Crossword Genius

Reportedly purchase some African lilies primarily for celebration (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

biennial

'celebration' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for biennial that I've seen before include "Happening every second year" , "Plant with a two-year life cycle" , "Taking place every other year" , "Occurring every second year" , "Coming every other year" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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