DOROTHY HYBRID OF COLCHICUM LUTEUM BAKER

Colchicum is a genus of perennial flowering plants containing around 160 species which grow from bulb-like corms. It is native of West Asia, Europe, parts of the Mediterranean coast, down the East Africa coast to South Africa and the Western cape. In this genus the ovary of the flower is under-ground. As a consequence, the style are extremely long in propottior, often more than 10 cm. The common names `Autumn crocus`,` meadow saffron` and naked lady` may be applied to the whole genus or to may of its species. Colchicum luteum is generally found at the height of 2000 – 9000 feet. It is generally found in areas of Himalayan region extending up-to the Hind-kush mountains. These species are highly valuated as ornamental and therapeutic use. The taxonomy of this genus is rather confused, and misnaming often occurs in the trade, so many of the so-called species in cultivation are actually hybrids of unknown origin. Botany, taxonomy, infra-specific taxa, distribution, ecology, description, chromosome counts, adulteration and phenology are provided with to their identification of Dorothy hybrid of colchicum luteum. Key words: Colchicum, Geographic area, Taxonomy, Cytology, Chromosome, God-gift hybrid of colchicum luteum