Here are 10 interesting facts about the crocus:

Herald of Spring — The crocus is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. When you see crocuses, you know spring is coming!

Saffron source – The saffron spice is extracted from the saffron crocus ( Crocus sativus ). The red pistils of this flower are harvested and dried by hand, making saffron one of the most expensive spices in the world.

Sunflower behavior — Crocuses only open their flowers when there is sufficient sunlight and close again as soon as it gets dark or when the weather is cloudy. This helps protect their pollen.

Ancient history — Crocuses were already cultivated by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Saffron was even used in ancient Egypt as a fragrance and medicine.

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