These black roses, known as "Karagul" in Turkish and thornier than others, can only grow in the town of Halfeti with soil that has distinctive features including a special PH level. Now Halfeti's residents want to transform the rose into a brand
A man displays black roses of Halfeti inside a greenhouse at Halfeti town in Sanliurfa. Image: Ozan Kose / AFP
To the naked eye, the delicate velvet roses in southeastern Turkey appear black and overwhelm the senses with their irresistible sweet smell.
The rosebuds are just as dark, and when fully developed, the flower takes on the colour of an intensely rich red wine.
These black roses, known as "Karagul" in Turkish and thornier than others, can only grow in the town of Halfeti with soil that has distinctive features including a special PH level.
The unique colour cannot be preserved elsewhere, experts say.
Now Halfeti's residents want to transform the rose into a brand since Turkey's rose sector is a blooming business.