COLCHICUM—COLOCASTA,. 59 
COLCHICUM. 
Meadow Saffron. 
The flowers of the various kinds of Colchicum so 
closely resemble the different sorts of Crocus as not to be 
distinguishable to the common observer; the differ- 
ence being a botanical one, and consists in their hav- 
ing six stamens instead of three, and three styles instead 
of one. ‘The species are indigenous in the temperate 
climates of Europe, and are largely cultivated for their 
medical properties. ‘They prefer wet meadows, which 
they often cover with their purple crocus-like blossoms. 
The flowers come up through the ground without the 
leaves, in autumn. The leaves do not appear until 
spring; then they should have careful attention, as, if 
they are cut off or injured in any manner the bulb will 
not make sufficient growth to flower the following 
autumn. ‘They prefer a light soil, which should either 
be protected with a light mulching, after the foliage has 
died down in early summer, or by a growth of some 
annual, in order to keep the ground cool. It is better 
to let them remain in the ground undisturbed for several 
years. Ifaremoval becomes necessary, from any cause, 
it is better to replant with as little delay as possible. 
All the species have the same general character; a par- 
ticular description of each is unnecessary. 
COLOCASIA., 
Among the species that make up this genus may be 
found some very interesting plants for greenhouse culti- 
vation and for the sub-tropical garden. The genus is 
closely allied to Caladium, and most of the species are 
known under that name. 
C. macrorhiza (Alocasia macrorhiza).—A native 
of the Sandwich Islands, where it is largely cultivated 
as an article of food, and is popularly known as Taro. 
The root-stalks contain large quantities of starch, and 
