Greek di – two, sporus – a seed, referring to the few-seeded fruits.

Perennial rhizomatous herbs. Leaves few along erect, sometimes few-branched stems. Flowers opening wide, radially symmetrical, stalkless. Inflorescence a terminal, nodding, 1- to few-flowered umbels.Tepals 3+3, free, basally swollen. Stamens 3+3, free. Styles 3, free. Fruit a berry. Seeds redbrown.

Generally grown in moist shade.

About 20 species from moist forests of SE Asia and Japan.

Perennial leafy stems with terminal umbels of flowers with swollen tepal bases.

Hara (1984, 1988).

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Colchicaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.