Species of flowering plant
Crocus longiflorus, the long-flowered crocus,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the genus Crocus of the family Iridaceae, found in Southwest Italy, Sicilia, and Malta.[2]
Growing to 10 cm (3.9 in) tall, it is a cormous perennial. It produces pale lilac or purple blooms in autumn, along with the sword-shaped leaves.
In the 19th century, Crocus longiflorus stigmas were harvested from the wild and used for saffron in Sicily.[3]
In cultivation in the UK, this plant is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[1]
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