hi
a beautiful fall flower - the Colchicum feinbruniae is named after Naomi Feinbrun-Dothan - one of the leading botanists of Israel, and one of the authors of the "Flora Palestine" - you can read a little about her at http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/...un-dotan-naomi
family: Colchicaceae
the flower itself is quite big, and the design on the leaves is very special. it is endemic to the region.
photos taken on October 2009 and October 2008, in the Golan Heights.
Its leaves, corm and seeds are poisonous, containing the alkaloid colchicine. Its roots and seeds have long been considered to have valuable medicinal properties deriving from the use of small doses of this drug, such as to treat gout. Murderess Catherine Wilson is thought to have used it to poison a number of victims in the 19th century.
In this genus the ovary of the flower is underground. As a consequence, the styles are extremely long in proportion, often more than 10cm.
In the UK, the National Collection of Colchicums is maintained at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk.
Last edited by Daniel Mosquin; March 3rd, 2010 at 12:09 PM.
thank you for your addition, my "botanical" English is imperfect, and I'm not aware of all the terms.
in this genus, the parts of the flowers above ground are about 10cm in size, adding the ovary below the ground - makes this one big flower, that may reach 20 cm :-)
In that case (20cm) would not be classed as an alpine.
The Colchicum I had were quite small which is why I said 'alpine'. Maybe my Colchicum were small because of first year growing, after that they simply disapeared.
Very nice Cloudy, thanks for showing, interesting. I understand there is also a white form of Cyclamen coum endemic to the Golan Heights. Katalina, just curious , how do you or the Alpine Garden Society class an alpine plant ?
" The underground ovary, which only comes up above ground as the capsules ripen, is found in several genera in different families in the Mediterranean area, South Africa,and the Andes."
Thanks Silver , that is interesting. Katalina, I see it's a personal choice for you then. Yes, the Alpine and Rock Gardening societies and clubs are great, I miss them.
Beautiful photo and plant. I love the tessellations (if that is the right word) on the petals. Gorgeous! Looks similar to the double C. "Waterlily" but I don't think W has the lovely markings on the petals.
