Colchicaceae
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Autumn crocus family
Colchicaceae
イヌサフラン科
A family of perennials in Liliales, with corms or tubers. Distributed across temperate to tropical regions of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Contains about 20 genera including Colchicum (autumn crocus) and Gloriosa (glory lily). All parts contain the toxic alkaloid colchicine, used medicinally to treat gout and in laboratories to produce polyploid plants.
Key Characteristics
- ●Perennials with corms or tubers
- ●6 tepals (monocot)
- ●All parts contain colchicine (toxic and medicinal alkaloid)
- ●Autumn-flowering species bloom from bare ground, without leaves
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Monocots > Liliales > Colchicaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene
Representative Genera
イヌサフラン属（Colchicum）キツネユリ属（Gloriosa）
Related Evolution Events
- ・Chemical defense via colchicine
- ・Dry-season survival strategy using corms