Abstract
Crocus sativus is an autumn-flowering species, unknown as a wild plant but long-cultivated for its scarlet style branches which yield Saffron, the dye and flavouring agent. There are several naturally-occurring related species from southern Europe and south western Asia which form a natural group within the genus.C. niveus from Greece is similar to these morphologically and is included here but is less closely related. The characters of the group are defined, a key to the taxa is provided and their relationships discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bowles, E. A., 1924: A Handbook ofCrocus andColchicum 67–68 (rev. ed. 1952: 69). London.
Brighton, C. A., 1977: Cytology ofCrocus sativus and its allies (Iridaceae). Plant Syst. Evol.128 (in press).
Burtt, B. L., 1948:Crocus niveus. Gard. Chron. ser. 3,124, 134–135.
—, 1949:Crocus oreocreticus. Phyton1, 224–225.
Feinbrun, N., 1957: The genusCrocus in Israel and neighbouring countries. Kew Bull.12, 270–276.
Herbert, W., 1847: History of the species ofCrocus. Journ. Hort. Soc. London2, 249–293.
Jovet, M. P., Gombault, R., 1956:Crocus macrobolbos. Bull. Soc. Bot. France103, 7–8: 460.
Mathew, B., Baytop, T., 1976: Some observations on TurkishCrocus. Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh35 (1): 61–67.
Maw, G., 1886: A monograph of the GenusCrocus. London.
Mouterde, P., 1966: Nouv. Fl. Liban et Syrie1, 295–299.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mathew, B. Crocus sativus and its allies (Iridaceae). Pl Syst Evol 128, 89–103 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00985174
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00985174