Colchicum variegatum
Colchicum variegatum
Vargit
Corm 2-4 x 2-3.5 cm, ovoid to subglobose; outer tunics dark brown, inner dark reddish-brown, coriaceous or subcoriaceous, apex produced into a persistent neck 5-15 cm. Leaves 3-4, hysteranthous, patent, linear-lanceolate or ligulate, 9-15 cm x 10-20 mm, obtuse to acute, glabrous, margins cartilaginous, undulate. Flowers 1-2, rotate. Perianth segments deep red or violet-purple, occasionally paler or white at base, strongly tessellated, lanceolate to elliptic or oblanceolate, 4-6 x1-2 cm, frequently slightly twisted near obtuse or acute apex, glabrous. Filaments 2-3 cm, glabrous; anthers purplish-black or purplish-brown, 5-7 x 1 mm; pollen yellow. Styles straight, occasionally slightly curved and swollen at apex, stigmas decurrent for 1.5-2 mm. Capsule oblong-ovoid, 2 x 1 cm, mid-brown, glabrous, obtuse. Fl. 9-11. Subalpine Pinus woods, rich terra rossa among limestone boulders, macchie, Erica and Juniperus scrub, Abies woodland, 150-1450 m.
Greece, Cyclades. E. Medit. element.
