![]() ![]() The alkaloid, Colchicine present in the form of bitter variety of Colchicum luteum, and Colchicum autumnale, is an amorphous, yellowish-white alkaloid, which darkens on exposure to light, and gives a yellow coloration with strong mineral acids. It is toxic plant due to the presence of from several alkaloids (mainly colchicine, demecolcine, and colchicoside), which are present in all plant parts. Suranjan is included in list of poisonous plants of India. Suranjan is indicated in arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and constipation. Suranjan Talkh is preferred for external use in gout whereas Suranjan Shireen (Meetha Suranjan) is used for internal purpose. Suranjan Talkh, is differentiated from Suranjan Shireen by its bitter taste, smaller size, and darker color. ![]() Both varieties are pain relieving, anti-gout, anti-rheumatic, purgative, and emetic. The bitter variety contains alkaloid Colchicine in fairly large amount whereas Sweet variety contains traces of this alkaloid in physiologically inactive form. There are two varieties of Suranjan available in the market, Sweet, and Bitter. In Afghanistan, the roots were used in preparation of a medicine Harantutiha. It is a traditionally used for headache, gout, rheumatism, diseases of the liver, and spleen. This only becomes a problem if the emerging bud is eaten.The corm or rhizome of the plant are used for therapeutic purpose. Colchicum problemsĬolchicums generally suffer from few diseases but in damp summer weather they can be damaged by the keeled slug, a small slug that lives between the corm and the tunic. You could remove the foliage once it has completely died back. To keep colchicums growing well, it’s a good idea to lift and split the group every three to four years. All parts of the plant are poisonous, so wear gloves when handling. ![]() The top of the dry, brown tunic should be just above soil level. Plant bulbs at least 5cm deep and around 15cm apart. Colchicums thrive in heavy soils and even do well on sandy loam. When to plant colchicum bulbsĬolchicum bulbs (or strictly speaking, corms) are best planted from June until August, when they are dormant. The white flowers of Colchicum speciosum ‘Album’ look amazing planted among the black grass, Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Kokuryu’. In traditional orchards or wildflower meadows they flower well and are supported by the surrounding grass. How to grow colchicums Where to plant colchicumsĬolchicums are in their element growing in grass, especially under deciduous trees – check out our recommended trees for autumn colour. Holds an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Hardiness rating Most have a rating of RHS H5 and are suitable for gardens in USDA zones 4a-8b. Size Colchicum flowers 10-30cm tall in autumn, leaves as tall and spreading in spring.Ĭonditions Sunny or half-shady position in borders and shrubberies, ideal in long grass. Origins Asia and Europe, usually in high-altitude meadows. They then go dormant in summer.Ī peculiar characteristic of colchicums is when cut for indoor display they do not need water, and will last well in their dry state in a vase and adding water does not extend their life you can even grow the corm indoors on a windowsill, without any compost or pot and it will still flower. The underlying challenge for botanists is the seasonal differences of colchicum – their flowers appear in autumn and their leaves in spring. Read everything you need to know about growing crocus.ĭuring the 20th century the great gardener and author E.A Bowles championed the genus in his book A Handbook of Crocus and Colchicum for Gardeners, published in 1924 with a revised edition in 1952.īowles was a stickler for correct nomenclature and often bemoaned the fact that colchicums were so inaccurately named. They are actually part of the lily family. ![]() Autumn crocus flower without their leaves, which don’t appear until the spring – hence their common name, ‘naked ladies’. The goblet-shaped flowers can be narrow and slim or large and sturdy. Colchicum: The best colchicums for your garden, plus how to grow themĬolchicums, or autumn crocus, commonly flower in late summer and autumn, in shades of white to pale pink and dark purple. ![]()
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