Convenient Crocus

The autumn crocus is flowering.  These flowers were in the Cottage garden before we came.

Autumn crocus

I suspect they were originally in the area where we placed the old laundry tubs, and they’ve had to burrow their way out from under.   A friend suggested to me they are sometimes called ‘naked boys’, but Google suggests ‘naked ladies’ or ‘meadow saffron’ are more common.

Besides its ornamental value, the Autumn Crocus Colchicum autumnale has a long history of use in medicine, and is found in the written records of ancient Egypt, India, and Greece.  It is mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, the oldest known medical text, prepared by the Egyptians around 1550 B.C.  Thirty-five centuries later it is still sometimes used, one of only 18 plants documented as having a history of medicinal value for such a long period of time.

The Autumn Crocus has a long history as a poison.  Greek slaves were known to have eaten the plant to make themselves sick, and even to commit suicide.  Probably the most significant use of colchicine in medicine has been in the treatment of gout.  Ancient writings make vague references to Autumn Crocus being used to control this disease.  The first documented use of the plant to treat gout was made by Alexander of Tralles in the 6^th century A.D.  Through the years, overdoses were not uncommon and fatalities occurred.  Benjamin Franklin, himself a sufferer from gout, is said to be the first person to introduce colchicine therapy into the United States.

“It’s said this plant can cure your gout.
An overdoes may count you out.”