A DETAILED ATUDY OF CROCUS FLAVI - SERIES

Abstract

The genus crocus (family - Iridaceae) contains Ca. 150, small, corm bearing, perennial species having an old world distribution, primarily in the Mediterranean -Europe, W Asia and W China. These species are highly valuated as oranamental applications.Sub-genus crocus - crocus flavi series are closely related, and are difficult to be separated taxonomically and have a complex cytology. Botany of crocus flavi - series, taxonomy of their species and their infra-specific taxa are presented, and their distribution, ecology and phenology; description and chromosome counts are provided with key to their identification.