Crossword Genius

Nile's reptile must be stripped of a flower (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crocus

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a flower' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'nile's reptile must be stripped' is the wordplay.
'nile's reptile' becomes 'croc' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'be stripped' indicates the central letters (outside letters removed).
The central letters of 'must' are 'us'.
'croc'+'us'='CROCUS'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for crocus that I've seen before include "'Spring flower, source of saffron (6)'" , "Bloomer" , "Spring-flowering plant" , "it's ready for spring" , "Occurs (anagram)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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