Autumn Crocus (Naked Ladies, Meadow Saffron)

• Common Name: Autumn Crocus (Naked Ladies, Meadow Saffron)
• Latin Name: Colchicum autumnale
• Family Name: Colchicaceae/Liliaceae

Although it is a different plant from the spring crocus (Crocus spp.), the Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)  is, like its namesake, toxic, containing the alkaloid colchicine which acts like arsenic causing serious inflammation of the stomach and bowel, purging and often death.  All parts of this plant are highly toxic and you should therefore ensure that you don't have any Colchicum autumnale growing in or near the tortoise enclosure.  See also  Crocus.  The flowers are mostly pink or lilac, but there is a white variety.