Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Crocus is a genus in the family Iridaceae. Each saffron crocus grows to 20–30 cm ( ) and bears up to four flowers, each with three vivid crimson stigmas, which are each the distal end of a carpel. {{#invoke:Footnotes|sfn}} Together with the styles, or stalks that connect the stigmas to their host plant, the dried stigmas are used mainly in various cuisines as a seasoning and colouring agent.
