Crocus Cluster Hat

Crocus Cluster Number of views as of 9th October 2018 = 460. A sure sign of springtime, the humble crocus (plural crocuses or croci) is common in coastal and sub-alpine areas of central and southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, and across Central Asia to western China. There are about 80 species, mostly hardy perennials, they grow from 'corms' and are part of the iris family (Iridaceae). They come in various colours, although lilac, mauve, yellow and white are the most common. Interesting fact: the spice saffron is obtained from the stigmas of Crocus sativus, an autumn/fall-blooming species. These croci were photographed in Bournemouth Gardens, Dorset, England. Date: 8th March 2011.