Definition

1. Noun:
   • A common name for the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): A bulbous perennial plant that flowers in autumn. Its flowers appear without leaves present at the time of blooming, hence the name "naked lady."
   • A common name for certain species of Amaryllis (e.g., Amaryllis belladonna): A bulbous plant producing fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers on a leafless stalk, often in late summer or autumn.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The meadow was dotted with the pink blossoms of the naked lady.
  • After the first autumn rains, the naked ladies suddenly appeared in the garden.

Advanced Usage

• Horticultural Context: The term is used informally among gardeners to describe the characteristic of these plants where the flower stem (scape) emerges from the ground independently, without accompanying foliage.
  • True to its name, the naked lady sends up its beautiful flowers long after its leaves have died back.

Variants and Related Words

• Autumn crocus (n): A more precise botanical name for , one of the plants called "naked lady."
• Belladonna lily (n): A common name for , another plant referred to as "naked lady."
• Meadow saffron (n): Another common name for .

Synonyms

• Colchicum (n): The genus name for the autumn crocus.
• Amaryllis (n): The genus name for the belladonna lily.

Notes on Meaning

• The name "naked lady" is a descriptive folk name, not a formal botanical term. It primarily refers to the plant's growth habit where the flowers are not accompanied by leaves, making the flower stalk appear "naked."
• It is crucial to distinguish between the two different genera ( and ) that share this common name, as they are not closely related. is highly toxic.

Noun

1. amaryllis of South Africa often cultivated for its fragrant white or rose flowers
2. bulbous autumn-flowering herb with white, purple or lavender-and-white flowers; native to western and central Europe