@ctrl-alt-nwo, That's very beautiful flowers indeed awesome little plant. You given best information about Autumn Crocus. I have to add someone via web browsing. The autumn crocus or meadow saffron is a member of the lily family (Liliaceae), not to be confused with its look alike, the spring-flowering crocus, which is a member of the Iris family (Iridaceae). Hailing from Europe, North Africa and Asia, the autumn crocus is one species of around 70 in the genus Colchicum. This Colchicum has a rather unusual life cycle in that the colorful flowers appear as its name suggests, in early autumn. All parts of autumn crocus plants are toxic with resulting symptoms from ingestion similar to those of arsenic poisoning. These symptoms occur within two to five hours due to the alkaloid colchicines contained in the autumn crocus bulbs.
The autumn crocus has a long history as a poison. Greek slaves were known to have eaten the plant to make them sick, and even to commit suicide. Besides its use as a poison, autumn crocus bulbs have long been utilized for medicinal purposes as well.
Of course, when growing autumn crocus in the garden, its medicinal properties are not favored but rather the delightful blooms. The colorful blooms of the autumn crocus initially spring from the earth without any accompanying foliage. Short lasting, they fade within two or three weeks, and then lies dormant until the following spring, at which time three to eight, 1 foot leaves appear and remain until early summer. In September, the autumn crocus emerges from its hibernation to bloom once again in a profusion of clustering flowers. Thank you for reading!!!!
Source: Google