Crossword Genius

Bit of Flora's drink quaffed by jazzman occasionally (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

azalea

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'bit of flora's' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'drink quaffed by jazzman occasionally' is the wordplay.
'drink' becomes 'ale' (type of beer).
'quaffed by' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters are drunk or quaffed by others).
'occasionally' means one should take alternating letters (letters taken at regular intervals or occasions).
The alternate letters of 'jazzman' are 'aza'.
'ale' inserted within 'aza' is 'AZALEA'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for azalea that I've seen before include "Flowering plant akin to rhododendron" , "Bright-flowered shrub" , "Colourful shrub related to rhododendron" , "Ericaceous plant" , "Shrub with brightly coloured flowers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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