Colchicaceae
A family of some 11 genera and 175 species of erect, sometimes climbing herbs with rhizomes or corms, widespread from Africa, the Mediterranean and Asia to Australia and New Zealand. [FNSW]. Previously included in Liliaceae. Alkaloids derived from some species are of medicinal value. Represented in the Hortus by varieties of a climbing ornamental species, Gloriosa superba.