Biology:Colchicum byzantinum
| Colchicum byzantinum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae
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| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | Monocots
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| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | C. byzantinum
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| Binomial name | |
| Colchicum byzantinum | |
Colchicum byzantinum (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, which means it could be a hybrid of other species. Therefore its correct designation may be Colchicum × byzantinum (unresolved).[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
- ↑ "Colchicum × byzantinum Ker Gawl.". http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-302796. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
- ↑ Autumn Bulbs by Roy Leeds (B.T. Batsford Ltd) 2006 ISBN:0-7134-8962-6
- ↑ "RHS Plantfinder - Colchicum byzantinum". https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/4202/i-Colchicum-byzantinum-i-Ker-Gawl/Details. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
- ↑ "AGM Plants - Ornamental". Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 22. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/agm-lists/agm-ornamentals.pdf. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
- ↑ Gledhill, David (2008). "The Names of Plants". Cambridge University Press. ISBN:9780521866453 (hardback), ISBN:9780521685535 (paperback). pp 82, 114
Wikidata ☰ Q738099 entry
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