106 FLOWERS. 



(56) Saffron. 



Safiron consists of the stigmata and upper parts of the styles 

 o Crocus sativus, Linn. (N.O. Iridese). 



It forms a loosely matted mass of dark, reddish-brown 

 flattened threads, amongst which a few narrower yellow ones 

 can be distinguished. The upper, enlarged part of the flattened 

 threads is the stigma of the flower, the lower narrower portion 

 is the style. 



The stigma is composed of polygonal or rounded, thin-walled, 

 parenchymatous cells containing mucilage and an orange-red 

 colouring matter, crocin (polychroite). This tissue is traversed 

 by small fibre-vascular bundles, which appear rounded in trans- 

 verse section. It is covered by a slightly thickened, easily de- 

 tached cuticle, which on the upper surface of the stigma 

 bears small protuberances (pr.). Near the apex the stigma is 

 furnished with large papillse. The yellowish lower part of 

 the threads of saffron is provided with an epidermis con- 

 sisting of slightly sinuous cells, and is traversed by a small 

 .fibro- vascular bundle. 



The diagnostic characters of powdered saffron are: 



The orange-red colouring matter in the cells; it is 

 soluble in water, but insoluble infixed oil. 



The upper epidermis of the stigmata with small papillose 

 protuberances. 



The large pollen grains. 



