Crocus etruscus

Crocus etruscus (Tuscan crocus) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Crocus of the family Iridaceae, endemic to woodlands of Central Tuscany (Italy).^[2] It is a cormous perennial growing to 8 cm (3.1 in) tall. The lilac flowers with purple veining and prominent orange stigmas appear in early spring.^[3]

Crocus etruscus
Conservation status
Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Iridaceae
Genus:	Crocus
Species:	C. etruscus
Binomial name
Crocus etruscus Parl.

Description

Crocus etruscus is a herbaceous perennial geophyte growing from a corm. The corm is globe shaped with a flat top, the tunic is coarsely netted and a secondary star-shaped tunic is produced around the basal plate (where the roots are generated). Flowers are lavender-blue with gray-blue outer surfaces that are marked with dark veining. The three-branched, orange-red stigma is generally taller than the anthers. Flowering occurs in late winter- early spring.^[4] Plants are self-incompatible,^[5] meaning that viable seeds are not produced when pollination occurs among flowers of the same corm. The anthers open up away from the center of the flower to release pollen.^[5]

Habitat

It is found growing in sub-Mediterranean deciduous woods and stony fields; the species may be in bloom from February to April.^[6] The species is almost extinct in the wild.^[4] It has a restricted natural range, being endemic to the southwestern part of Tuscany.^[5]

In nature the plant has "near-threatened" status.^[1] However, it also appears in cultivation. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[7]

Cultivars

• Crocus etruscus 'Zwanenburg' is a cultivar with flowers that are pale violet-gray. The flowers have lilac-blue and deep violet-blue striations, with pale yellow throats, and orange anthers.
• Crocus etruscus 'Rosalind' is a cultivar with soft pink flowers.^[4]