Colchicaceae

Family of monocotyledonous plants with bulbs, corms, or rhizomes, mainly distributed in southern Africa, the Mediterranean region, and temperate Asia. Includes genera of great ornamental and toxicological interest such as Colchicum, Gloriosa, and Ornithoglossum. Many species produce alkaloids such as colchicine.

3 genera

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20 spp.

Colchicum

20 species

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5 spp.

Gloriosa

5 species

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6 spp.

Ornithoglossum

Small genus of bulbous plants belonging to the family Colchicaceae, native to southern Africa. Its flowers have reflexed petals that reveal prominent anthers, resembling a bird with outstretched wings (ornitho = bird, glossum = tongue). Species are highly toxic due to their content of colchicine and related alkaloids.

6 species