Since I doubt anyone is going to stuff in last minute entries to my contest, and since my brain has made up itself anyway. I can announce the winner.

The planet is named 'Saffron.'

:LeonandRenei: suggested 'Xaffron' and that had many of the notes I was looking for. Googling it that appears to be the name of a software company, though. So I'm just taking it back to its base. 'Saffron.' Drawing an allusion to the rare and valuable spice is the sort of connection I want for this place.

So yes, Saffron. I'm still declaring  leonandrenei the winner, even though I am not using his suggestion directly, it inspired me.