Jane/Jim: I think the Colchicum forms a new bulb each year next to or below the current bulb and the tunic from the previous year's bulb is the only remnant of the reproduction process. I am of the opinion that if nature didn't want the old tunics there or if they were important for some other reason they would be gone. Take for example the Boophone's that build up a many layered covering which may play a role in insulating the living tissue from oppressive heat or the occasional fire. Arnold