Crocus is a genus of perennial flowering plants that grows from a corm (a tuber or root), which is native from the Aegean, across Central Asia. Often referred to as “Dutch” Crocus, these were only seen in Europe after the 16th century. The spice saffron is obtained from the stamens of Crocus sativus, a fall-blooming species. The name of the genus is derived from the Latin adjective crocatus, meaning saffron yellow.
I photographed this little beauty where it lives in a whiskey barrel planter in the backyard yesterday.
By the way, saffron and rosemary in rice is an elegant side dish, but that’s another blog.