In many languages they are know as pigbreads - I guess because the storage organ is an underground tuber, which pigs might like to snuffle. There are around 20 species, most of which are found in southern Europe. In the Dordogne we have the hardy Ivy-leaved Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) - hedera being the latin for ivy. I'm not sure if it has spread here naturally, or has been introduced by gardeners.
Cyclamens are known to self-seed and spread quite easily, but I only have a few small patches. Maybe the wild boar are keeping them at bay, as I see their snout marks round about. My neighbours are faring much better in their front garden.
I read that Cyclamens are one of the species eaten by caterpillars of the Gothic Moth (Naenia typica). I will put out my moth traps this year, with the hope of catching some.
