The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

SAFFRON

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a perennial herb of the family Iridaceae with a scaly underground corm and linear leaves with a pale midrib. The short scrape is terminated by a large pale-violet, six-lobed, funnel-shaped flower. The yellow style is tipped with three orange stigmas that extend beyond the perianth. The saffron used in cooking is the dried stigmas.
Saffron was first cultivated on a large scale in England at Saffron Walden by Thomas Smith, secretary of state to Edward VI.
Research Saffron