>And would this also be the reason for the >similar adaptation of taxonomically unrelated Colchicum? >Has anyone investigated the possibility that the reason might be to >escape extreme cold during a critical time of fertilization or seed >development? Possibly due to myrmecochory more than anything else. Most autumn-flowering colchicums, I think, do not experience extreme cold in their native habitats. They will produce leaves almost immediately after flowering when not subjected to extreme cold, not waiting until spring like they do when grown in gardens. The same is true with autumn-flowering crocuses, though their leaves are much hardier to cold temperatures. Bob Nold Denver, Colorado, USA _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/…