The ancient name in Nahuatl (the language of the Aztecs and other
indigenous Mexicans) for Tigridia pavonia is : "Ocelotlxochitl". This
name means "ocelot-flower". ("Xochitl" is the generic term for
flower, and is pronounced, "zo-sheel".) As you correctly pointed out,
the plant gets its name from ocelots (spotted) and not tigers
(striped). Are there enough "X"s and "TL"s in Ocelotlxochitl to
satisfy you, Dennis?
For the curious among us, I found a link on the web to a sound snippet
that demonstrates the correct pronunciation of the Nahuatl word:
http://www.simonlevack.com/Oceloxochitl.mp3
Interestingly, Tigridia bulbs are edible and indigenous Mexicans used
them as food. But, I assume that everyone's stock of Tigridia bulbs
is too precious to be sampled as mere culinary curiosities. *grin*
-Dennis in Mexico
>
> >Evidently the modern Mexican name, El Cacomite, is little changed from the
> >Nahuatl name. I've read that the Nahuatl name refers to the ocelot, not the
> >jaguar.
>
>
> Hmmm... there aren't enoughin "cacomite" for me to belive
> you. LOL. Just kidding, of course. :-)
>