Introduced to Gaul by the Romans, the Tulipa agenensis flourished in the south of France until the 1960s. The advent of pesticides and agricultural machinery led to its decline. It only survives in a few protected orchards in Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne, with the orchard at Villebramar among them.
Characteristics of the Sun's eye tulip
Originally from the Middle East and imported into France over 2,000 years ago, the Tulipa agenensis—also known as the Sun's eye tulip—is a bulbous plant between roughly 10 and 15 inches high. It consists of a simple stem and a single, bell-shaped flower. It is often called the Sun's Eye tulip because of the characteristic yellow star at its center.
Verger et ses pruniers et floraison (2020)Fondation du patrimoine
The tulip is bright red in color and flowers in March and April. It flourishes naturally in cultivated areas, especially in orchards and vineyards.
In the past, it was widely grown but is now in danger of extinction as a result of the decline in cultivation, the growth in urbanization, wild-flower gathering, and modern agricultural practices.
The flower has become a rare and endangered species throughout France, and is now protected on a national level.
The Villebramar orchard—a haven of protection
Located in the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne, the Villebramar orchard is a safe haven for this endangered tulip. The orchard is planted with plum trees, at the foot of which several hundred of these bright red flowers bloom every year.
Portrait d'Yves Geysseley propriétaire du verger de VillebramarFondation du patrimoine
For over thirty years, Yves Geyssely, the former owner of the orchard, worked to save the Tulipa agenensis.
In the 1960s, as pesticides became more widespread, he realized that wild tulips were gradually dying out. He therefore resolved not to use pesticides on his land anymore.
Jeune prunier et tulipes (2020)Fondation du patrimoine
Geyssely has protected his orchard and his flowers from harmful pesticides for thirty years.
When nearing retirement, he entrusted the management of the site to the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels d'Aquitaine, the trust responsible for protecting Aquitaine's natural areas, who bought the land from him in 2005.
Portrait de Florent Hervouet, conservateur du verger de VillebramarFondation du patrimoine
It is now Florent Hervouet who is in charge of the orchard and for ensuring the continued existence of the tulips in Villebramar. He continues to apply Geyssely's methods, while also making improvements, with support from the Fondation du Patrimoine (Cultural Heritage Foundation).
Verger de Villebramar dans le Lot-et-GaronneFondation du patrimoine
He takes particular care of the plum trees, which produce Agen prunes, as it is at the foot of these trees where the tulips like to grow. The tulips benefit from the soil cultivation that is carried out for the fruit trees.
Rencontre avec Florent Hervouet et Yves Geyssely - La tulipe Agenensis au verger de VillebramarFondation du patrimoine
Watch this video with Yves Geyssely and Florent Hervouet to learn about the care they take in tending to their beloved tulips.
We would like to thank Florent Hervouet from the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels de Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Yves Geyssely for their warm welcome and invaluable help in creating this content.
