Meadow saffron

Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale), also known as autumn crocus, is a flower that blooms in the autumn. Despite its common name, it is not a true crocus, but belongs to the family Colchicaceae. The plant is native to Great Britain and other parts of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.

Description

Meadow saffron is a perennial plant that grows from a corm. It produces leaves in the spring, which die back in the summer, and flowers in the autumn. The flowers are pink or purple and have six petals. The plant is toxic and can cause serious illness or death if ingested.

Uses

Meadow saffron has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The plant contains a chemical called colchicine, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat conditions such as gout and Behçet's disease. However, due to its toxicity, it should only be used under medical supervision.

Cultivation

Meadow saffron prefers a sunny or partially shaded location and well-drained soil. It is hardy and can tolerate frost. The corms should be planted in the summer, at a depth of about 10 cm.

Toxicity

All parts of the meadow saffron plant are toxic, including the flowers, leaves, and corms. The plant contains colchicine, which can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even death if ingested in large amounts. It is also toxic to animals.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• Colchicine
• Gout
• Behçet's disease

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