Crocus ligusticus

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

Crocus ligusticus
Crocus ligusticus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Iridaceae
Genus:	Crocus
Species:	C. ligusticus
Binomial name
Crocus ligusticus Mariotti
Synonyms
Crocus nudiflorus subsp. medius Douin

Description

This plant has a corm 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. Like other species of the genus Crocus, it is slightly toxic, due to the alkaloid content.^{[citation needed]}

Distribution and habitat

Crocus ligusticus is a native species of Liguria and the southern Maritime Alps in France and Italy.

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.

Cultivation

It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[1]