mariposa lily

[ mar-uh-poh-suh, -zuh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any lily of the genus Calochortus, of the western U.S. and Mexico, having tuliplike flowers of various colors.

1880–85, Americanism; < Spanish mariposa butterfly, moth; so named because blooms were likened to butterflies

Often they make a dainty meal off the blossoms of the fringed blue gentian, the mariposa lily, and the harebell.

The Mariposa lily's, perhaps, is the most classic petal in the Park.

There are now several kinds of Mariposa Lily in cultivation.

This Mariposa Lily is usually white, though delicate lilac blossoms are sometimes found.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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