j64 THE GENUS CROCUS. 



Crocus longiflorus is very variable: in the type plant the flowers are of a uniform 

 vinous-lilac, yellow at the throat, but they are often veined or distinctly feathered 

 with purple. The pistil is also very variable, either entire, as in C. sativus, or 

 broken up into fine capillary divisions. In Sicily Saffron is collected from the wild 



plant. 



The flowering-time is from the early part of October into November. It is a 

 very free flowering species, several scapes being produced within each set of sheathing 

 leaves, and is an attractive plant both for the open border and cold frame. 



REFERENCES TO PLATE XXVIII. 



Fig. 1. «, !>■ Flowering-state, October 10th, actual size: c, inner surface of 



segment; d, e, feathered variety from Malta. 

 Fig. 2. With matured leaves and capsule, June 10th, actual size. 

 Fig. 3. Diagrammatic dissection of scape, ovary, and spathes, actual size. 

 Figs. 4 & 6. Stigmata, magnified six-fold. 

 Fig. 5. Stamens and Pistil, magnified two-fold. 

 Fig. 7. Pollen Grain, magnified one hundred and fifty-fold. 

 Fig. 8. Conn tunics, magnified two-fold: h, cap; i, main tunic; ;", basal tunic. 

 Fig 9. Seed, magnified six-fold. 

 Fig. 10. Section of leaf, magnified twelve-fold 



