Definition

Noun: 1. A South African flowering plant: Any of several plants belonging to the genus Ixia, characterized by grass-like leaves and clusters of showy, colorful, lily-like flowers. They are widely cultivated as ornamental plants.

Examples of Usage

• The garden's border was brightened by a row of corn lilies in shades of pink and yellow.
• Corn lilies are popular in floral arrangements due to their long, slender stems and vibrant blooms.
• This particular species of corn lily is known for its striking magenta flowers.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical contexts: The term is used specifically for plants within the genus of the family Iridaceae. It is important to distinguish them from true lilies (genus ).
  • The botanist identified the specimen as Ixia maculata, a type of corn lily.

Variants and Related Words

• Ixia (n): The scientific genus name for corn lilies.
• African corn lily (n): Another common name for these plants, specifying their geographic origin.

Synonyms

• Wand flower (n): A common alternative name for corn lilies, referring to their wand-like flowering stems.
• Ixia (n): The direct genus name, often used interchangeably in gardening contexts.

Notes on Meaning

• Not a true lily: It is critical to note that "corn lily" does not refer to a plant in the lily family (Liliaceae). The name derives from the visual resemblance of its flowers to those of true lilies.
• Regional specificity: The term primarily refers to South African plants of the genus . In other regions, "corn lily" may sometimes colloquially refer to different plants, but in standard botanical and horticultural English, it denotes .

Noun

1. any of several South African plants of the genus Ixia having grasslike leaves and clusters of showy variously colored lily-like flowers; widely cultivated