Crocus sativus, commonly known as saffron, is a flowering plant belonging to the iris family. It is best known for its vivid red stigmas, which are harvested and dried to produce saffron spice. This spice is highly valued for its unique flavor, color, and medicinal properties, making it one of the most expensive spices in the world. Saffron thrives in warm, dry climates and is primarily cultivated in regions like Iran, India, and Spain. The plant blooms in the fall, and each flower produces three red stigmas. Harvesting saffron is labor-intensive, as the stigmas must be collected by hand during a short flowering period.