autumn crocus

 

or autumn crocus, perennial garden ornamental (Colchicum autumnale) of the family Liliaceae (lily family). Native to Europe and N Africa, it has escaped from gardens to meadows and fields in some parts of the United States. Its poisonous corms and seeds were the source of the drug colchicine. The purplish flowers, which bloom in the fall when the leaves are gone, resemble those of the true crocus and true saffron (of the iris family) but have six stamens instead of three. Other species of Colchicum are also popular garden plants. Meadow saffron is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Liliopsida, order Liliales, family Liliaceae.

Colchicum
Colchicum speciosum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Liliales Family: Colchicaceae Genus: Colchicum
Species
See text.

Colchicum is a genus of flowering plants containing around sixty species of perennial plants which grow from corms. It is a member of family Colchicaceae, and is native to West Asia and part of the Mediterranean coast.

Colchicum autumnale, commonly called "autumn crocus" or "naked ladies", is the best known species. It produces purple, pink or white flowers resembling those of the crocus which appear from September to October in its native latitudes. It forms a rosette of dark green leaves, but only after flowering.

Several other species, such as C. speciosum, C. album, C. corsicum and C. agrippinum, are grown for their flowers.

Its leaves, corm and seeds are poisonous, containing the alkaloid colchicine. Its roots and seeds have long been considered to have valuable medicinal properties deriving from the use of small doses of this drug, such as to treat gout.

In this genus the ovary of the flower is underground. As a consequence, the styles are extremely long in proportion, often more than 10cm.

In the UK, the National Collection of Cochicums is maintained at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk.

Species

• Colchicum autumnale
• Colchicum speciosum
• Colchicum album
• Colchicum corsicum
• Colchicum agrippinum
• Colchicum byzantinum
• Colchicum bornmuelleri
• Colchicum cilicicum
• Colchicum laetum

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