Olive groves

especially abandoned ones, are typical habitat for Crocus goulimyi, native of Southern Greece where it can occur in huge numbers. Here in the UK it is a fair garden plant with a definite preference for a warm, sunny spot which dries out a bit in summer. Under cold glass it is prolific, increasing by corm increase and by seed.

It is named after Dr Goulimyi, a Greek botanist who was involved in it's discovery in the 1950's.

Crocus goulimyi has very distinctively shaped flowers which open to almost flat in warm sunshine. I especially like the shapes made as the flowers open, illustrated here.