University put in lots of this plant (5)
I believe the answer is:
lotus
'this plant' is the definition.
(lotus is a flowering plant)
'university put in lots' is the wordplay.
'university' becomes 'u' (abbreviation for university).
'put in' indicates putting letters inside.
'u' going within 'lots' is 'LOTUS'.
'of' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for lotus that I've seen before include "Plant promoting forgetfulness" , "F1 team and car maker" , "A blooming" , "Tropical water-lily" , "Sacred waterlily" .)