based on their flower colors and general structures, are used in parks and gardens, home gardens, public areas, cut flowers, border plantings, water edges, hotel or shopping center surroundings, medicinal and aromatic gardens, scent, color and shade gardens and many other areas. In this study, the characteristics and usage areas of 49 geophyte taxa within 10 families growing naturally in Edirne province and its districts were investigated. The investigated taxa belong to Amaryllidaceae, Apiaceae, Araceae, Asparagaceae, Aspholdelaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Paeoniaceae, and Ranunculaceae. Among the investigated taxa, 23 are bolbous, 14 are tuberous, 5 are rhizomous and 5 are cormous. The investigated geophytes were evaluated based on their root types, flower colors, flowering periods, roles in landscape pusposes, habitats, and light, tempereture, water and soil preferences. In the present study, characteristics of geophytes naturally growing in Edirne and its districts and their usage areas were presented.