Cyclamen are a genus of plants containing 23 species, which are part of the family of Primulaceae, the Primrose family. In the wild, their distribution is centered on the Mediterranean, being natives of parts of Europe, western Asia and parts of North Africa. They are tuberous plants and have no obvious affinity with Primroses, although they do resemble the North American Dodecatheon in having reflexed petals.  Their habitats range from Fagus (Beech) woodland, through scrub and rocky areas, to alpine meadows where they flower in snow meltwater. The genus is notable for the fact that although it is small, there are species which flower in every month of the year.

In cultivation, there are some species which are definitely hardy, some which are border line, and a few species which will not tolerate any frost. The genus also provides florists plants in the form of cultivars based on Cyclamen persicum. These are generally winter and spring flowering plants which are available in a wide range of colors.