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 (the photos above were taken on the peninsula of Akrotiri) and flowers in the autumn (late November and December) at low altitudes in open rocky places or sparse pine wood.

You can click on the pictures to enlarge.