Crocus cancellatus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Crocus cancellatus var. naupliensis
• Crocus cancellatus var. margaritaceus
• Crocus cancellatus var. cilicius
• Crocus cancellatus var. kotschyanus

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asparagales, it is classified under the family Iridaceae and is further identified by the genus Crocus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the Western Asian region. Its presence is notably documented across the territories of Lebanon and Syria. Additionally, the species can be found growing within the borders of Türkiye. These locations represent the primary natural habitats where the plant is known to occur. Consequently, its range is relatively localized to these specific Mediterranean and Anatolian landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Crocus cancellatus is characterized by its specialized survival strategy as a cryptophyte, specifically functioning as a geophyte to endure unfavorable environmental conditions. By maintaining its primary biomass in underground storage organs, the plant effectively protects its vital structures from extreme temperatures and seasonal desiccation. This geophytic life form allows the species to remain dormant during periods of environmental stress, relying on its subterranean corm to provide the necessary energy reserves for rapid development when favorable growing conditions return. Through this cycle of underground dormancy and seasonal emergence, the plant successfully navigates its ecological niche, utilizing its hidden physiological state to ensure long-term persistence.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Crocus cancellatus is characterized by its growth habit as a terrestrial plant, existing as a non-aquatic species that does not require a semiaquatic or submerged environment to thrive. It functions as a self-supporting organism, lacking any climber characteristics such as obligatory or facultative climbing structures, and instead maintains a stable, upright posture. Furthermore, the plant is entirely independent in its nutritional processes, showing no parasitic behavior as an obligatory or facultative parasite. Consistent with its terrestrial nature, it does not exhibit epiphytic tendencies, remaining rooted in the soil rather than growing as an obligatory or facultative epiphyte on other vegetation.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Crocus cancellatus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Crocetin, Picrocrocin, Safranal.

Crocetin

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Picrocrocin

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Safranal

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Activities

Crocus cancellatus has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiproliferative.

Antiproliferative

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM