Saffron
|
Botanical Name |
Crocus sativus |
|
Family |
Iridaceae |
|
Other Names |
Autumn crocus, hay saffron, karcorn |
|
Description |
Small, bulbous perennial. 30-45cm/12-18in. Flower: violet September-November |
|
Native to |
Mediterranean |
|
Part Used |
Whole herb |
|
Cultivation |
Needs a long, hot summer |
|
Constituents |
Volatile oil: 2 butenoic acid lactone, cineole, isophorone, oxysafranal, safranal, 3,5, 5-trimethyl-4-hydroxy-1-cyclohexanone-2-ene Crocins: carotenoid glycosides including picrocrocin Vitamin B1 and B2 Fixed oil |
|
Digestive |
Indigestion |
|
Immune |
Fevers |
|
Other Uses |
Dye, perfume |
Saffron Meadow
|
Botanical Name |
Colchicum autumnale |
|
Other Names |
Autumn crocus |
|
Habitat |
Damp meadows |
|
Description |
Hairless up to 30cm/1ft Leaves all basal Flowers singular or in threes August-September |
|
Native to |
Europe |
|
Constituents |
Colchicine (an alkaloid) |
|
Circulation muscle joints |
Gout, rheumatism, heart |
|
Caution |
Poisonous |