Cyclamen is a genus of plants in the primrose family (Primulaceae). There are about 20 species of cyclamen, all of which are native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and Africa. Cyclamens are low-growing plants with showy flowers that bloom in the fall or winter. The flowers are typically white or pink and have a distinctive shape with reflexed petals. The leaves of cyclamen plants are heart-shaped and often have a silver or marbled pattern on the surface. Cyclamen is a popular houseplant used as an annual bedding plant in some parts of the world.