As September winds down on São Miguel, a unique and beautiful flower, the Amaryllis belladonna, or “Naked Lady,” begins to bloom. While many flowers are fading as autumn approaches, these stunning pink lilies erupt along roadsides and in open fields, bringing a splash of color to the landscape.

Known for their fragrant, trumpet-shaped blossoms, these lilies get their common name from their unique growth cycle. Their leaves emerge in the spring and then die back completely in early summer, leaving the flower stalks bare and “naked” just before the flowers appear.

In the Azores, locals have a charming name for them: “Meninas para a Escolar,” which translates to “girls for school.” This nickname comes from the flowers’ punctual appearance at the start of the academic year, as if they’re joining the students on their way back to class.

Originally from South Africa, these resilient and beautiful flowers are a welcome sight each fall. Their sweet scent and vibrant pink petals are a reminder that even as the seasons change, São Miguel’s natural beauty continues to thrive.

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Anthony “Tiger” Liu is an American expat and the operator of Golden Mermaid Villa and Longevity Habit retreat, where he shares a passion for the vibrant culture and nourishing lifestyle of São Miguel.