Crocus ligusticus

Crocus ligusticus
Crocus ligusticus
Crocus ligusticus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Subfamily: Crocoideae
Genus: Crocus
Species: C. ligusticus
Binomial name
Crocus ligusticus
M.G. Mariotti
Synonyms
  • Crocus medius Balb.

Crocus ligusticus is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the genus Crocus of the Iridaceae family. The Genus nane Crocus is a Chaldean name meaning "saffron", while the specific Latin name ligusticus, meaning ligurian, refers to the distribution area of this species.

Contents

Description

This plant has a bulbus with 15–25 millimetres (0.59–0.98 in) of diameter. The grass-like ensiform leaves are fully grown in May. They are usually two or three and may reach a maximum height of about 30 centimetres (12 in). The solitary pale purple flowers bear three anthers with yellow-orange pollen and bright red and very fringed stigmas protruding from the large perigonium, making it very characteristic. Crocus ligusticus is an autumn-flowering plant. The flowering period extends from September through October. Likewise other species of the genus Crocus it is slightly toxic, owing to the content of some alkaloids.

Gallery

Plants of Crocus ligusticus
Flower of Crocus ligusticus
Flower of Crocus ligusticus
Flower of Crocus ligusticus

Distribution

Crocus ligusticus is an endemism occurring in two italian regions only (Liguria and southern Piedmont) in the Maritime Alps.


Habitat

These plants can be encountered on woods and meadows in mountain environments, at an altitude of 600–1,700 metres (2,000–5,600 ft) above sea level.


References

  • Pignatti S. - Flora d'Italia - Edagricole – 1982
  • Mariotti, M.G. - Crocus ligusticus n.sp., a well known species. Candollea 43: 67-680, Ginevra, 1988

External links


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