Definition

1. Noun:
   • A plant species: Crocus sativus is a perennial flowering plant native to Southwest Asia, specifically the Old World. It is cultivated primarily for its vibrant crimson stigmas and styles, which are harvested and dried to produce the spice saffron.
   • The source of saffron: The term directly refers to the plant from which the valuable spice saffron is derived. The aromatic, pungent orange stigmas are used for flavoring, coloring, and in traditional medicine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer cultivated Crocus sativus in his fields to harvest saffron.
  • Saffron, derived from Crocus sativus, is one of the world's most expensive spices by weight.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical/agricultural contexts: The term is used scientifically to specify the plant species, distinguishing it from other crocus varieties.
  • The study focused on the optimal soil conditions for Crocus sativus cultivation.
• In economic/commercial contexts: It refers to the source crop of a high-value commodity.
  • The region's economy relies heavily on the export of Crocus sativus stigmas.

Variants and Related Words

• Saffron (n): The spice consisting of the dried stigmas of the flower.
  • She added a pinch of saffron to the rice.
• Saffron crocus (n): A common name for .
  • The garden was planted with saffron crocuses.

Synonyms

• Saffron crocus: The most common synonym, emphasizing its product.
• Autumn crocus (Note: This can be ambiguous as it also refers to , a different toxic plant).

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Saffron cultivation: The agricultural practice of growing .
  • Saffron cultivation requires specific climatic conditions.
• Saffron harvest: The labor-intensive process of collecting the stigmas from flowers.
  • The saffron harvest occurs over a few weeks in autumn.

Noun

1. Old World crocus having purple or white flowers with aromatic pungent orange stigmas used in flavoring food