Plate, diagram of crocus autumnalis sativus by unknown artist Engraved diagram of the crocus autumnalis sativus, published in Philosophical Transactions as figure 6. Subject: Botany Published in Philosophical Transactions as 'A botanical description of the flower and seed vessel of the plant, called Crocus autumnalis sativus that produces the true English saffron of the shops: with a figure.'. Read to the Royal Society on 31 October 1723. [1723]