The Crocus reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Crocus

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Crocus is a genus of perennial flowering plants that grows from a corm. As one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, they are popular with gardeners. The flowers are purple, white, yellow, or combinations of these colors. There are at least a hundred species of crocus, of which approximately 30 are cultivated. Crocuses are placed botanically in the family Iridaceae.

The spice saffron is obtained from the stamens of Crocus sativus, a fall-blooming species.

   
       
       
   
   
       
       
   
   
       
       
   
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           Crocus 'E.A. Bowles'
       
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           Crocus vernus 'Pickwick'
       
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           Crocus longiflorus
       


Autumn Crocus is a common name used for Colchicum, which is in the lily family (Liliaceae)