calochortus

[ kal-uh-kawr-tuhs ]

noun

, plural cal·o·chor·tus·es.

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg