Colchicum ritchii

This is the only colchicum penetrating the real desert in Israel. This pic was taken in 1990. This pic was taken near the town of Beer-Sheva (Southern Israel) in loessial fields, where the Bedouins are growing fodder barley. You can see the colour variation that is typical for this species. It is one of the late blooming species, blooming in January (wintertime).

Dr Ori Fragman-Sapir (August 21, 2006)
Head Scientist
The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
Giv'at-Ram, 91904
Jerusalem, Israel

Tel. +972-52-4472401, Fax. +972-3-5182842
Please visit our website www.botanic.co.il

A nice, synanthous,  winter blooming desert species, occurring in the Arabian desert and N Africa. It is one of the only bulbs penetrating the extreme desert, though most large populations are located in semidesert. There are pink and white flowered plants. In Israel it is rather common. At the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens we grow it in containers.

Dr Ori Fragman-Sapir (March 23, 2006)
Head Scientist
The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
Giv'at-Ram, 91904
Jerusalem, Israel
 
Tel. +972-52-4472401, Fax. +972-3-5182842
 
Please visit our website www.botanic.co.il

Amikam Shoob