The alpine pink (Dianthus callizonus) is one of the rarest plants in the world. It is native only to the Piatra Craiului massif area of the southern Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Alpine pinks, sometimes called "King's Rock" pinks, withstand temperatures of 10 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow in full sun or partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. The blossoms grow up to 5 inches and have red or white markings in the center. Researchers at the Institute of Biology in Bucharest have been working on conservation techniques to protect these wild, genetic treasures for future generations.
The tiger lily (Lilium bulbiferum) is native to the alps of Central Europe and the Carpathian area of Romania as well. This deep-orange lily is so beautiful that in 1957 the Romanian government honored it with a horticultural postage stamp. Tiger lilies are often called orange or fire lilies in Europe. Parts of the tiger lily are edible and the flower buds contribute flavor to salads and egg dishes. When baked, the bulbs are reminiscent of baked potatoes. The lilies do not need any special growing conditions. They grow in poor soils, which helps them to grow wild, not just in Romania but throughout the world.
Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), meaning "noble white," is named for its white star-like blossoms and is right at home on Ceahlau Mountain in the Romanian Carpathians. Edelweiss is comfortable growing in the rocky limestone areas of the alpine regions. The flowers look like they are made of felt because of the wooly texture of the blossoms, which are covered with fine, white hairs. This covering protects the flowers from the cold, arid conditions and high UV rays common to alpine mountainous areas. Romania listed edelweiss as a protected plant in 1933.
