Κολχικό το μικροφυές
Etymology of Colchicum pusillum: The name of the genus derives from "Κολχίς" [Kolchis], the Ancient Greek name for the region of Colchis in modern Georgia, thus the ancient Greeks called it "κολχικόν" [kolchikon], meaning "from Colchis". Dioscorides mentioned this name to describe Colchicum autumnale. The species' Latin name "pusillum" means "very small", referring to the flower's smaller size compared to other Colchicums.
Two Colchicum species/kinds are known to exist in the wild Cypriot habitat. A third one, Colchicum stevenii which was recorded in 1985 in Kerynia district by Meikle is considered extinct.
It's great luck to encounter Colchicums in Cyprus. Colchicum pusillum appears in all the districts of Cyprus up to an altitude of 925 metres, but still, it is hard to encounter this plant. It is encountered in cultivated ground, hillsides, and dry pastures. Its flowering period is in November and December.
How to identify Colchicum pusillum:
The two Colchicum species have some similarities, such as the fact that both may appear at an altitude below 925 metres, both can be seen bloomed (only) during November, and both can bear flowers of white or pale pink color.
Their obvious difference is that Colchicum troodi's flowers appear before the strap-shaped leaves, whilst pusillum's linear leaves appear (mostly) simultaneously. Additionally, pusillum can have light mauve flowers and troodi solid pink flowers.
Additionally, troodi's leaves size is between 13-30 x 1.5-4.5 cm, whilst of pusillum are 3-15 x 0.1-0.4 cm only. Finally, the filaments for troodi are 15-20 mm long and for pusillum only 7-14 mm long.
How to find Colchicum pusillum in Cyprus:
Colchicum pusillum grows in Episkopi village, Limassol district. To find them take the road of Episkopi towards Paramali, and around 1km after you pass Kourion there is an asphalt parking on the left that resembles a bus stop. The plant grows on the left of that place. If you use Google maps you can use this link.
