Editing Crocus (section)

== Ecology ==
[[File:Germination of Crocus aureus.png|thumb|Successive stages of germination from seed to seedling (G Maw)|alt=Illustrations of germinating crocus seed]]
The [[Biological life cycle|life cycle]] of ''Crocus'' species begins with the [[seed]], [[Germination|germinating]] to a [[seedling]], and a mature plant in 3–5 years, however seeds may remain dormant in the soil for several years. The germination stages were first described and illustrated by Maw in his 1886 monograph.{{sfn|Maw|1886}} In its first year, the crocus produces only a single leaf and creates a [[corm]] covered by a thin tunic, about 5–8&nbsp;mm in size, dependent on the species. In the northern hemisphere, the autumnal crocuses flower between September and November. The vernal (spring) crocuses flowering time depends both on climate and habitat, but is usually mid-winter to spring. Leaves may be [[synanthous]] (produced during flowering) or [[hysteranthous]] (when the flowers wither away).{{sfn|Jelitto et al|1990}} In the summer, with hot and dry conditions the plant becomes dormant, with all the above ground parts dying back. Colder temperatures in winter then activate the corms.{{sfn|Kerndorff et al|2015}} Propagation occurs sexually by seed and asexually by small corms, called cormels or cormlets, produced in the axils of the corms (between tunic scales and body of corm).{{sfn|Mabberley|1997}} As the fruit capsule ripens, it emerges from the soil at the base of the flowering stem before [[Dehiscence (botany)|dehiscing]] (splitting open) and releasing the seeds.{{sfn|Toogood|2019}} Seed dispersal may be enhanced by ants, at least in species with [[arillate]] seeds.{{sfn|Goldblatt et al|1998|p=311}}

At night and in overcast weather, the [[perianth]] closes. The [[Ovary (botany)|ovary]] produces [[nectar]] which attracts [[bee]]s (particularly female [[bumblebee]]s) and [[Lepidoptera]].{{sfn|Mabberley|1997}}{{sfn|Goldblatt et al|1998|p=308}}

=== Pests and diseases ===

Cultivated plants may have their corms consumed by mice and other [[rodent]]s,{{sfn|Ruksans|2011|p=17}} including [[vole]]s, [[squirrel]]s,{{sfn|Heilman|2010|pp=36–7}} and [[chipmunk]]s. They are also attacked by mildew, gray mold, botrytis, and fusarium rot. Root rot may also occur, caused by ''Stromatinia gladioli'' and ''[[Pythium]]'' species. The nematode ''[[Pratylenchus penetrans]]'' may also cause root rot.{{sfn|Ruksans|2011|p=35}} Viruses that are known to infect ''Crocus'' spp include: [[Potyvirus]]es, especially [[bean yellow mosaic virus]] and  also [[tobacco rattle virus]], [[Tobacco necrosis virus A|tobaccos necrosis virus]], and [[cucumber mosaic virus]].{{sfn|Caiola |Faoro|2011}} The foliage may experience rot, rust, and scab diseases and be fed upon by aphids, mites, snails, and slugs.{{sfn|Hill|Hill|2012}} The foliage is eaten by [[hare]]s, [[rabbit]]s, and [[deer]]; the flowers are sometimes removed by birds, including [[crow]]s, [[jackdaw]]s, and [[magpie]]s.{{sfn|Ruksans|2011|p=36}}
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