Perennial herb from a short bulb-like corm and subterranean stolons. Leaves 3, linear, sheathing. Flowers 1, sometimes 2, to 2.5 cm wide, narrowly bell-shaped; spring. Tepals violet to pinkish-purple. Anthers blackish-purple.

Grown in full sun to light shade.

E Europe, Iran and C Asia.

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.