Colchicum coloratum subsp. coloratum young flowers

In this young Colchicum coloratum subsp. coloratum flower the rings of six in-facing stamens divulge the presence of different flowers in the small cluster, not all at the same developmental stage. The petals are very small, about negligible here.

It is the two main bonnet-shaped bracts that form a spectacular cup around the flowers. The bracts both shield protectively and market exuberantly what is entrusted to them inside.

Numerous parallel vein lines run longitudinally across the bracts with transverse connections forming small rectangles upon the reticulated blade patterns, translucent against the light (Manning, 2009; Manning and Goldblatt, 1997; iNaturalist).