The colchicum of Régine Verlaque is endemic to Sardinia, and in particular of the La Maddalena Archipelago. It grows on the edge of small temporary ponds shaded by Mediterranean shrubs (Biondi & Bagella, 2005). It is indicated in the Regional Red Lists (as C. corsicum) as a threatened species (Conti et al., 1997); it is also Listed in Annex 4 of the Habitat Directive as a Species of Community Interest that requires strict protection. The plant, especially the seeds, contains colchicine and secondary alkaloids that make it highly poisonous. The genus name is derived from the Colchis, an ancient Black Sea region corresponding to today's Georgia, that was home to the sorceress Medea, an expert in poisonous potions; the species is dedicated to the French botanist Régine Verlaque. Flowering period: September to November. Syn.: Colchicum corsicum auct. p.p.
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