Crocus damascenus

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Crocus cancellatus f. damascenus
• Crocus dianthus
• Crocus cancellatus var. damascenus
• Crocus edulis
• Crocus cancellatus subsp. damascenus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Crocus damascenus is characterized by its specialized survival strategy as a perennial herb that relies on underground storage organs to endure seasonal environmental shifts. Classified fundamentally as a cryptophyte, the plant ensures its long-term persistence by keeping its vital regenerative tissues protected beneath the soil surface. More specifically, it functions as a geophyte, utilizing a specialized corm to store nutrients and water, which allows it to remain dormant during periods of drought or extreme temperatures. This life cycle involves a rhythmic progression where the plant emerges from its subterranean state to produce seasonal foliage and flowers, eventually retreating back into its geophytic storage structure to await the next favorable growing season.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Crocus damascenus is characterized by its growth habit as a terrestrial plant, functioning as an independent organism that does not rely on aquatic or semiaquatic environments for its primary life cycle. It is a self-supporting herb that lacks any climbing mechanisms, maintaining a stable, upright structure within its natural habitat. As a non-parasitic species, it remains entirely independent of other host plants for nutrients, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, staying rooted in the soil rather than growing on other vegetation.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Crocus damascenus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lipase.

Lipase

1. Journal of enzyme inhibition and medicinal chemistry

Preparations

Crocus damascenus has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Crocus cancellatus subsp. damascenus extract, Stigma extract.

Crocus cancellatus subsp. damascenus extract

1. Journal of enzyme inhibition and medicinal chemistry

Stigma extract

1. Journal of enzyme inhibition and medicinal chemistry