Grows only in Turkey: Picking this flower will cost you! The fine is a staggering 699 thousand TL

The endemic Akkuş lily (Lilium akkusianum), which grows in the Akkuş district of Ordu and is found only in this region in the world, is among the protected species. A 699 thousand TL administrative fine is imposed on those who pick the plant, which blooms in June and July and remains alive for approximately 20 days.

First identified in 1993, the Akkuş lily was added to the literature under the name "Lilium akkusianum" after approximately 5 years of scientific study. The plant, which can grow up to approximately 1.5 meters, grows naturally only in the mountainous parts of Akkuş.

Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Mehmet Hilmi Güler also made a call to citizens in a post on his social media account, stating, "Did you know that the fine for picking the Akkuş lily is 699 thousand TL? My dear fellow citizens and guests visiting our Akkuş; my request is that we admire the Akkuş lily, which is under protection because it is an endemic species, and take in its wonderful scent, but please never pick it. Let us carry this unique beauty to future generations together. We welcome everyone who wants to see this magnificent beauty of our Argan Plateau."

News Source: İHA