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Crocus speciosus

M. Bieb.

Purple crocus, Bieberstein's crocus

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) AnneTanne, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Krylenko VV, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

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Crocus speciosus, with common name Bieberstein's crocus, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Crocus of the family Iridaceae. The plant is native to northern and central Turkey, the Caucasus, northern Iran, Crimea and Bulgaria. Crocus speciosus is a cormous perennial growing to 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) tall. The lilac flowers with paler coloured throats and dark veins appear in autumn (fall). The orange styles are much-divided. The specific epithet speciosus means "showy". It is cultivated as an ornamental plant. As it increases rapidly, it is suitable for naturalisation in grass. The species, and the white-flowered cultivar 'Albus', have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Description

A plant with a corm and it keeps growing from year to year. It grows 10-15 cm tall. It produces many small corms. The flowers are purple and lighter in the centre. The leaves develop after the flowers. The leaves are narrow and usually have a silver stripe down the middle.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Azerbaijan, Caucasus, Iran, Middle East, Turkey, Türkiye,

Cultivation

It can be grown by seed or by small corms.

Synonyms

Crocus multifidus Rochel ex Ledeb.Crocus nudiflorus Hohen.Crocus polyanthus Grossh.Crocus speciosus var. laxior Herb.Crocus speciosus var. transylvanicus Herb.Crocus tauricus Steven ex Nyman

References (1)

  • Ibadullayeva, S., et al, 2011, Protection of some rare and endangered vegetable plants in the flora of the Nakhichevan AR. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation Vol. 3(6), pp. 224-229

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