Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
Description
“Pet poisonous” – Toxic parts:entire plant Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as autumn crocus, meadow saffron or naked ladies, is an autumn-blooming flowering plant that resembles the true crocuses, but is a member of the Colchicaceae plant family, unlike the true crocuses which belong to the Iridaceae family. The name "naked ladies" comes from the fact that the flowers emerge from the ground long after the leaves have died back. Despite the vernacular name of "meadow saffron", this plant is not the source of saffron, which is obtained from the saffron crocus, Crocus sativus ? and that plant too is sometimes called "autumn crocus".It is a perennial herb with leaves up to 25 cm (10 in) long. The flowers are solitary, 4?7 cm (2?3 in) across, with six tepals and six stamens. The ovary is below ground. It is a perennial herb with leaves up to 25 cm (10 in) long. The flowers are solitary, 4–7 cm (2–3 in) across, with six tepals and six stamens with orange anthers and three white styles.:324 At the time of fertilisation, the ovary is below ground.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Liliopsida
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Order: Liliales
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Family: Colchicaceae
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Genus: Colchicum
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