IT KIM, I''. CROCUS 83 



surface ot the nectar\\ Vhr llowirs Ix-iii^' \iiili'i [nv wliiic) indicate 

 adaptation to pollination hy ni>;ht-ll\ ini^' insects. 



The Purple Crocus is visited by the Silver V Moth [/Wiisici i^iii/Diin), 

 Painted Lady [/'yrtfmc/s ain////), which cross-pollinate it. if unvisited, 

 the grooved stii^mas |)assin<;- between the anthers are dusted with 

 pollen and the plant is sell -pollinated. 



The seeds, which are small, arc contained in a capsule wliich o])ens 

 abcne and allows the seeds to be jei'ked out b\' the wind. 



PlRPLi-; Ckocis {Cninis olfinH„iis, IIckIs.) 



The Crocus is a sand plant requiring- a sand soil or sandy loam 

 with some clay and humus. 



Purple Crocus is infested with ISnlb .Sclerotinia {Sc/iro/hiia 

 biilbositni). 



Crocus, Theophraslus, is the latinized torni ot the (Ireek name 

 f)f the plant and its |)roduct saffron; and the secontl Latin name refers 

 to its use in medicine. 



It was supposed to inspire love. There is a proverb as to un- 

 expected results: "You set saffron and there came u|) wolfsbane". 



Purple Crocus was used for garlands in Greece. 



This flower is said "to blow before the shrine at vernal dawn of 

 St. \'alentine ". 



