Crocus fleischeri corm:
This species has tunics with
interwoven fibres, which are the most netted in the genus and as such
are a principal distinguishing feature
Crocus laevigatus corm:
This
species has a hard, coriaceous (eggshell like) corm tunic.
The
corms are distinctively shaped and relatively small.
A thick hard
tunic gives extra protection from drought.
Crocus hermoneus corm:
A very large
corm with parallel fibres, which are slightly netted at
the top
of the corm.
Crocus gilanicus corm:
Example
of a membranous or papery tunic and what might be
thought of as a 'typical' corm
shape.
Thin tunics such as this often indicate species which
come from relatively moist habitats.
Crocus abantensis corms:
An
example of reticulate (netted) corm tunic.
Crocus biflorus tunics (wild):
Coriaceous (eggshell-like)
tunics which can split at the base.
Basal rings (see below) are a
feature of this species.
Wild plants often have several
years accumulation of tunics wrapped around them.
Crocus biflorus tunic basal
rings
Crocus cancellatus tunics
(wild):
Netted
tunics, which have accumulated around the corm over
many years
giving protection from extreme drought.
Crocus pallasii haussknechtii
(wild):
Fibrous
tunics with extended neck.
Many
years accumulation of tunics around the bulb
Indicate
that this species comes from a semi-desert habitat.