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Saffron Crocus
Crocus sativus
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A bulbous perennial in the iris family, believed to originate from Iran and cultivated since the Bronze Age. The dried red stigmas produce 'saffron', one of the world's most expensive spices. Used to color and flavor dishes like paella and bouillabaisse.
Identification Points
- βPurple crocus-like flowers in autumn
- βThree long red thread-like stigmas dangling from the flower
- βNarrow linear leaves appear with or after flowers
Habitat
Cultivated (fields, temperate regions)
Season
October to November (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Growth form
Herb
Flower color
Purple
Flowering season
Autumn
Habitat
Cultivated
Phylogenetic Positionγ’γ€γ‘η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Monocots > Asparagales > Iridaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene (from about 80 million years ago)
Sources & References
πWikipedia ζ₯ζ¬θͺηβ
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AI-generated, needs verification