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Crocus damascenus

Crocus damascenus, commonly known as the Damascus Crocus, is a resilient perennial herb native to the mountainous regions of the Middle East. Valued in traditional medicine, this aromatic plant possesses significant therapeutic properties, often utilized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to support holistic wellness and digestive health.

  • Scientific name: Crocus damascenus
  • Family: Iridaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It further falls under the order Asparagales and the family Iridaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Crocus, specifically as the species Crocus damascenus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Iridaceae WCVP
Genus Crocus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Crocus damascenus, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Damascus crocus, while in Arabic, it is known as زعفران دمشقي (za'faran dimashqi). In Persian, the plant is called زعفران دمشقی (za'faran-e damashqi), and in Turkish, it is called Şam safranı.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is native to the diverse landscapes of Western Asia. Its distribution begins in the eastern reaches of the region, where it can be found growing in Iran. Moving westward, the species is also widely documented throughout the territory of Iraq. The plant's range continues through the Levant, specifically inhabiting the areas of Lebanon and Syria. Finally, its geographical presence extends to Palestine and the various regions of Türkiye.

Region Area Source
Western Asia Iran WCVP
Western Asia Iraq WCVP
Western Asia Lebanon-Syria WCVP
Western Asia Palestine WCVP
Western Asia Türkiye WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Saffron, is highly valued for its specific medicinal and culinary components, primarily derived from its flowers. The most significant part used is the vibrant, thread-like stigmas, which are carefully harvested by hand from each blossom. These stigmas contain the concentrated bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's potent therapeutic properties and its distinct aroma. While the rest of the plant may be used in various botanical studies, it is specifically these crimson stigmas that serve as the primary source for high-quality saffron extracts.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stigmas 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Stigmas 1 ★☆☆☆☆