Crocus etruscus (Tuscan crocus) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Crocus of the family Iridaceae, endemic to woodlands of Central Tuscany (Italy).[2] It is a cormous perennial growing to 8 cm (3.1 in) tall. The lilac flowers with purple veining and prominent orange stigmas appear in early spring.[3]
Crocus etruscus is a herbaceous perennial geophyte growing from a corm. The corm is globe shaped with a flat top, the tunic is coarsely netted and a secondary star-shaped tunic is produced around the basal plate (where the roots are generated). Flowers are lavender-blue with gray-blue outer surfaces that are marked with dark veining. The three-branched, orange-red stigma is generally taller than the anthers. Flowering occurs in late winter- early spring.[4] Plants are self-incompatible,[5] meaning that viable seeds are not produced when pollination occurs among flowers of the same corm. The anthers open up away from the center of the flower to release pollen.[5]
It is found growing in sub-Mediterranean deciduous woods and stony fields; the species may be in bloom from February to April.[6] The specie is almost extinct in the wild.[4] It has a restricted natural range, being endemic to the southwestern part of Tuscany.[5]
In nature the plant has "near-threatened" status.[1] However, it also appears in cultivation. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[7]
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link) 
Crocus etruscus (Tuscan crocus) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Crocus of the family Iridaceae, endemic to woodlands of Central Tuscany (Italy). It is a cormous perennial growing to 8 cm (3.1 in) tall. The lilac flowers with purple veining and prominent orange stigmas appear in early spring.
