saffron crocus

Crocus sativus

Flower name
saffron crocus
Scientific name
Crocus sativus
AliasSaffron, Saffron crocus, サフランクロッカス
Place of originGarden variety (species, Greece)
Place of floweringGarden, Field
Flowering seasonOctober, November

What is saffron crocus

Birth flowers for Jan 3, Jan 24, Nov 4

Saffron (scientific name: Crocus sativus) is native to Greece and is a bulbous plant of the family Iridaceae. The original species is from Greece, but what is currently cultivated is a horticultural variety. The plant is low and has about 10 pine-leaves. In autumn, a short stalk extends from the center of the leaf and a relatively large purple flower that resembles Crocus blooms. The pistil has a bright red color and its tip is split into three, and the dried one is prized as an expensive spice or medicine called saffron. Dried saffron, when soaked in water, turns into a yellow color with a characteristic fragrance, and is used in Spanish cuisine 'Paella' and Moroccan cuisine 'Couscous'. A similar flower isColchicum = Dog Saffron, which is a poisonous plant.

Saffron (scientific name: Crocus sativus )
Dried saffron pistil.

Paella Paella
Paella (Spanish rice dish) is a typical saffron dish. Saffron is used to color the rice yellow and to add aroma.

Similar Flowers

Saffron is similar to dog saffron (Colchicum). Dog Saffron is a toxic plant.

　
Left：Saffron、　　Right：Dog Saffron (poisonous plant)

Common name: Saffron, scientific name: Crocus sativus, aka: Saffron crocus, place of origin: horticultural variety (original species is Greece) , Life style: bulbous plant, plant height: 20 cm, leaf shape: thick and linear, leaf color: green, number of leaves: 10 flowers, flower color: purple, flower diameter: 8 cm, corolla shape: funnel shape, flowering period: October ~ November, number of pistils: 1, style of flower: 3 splits in bright red, number of stamens: 3, use: spices and medicinal (flower style), potted plant, flowerbed, remarks 1: sedating stigma for medicinal use, multi-drug, coldness Ingredients used for improvement: Carotenoid glycoside (crocin), Remark 2: Crotin for yellow pigment, safranal for aromatic component.