Morphological Trait Variations and Flower Color Differences in Wild <i>Crocus</i> Species

Abstract

This study investigates the phenotypic diversity of spring-flowering Crocus species native to Serbia by analyzing their morphological traits and flower color variations. Detailed phenotypic characterization was performed on seven species: C. alexandri, C. chrysanthus, C. heuffelianus, C. randjeloviciorum, C. rujanensis, C. variegatus, and C. weldenii. The study examines how morphological parameters of tested species diverged from average values during a hot and dry winter, resulting in smaller plants, earlier and shorter flowering periods, and reduced flower size, regardless of species. Hierarchical clustering based on morphological traits grouped the species into three clusters: the first cluster included C. alexandri, C. chrysanthus, C. rujanensis, and C. weldenii, characterized by the highest number of leaves and the lowest number of flowers; the second consisted of C. randjeloviciorum, distinguished by shorter plant height and the greatest number of flowers; and the third cluster comprised C. heuffelianus and C. variegatus, notable for the tallest plants, widest corms and leaves, and longest perigon segments. Grouping based on petal color components (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue) formed five distinct clusters, demonstrating differences in flower color. These findings are valuable for taxonomic classification, conservation measures, and breeding programs, which ultimately support the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of ornamental plant cultivation. Flower color in particular has proven to be a reliable species indicator, as it remains constant despite the year and/or habitat. The use of a colorimeter can speed up the identification of species in the field and provides researchers and conservationists with a practical tool.

Keywords

• <i>Crocus alexandri</i>
• <i>Crocus chrysanthus</i>
• <i>Crocus heuffelianus</i>
• <i>Crocus randjeloviciorum</i>
• <i>Crocus rujanensis</i>
• <i>Crocus variegatus</i>