calochortus

[kal-uh-kawr-tuhs]

noun

plural

calochortuses 

1. any plant of the genus Calochortus, of the lily family, as the mariposa lily and the sego lily.

Word History and Origins

Origin of calochortus¹

1813; < New Latin < Greek kal ( ós ) beautiful + -o- -o- + chórtos grass, fodder, originally farmyard; cohort, garth, yard ²

Example Sentences

The correct name is Calochortus catalinae.

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Calochortus.—Beautiful bulbous plants, called mariposa lilies, requiring warm sheltered spots in rich gritty and well-drained soil.

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Plant material eaten by P. truei and refused by P. maniculatus included the leaves of Calochortus gunnisonii and the leaves and stem of Erigeron speciosus.

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This is an exceedingly pretty little Calochortus, much resembling C. Benthami in form, but having pure-white or purplish-blue flowers, which are also covered with hairs and delicately fringed with hairs on the margin.

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This plant belongs to the section of Calochortus whose species are known as "star-tulips."

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