Crocus

Crocus is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family comprising 90 species of perennials growing from corms. Many are cultivated for their flowers appearing in autumn, winter, or spring. Crocuses are native to woodland, scrub, and meadows from sea level to alpine tundra in central and southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, on the islands of the Aegean, and across Central Asia to Xinjiang Province in western China.

Description

Crocus plants are small and only reach 3-6 inches in height. The leaves are grass-like, generally with a light stripe running up the middle. The flowers are cup-shaped and come in a variety of colors including shades of purple, yellow, and white.

Cultivation and Uses

Crocus has a long history of cultivation, being grown for its saffron since the Bronze Age. It is also grown for its decorative flowers, particularly by gardeners in temperate climates.

Species

There are about eighty species of crocus (of which approximately 30 are cultivated). Their cup-shaped, solitary, salverform flowers taper off into a narrow tube. Their color varies enormously, although lilac, mauve, yellow, and white are predominant.

Medical Uses

In medicine, crocus is used for menstrual problems, erectile dysfunction, and as a nerve tonic. It is also used for memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.

See Also

• Iris (plant)
• Saffron
• Alpine tundra
• Bronze Age
• Alzheimer’s disease

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