Mediterranean Meadow Saffron
Mediterranean Meadow Saffron

Colchicum cupanii

In Crete, it blooms from late September to early December.

Mediterranean Meadow Saffron (Colchicum cupanii) is a bulbous plant belonging to the Colchicaceae family, and it is widespread in several Mediterranean countries. In Crete, it is found in a few specific areas.

Its leaves are narrow and lanceolate, appearing alongside flowers that exhibit a very pale pink colour. The yellow stamens carry dark violet anthers with yellow pollen.

It thrives on stony slopes, scrublands, rocky soils, forest clearings, and meadows. In Crete, it blooms from late September to early December.

Kalliopi Borboudaki, Chemical Engineer MSc, creator of the website https://butterfliesofcrete.com.