Of the Iris order. The stigma and upper portion of the style, taken from the flower's center and dried, is the saffron of commerce. Esteemed anciently for its fragrance, also as a dye. "Saffron vested" is Homer's epithet for morning. Also a medicine. Hebrew carcom, Latin crocus (Song of Solomon 4:14). Saffron is derived from Arabic zafran, "yellow." Saffron Walden in Essex is named from the saffron.