Colchicum × byzantinum

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]

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

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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