(cross-continental ecological zone)
Introduction Saffron (Crocus sativus), a sterile flowering geophyte in the iris family Iridaceae, produces the world’s most expensive spice by weight from hand-harvested stigmas. Its probable origin lies in the eastern Mediterranean or adjoining Southwest Asia, though exact wild ancestry…
Introduction Trigonella foenum-graecum L. is an erect annual herb of the family Fabaceae, native to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Irano-Turanian floristic region, and one of the oldest documented cultivated plants in the world, with archaeobotanical records extending to the…
Introduction Ficus carica L., the common fig, is a deciduous tree or large multistemmed shrub in the family Moraceae, native to southwestern Asia and the eastern and central Mediterranean basin. It is among the oldest domesticated fruit trees in human…
Introduction Petroselinum crispum, commonly known as the parsley plant, is a biennial herb in the Apiaceae family valued for its aromatic leaves and phytochemical richness. Native to the central and eastern Mediterranean region, it exhibits notable biochemical diversity, including high…
Introduction Tulipa spp., commonly known as tulips, are among the world’s most recognisable ornamental flowering plants, celebrated for their large, vividly coloured spring blooms and major importance in the global bulb trade. They belong to the family Liliaceae and are…
Introduction Coriandrum sativum L., commonly known as coriander plant or cilantro, is one of the world’s most widely cultivated culinary herbs, valued for the unusual dual utility of its foliage and fruits, which differ markedly in flavour chemistry. A member…
Introduction Jasminum spp., commonly known as jasmine plants, are among the world’s most culturally significant fragrant ornamentals, recognised especially for their intensely scented white or yellow flowers and their major importance in perfumery, ornamental horticulture, and traditional medicine. They belong…