54BOTANY, TAXONOMY AND CYTOLOGY OF CROCUS SPECIOSI SERIESThe genus crocus (Family- Iridaceae or Iris) contains Ca. 150 small, corm bearing, perennial species distributed, C.S. Europe, N. Africa, S. Asia and W. China. These species are highly valuated as ornamental plants of their colourful flowers, horticultural Varieties and industrial applications. Sub- genus crocus - crocus speciosi series are closely related species; and are difficult To be separated taxonomically and have a complex cytology. Botany of crocus speciosi series, taxonomy of their species and their infra-specific taxa are presented, and their distribution, ecology and phenology; description and chromosome counts are provided with key of their identification.bigboss.raja28@gmail.comReview432014Crocus,Taxonomy,Geographic area,Cytology,Chromosome,Crocus speciosi seriesRB SaxenaDrug Standardisation Research Section, Regional Research Institute - Tarikhet, Ranikhet , Uttarakhand, India