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meadow saffron

meadow saffron

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

meadow saffron or autumn crocus, perennial garden ornamental ( Colchicum autumnale ) of the family Liliaceae ( lily family). Native to Europe and N Africa, it has escaped from gardens to meadows and fields in some parts of the United States. Its poisonous corms and seeds were the source of the drug colchicine . The purplish flowers, which bloom in the fall when the leaves are gone, resemble those of the true crocus and true saffron (of the iris family) but have six stamens instead of three. Other species of Colchicum are also popular garden plants. Meadow saffron is classified in the division Magnoliophyta , class Liliopsida, order Liliales, family Liliaceae.

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colchicine

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Copyright

colchicine An alkaloid drug that is obtained from meadow saffron (see COLCHICUM). It has a disruptive effect on microtubular activity (see MICROTUBULE), though not on that of microfilaments. Thus, it affects tissue metabolism generally and mitosis in particular. It can be used to induce polyploidy in plants, because it prevents the development of the spindle and so blocks the separation of chromosomes during mitosis.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "colchicine." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "colchicine." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-colchicine.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "colchicine." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-colchicine.html

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colchicum

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

colchicum Genus of c.30 species of flowering plants, including C. autumnale. Species grow throughout Eurasia, and have pink, white, or purple crocus-like flowers in bloom during the autumn. The corm contains colchicine, an alkaloid used to treat rheumatism and gout. Colchicine's ability to inhibit mitosis make it a valuable immunosuppressive drug and aid to cancer research. Family Liliaceae.
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colchicum

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | Copyright

col·chi·cum / ˈkälchikəm; ˈkälki-/ • n. (pl. colchicums) a plant of the genus Colchicum, which includes the autumn crocuses. ∎  the dried corm or seed of meadow saffron, which has analgesic properties and is used medicinally.

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Colchicum

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Copyright

Colchicum (family Liliaceae) A genus of 65 species of herbs with underground corms, occurring from the Mediterranean region to central Asia and India. C. autumnale (meadow saffron, autumn crocus) is the source of the drug colchicine.
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colchicine

A Dictionary of Nursing | 2008 | Copyright

colchicine (kol-chi-seen) n. a drug obtained from the meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale), administered by mouth to relieve pain in attacks of gout and to prevent attacks of polyserositis.
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colchicum

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Copyright

colchicum genus of plants. XVI. — L. — Gr. kolkhikon, sb. use of n. of Kolkhikós pert. to Colchis, ancient name of a region east of the Black Sea.
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T. F. HOAD. "colchicum." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "colchicum." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-colchicum.html

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meadow saffron

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Copyright

meadow saffron See COLCHICUM.
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colchicine

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

colchicine See colchicum
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