Iridaceae

Iridaceae is a family of plants in the order Asparagales, taking its name from the irises, meaning rainbow, referring to its many colors. There are 66 accepted genera with a total of c. 2244 species worldwide. Saffron, the dried red stigma of the perennial herb Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), is one of the most important and expensive spices in the world. It is used as a traditional Chinese medicine with demonstrated effects in promoting blood circulation and suppressing blood stasis, cooling blood detoxification, and relieving depression. It is mainly used for the treatment of depression, irregular menstruation, postpartum thrombosis, and bruises.