Crocus cartwrightianus

Crocus cartwrightianus or Wild saffron crocus is considered to be the wild ancestor of the cultivated saffron crocus (the latter is not found in the wild).

On Crete it has been found only in the West (peninsula of Akrotiri, Gramvousa and Falasarna) and flowers in the autumn (late November and December) at altitudes (up to 700m) in open rocky places.

You can click on the pictures to enlarge.