ISHS Acta Horticulturae 650: I International Symposium on Saffron Biology and Biotechnology
CROCUS CARTWRIGHTIANUS ON THE ATTICA PENINSULA |
| Authors: | N. Jacobsen, M. Ørgaard |
| Keywords: | Crocus sativus, flowering biology, pollination, polyploidy |
| Abstract:
Crocus cartwrightianus is the closest relative of C. sativus, and is commonly found in limestone areas on the Attica peninsula. It is autumn flowering and diploid with 2n = 16 with white to purple flowers and a characteristic bright red style, deeply divided into three long branches. Flowers and style resemble those of C. sativus and like those of C. sativus, the styles can be used as a wild source of saffron. The close relationship between the two is quite clear, however, it is still unclear whether more species have taken part in the ancient hybridisation events resulting in the triploid C. sativus (2n = 24). | |
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