naked lady
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- amaryllis of South Africa often cultivated for its fragrant white or rose flowers
- bulbous autumn-flowering herb with white, purple or lavender-and-white flowers; native to western and central Europe