The domesticated saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, is an autumn-flowering perennial plant unknown in the wild. It possibly descends from the eastern Mediterranean autumn-flowering Crocus cartwrightianus which is also known as "wild saffron"[ and is native to mainland Greece, Euboea, Crete, Skyros and some islands of the Cyclades.The similar species C. thomasii and C. pallasii were considered as other possible ancestors As a genetically monomorphic clone incapable of seed production, it was slowly propagated by humans throughout much of Eurasia Various origins have been suggested for saffron, including Iran, Greece, Mesopotamia and Kashmir. It is a sterile triploid form, which means that three homologous sets of chromosomes make up each specimen's genetic complement; C. sativus bears eight chromosomal bodies per set, making for 24 in total. Being sterile, the purple flowers of C. sativus fail to produce viable seeds; reproduction hinges on human assistance: clusters of corms, underground, bulb-like, starch-storing organs, must be dug up, divided, and replanted. A corm survives for one season, producing via vegetative division up to ten "cormlets" that can grow into new plants in the next season. The compact corms are small, brown globules that can measure as large as 5 cm (2 in) in diameter, have a flat base, and are shrouded in a dense mat of parallel fibres; this coat is referred to as the "corm tunic". Corms also bear vertical fibres, thin and net-like, that grow up to 5 cm (2 in) above the plant's neck.
