Colchicum triphyllum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Fouha bulbocodioides
• Colchicum bulbocodioides var. catacuzenium
• Colchicum clementei
• Colchicum bulbocodioides var. triphyllum
• Colchicum catacuzenium
• Colchicum ancyrense

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Colchicum autumnale (often associated with the Colchicum triphyllum complex) is characterized by its specific preference for open, sun-drenched environments, most notably within the steppe biome. This plant thrives in these semi-arid to mesic grassland ecosystems, where it occupies niches defined by well-drained soils and seasonal moisture availability. In its steppe habitat, the plant must adapt to significant fluctuations in temperature and moisture, often emerging during the autumn period to utilize the residual warmth and moisture of the post-summer season. Its presence in these open landscapes is often linked to undisturbed soil profiles and specific soil chemistry common to steppe regions, where it competes with various perennial grasses and other geophytes for space and nutrients.

Habitat :

steppe

Life history

The life history of Colchicum triphyllum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, it is classified as a geophyte, a life form where the plant survives unfavorable seasons through underground storage organs. This specialized adaptation further categorizes it as a cryptophyte, meaning its regenerative buds are located below the soil surface, protected from environmental extremes by the earth.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Colchicum autumnale (often associated with the Colchicum genus profile) is characterized by its small stature and specific growth habits. This plant is primarily terrestrial in its habitat, rather than aquatic or semiaquatic. It is a self-supporting species that does not exhibit climbing behavior, and it functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic or epiphytic tendencies. In terms of physical dimensions, the plant is quite diminutive, with a height ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.15 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.15 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Reproduction

The reproduction of Colchicum autumnale (often referred to in similar contexts as Colchicum autumnale or related species such as Colchicum triphyllum) is characterized by a distinct flowering phenology that can fluctuate based on environmental conditions. The flowering period is notably variable, with the onset of blooming typically beginning in January and the conclusion of the flowering cycle occurring around March; however, the specific timing is highly flexible and can span any month of the year depending on the local climate and seasonal shifts. This variability in flowering start and end dates underscores the plant's adaptive reproductive strategy in response to its habitat.

Flowering time :

Jan

Flowering time :

Mar

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Colchicum triphyllum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Demecolcine, (-)-colchicine.

(-)-Demecolcine

1. Die Pharmazie

(-)-colchicine

1. Die Pharmazie