Chiba University Matsudo/Kashiwa Campus Plant Database

Details of genus: Crocus L. [297]

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accepted: Accepted

Family: Iridaceae

family_ja: アヤメ

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distribution_en: Medit. to W.China

description_en: Genus of about 80 species of dwarf, cormous perennials found in a wide range of habitats, including woodland, scrub, and meadows, from coastal to subalpine areas in C. and S. Europe, N. Africa, the Middle East, C. Asia, and W. China. The small, mainly goblet-shaped flowers (4 or more per corm) open in autumn or early spring to reveal inner tepals in often contrasting colours. The 6 tepals forming the bowl of the flower are usually each 2-5cm (3/4-2in) long, while the perianth tube may be up to 15cm (6in) long. The styles are either 3-branched (with expanded or frilled ends), 6-branched, or multi-branched (with more than 6 branches). Semi-erect, linear to linear-lance-shaped leaves, mostly mid-green with pale silvery green central stripes, usually appear at the same time as or soon after the flowers and elongate markedly as the flowers fade. In some autumn-flowering species, flowers appear before the leaves. Chrysanthus Hybrids are selections of C. biflorus or C. chrysanthus, or hybrids between these two species. They have grey- to mid-green leaves, to 15cm (6in) long, borne with or after the flowers. Up to 4 flowers, each 5-10cm (2-4in) long, are produced in spring. Grow crocuses in drifts at the front of a mixed or herbaceous border, or in a rock garden, raised bed, or trough; the most vigorous are useful for naturalizing in short turf. Some need a dry summer dormancy, and these are best grown in a bulb frame or alpine house.

hardiness_en: Fully hardy to frost hardy.

cultivation_en:

propagation_en: Collect seed as soon as ripe, just before the seed capsule splits, and sow immediately in containers in a cold frame. Leave seedlings in containers for 2 years before planting out. Many crocuses self-seed freely. Remove cormlets during dormancy.

pests_en: Mice, voles, and squirrels may feed on the corms. Birds sometimes pick off flowers. Corms in storage are prone to rots and moulds.

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comment_ja: サフラン

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Update Information: Created: 2007-12-06 12:51; Updated: 2022-03-09 15:20

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