Saffron Crocus Collection

Crocus sativus, saffron
Plate 25 from Le Regne Vegetal. Vol 10 Flore Medicale Atlas 3 (1870). Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Crocus sativa, saffron
Plate 93 from Botanicum Medicinale (1759) by Timothy Sheldrake. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Saffron crocus, Crocus sativa. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Dr
FLO4564790 Saffron crocus, Crocus sativa. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Dr. Willibald Artus Hand-Atlas sammtlicher mediinisch-pharmaceutischer Gewachse

Saffron crocus, Crocus sativus. Chromolithograph after a botanical illustration from Hermann Adolph Koehler's
FLO4990729 Saffron crocus, Crocus sativus. Chromolithograph after a botanical illustration from Hermann Adolph Koehler's Medicinal Plants, edited by Gustav Pabst, Koehler, Germany

Saffron (colour litho)
3117028 Saffron (colour litho); (add.info.: Crocus sativus Kohler's Medizinal-Pflanzen in naturgetreuen Abbildungen mit kurz erlauterndem Texte)

Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), 1596-1610. Creators: Anselmus de Boodt, Elias Verhulst
Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), 1596-1610. Commissioned by Emperor Rudolf II

Saffron crocuses (Crocus sativus), cultivated for saffron, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain, November

Crocus flowers on spring High Tatras mountains in Kalatowki meadow, Zakopane, Poland. Landscape photography Crocus flowers on spring High Tatras mountains in Kalatowki meadow, Zakopane, Poland

Saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, Safran
5324422 Saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, Safran by Maubert, Louis Joseph Edouard (1806-1879); (add.info.: Saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, Safran)

Different species of spring crocus, Crocus vernus, Linn
6337016 Different species of spring crocus, Crocus vernus, Linn by Dupin, the Younger (b.1753); (add.info.: Different species of spring crocus, Crocus vernus, Linn)

Saffron crocuses (Crocus sativus), cultivated for saffron, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain, November

Crocus, Saffron crocus, Crocus sativus
Saffron, Crocus sativus

crocus sativus, crocus, saffron crocus, purple subject
Crocus sativus Crocus - Saffron crocus Purple subject

Economic plants, wood engravings, published in 1880
Economic plants: Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), Sugar beet, (Beta vulgaris), Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), (Camellia sinensis)

Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron crocus, or autumn crocus
Illustration of a Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron crocus, or autumn crocus

Medical plants
Illustration of a medical plants

Crocus sativus, Safran cultive; Saffron Crocus, Redoute, Pierre Joseph, 1759-1840, les liliacees, 1802 - 1816

Various spices with a mincing knife on a sandstone base

Ixia crocata L. saffron coloured ixia
Watercolour on vellum by Sydney Parkinson (1745 - 1771). Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Saffron flowers and bulb. The flowers (pink) have grown from the bulb (bottom). Also seen are the roots and the leaves (green). The part of the plant most commonly used is the stigmas (red)

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"Saffron Crocus: The Golden Treasure of Catalonia, Spain" Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron crocus, is a captivating flower that has been cultivated for centuries for its precious spice - saffron. Found in the picturesque region of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain, these vibrant flowers bloom in November, transforming the landscape into a sea of purple hues. The delicate petals of the Saffron crocuses (Crocus sativus) hold within them an invaluable treasure - the crimson stigmas that are carefully handpicked to create one of the world's most sought-after spices. Known as "red gold, " saffron adds a distinct flavor and mesmerizing golden color to various cuisines around the globe. Intriguingly enough, this particular species stands apart from other spring crocuses like Crocus vernus with its unique characteristics. Its scientific name Crocus sativa reflects its significance as an economic plant and highlights its historical importance in trade and commerce. Dating back to 1880, wood engravings captured the essence of these enchanting blooms. In lithographs from "The Flowering Plants of Great Britain, " we can witness their beauty frozen in time. The vivid purple subject showcases nature's artistry at its finest. Today, Saffron crocus continues to captivate hearts worldwide with its alluring charm and culinary prowess. From traditional Spanish paella to exotic Indian biryanis and Persian delights like saffron-infused ice cream or tea – it leaves an indelible mark on every dish fortunate enough to be graced by its presence. So next time you savor a dish adorned with threads of this exquisite spice or admire fields blooming with purple splendor in Catalonia's countryside during November – remember that behind it lies not just a flower but also a tale steeped in history and cultural heritage; truly making Saffron crocus a treasure worth cherishing.