Colchicum autumnale L.

Colchicum autumnale is a perennial hysteranthous geophyte, which is native to Europe. It is characteristic of periodically wet to moderately moist grasslands but also occurs in alluvial forests. This article gives an overview of the taxonomy, distribution, life cycle, and population biology of C. autumnale and puts special emphasis on its morphology, germination and its response to competition and management.