DOROTHY OF COLCHICUM VARIEGATUM L.

Colchicum is a genus of perennial flowering plants containing around approximate 160 species which grow from bulb-like corms. It is native of west Asia, Europe, parts of the Mediterranean coast, down the east Africa coast of south Africa and the western cape. In this genus the ovary of the flower is underground. As a consequence, the styles are extremely long in propotior, often more than 10 cm. The common names `autumn crocus`, ` meadow saffron`, `naked leady ` and ` naked boys` may be applied to the whole genus or species. Three species were included in the genus colchicum (i) Colchicum montanum, (ii) Colchicum variegatum and (iii) Colchicum autumnale. In ancient periods, the herb colchicum was believed to be extremely noxious for use by human. Later during the middle ages, physicians in Arabia used the corm to treat gout as well as other joints. Colchicum variegatum was used for the treatment of gout and other joints. In this review, the colchicum, variegatum has taken for detail description i.e. taxonomy, distribution, ecology, phenology, uses etc. are provided with key to their identification. Key words: Colchicum, Geographic area, Classsification, Uses, Anatomy, Colchicum variegatum