Crocus: October 2010

[Oron Peri]

Oron,
more fascinating. How much rain (in mm) falls in average in the Negev desert?

It varies in the different areas of the desert but i would say in a good year from 80 - 250mm [rarely 300mm].
It can even snow once or twice a year above 900m but that lasts a day or two.

[krisderaeymaeker]

These are the leaves, 2-3, flat on the ground, waxy.
I some years if rain is not sufficient they do not appear at all, from 2006-2008 we haven't seen leaves due to the drought.

Amazing and intriging Oron ! Thanks for showing.Never thought there were crocuses that could withstand drought as well.
I am still surprised ....  

[BULBISSIME]

oron, could this one be the same as yours from Negev ?
It comes from Jordan with this strange curved anthers.

[Oron Peri]

oron, could this one be the same as yours from Negev ?
It comes from Jordan with this strange curved anthers.

Fred
They are similar, but we cant say without comparing the corms.

There are a few species and ssp in the area that flowers look similar if not the same but corms are completely different: cancellatus cancellatus, hermoneus hermoneus, hermoneus palaestinus, Crocus intermediate [cancelatus-hermoneus] from the S. Golan Heights and Ajlun area in Jordan and even some forms of pallasii haussknechtii look similar where the tips ot the style tend to divide, mainly in Shubak area in Jordan.
We got to the conclusion here, that there is no way to tell hermoneus hermoneus from cancellatus cancellatus only by  the flower, just by checking the corms.
and if not enough, they often grow together side by side as in Mt. Hermon.

Another thing, the sp from the Negev has a different forms to the petal, it is wider only in the middle, up to 0.7 cm but pointed on other two sides while your is more the 'normal shape'.
Any way it would be intresting to see the form and number of leaves on your plant later on.

[BULBISSIME]

Thank's Oron, and very easy 
That's why I prefer Ixiolirion genus 

[tonyg]

Crocus niveus from Peloponnese - one of quite blue specimens, not the darkest blue, but very early

Here also C niveus is early, I have some in garden for the last week.  In pots the lilac/bicolour form (like yours) alos in flower.

[Oron Peri]

Thank's Oron, and very easy 
That's why I prefer Ixiolirion genus 

Infact, i don't know why i choose to collect Ornithogalum, Romulea and Crocus from the area, each autumn and spring i pass one hour a day knocking my head against the wall.

[tonyg]

Autumn crocus seem especially good  this year with large flowers & lots of them.

Yes, I have observed the same thing here ... and the best is yet to come

[tonyg]

There are a few species and ssp in the area that flowers look similar if not the same but corms are completely different: cancellatus cancellatus, hermoneus hermoneus, hermoneus palaestinus, Crocus intermediate [cancelatus-hermoneus] from the S. Golan Heights and Ajlun area in Jordan and even some forms of pallasii haussknechtii look similar where the tips ot the style tend to divide, mainly in Shubak area in Jordan.
We got to the conclusion here, that there is no way to tell hermoneus hermoneus from cancellatus cancellatus only by  the flower, just by checking the corms.  and if not enough, they often grow together side by side as in Mt. Hermon.
Another thing, the sp from the Negev has a different forms to the petal, it is wider only in the middle, up to 0.7 cm but pointed on other two sides while your is more the 'normal shape'.

Oron, your observations are very interesting, as always.  Thanks for sharing your pictures and ideas.
..... suggest you put a cushion on the wall

[Gerry Webster]

Crocus niveus from Peloponnese - one of quite blue specimens, not the darkest blue, but very early

Here also C niveus is early, I have some in garden for the last week.  In pots the lilac/bicolour form (like yours) alos in flower.

Same here. Nearly all my plants are about 2 weeks earlier than last year.

[TheOnionMan]

First of all, let me say that the autumn crocus pics here in this topic have been outstanding, Janis you have an amazing collection of the most beautiful crocus I have ever seen; Oron, what a treat to see Crocus species in the Negev Desert... unbelievable.  All the other contributions, a feast for the eyes.

So, I humbly post a couple autumn crocus that appeared and bloomed over the past 2 gorgeous autumn days:

1     C. sativus - lots more buds coming, this is the earliest it has ever flowered.  The scent is wonderful (at close range).
2-3  C. asumaniae - bunching up nicely, sweetly scented.  Second photo with pollen-laden bee.

[Janis Ruksans]

Janis,
thanks for your feedback on the C. pallasii /C. mathewii issue.
Another question raised at me when looking at your beautiful C. cancellatus RUDA-009.
Do you consider it as a subspecies pamphylicus due white anthers or could it be a hybrid with C. pulchellus too?
[/quote]

RUDA-009 of course is pamphylicus, I simply forgot to write this when prepared pictures.
Cancellatus and pulchellus can't hybridize.
Janis

[Anthony Darby]

I like this form of Crocus mathewii not just for its lovely deep colour. I had one very floriferous corm last year. This year I have three almost as big as the original!

[Janis Ruksans]

Thank's Oron, and very easy 
That's why I prefer Ixiolirion genus 

Yes Fred, I agree with Oron, but I'm shocked for your knowledge in Ixioliorions. For me allways was mystery how to separate their species - there are several described.
Janis

[BULBISSIME]

You're right Janis, but only 3 or 4 species and Mainly one is grown and widespread all over mediterranean area.