Seasonal Wild Flowers

Latin name

Romulea columnae

Other names

Warren Crocus

Family

Iridaceae

Flowering season

March to May

English distribution

It is rare in the UK and is found only at Dawlish Warren

Nature Reserve in Devon

See the BSBI distribution map for Sand Crocus

Habitat

It grows on short, open turf on  sandy ground near the

sea. 

Description

Sand Crocus is a native, cormous perennial herb, growing

up to 10cm, although those shown here were only 3cm tall.

The flowers are small at up to 12mm across.

The 6 pointed petals are pale purple with purple veins and

a yellow base.

The petals are greenish on the outside and the spathe

(corolla tube) is thin and spindly.

The mature anthers are bright yellow.

There are 3 thin, wiry and curved leaves, which are up to

10cm long.

Reproduction is mostly by seed