Colchicum × byzantinum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Liliales
Family: Colchicaceae
Genus: Colchicum
Species:
C. × byzantinum
Binomial name
Colchicum × byzantinum
Ker Gawl.

Colchicum × byzantinum, the Byzantine meadow saffron, is a species of flowering plant in the family Colchicaceae with a long history of cultivation, and no certain place of origin. It is thought to be a hybrid of other species.[1]

It shares many traits with Colchicum cilicicum. The flowers, which appear in autumn, have no scent and are light pink with a prominent central white stripe. Each tepal has a purple tip, even white selections. This plant is very reliable in gardens,[2] and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit[3] (confirmed 2017).[4]

Colchicums resemble crocuses. However, they belong to a different family, and unlike crocuses are toxic if eaten.

The specific epithet byzantinum means "from Byzantium" (now Istanbul).[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Colchicum × byzantinum Ker Gawl". Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  2. ↑ Autumn Bulbs by Roy Leeds (B.T. Batsford Ltd) 2006 ISBN 0-7134-8962-6
  3. ↑ "RHS Plantfinder - Colchicum byzantinum". Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  4. ↑ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 22. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  5. ↑ Gledhill, David (2008). "The Names of Plants". Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521866453 (hardback), ISBN 9780521685535 (paperback). pp 82, 114


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