Crocus laevigatus

Another dull day but warmer so crocus flowers open ... a little.

Crocus laevigatus is very variable, flowers white or shades of lilac, usually attractively marked. It is also variable in size, this one is quite wee. Some flower in early autumn, others later. I have had it in flower in the garden on Christmas Day.

Crocus laeviagtus comes from Greece, mainland and many islands. Laevigatus means smooth or polished. The name refers to the hard, acorn-like covering of the corm (the corm tunic). In the wild it can flower from October to February. This one, like most of mine, was raised from seed.