noun
zephyr lily
A flowering plant of the genus Zephyranthes, often called 'zephyr lily' or 'rain lily'. The Japanese name literally means 'mock saffron', referring to its resemblance to saffron crocus.
庭にサフラン擬が咲いている。
Zephyr lilies are blooming in the garden.
Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), a different plant known for its spice. サフラン擬 is named for its similar appearance but is not related.
Compound of サフラン (saffron) + 擬き (もどき, 'pseudo-', 'mock'), referring to the plant's resemblance to saffron crocus.