A dwarf, cormous perennial producing 1-5 widely open, rich lilac flowers, to 5cm (2in) long, with dark purple veins in springtime. Dull green leaves are borne with or shortly after the flowers. 5cm high and wide. Origin uncertain; it is probably an ancient selection of Crocus cartwrightianus.

Plant Crocus 8-10cm (3-4in) deep; in autumn. Grow in full sun and gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Sterile, increase only by division. Remove cormlets during dormancy. Mice, voles, and squirrels may feed on the corms. Birds sometimes pick off the flowers. Corms in storage are prone to rots and moulds.

In homeopathy for treating bleeding, as a sedative and for depression. Also to reduce fevers, externally for bruises and rheumatism.

‘An agreeable stimulant in many culinary preparations and liqueurs ... but in modern practice is little used’ according to Lindley (1838).

A triploid cultivar of the Cretan plant Crocus cartwrightianus - see Oakeley, H F (2013) The Gardens of the Pharmacopoeia Londinensis

Medicinal uses Uses supported by clinical data None. Although Stigma Croci showed antioxidant effects in human studies (18), data from controlled clinical trials are lacking. Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents As a tonic and antiarteriosclerotic (19, 20), and as a sedative and emmenagogue (2, 5, 21). Uses described in traditional medicine As an emmenagogue and for treatment of ammenorrhoea, abdominal pain, coughs, depression, digestive ailments, fever and pain due to wounds (22, 23). Also as an aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, diaphoretic, contraceptive, antispasmodic and nerve sedative (6, 22). Contraindications Stigma Croci may induce uterine contractions and is therefore contraindicated during pregnancy (5). Owing to a lack of safety data, use of the stigmas in children and nursing mothers should be restricted to normal food use. Stigma Croci is contraindicated in bleeding disorders.

sativus- cultivated.

The Greeks called it krokos, the Romans korkum, and its common name is derived from the Arabic for yellow, zafran. One of the most ancient plant names.

Stigmas as a spice and colouring in cooking, particularly in baking and to flavour and colour rice. Used ceremonially in India.

Crocetin, a terpene, is the yellow dye from the yellow stigmas. It has two carboxylic groups which is why it binds well to protein and gives a colour fast golden dye for silk and wool. Still used to dye the saffron robes of Buddhist monks.

Aroma is due to the monoterpene picrocrocin and its aglycon safranal.