COLCHICACEAE

The Colchicaceae or autumn crocus family comprises some 200+ species of herbaceous lily-like plants found in tropical and temperate regions of the world. They bear simple leaves, large showy flowers, and capsulate fruits. All members of Colchicaceae produce a cytotoxic alkaloid called colchicine, which stops cells from dividing. Colchicine has potent anti-cancer activity, but it is too toxic to be used to treat human cancers. A less toxic derivative of colchicine called demecolcine is used in chemotherapy instead. At low dosage, colchicine can down-regulate immune cells signalling, producing an anti-inflammation effect that can treat severe gout. Nonetheless, colchicine is a dangerous drug because its therapeutic activity is often observed together with harmful side-effects like diarrhea. Low-dose colchicine has been trialed to treat severe COVID-19 coronavirus infection, results are mixed. Despite its high toxicity, colchicine remains a valuable drug. High yielding plants like the flame lily (Gloriosa spp.) are widely cultivated for the pharmaceutical production of colchicine. Instances of fatal colchicine poisoning from Colchicaceae (particularly Gloriosa) are quite common in the developing world. 

 

Carson's flame lily (Gloriosa superba var. carsonii)

Gloriosa superba var. carsonii, matured flower.

Gloriosa superba var. carsonii, matured and aged flowers.

Gloriosa superba var. carsonii, matured and aged flowers.

Gloriosa superba var. carsonii, aged flower.

Gloriosa superba var. carsonii, immature flower. The petals will reflex 180 degrees upwards to produce the characteristic full bloom. 

Gloriosa superba var. carsonii, developing seedpod.

The archetypical flame lily (Gloriosa superba var. superba) is native to Africa. It is widely planted as a tropical ornamental flower. All Gloriosa species have strict flowering and dormancy period.

Gloriosa superba var. superba, aged flower.