Colchicum triphyllum
Colchicum triphyllum, commonly known as autumn crocus, is a perennial herb distinguished by its striking three-leaflet structure. While highly valued in traditional medicine for its potent alkaloids, it contains colchicine, a compound that requires careful handling due to its high toxicity. This plant remains a significant subject in pharmacology.
- Scientific name: Colchicum triphyllum
- Family: Colchicaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Following the order Liliales, it is a member of the family Colchicaceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its placement within 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, known scientifically as Colchicum autumnale (often referred to in botanical contexts involving Colchicum triphyllum), is recognized by several different names depending on the language. In German, it is called die Dreiblättrige Zeitlose, while in Arabic, it is referred to as لحلاح ثلاثي الأوراق, a name that is also used in the Egyptian Arabic dialect as لحلاح ثلاثى الاوراق.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Dreiblättrige Zeitlose | Wikidata |
| ar | لحلاح ثلاثي الأوراق | Wikidata |
| arz | لحلاح ثلاثى الاوراق | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse presence across several regions of the Mediterranean and Balkan peninsulas. In Southwestern Europe, its range extends into the country of Spain. Moving toward the Balkan region, it can be found throughout Southeastern Europe in Bulgaria and Romania. The species is also well-established in the coastal landscapes of Greece. Finally, its distribution reaches the island of Sicilia within Southeastern Europe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Krym | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Ukraine | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
Chemicals
Colchicum triphyllum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-colchicine, (-)-demecolcine.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (-)-colchicine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (-)-demecolcine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |