Crocus sativus
Crocus sativus
Safran
Corm tunic finely reticulate-fibrous. Leaves 5-11, synanthous, 1.5-2 mm broad. Prophyll present. Bracteole present, much smaller than bract. Throat of perianth white or lilac, pubescent; segments 3.5-5 x 1-2 cm, obtuse, deep lilac-purple with darker veins and a darker stain near base. Filaments 7-11 mm, purplish, glabrous; anthers 0.5-2 cm, yellow. Style dividing into 3 long red branches, each 2.5-3.2 cm. 2n = 24. Fl. 10-12.
Known only as a cultivated plant, occasionally persisting as a vegetative clone in favourable areas.
