Colchicum bivonae

Family: Colchicaceae

What it is like

Colchicum bivonae is a BULB growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf from March to June, in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Mountainous regions in pinewood and scrub around 500 metres.

S. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

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Other

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The poisonous alkaloid 'colchicine' is extracted from this plant and used to alter the genetic make-up of plants in an attempt to find new, improved varieties. It works by doubling the chromosome number.

Plant breeding: Used in producing new species of plants or improved varieties.

How it is grown

Prefers a rich well-drained loam that does not dry out rapidly in summer. Requires a very sunny position. This is a very difficult species to grow outdoors because of its susceptibility to slug damage, it is best grown in a bulb frame. Plants can take 4 - 5 years to flower when grown from seed. Plant the bulbs about 7 - 10cm deep in July. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early summer in a seed bed or a cold frame. Germination can be very slow, taking up to 18 months at 15°c. It is best to sow the seed thinly so that it is not necessary to transplant the seedlings for their first year of growth. Apply a liquid fertilizer during their first summer, however, to ensure they get sufficient nourishment. Prick out the seedlings once they are dormant, putting perhaps 2 plants per pot, and grow them on in a greenhouse or frame for at least a couple of years. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant. The seedlings take 4 - 5 years to reach flowering size. Division of the bulbs in June/July when the leaves have died down. Larger bulbs can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on in a cold frame for a year before planting them out. The plant can be divided every other year if a quick increase is required.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

All parts of the plant, but especially the bulb, are poisonous. They cause vomiting, violent purging, serious inflammation of the stomach and bowels, and death. Handling the corms can cause skin allergies in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. bowlesianum. C. latifolium. C. sibthorpii. Baker. C. visianii.