Colchicum palaestinum
Colchicum palaestinum, commonly known as the Palestinian autumn crocus, is a resilient perennial herb native to the Eastern Mediterranean. Renowned for its striking seasonal blooms, this medicinal plant contains bioactive alkaloids. Traditionally used in regional ethnobotany, it holds significant pharmacological interest for its potential therapeutic and cytotoxic properties.
- Scientific name: Colchicum palaestinum
- Family: Colchicaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Liliales, it is classified under the family Colchicaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Colchicum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Liliales | WCVP |
| Family | Colchicaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Colchicum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Colchicum palaestinum, is known by various regional names depending on the language. In Hebrew, it is commonly referred to as Kalanit HaYishai (כלנית הישאי), while in Arabic, it is known as Salsal (سلسال).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical range across parts of Northern Africa and Western Asia. In the North African region, its presence is documented within the territories of Egypt and Libya. Moving toward Western Asia, the species can be found spanning the area from Lebanon to Syria. It is also native to the region of Palestine. Finally, its distribution extends into the Sinai Peninsula, completing its localized habitat range.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Lebanon-Syria | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Palestine | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Sinai | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Colchicum palaestinum, is a medicinal species where the vegetative structure plays a key role in its biological profile. The leaves are a primary component of the plant's anatomy, typically emerging in a basal rosette during the growing season. These leaves are essential for photosynthesis and serve as the site for the synthesis of various bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic potential.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |