Lridacee—Crocus. 479 
we may divide them into vernal and autumnal species. The 
former alone are very generally cultivated, as they appear at a 
season when other flowers are scarce. 
§ 1. Flowers vernal. Stigmas not multifid. 
1. C. vérnus (fig. 232)—This is the species principally 
cultivated and the parent of numerous varieties both of garden 
and wild origin. Leaves dark green with a central longitudinal 
white stripe. The purple, violet, white and striped varieties 
of these colours belong to this species. The hairy throat of 
the perianth is the most reliable character. Widely distributed 
in Europe. 
2. C. reticulatus, including C. Susidnws.—Bulb-coats in 
this and the next species with very strong prominent fibres. 
Perianth naked at the throat; flowers yellow, distinguished 
from other yellow-flowered species by the brown colour of the 
exterior of the perianth-tube. South of Europe. 
3. C. variegatus.—Very like the last, but the flowers are 
purple. Asia Minor. 
4. C. liteus.—Bulb-coats with finer fibres; flowers yellow. 
To this are allied C. aureus, CO. lagenceflorus, C. stellaris, and 
several other forms. South Europe and Asia Minor. 
5. C. biflérws.—Flowers white or striped externally with 
purple, yellow within. C. versicolor is referred to this. 
Crimea. 
6. C. Imperati.cSimilar to the last. Flowers lilac striped 
with purple. One of the earliest blooming species. Italy. 
§ 2. Flowers autumnal. Stigmas not multifid. 
7. C. sativus. Saffron Crocus.—This is the most familiar of 
the autumn-flowering Crocuses. Leaves not fully developed at 
the time of flowering. Flowers violet, variously striped, and 
marked with deeper or lighter tints. Perianth-tube hairy. 
Frequently seen in different countries in a naturalized state, 
but its native country is not known with certainty. 
§ 3. Flowers autumnal. Stigmas multifid. Leaves not 
appearing at the same time as the flowers. 
“B.C. spectosus.—A beautiful large-flowered species. Flowers 
purple or blue, feathered with different tints. Stigmas yellow, 
conspicuously fringed. This includes C. pulchéllus. South- 
western Europe. 
