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]