What does the cryptic crossword clue "Plant key behind reptile house (8)" mean?

The definition is "Plant". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). ASP (synonym="reptile") + HO (synonym="house") + DEL (synonym="key on keyboard") = ASPHODEL; definition: "Plant" The answer is ASPHODEL.

Plant key behind reptile house (8)

Times Cryptic #27897 | 25 Across | 2021-02-10 flower

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Guardian Cryptic #25774 (2012-10-23)