Crocus caspius

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Crocus boryanus var. caspius

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Crocus caspius, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales, falling into the family Iridaceae. Ultimately, it is categorized under the genus Crocus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific and relatively limited geographical range within the Middle East and surrounding regions. Its primary distribution is centered around the Caucasus mountain system. Specifically, it can be found growing throughout the Transcaucasus area. Furthermore, the species extends its reach into the territory of Western Asia. Within this western region, the plant is notably documented in Iran.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Crocus caspius is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a specialized member of its ecological niche, it functions as a geophyte, maintaining its vital structures underground to survive varying environmental conditions. This survival strategy is further classified by its status as a cryptophyte, ensuring that its regenerative organs remain protected beneath the soil surface throughout its developmental stages.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Crocus caspius is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. This plant is a self-supporting species that does not exhibit climbing behavior, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. It is a terrestrial plant, growing directly in the soil rather than as an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant is relatively low-growing, with a minimum height of 0.15 m and reaching a maximum height of 0.3 m.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.3 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Crocus caspius is closely tied to its seasonal flowering cycle, which occurs during the autumn months. The flowering period typically begins in October and extends through November, though the exact timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. During this window, the plant produces its reproductive structures to facilitate pollination, marking a critical phase in its life cycle before the dormancy of the colder months.

Flowering time :

Oct

Flowering time :

Nov

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Crocus caspius has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, phenol.

Flavonoids

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

phenol

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Conditions

Crocus caspius has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Fusarium infections.

Fusarium infections

1. Current medical mycology

Preparations

Crocus caspius has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extract.

Extract

1. Current medical mycology