A genus of flowering plants, commonly known as autumn crocus, that bloom in fall and contain alkaloids used in medicine and genetic research.
From Latin, derived from Greek Kolchikon, meaning 'of Colchis,' named after the ancient region where the plant was thought to originate. The plant has been used medicinally since ancient times.
Colchicum is tricky—it looks like a harmless little flower blooming in fall, but it's so poisonous that even touching it can cause serious harm! Ancient people knew this and used it as medicine anyway because tiny amounts actually help with gout.
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