The major alkaloid obtained from the seed capsules, corms, and bulbs of the meadow saffron (autumn crocus; Colchicum autumnale). Colchicine is a fairly abundant alkaloid in dried corms (0.03–0.08%) and seeds (0.6–0.9%). It has been isolated also from other species of Colchicum and a few related genera, but they are not important sources of alkaloid.