Botany, Taxonomy and Cytology of Crocus Versicolores Series

The genus crocus ( family - iridacear ) contains Ca 100 small, corm bearing, perennial species distributed CS Europe, N Aferica, S Asia and W China. These species are highly valuated as ornamental plants of their colourful flowers, horticultural varieties and in Industrial applications. Sub-genus crocus series crocus versicolores series are closely related species; and are difficult to be separated taxonomically and have a complex cytology. Botany of the C. versicolores series, taxonomy of their species and their infraspecific taxa are presented, and their distribution, ecology and phenology; full description and chromosome counts are provided with key of their identification.