Crocus longiflorus explained

Crocus longiflorus, the long-flowered crocus, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Crocus of the family Iridaceae, found in Southwest Italy, Sicilia, and Malta.[1]

Growing to 10cm (00inches) tall, it is a cormous perennial. It produces pale lilac or purple blooms in autumn, along with the sword-shaped leaves.

In the 19th century, Crocus longiflorus stigmas were harvested from the wild and used for saffron in Sicily.[2]

In cultivation in the UK, this plant is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]

Notes and References

  1. http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/namedetail.do?name_id=327335 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. Book: Maw . George . A Monograph of the Genus Crocus . 1886 . Dulau and Co. . Soho Square, London . 87 . 6 April 2024 . Maw Saffron.
  3. Web site: Crocus longiflorus . www.rhs.org . Royal Horticultural Society . 5 May 2020.