THE NAMES OF PLANTS
The Names of Plants is a handy, two-part reference book for the
botanist and amateur gardener. The book begins by documenting
the historical problems associated with an ever-increasing number
of common names of plants and the resolution of these problems
through the introduction of International Codes for both botanical
and horticultural nomenclature. It also outlines the rules to be
followed when plant breeders name a new species or cultivar of
plant.
The second part of the book comprises an alphabetical
glossary of generic and specific plant names, and components of
these, from which the reader may interpret the existing names of
plants and construct new names.
For the third edition, the book has been updated to include
explanations of the International Codes for both Botanical Nomenclature (2000) and Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (1995). The
glossary has similarly been expanded to incorporate many more
commemorative names.
THE NAMES OF PLANTS
THIRD EDITION
David Gledhill
Formerly
Senior Lecturer, Department of Botany, University of Bristol and
Curator of Bristol University Botanic Garden
Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid, Cape Town, Singapore, São Paulo
Cambridge University Press
The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge , United Kingdom
Published in the United States of America by Cambridge University Press, New York
www.cambridge.org
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© Cambridge University Press 2002
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First published in print format 2002
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© Cambridge University Press 1985, 1989, 2002
Contents
Preface to the first edition
vii
Preface to the third edition
The nature of the problem
ix
1
The size of the problem
6
Towards a solution to the problem
The rules of botanical nomenclature
Family names
Generic names
Species names
Epithets commemorating people
Geographical epithets
Categories below the rank of species
Hybrids
Synonymy and illegitimacy
The International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants
Graft chimaeras
Botanical terminology
The glossary
The glossary
Addendum to glossary
Bibliography
15
25
29
31
36
38
39
40
41
44
46
52
54
55
58
312
323
[v]
Preface to the first edition
Originally entitled The naming of plants and the meanings of plant names,
this book is in two parts. The first part has been written as an account
of the way in which the naming of plants has changed with time
and why the changes were necessary. It has not been the writer’s
intention to dwell upon the more fascinating aspects of common
names but rather to progress from these to the situation which exists
today; in which the botanical and horticultural names of plants must
conform to internationally agreed standards. The aim has been to
produce an interesting text which is equally as acceptable to the
amateur gardener as to the botanist. The temptation to make this a
definitive guide to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature
was resisted since others have done this already and with great clarity.
A brief comment on synonymous and illegitimate botanical names
and a reference to recent attempts to accommodate the various traits
and interests in the naming of cultivated plants was added after the
first edition.
The book had its origins in a collection of Latin plant names,
and their meanings in English, which continued to grow by the year
but which could never be complete. Not all plant names have meaningful translations. Some of the botanical literature gives full citation
of plant names (and translations of the names, as well as common
names). There are, however, many horticultural and botanical publications in which plant names are used in a casual manner, or are misspelled, or are given meanings or common names that are neither
translations nor common (in the world-wide sense). There is also
a tendency that may be part of modern language, to reduce names
of garden plants to an abbreviated form (e.g. Rhodo for Rhododendron). Literal names such as Vogel’s Napoleona, for Napoleona vogelii,
[vii]
provide only limited information about the plant. The dedication of
the genus to Napoleon Bonaparte is not informative. Only by further search of the literature will the reader find that Theodor Vogel
was the botanist to the 1841 Niger expedition and that he collected
some 150 specimens during a rainy July fortnight in Liberia. One of
those specimens, number 45, was a Napoleona that was later named
for him as the type of the new species by Hooker and Planchon. To
have given such information would have made the text very much
larger.
The author has compiled a glossary which should serve to translate the more meaningful and descriptive names of plants from anywhere on earth but which will give little information about many of
the people and places commemorated in plant names. Their entries
do little more than identify the persons for whom the names were
raised and their period in history. The author makes no claim that
the glossary is all-encompassing or that the meanings he has listed
are always the only meanings that have been put upon the various
entries. Authors of Latin names have not always explained the meanings of the names they have erected and, consequently, such names
may have been given different meanings by subsequent writers.
[viii]
Preface to the third edition
Since making the assumption, in the second edition, that genetic
manipulation of the properties of plants might require new consideration of the ways in which they are to be named, GM has
proceeded apace. Not only can the innate genetic material be
re-ordered – in ways that nature would have rejected through their
exposure to natural selection by the environment – but alien genetic
material, from other organisms, can be introduced to give bizarre
results. Arabidopsis thaliana has only 10 chromosomes and has been
the plant of choice for cytologists and nucleic acid workers because
of this. The twenty-first century sees its genetic code mapped and its
25,000 genes being examined individually to ascertain the ‘meaning of plant life’. From quite practical beginnings such as giving
tomato fruits an extended keeping time, to esoteric developments
such as building a luminescence gene from a jellyfish into a mouse,
there is now a proposal to insert a gene from an electric eel into
plants so that the plants can provide sources of electricity. This new
‘green revolution’ has an historical ring of familiarity about it!
The new century has not yet brought universal consistency in
accepting the botanical and the horticultural codes. Yet science is
already seeking to move towards an international biodiversity code
for the naming of everything. If one was to be facetious, one might
observe that man is still at 6’s and 7’s in seeking an explanation of
everything – and may well, in the end, find that the answer is 42!
The study of whole organisms and their systematic relationships
is an economically unrewarding pure science but an essential area of
continuing investigation. If man is intent on producing genetically
deviant life forms, the descent of these must be known and their
names must reflect that descent.
[ix]
The nature of the problem
A rose: by any name?
Man’s highly developed constructive curiosity and his capacity for
communication are two of the attributes distinguishing him from
all other animals. Man alone has sought to understand the whole
living world and things beyond his own environment and to pass
his knowledge on to others. Consequently, when he discovers or
invents something new he also creates a new word, or words, in
order to be able to communicate his discovery or invention to others.
There are no rules to govern the manner in which such new words
are formed other than those of their acceptance and acceptability.
This is equally true of the common, or vulgar or vernacular names
of plants. Such names present few problems until communication
becomes multilingual and the number of plants named becomes excessive. For example, the diuretic dandelion is easily accommodated
in European languages. As the lion’s tooth, it becomes Lowenzahn,
dent de lion, dente di leone. As piss-abed it becomes Pissenlit, piscacane, and piscialetto. When further study reveals that there are more
than a thousand different kinds of dandelion throughout Europe,
the formulation of common names for these is both difficult and
unacceptable.
Common plant names present language at its richest and most
imaginative (welcome home husband however drunk you be, for
the houseleek or Sempervivum; shepherd’s weather-glass, for scarlet
pimpernel or Anagallis; meet her i’th’entry kiss her i’th’buttery, or
leap up and kiss me, for Viola tricolor; touch me not, for the balsam
Impatiens noli-tangere; mind your own business, or mother of thousands, for Soleirolia soleirolii; blood drop emlets, for Mimulus luteus).
Local variations in common names are numerous and this is perhaps
a reflection of the importance of plants in general conversation, in
[1]
the kitchen and in herbalism throughout the country in bygone
days. An often quoted example of the multiplicity of vernacular
names is that of Caltha palustris, for which, in addition to marsh
marigold, kingcup and May blobs, there are 90 other local British
names (one being dandelion), as well as over 140 German and
60 French vernacular names.
Common plant names have many sources. Some came from
antiquity by word of mouth as part of language itself, and the passage
of time and changing circumstances have obscured their meanings.
Fanciful ideas of a plant’s association with animals, ailments and
festivities, and observations of plant structures, perfumes, colours,
habitats and seasonality have all contributed to their naming. So
too have their names in other languages. English plant names have
come from Arabic, Persian, Greek, Latin, ancient British, AngloSaxon, Norman, Low German, Swedish and Danish. Such names
were introduced together with the spices, grains, fruit plants and
others which merchants and warring nations introduced to new
areas. Foreign names often remained little altered but some were
transliterated in such a way as to lose any meaning which they may
have had originally.
The element of fanciful association in vernacular plant names
often drew upon comparisons with parts of the body and with
bodily functions (priest’s pintle for Arum maculatum, open arse for
Mespilus germanicus and arse smart for Polygonum hydropiper). Some
of these persist but no longer strike us as ‘vulgar’ because they are
‘respectably’ modified or the associations themselves are no longer
familiar to us (Arum maculatum is still known as cuckoo pint (cuckoo
pintle) and as wake robin). Such was the sensitivity to indelicate
names that Britten and Holland, in their Dictionary of English Plant
Names (1886), wrote ‘We have also purposely excluded a few names
which though graphic in their construction and meaning, interesting in their antiquity, and even yet in use in certain counties,
are scarcely suited for publication in a work intended for general
[2]
readers’. They nevertheless included the examples above. The cleaning up of such names was a feature of the Victorian period, during
which our common plant names were formalized and reduced in
numbers. Some of the resulting names are prissy (bloody cranesbill,
for Geranium sanguineum, becomes blood-red cranesbill), some are
uninspired (naked ladies or meadow saffron, for Colchicum autumnale, becomes autumn crocus) and most are not very informative.
This last point is not of any real importance because names do
not need to have a meaning or be interpretable. Primarily, names are
mere ciphers which are easier to use than lengthy descriptions and
yet, when accepted, they can become quite as meaningful. Within
limits, it is possible to use one name for a number of different
things but, if the limits are exceeded, this may cause great confusion. There are many common plant names which refer to several
plants but cause no problem so long as they are used only within
their local areas or when they are used to convey only a general
idea of the plant’s identity. For example, Wahlenberg ia saxicola in
New Zealand, Phacelia whitlavia in southern California, USA,
Clitoria ternatea in West Africa, Campanula rotundifolia in Scotland
and Endymion non-scriptus (formerly Scilla non-scripta and now
Hyacinthoides non-scripta) in England are all commonly called bluebells. In each area, local people will understand others who speak of
bluebells but in all the areas except Scotland the song ‘The Bluebells
of Scotland’, heard perhaps on the radio, will conjure up a wrong
impression. At least ten different plants are given the common name
of cuckoo-flower in England, signifying only that they flower in
spring at a time when the cuckoo is first heard.
The problem of plant names and of plant naming is that common names need not be formed according to any rule and can
change as language, or the user of language, dictates. If our awareness extended only to some thousands of ‘kinds’ of plants we could
manage by giving them numbers but, as our awareness extends,
more ‘kinds’ are recognized and for most purposes we find a need
[3]
to organize our thoughts about them by giving them names and by
forming them into named groups. Then we have to agree with others
about the names and the groups, otherwise communication becomes hampered by ambiguity. A completely coded numerical system could be devised but would have little use to the non-specialist,
without access to the details of encoding.
Formalized names provide a partial solution to the two opposed
problems presented by vernacular names: multiple naming of a single plant and multiple application of a single name. The predominantly two-word structure of such formal names has been adopted
in recent historic times in all biological nomenclature, especially
in the branch which, thanks to Isidorus Hispalensis (560–636),
Archbishop of Seville, whose ‘Etymologies’ was a vast encyclopaedia of ancient learning and was studied for 900 years, we now call
botany. Of necessity, botanical names have been formulated from
former common names but this does not mean that in the translation of botanical names we may expect to find meaningful names in
common language. Botanical names, however, do represent a stable
system of nomenclature which is usable by people of all nationalities
and has relevancy to a system of classification.
Since man became wise, he has domesticated both plants and
animals and, for at least the past 300 years, has bred and selected
an ever growing number of ‘breeds’, ‘lines’ or ‘races’ of these. He
has also given them names. In this, man has accelerated the processes which, we think, are the processes of natural evolution and
has created a different level of artificially sustained, domesticated
organisms. The names given by the breeders of the plants of the
garden and the crops of agriculture and arboriculture present the
same problems as those of vernacular and botanical names. Since the
second edition of this book was published, genetic manipulation of
the properties of plants has proceeded apace. Not only has the innate
genetic material of plants been re-ordered, but alien genetic material, from other organisms, even from other kingdoms, has been
introduced to give bizarre results. The products are unnatural and
[4]
have not faced selection in nature. Indeed, some may present problems should they interbreed with natural populations in the future.
There is still a divide between the international bodies concerned
with botanical and cultivated plant names and the commercial interests that are protected by legislation for trademarking new genetic
and transgenic products.
[5]
The size of the problem
‘Man by his nature desires to know’ (Aristotle)
Three centuries before Christ, Aristotle of Stagira, disciple of Plato,
wrote extensively and systematically of all that was then known of
the physical and living world. In this monumental task, he laid the
foundations of inductive reasoning. When he died, he left his writings and his teaching garden to one of his pupils, Theophrastus
(c. 370–285 BC), who also took over Aristotle’s peripatetic school.
Theophrastus’ writings on mineralogy and plants totalled 227 treatises, of which nine books of Historia Plantarum contain a collection
of contemporary knowledge about plants and eight of De Causis
Plantarum are a collection of his own critical observations, a departure from earlier philosophical approaches, and rightly entitle him
to be regarded as the father of botany. These works were subsequently translated into Syrian, to Arabic, to Latin and back to
Greek. He recognized the distinctions between monocotyledons and
dicotyledons, superior and inferior ovaries in flowers, the necessity
for pollination and the sexuality of plants but, although he used
names for plants of beauty, use or oddity, he did not try to name
everything.
To the ancients, as to the people of earlier civilizations of Persia
and China, plants were distinguished on the basis of their culinary,
medicinal and decorative uses – as well as their supposed supernatural properties. For this reason, plants were given a name as
well as a description. Theophrastus wrote of some 500 ‘kinds’ of
plant which, considering that material had been brought back from
Alexander the Great’s campaigns throughout Persia, as far as India,
would indicate a considerable lack of discrimination. In Britain,
we now recognize more than that number of different ‘kinds’ of
moss.
[6]
Four centuries later, about AD 64, Dioscorides recorded 600
‘kinds’ of plants and, half a century later still, the elder Pliny, in
his huge compilation of the information contained in the writings
of 473 authors, described about a thousand ‘kinds’. During the
‘Dark Ages’, despite the remarkable achievements of such people as
Albertus Magnus (1193–1280), who collected plants during extensive journeys in Europe, and the publication of the German Herbarius
in 1485 by another collector of European plants, Dr Johann von
Cube, little progress was made in the study of plants. It was the
renewal of critical observation by Renaissance botanists such as
Dodoens (1517–1585), l’Obel (1538–1616), l’Ecluse (1526–
1609) and others which resulted in the recognition of some 4,000
‘kinds’ of plants by the sixteenth century. At this point in history,
the renewal of critical study and the beginning of plant collection
throughout the known world produced a requirement for a rational
system of grouping plants. Up to the sixteenth century, three factors
had hindered such classification. The first of these was that the main
interested parties were the nobility and apothecaries who conferred
on plants great monetary value, either because of their rarity or
because of the real or imaginary virtues attributed to them, and regarded them as items to be guarded jealously. Second was the lack
of any standardized system of naming plants and third, and perhaps most important, any expression of the idea that living things
could have evolved from earlier extinct ancestors and could therefore form groupings of related ‘kinds’ was a direct contradiction of
the religious dogma of Divine Creation.
Perhaps the greatest disservice to progress was that caused by the
Doctrine of Signatures, which claimed that God had given to each
‘kind’ of plant some feature which could indicate the uses to which
man could put the plant. Thus, plants with kidney-shaped leaves
could be used for treating kidney complaints and were grouped together on this basis. Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim (1493–
1541) had invented properties for many plants under this doctrine.
He also considered that man possessed intuitive knowledge of which
[7]
plants could serve him, and how. He is better known under the Latin
name which he assumed, Paracelsus, and the doctrinal book Dispensatory is usually attributed to him. The doctrine was also supported
by Giambattista Della Porta (1543–1615), who made an interesting
extension to it, that the distribution of different ‘kinds’ of plants had
a direct bearing upon the distribution of different kinds of ailment
which man suffered in different areas. On this basis, the preference
of willows for wet habitats is ordained by God because men who
live in wet areas are prone to suffer from rheumatism and, since the
bark of Salix species gives relief from rheumatic pains (it contains
salicylic acid, the analgesic principal of aspirin), the willows are
there to serve the needs of man.
In spite of disadvantageous attitudes, renewed critical interest
in plants during the sixteenth century led to more discriminating
views as to the nature of ‘kinds’, to searches for new plants from
different areas and concern over the problems of naming plants. John
Parkinson (1569–1629), a London apothecary, wrote a horticultural
landmark with the punning title Paradisi in Sole -- Paradisus Terrestris
of 1629. This was an encyclopaedia of gardening and of plants then
in cultivation and contains a lament by Parkinson that, in their many
catalogues, nurserymen ‘without consideration of kind or form, or
other special note give(th) names so diversely one from the other,
that . . . very few can tell what they mean’. This attitude towards
common names is still with us but not in so violent a guise as
that shown by an unknown author who, in Science Gossip of 1868,
wrote that vulgar names of plants presented ‘a complete language
of meaningless nonsense, almost impossible to retain and certainly
worse than useless when remembered – a vast vocabulary of names,
many of which signify that which is false, and most of which mean
nothing at all’.
Names continued to be formed as phrase-names constructed
with a starting noun (which was later to become the generic name)
followed by a description. So, we find that the creeping buttercup
[8]
was known by many names, of which Caspar Bauhin (1550–1624)
and Christian Mentzel (1622–1701) listed the following:
Caspar Bauhin, Pinax Theatri Botanici, 1623:
Ranunculus pratensis repens hirsutus var. C.Bauhin
repens fl. luteo simpl. J.Bauhin
repens fol. ex albo variis
repens magnus hirsutus fl. pleno
repens flore pleno
pratensis repens Parkinson
pratensis reptante cauliculo l’Obel
polyanthemos 1 Dodoens
hortensis 1 Dodoens
vinealis Tabernamontana
pratensis etiamque hortensis Gerard
Christianus Mentzelius, Index Nominum Plantarum Multilinguis
(Universalis), 1682:
Ranunculus pratensis et arvensis C.Bauhin
rectus acris var. C.Bauhin
rectus fl. simpl. luteo J.Bauhin
rectus fol. pallidioribus hirsutis J.Bauhin
albus fl. simpl. et denso J.Bauhin
pratensis erectus dulcis C.Bauhin
Ranoncole dolce Italian
Grenoillette dorée o doux Gallic
Sewite Woode Crawe foet English
Suss Hanenfuss
Jaskien sodky Polish
Chrysanth. simplex Fuchs
Ranunculus pratensis repens hirsutus var. c C.Bauhin
repens fl. luteo simpl. J.Bauhin
repens fol. ex albo variis Antonius Vallot
repens magnus hirsut. fl. pleno J.B.Tabernamontana
[9]
repens fl. pleno J.Bauhin
arvensis echinatus Paulus Ammannus
prat. rad. verticilli modo rotunda C.Bauhin
tuberosus major J.Bauhin
Crus Galli Otto Brunfelsius
Coronopus parvus Batrachion Apuleius Dodonaeus (Dodoens)
Ranunculus prat. parvus fol. trifido C.Bauhin
arvensis annuus fl. minimo luteo Morison
fasciatus Henricus Volgnadius
Ol. Borrich Caspar Bartholino
These were, of course, common or vernacular names with wide
currency and strong candidates for inclusion in lists which were
intended to clarify the complicated state of plant naming. Local,
vulgar names escaped such listing until much later times, when
they were being less used and lexicographers began to collect them,
saving most from vanishing for ever.
Great advances were made during the seventeenth century.
Robert Morison (1620–1683) published a convenient or artificial
system of grouping ‘kinds’ into groups of increasing size, as a hierarchy. One of his groups we now call the family Umbelliferae or, to
give it its modern name, Apiaceae, and this was the first natural group
to be recognized. By natural group we imply that the members of
the group share a sufficient number of common features to suggest
that they have all evolved from a common ancestral stock. Joseph
Pitton de Tournefort (1656–1708) had made a very methodical survey of plants and had assorted 10,000 ‘kinds’ into 698 groups (or
genera). The ‘kinds’ must now be regarded as the basic units of classification called species. Although critical observation of structural
and anatomical features led to classification advancing beyond the
vague herbal and signature systems, no such advance was made in
plant naming until a Swede, of little academic ability when young,
we are told, established landmarks in both classification and nomenclature of plants. He was Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778), who classified
[10]
7,300 species into 1,098 genera and gave to each species a binomial
name (a name consisting of a generic name-word plus a descriptive
epithet, both of Latin form).
It was inevitable that, as man grouped the ever-increasing number of known plants (and he was then principally aware of those
from Europe, the Mediterranean and a few from other areas) the constancy of associated morphological features in some groups should
suggest that the whole was derived, by evolution, from a common
ancestor. Morison’s family Umbelliferae was a case in point. Also, because the basic unit of any system of classification is the species, and
some species were found to be far less constant than others, it was
just as inevitable that the nature of the species itself would become
a matter of controversy, not least in terms of religious dogma. A
point often passed over with insufficient comment is that Linnaeus’
endeavours towards a natural system of classification were accompanied by his changing attitude towards Divine Creation. From the 365
aphorisms by which he expressed his views in Fundamenta Botanica
(1736), and expanded in Critica Botanica (1737), his early view was
that all species were produced by the hand of the Almighty Creator
and that ‘variations in the outside shell’ were the work of ‘Nature in
a sporty mood’. In such genera as Thalictrum and Clematis, he later
concluded that some species were not original creations and, in Rosa,
he was drawn to conclude that either some species had blended or
that one species had given rise to several others. Later, he invoked
hybridization as the process by which species could be created and
attributed to the Almighty the creation of the primeval genera, each
with a single species. From his observation of land accretion during trips to Öland and Gotland, in 1741, he accepted a continuous creation of the earth and that Nature was in continuous change
(Oratio de Telluris habitabilis incremento, 1744). He later accepted that
fossil bed remains could only be explained by a process of continuous creation. In Genera Plantarum, 6th edn. (1764), he attributed to
God the creation of the natural orders (our families). Nature produced from these the genera and species, and permanent varieties
[11]
were produced by hybridization between them. The abnormal varieties of the species so formed were the product of chance.
Linnaeus was well aware of the results which plant hybridizers
were obtaining in Holland and it is not surprising that his own
knowledge of naturally occurring variants led him towards a covertly
expressed belief in evolution. However, that expression, and his
listing of varieties under their typical species in Species Plantarum,
where he indicated each with a Greek letter, was still contrary to the
dogma of Divine Creation and it would be another century before
an authoritative declaration of evolutionary theory was to be made,
by Charles Darwin (1809–1882).
Darwin’s essay on ‘The Origin of Species by Means of Natural
Selection’ (1859) was published somewhat reluctantly and in the
face of fierce opposition. It was concerned with the major evolutionary changes by which species evolve and was based upon Darwin’s
own observations on fossils and living creatures. The concept of
natural selection, or the survival of any life-form being dependent
upon its ability to compete successfully for a place in nature, became, and still is, accepted as the major force directing an inevitable
process of organic change. Our conception of the mechanisms and
the causative factors for the large evolutionary steps, such as the
demise of the dinosaurs and of many plant groups now known only
as fossils, and the emergence and diversification of the flowering
plants during the last 100 million years is, at best, hazy.
The great age of plant-hunting, from the second half of the
eighteenth century through most of the nineteenth century, produced a flood of species not previously known. Strange and exotic
plants were once prized above gold and caused theft, bribery and
murder. Trading in ‘paper tulips’ by the van Bourse family gave rise
to the continental stock exchange – the Bourse. With the invention
of the Wardian Case by Dr Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, in 1827, it
became possible to transport plants from the farthest corners of the
world by sea and without enormous losses. The case was a small
glasshouse, which reduced water losses and made it unnecessary to
[12]
use large quantities of fresh water on the plants during long sea voyages, as well as giving protection from salt spray. In the confusion
which resulted from the naming of this flood of plants, and the
use of many languages to describe them, it became apparent that
there was a need for international agreement on both these matters. Today, we have rules formulated to govern the names of about
300,000 species of plants, which are now generally accepted, and
have disposed of a great number of names that have been found
invalid.
Our present state of knowledge about the mechanisms of inheritance and change in plants and animals is almost entirely limited to
an understanding of the causes of variation within a species. That
understanding is based upon the observed behaviour of inherited
characters as first recorded in Pisum by Gregor Johann Mendel, in
1866. With the technical development of the microscope, Malpighi
(1671), Grew (1672) and others explored the cellular structure of
plants and elucidated the mechanism of fertilization. However, the
nature of inheritance and variability remained clouded by myth and
monsters until Mendel’s work was rediscovered at the beginning of
the twentieth century. By 1900, deVries, Correns, Tschermak and
Bateson had confirmed that inheritance had a definite, particulate
character which is regulated by ‘genes’. Sutton (1902) was the first
person to clarify the manner in which the characters are transmitted from parents to offspring when he described the behaviour of
‘chromosomes’ during division of the cell nucleus. Chromosomes
are thread-like bodies which can be stained in dividing cells so that
the sequence of events of their own division can be followed. Along
their length, it can be shown, the sites of genetic control, or genes,
are situated in an ordered linear sequence. Differences between individuals can now be explained in terms of the different forms, or
allelomorphs, in which single genes can exist as a consequence of
their mutation. At the level of the gene, we must now consider the
mutants and alleles as variants in molecular structure represented by
the sequences of bases in the desoxyribonucleic acid. Classification
[13]
can not yet accommodate the new, genetically modified forms that
may only be distinguished in terms of some property resultant upon
the insertion of a fragment of DNA.
The concept of a taxonomic species, or grouping of individuals
each of which has a close resemblance to the others in every aspect
of its morphology, and to which a name can be applied, is not always
the most accurate interpretation of the true circumstances in nature.
It defines and delimits an entity but we are constantly discovering
that the species is far from being an immutable entity. The botanist
discovers that a species has components which have well-defined,
individual ecotypic properties (an ability to live on a distinctive soil
type, or an adaptation to flower and fruit in harmony with some agricultural practice) or have reproductive barriers caused by differences
in chromosome number, etc. The plant breeder produces a steady
stream of new varieties of cultivated species by hybridization and
selection from the progeny. Genetically modified plants with very
specific ‘economic’ properties are produced by techniques which
evade nature’s safeguards of incompatibility and hybrid sterility and
may or may not have to be repeatedly re-synthesized.
If we consider some of the implications of, and attitudes towards, delimiting plant species and their components, and naming
them, it will become easier to understand the need for internationally accepted rules intended to prevent the unnecessary and
unacceptable proliferation of names.
[14]
Towards a solution to the problem
It is basic to the collector’s art to arrange items into groups. Postage
stamps can be arranged by country of origin and then on face value,
year of issue, design, colour variation, or defects. The arranging
process always resolves into a hierarchic set of groups. In the plant
kingdom we have a descending hierarchy of groups through Divisions, divided into Classes, divided into Orders, divided into Families, divided into Genera, divided into Species. Subsidiary groupings
are possible at each level of this hierarchy and are employed to rationalize the uniformity of relationships within the particular group.
Thus, a genus may be divided into a mini-hierarchy of subgenera,
divided into sections, divided into series in order to assort the
components into groupings of close relatives. All such components
would, nevertheless, be members of the one genus.
Early systems of classification were much less sophisticated and
were based upon few aspects of plant structure such as those which
suggested signatures, and mainly upon ancient herbal and medicinal
concepts. Later systems would reflect advances in man’s comprehension of plant structure and function, and employ the morphology
and anatomy of reproductive structures as defining features. Groupings such as Natural Orders and Genera had no precise limits or
absolute parity, one with another; and genera are still very diverse in
size, distribution and the extent to which they have been subdivided.
Otto Brunfels (1489–1534) was probably the first person to
introduce accurate, objective recording and illustration of plant
structure in his Herbarium of 1530, and Valerius Cordus (1515–
1544) could have revolutionized botany but for his premature death.
His four books of German plants contained detailed accounts of the
structure of 446 plants, based upon his own systematic studies on
[15]
them. Many of the plants were new to science. A fifth book on
Italian plants was in compilation when he died. Conrad Gesner
(1516–1565) published Cordus’ work on German plants in 1561
and the fifth book in 1563.
A primitive suggestion of an evolutionary sequence was contained in Matthias de l’Obel’s Plantarum seu Stirpium Historia (1576)
in which narrow-leaved plants, followed by broader-leaved, bulbous
and rhizomatous plants, followed by herbaceous dicotyledons, followed by shrubs and trees, was regarded as a series of increasing
‘perfection’. Andrea Caesalpino (1519–1603) retained the distinction between woody and herbaceous plants but employed more
detail of flower, fruit and seed structure in compiling his classes of
plants (De Plantis, 1583). His influence extended to the classifications of Caspar Bauhin (1550–1624), who departed from the use
of medicinal information and compiled detailed descriptions of the
plants to which he gave many two-word names, or binomials. P.R.
de Belleval (1558–1632) adopted a binomial system which named
each plant with a Latin noun followed by a Greek adjectival epithet. Joachim Jung (1587–1657) feared being accused of heresy,
which prevented him from publishing his work. The manuscripts
which survived him contain many of the terms which we still use
in describing leaf and flower structure and arrangement, and also
contain plant names consisting of a noun qualified by an adjective. Robert Morison (1620–1683) used binomials, and John Ray
(1627–1705), who introduced the distinction between monocotyledons and dicotyledons, but retained the distinction between
flowering herbaceous plants and woody plants, also used binomial
names.
Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656–1708) placed great emphasis on the floral corolla and upon defining the genus, rather
than the species. His 698 generic descriptions are detailed but his
species descriptions are dependent upon binomials and illustrations.
Herman Boerhaave (1668–1739) combined the systems of Ray and
Tournefort, and others, to incorporate morphological, ecological,
[16]
leaf, floral and fruiting characters, but none of these early advances
received popular support. As Michel Adanson (1727–1806) was
to realize, some sixty systems of classification had been proposed
by the middle of the eighteenth century and none had been free
from narrow conceptual restraints. His plea that attention should
be focused on ‘natural’ classification through processes of inductive
reasoning, because of the wide range of characteristics then being
employed, did not enjoy wide publication and his work was not
well regarded when it did become more widely known. His main
claim to fame, or notoriety, stems from his use of names which have
no meanings.
Before considering the major contributions made by Carl
Linnaeus, it should be noted that the names of many higher groups
of plants, of families and of genera were well established at the
beginning of the eighteenth century and several people had used
simplified, binomial names for species. Indeed, August Quirinus
Rivinus (1652–1723) had proposed that no plant should have a
name of more than two words.
Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) was the son of a clergyman, Nils,
who had adopted the latinized family name when he became a
student of theology. Carl also went to theological college for a
year but then left and became an assistant gardener in Prof. Olof
Rudbeck’s botanic garden at Uppsala. His ability as a collector and
arranger soon became evident and, after undertaking tours through
Lapland, he began to publish works which are now the starting
points for naming plants and animals. In literature he is referred to
as Carl or Karl or Carolus Linnaeus, Carl Linné (an abbreviation) and,
later in life, as Carl von Linné. His life became one of devotion to the
classification and naming of all living things and of teaching others
about them. His numerous students played a very important part in
the discovery of new plants from many parts of the world. Linnaeus’
main contribution to botany was his method of naming plants, in
which he combined Bauhin’s and Belleval’s use of binomials with
Tournefort’s and Boerhaave’s concepts of the genus. His success,
[17]
where others before him had failed, was due to the early publication of his most popular work, an artificial system of classifying
plants. In this he employed the number, structure and disposition
of the stamens of the flower to define 23 classes, each subdivided
into orders on the basis of the number of parts constituting the
pistil, with a 24th class containing those plants which had their
reproductive organs hidden to the eye: the orders of which were
the ferns, mosses, algae (in which he placed liverworts, lichens and
sponges), fungi and palms. This ‘sexual system’ provided an easy
way of grouping plants and of allocating newly discovered plants to
a group. Originally designed to accommodate the plants of his home
parish, it was elaborated to include first the Arctic flora and later
the more diverse and exotic plants being discovered in the tropics.
It continued in popular use into the nineteenth century despite its
limitation of grouping together strange bedfellows: red valerian,
tamarind, crocus, iris, galingale sedge and mat grass are all grouped
under Triandria (three stamens) Monogynia (pistil with a single style).
In 1735, Linnaeus published Systema Naturae, in which he
grouped species into genera, genera into orders and orders into
classes on the basis of structural similarities. This was an attempt to
interpret evolutionary relationships or assemblages of individuals at
different levels. It owed much to a collaborator and fellow student of
Linnaeus, Peter Artendi (d. 1735) who, before an untimely death,
was working on the classification of fishes, reptiles and amphibians,
and the Umbelliferae. In Species Plantarum, published in 1753, Linnaeus gave each species a binomial name. The first word of each
binomial was the name of the genus to which the species belonged
and the second word was a descriptive, or specific epithet. Both
words were in Latin or Latin form. Thus, the creeping buttercup he
named as Ranunculus repens.
It now required that the systematic classification and the binomial nomenclature, which Linnaeus had adopted, should become
generally accepted and, largely because of the popularity of his sexual system, this was to be the case. Botany could now contend with
[18]
the rapidly increasing number of species of plants being collected
for scientific enquiry, rather than for medicine or exotic gardening,
as in the seventeenth century. For the proper working of such standardized nomenclature, however, it was necessary that the language
of plant names should also be standardized. Linnaeus’ views on the
manner of forming plant names, and the use of Latin for these and
for the descriptions of plants and their parts, have given rise directly to modern practice and a Latin vocabulary of great versatility,
but which would have been largely incomprehensible in ancient
Rome. He applied the same methodical principles to the naming of
animals, minerals and diseases and, in doing so, established Latin,
which was the lingua franca of his day, as the internationally used
language of science and medicine.
The rules by which we now name plants depend largely on
Linnaeus’ writings but, for the names of plant families, we are
much dependent on A.L. de Jussieu’s classification in his Genera
Plantarum of 1789. For the name of a species, the correct name
is that which was first published since 1753. This establishes Linnaeus’ Species Plantarum (associated with his Genera Plantarum, 5th
edn. 1754 and 6th edn. 1764) as the starting point for the names of
species (and their descriptions). Linnaeus’ sexual system of classification was very artificial and, although Linnaeus must have been delighted at its popularity, he regarded it as no more than a convenient
pigeonholing system. He published some of his views on grouping plant genera into natural orders (our families) in Philosophia
Botanica (1751). Most of his orders were not natural groupings but
considerably mixed assemblages. By contrast, Bernard de Jussieu
(1699–1777), followed by his nephew Antoine Laurent de Jussieu
(1748–1836), searched for improved ways of arranging and grouping plants as natural groups. In A.L. de Jussieu’s de Genera Plantarum
(1789) the characteristics are given for 100 plant families; and most
of these we still recognize.
Augustin Pyrame de Candolle (1778–1841) also sought a natural system, as did his son Alphonse, and he took the evolutionist view
[19]
that there is an underlying state of symmetry in the floral structure
which we can observe today and that, by considering relationships
in terms of that symmetry, natural alliances may be recognized. This
approach resulted in a great deal of monographic work from which
de Candolle formed views on the concept of a core of similarity, or
type, for any natural group and the requirement for control in the
naming of plants.
Today, technological and scientific advances have made it possible for us to use subcellular, chemical and the minutest of morphological features and to incorporate as many items of information as are available about a plant in computer-aided assessments of
that plant’s relationships to others. Biological information has often
been found to conflict with the concept of the taxonomic species
and there are many plant groups in which the ‘species’ can best be
regarded as a collection of highly variable populations. The gleaning of new evidence necessitates a continuing process of reappraisal
of families, genera and species. Such reappraisal may result in subdivision or even splitting of a group into several new ones or, the
converse process, in lumping together two or more former groups
into one new one. Since the bulk of research is carried out on the
individual species, most of the revisions are carried out at or below
the rank of species. On occasion, therefore, a revision at the family
level will require the transfer of whole genera from one family to
another, but it is now more common for a revision at the level of
the genus to require the transfer of some, if not all the species from
one genus to another. Such revisions are not mischievous but are the
necessary process by which newly acquired knowledge is incorporated into a generally accepted framework. It is because we continue
to improve the extent of our knowledge of plants that revision of
the systems for their classification continues and, consequently, that
name changes are inevitable.
The equivalence, certainly in evolutionary terms, of groups
of higher rank than of family is a matter of philosophical debate
and, even at the family level, we find divergence of views as to
[20]
whether those with few components are equivalent to those with
many components. Over the past twenty years a ‘Family Planning’
committee of taxonomists has met in London to determine an
acceptable system of plant families in view of the variation presented by systematists since Bentham and Hooker. In the petaloid
monocotyledons they were unanimous in agreeing to split the lilies
(essentially the familiar families Liliaceae and Amaryllidaceae) to make
the family concept more comparable with that adopted in other
groups. The following liliaceous family names are now in common
use: Melanthiaceae, Colchicaceae, Asphodelaceae, Hyacinthaceae,
Hemerocallidaceae, Agavaceae, Aphyllandraceae, Lomandraceae,
Anthericaceae, Xanthorrhoeaceae, Alliaceae, Liliaceae, Dracaenaceae,
Asparagaceae, Ruscaceae, Convallariaceae, Trilliaceae, Alteriaceae,
Herreriaceae, Philesiaceae, Smilacaceae, Haemadoraceae, Hypoxidaceae,
Alstoemeriaceae, Doryanthaceae, Campynemaceae and Amaryllidaceae.
Because the taxonomic species is the basic unit of any system
of classification, we have to assume parity between species; that is
to say, we assume that a widespread species is in every way comparable with a rare species which may be restricted in its distribution
to a very small area. It is a feature of plants that their diversity – of
habit, longevity, mode of reproduction and tolerance of environmental conditions – presents a wide range of biologically different
circumstances. For the taxonomic problem of delimiting, defining
and naming a species we have to identify a grouping of individuals
whose characteristics are sufficiently stable to be defined, in order
that a name can be applied to the group and a ‘type’, or exemplar,
can be specified for that name. It is because of this concept of the
‘type’ that changes have to be made in names of species in the light
of new discoveries and that entities below the rank of species have
to be recognized. Thus, we speak of a botanical ‘sub-species’ when
part of the species grouping can be distinguished as having a number of features which remain constant and as having a distinctive
geographical or ecological distribution. When the degree of departure from the typical material is of a lesser order we may employ
[21]
the inferior category of ‘variety’. The term ‘form’ is employed to
describe a variant which is distinct in a minor way only, such as
a single feature difference which might appear sporadically due to
genetic mutation or sporting.
The patterns and causes of variation differ from one species to
another and this has long been recognized as a problem in fully
reconciling the idea of a taxonomic species with that of a biological system of populations in perpetual evolutionary flux. Below the
level of species, agreement about absolute ranking is far from complete and even the rigidity of the infraspecific hierarchy (subspecies,
varietas, subvarietas, forma, subforma) is now open to question.
It is always a cause of annoyance when a new name has to
be given to a plant which is widely known under its superseded
old name. Gardeners always complain about such name changes
but there is no novelty in that. On the occasion of Linnaeus being
proposed for Fellowship of the Royal Society, Peter Collinson wrote
to him in praise of his Species Plantarum but, at the same time,
complained that Linnaeus had introduced new names for so many
well-known plants.
The gardener has some cause to be aggrieved by changes in
botanical names. Few gardeners show much alacrity in adopting
new names and perusal of gardening books and catalogues shows
that horticulture seldom uses botanical names with all the exactitude
which they can provide. Horticulture, however, not only agreed to
observe the international rules of botanical nomenclature but also
formulated its own additional rules for the naming of plants grown
under cultivation. It might appear as though the botanist realizes
that he is bound by the rules, whereas the horticulturalist does not,
but to understand this we must recognize the different facets of
horticulture. The rules are of greatest interest and importance to
specialist plant breeders and gardeners with a particular interest in
a certain plant group. For the domestic gardener it is the growing
of beautiful plants which is the motive force behind his activity.
Between the two extremes lies every shade of interest and the main
[22]
emphasis on names is an emphasis on garden names. Roses, cabbages, carnations and leeks are perfectly adequate names for the
majority of gardeners but if greater precision is needed, a gardener
wishes to know the name of the variety. Consequently, most gardeners are satisfied with a naming system which has no recourse
to the botanical rules whatsoever. Not surprisingly, therefore, seed
and plant catalogues also avoid botanical names. The specialist plant
breeder, however, shows certain similarities to the apothecaries of
an earlier age. Like them, he guards his art and his plants jealously
because they represent the source of his future income and, also like
them, he has the desire to understand every aspect of his plants. The
apothecaries gave us the first centres of botanical enquiry and the
plant breeders of today give us the new varieties which are needed
to satisfy our gardening and food-production requirements. The
commercial face of plant breeding, however, attaches a powerful
monetary significance to the names given to new varieties.
Gardeners occasionally have to resort to botanical names when
they discover some cultural problem with a plant which shares the
same common name with several different plants. The Guernsey lily,
around which has always hung a cloud of mystery, has been offered
to the public in the form of Amaryllis belladonna L. The true Guernsey
lily has the name Nerine sarniensis Herb. (but was named Amaryllis sarniensis by Linnaeus). The epithet sarniensis means ‘of Sarnia’
or ‘of Guernsey’, Sarnia being the old name for Guernsey, and is an
example of a misapplied geographical epithet, since the plant’s native
area is South Africa. Some would regard the epithet as indicating
the fact that Guernsey was the first place in which the plant was
cultivated. This is historically incorrect, however, and does nothing
to help the gardener who finds that the Guernsey lily that he has
bought does not behave, in culture, as Nerine sarniensis is known to
behave. This example is one involving a particularly contentious area
as to the taxonomic problems of generic boundaries and typification
but there are many others in which common and Latin garden
names are used for whole assortments of garden plants, ranging
[23]
from species (Nepeta mussinii and N. cataria are both catmint) to
members of different genera (‘japonicas’ including Chaenomeles
speciosa and Kerria japonica) to members of different families (Camellia japonica is likewise a ‘japonica’), and the diversity of ‘bluebells’
was mentioned earlier.
New varieties, be they timber trees, crop plants or garden flowers, require names and those names need to be definitive. As with
the earlier confusion of botanical names (different names for the
same species or the same name for different species), so there can be
the same confusion of horticultural names. As will be seen, rules for
cultivated plants require that new names have to be established by
publication. This gives to the breeder the commercial advantage of
being able to supply to the public his new variety under what, initially, amounts to his mark of copyright. In some parts of the world
legislation permits exemption from the rules and recommendations
otherwise used for the names of cultivated plants.
[24]
The rules of botanical nomenclature
The rules which now govern the naming and the names of plants
really had their beginnings in the views of A.P. de Candolle as he expressed them in his Théorie Elémentaire de la Botanique (1813). There,
he advised that plants should have names in Latin (or Latin form
but not compounded from different languages), formed according to the rules of Latin grammar and subject to the right of priority for the name given by the discoverer or the first describer.
This advice was found inadequate and, in 1862, the International
Botanical Congress in London adopted control over agreements
on nomenclature. Alphonse de Candolle (1806–1893), who was
A.P. de Candolle’s son, drew up four simple ‘Lois’, or laws, which
were aimed at resolving what threatened to become a chaotic state
of plant nomenclature. The Paris International Botanical Congress
of 1867 adopted the Lois, which were:
1 One plant species shall have no more than one name.
2 No two plant species shall share the same name.
3 If a plant has two names, the name which is valid shall be that
which was the earliest one to be published after 1753.
4 The author’s name shall be cited, after the name of the plant, in
order to establish the sense in which the name is used and its
priority over other names.
It can be seen from the above Lois that, until the nineteenth
century, botanists frequently gave names to plants with little regard
either to the previous use of the same name or to names that had
already been applied to the same plant. It is because of this aspect
that one often encounters the words sensu and non inserted before
the name of an author, although both terms are more commonly
[25]
used in the sense of taxonomic revision, and indicate that the name
is being used ‘in the sense of’ or ‘not in the sense of’ that author,
respectively.
The use of Latin, as the language in which descriptions and diagnoses were written, was not universal in the nineteenth century
and many regional languages were used in different parts of the
world. A description is an account of the plant’s habit, morphology and periodicity whereas a diagnosis is an author’s definitive
statement of the plant’s diagnostic features, and circumscribes the
limits outside which plants do not pertain to that named species.
A diagnosis often states particular ways in which the species differs
from another species of the same genus. Before the adoption of Latin
as the accepted language of botanical nomenclature, searching for
names already in existence for a particular plant, and confirming
their applicability, involved searching through multilingual literature. The requirement to use Latin was written into the rules by the
International Botanical Congress in Vienna, in 1905. However, the
American Society of Plant Taxonomists produced its own Code in
1947, which became known as the Brittonia edition of the Rules
or the Rochester Code, and disregarded this requirement. Not until
1959 was international agreement achieved and then the requirement to use Latin was made retroactive to January 1st, 1935, the
year of the Amsterdam meeting of the Congress.
The rules are considered at each International Botanical
Congress, formerly held at five-, and more recently at six-, yearly
intervals during peacetime. The International Code of Botanical
Nomenclature (first published as such in 1952) was formulated at
the Stockholm Congress of 1950. In 1930, the matter of determining the priority of specific epithets was the main point at issue. The
practice of British botanists had been to regard that epithet which
was first published after the plant had been allocated to its correct
genus as the correct name. This has been called the Kew Rule, but
it was defeated in favour of the rule that now gives priority to the
epithet that was the first to be published from the starting date of
[26]
May 1st, 1753. Epithets which predate the starting point, but which
were adopted by Linnaeus, are attributed to Linnaeus (e.g. Bauhin’s
Alsine media, Ammi majus, Anagyris foetida and Galium rubrum and
Dodoens’ Angelica sylvestris are examples of binomials nevertheless
credited to Linnaeus).
The 1959 International Botanical Congress in Montreal introduced the requirement under the Code, that for valid publication
of a name of a family or any taxon of lower rank, the author of
that name should cite a ‘type’ for the name and that this requirement should be retrospective to January 1st, 1958. The idea of
a type goes back to A.P. de Candolle and it implies a representative collection of characteristics to which a name applies. The
type in Botany is a nomenclatural type: it is the type for the name
and the name is permanently attached to it or associated with it.
For the name of a family, the representative characteristics which
that name implies are those embodied in one of its genera, which
is called the type genus. In a similar way, the type for the name
of a genus is the type species of that genus. For the name of a
species or taxon of lower rank, the type is a specimen lodged in
an herbarium or, in certain cases, published illustrations. The type
need not, nor could it, be representative of the full range of entities to which the name is applied. Just as a genus, although having the features of its parent family, cannot be fully representative of all the genera belonging to that family, no single specimen
can be representative of the full range of variety found within a
species.
For the name to become the correct name of a plant or plant
group, it must satisfy two sets of conditions. First, it must be constructed in accordance with the rules of name formation, which
ensures its legitimacy. Second, it must be published in such a way
as to make it valid. Publication has to be in printed matter which is
distributed to the general public or, at least, to botanical institutions
with libraries accessible to botanists generally. Since January 1st,
1953, this has excluded publication in newspapers and tradesmen’s
[27]
catalogues. Valid publication also requires the name to be accompanied by a description or diagnosis, an indication of its rank and
the nomenclatural type, as required by the rules. This publication
requirement, and subsequent citation of the new name followed by
the name of its author, ensures that a date can be placed upon the
name’s publication and that it can, therefore, be properly considered
in matters of priority.
The present scope of the Code is expressed in the Principles,
which have evolved from the de Candollean Lois:
1 Botanical nomenclature is independent of zoological
nomenclature. The Code applies equally to names of taxonomic
groups treated as plants whether or not these groups were
originally so treated.
2 The application of names of taxonomic groups is determined by
means of nomenclatural types.
3 The nomenclature of a taxonomic group is based upon priority of
publication.
4 Each taxonomic group with a particular circumscription, position
and rank can bear only one correct name, the earliest which is in
accordance with the rules, except in specified cases.
5 Scientific names of taxonomic groups are treated as Latin,
regardless of their derivation.
6 The rules of nomenclature are retroactive unless expressly limited.
The detailed rules are contained in the Articles and Recommendations of the Code and mastery of these can only be gained by
practical experience (Greuter, 2000). A most lucid summary and
comparison with other Codes of biological nomenclature is that of
Jeffrey (1978), written for the Systematics Association.
There are still new species of plants to be discovered and an
enormous amount of information yet to be sought for long-familiar
species, in particular, evidence of a chemical nature, and especially
that concerned with proteins, which may provide reliable indications of phylogenetic relationships. For modern systematists, the
[28]
greatest and most persistent problem is our ignorance about the apparently explosive appearance of a diverse array of flowering plants,
some 100 million years ago, from one or more unknown ancestors.
Modern systems of classification are still frameworks within which
the authors arrange assemblages in sequences or clusters to represent
their own idiosyncratic interpretation of the known facts. In addition to having no firm record of the early evolutionary pathways of
the flowering plants, the systematist also has the major problems of
identifying clear-cut boundaries between groups and of assessing
the absolute ranking of groups. It is because of these continuing
problems that, although the Code extends to taxa of all ranks, most
of the rules are concerned with the names and naming of groups
from the rank of family downwards.
Before moving on to the question of plant names at the generic
and lower ranks, this is a suitable point at which to comment on
new names for families which are now starting to appear in books
and catalogues, and some explanation in passing may help to dispel
any confusion. The splitting of the Liliaceae and Amaryllidaceae into
27 new families was mentioned on page 21 but the move towards
standardization has required other family name changes.
Family names
Each family can have only one correct name and that, of course, is
the earliest legitimate one, except in cases of limitation of priority by conservation. In other words, there is provision in the Code
for disregarding the requirement of priority when a special case is
proved for a name to be conserved. Conservation of names is intended to avoid disadvantageous name changes, even though the
name in question does not meet all the requirements of the Code.
Names which have long-standing use and wide acceptability and
are used in standard works of literature can be proposed for conservation and, when accepted, need not be discarded in favour of
new and more correct names.
[29]
The names of families are plural adjectives used as nouns and
are formed by adding the suffix -aceae to the stem, which is the
name of an included genus. Thus, the buttercup genus Ranunculus
gives us the name Ranunculaceae for the buttercup family and the
water-lily genus Nymphaea gives us the name Nymphaeaceae for the
water-lilies. A few family names are conserved, for the reasons given
above, which do have generic names as their stem, although one,
the Ebenaceae, has the name Ebenus Kuntze (1891) non Linnaeus
(1753) as its stem. Kuntze’s genus is now called Maba but its parent
family retains the name Ebenaceae even though Ebenus L. is the name
used for a genus of the pea family. There are eight families for which
specific exceptions are provided and which can be referred to either
by their long-standing, conserved names or, as is increasingly the
case in recent floras and other published works on plants, by their
names which are in agreement with the Code. These families and
their equivalent names are:
Compositae
Cruciferae
Gramineae
Guttiferae
Labiatae
Leguminosae
Palmae
Umbelliferae
or
or
or
or
or
or
or
or
Asteraceae (on the genus Aster)
Brassicaceae (on the genus Brassica)
Poaceae (on the genus Poa)
Clusiaceae (on the genus Clusia)
Lamiaceae (on the genus Lamium)
Fabaceae (on the genus Faba)
Arecaceae (on the genus Areca)
Apiaceae (on the genus Apium)
Some botanists regard the Leguminosae as including three subfamilies but others accept those three components as each having
family status. In the latter case, the three families are the Caesalpiniaceae, the Mimosaceae and the Papilionaceae. The last of these family
names refers to the resemblance which may be seen in the pea- or
bean-flower structure, with its large and colourful sail petal, to a
resting butterfly (Papilionoidea) and is not based upon the name of a
plant genus. If a botanist wishes to retain the three-family concept,
the name Papilionaceae is conserved against Leguminosae and the
[30]
modern equivalent is Fabaceae. Consequently, the Fabaceae are either the entire aggregation of leguminous plant genera or that part
of the aggregate which does not belong in either the Caesalpiniaceae
or the Mimosaceae.
Some eastern European publications use Daucaceae for the Apiaceae, split the Asteraceae into Carduaceae and Chicoriaceae and adopt
various views as to the generic basis of family names (e.g. Oenotheraceae for Onagraceae by insisting that Linnaeus’ genus Oenothera has
prior claim over Miller’s genus Onagra).
Generic names
The name of a genus is a noun, or word treated as such, and begins
with a capital letter. It is singular, may be taken from any source
whatever, and may even be composed in an arbitrary manner. The
etymology of generic names is, therefore, not always complete and,
even though the derivation of some may be discovered, they lack
meaning. By way of examples:
Portulaca, from the Latin porto (I carry) and lac (milk) translates as
‘Milk-carrier’.
Pittosporum, from the Greek, pittow (I tar) and sporov (a seed)
translates as ‘Tar-seed’.
Hebe was the goddess of youth and, amongst other things, the
daughter of Jupiter. It cannot be translated further.
Petunia is taken from the Brazilian name for tobacco.
Tecoma is taken from a Mexican name.
Linnaea is one of the names which commemorate Linnaeus.
Sibara is an anagram of Arabis.
Aa is the name given by Reichenbach to an orchid genus which he
segregated from Altensteinia. It has no meaning and, as others
have observed, must always appear first in an alphabetic listing.
The generic names of some Old World plants were taken from
Greek mythology by the ancients, or are identical to the names of
characters in Greek mythology. The reason for this is not always
[31]
clear (e.g. Althaea, Cecropia, Circaea, Melia, Phoenix, Tagetes, Thalia,
Endymion, Hebe, Paeonia and Paris). However, some do have reasonable floristic associations, e.g. Atropa (the third Fate, who held the
scissors to cut the thread of life), Chloris (the Goddess of flowers), Iris
(messenger to Gods of the rainbow), Melissa (apiarist who used the
plant to feed the bees). The metamorphoses, that are so common
in the mythology, provided direct associations for several names,
e.g. Acanthus (became an Acanthus), Adonis (became an Anemone),
Ajacis (became a Narcissus), Daphne (became a laurel), Hyacinthus
(became, probably, a Delphinium) and Narcissus (became a daffodil).
If all specific names were constructed in the arbitrary manner
used by M. Adanson (1727–1806), there would have been no enquiries of the author and this book would not have been written. In
fact, the etymology of plant names is a rich store of historical interest
and conceals many facets of humanity ranging from the sarcasm of
some authors to the humour of others. This is made possible by the
wide scope available to authors for formulating names and because,
whatever language is the source, names are treated as being in Latin.
Imaginative association has produced some names which are very
descriptive provided that the reader can spot the association. In the
algae, the Chrysophyte which twirls like a ballerina has been named
Pavlova gyrans and, in the fungi, a saprophyte on leaves of Eucalyptus
which has a wide-mouthed spore-producing structure has been
named Satchmopsis brasiliensis (Satchmo, satchelmouth). The large
vocabulary of botanical Latin comes mostly from the Greek and
Latin of ancient times but, since the ancients had few words which
related specifically to plants and their parts, a Latin dictionary is of
somewhat limited use in trying to decipher plant diagnoses. By way
of examples, Table 1 gives the parts of the flower (Latin flos, Greek
anqov) (illustrated in Fig. 1) and the classical words from which
they are derived, together with their original sense.
The grammar of botanical Latin is very formal and much more
simple than that of the classical language itself. A full and most
authoritative work on the subject is contained in Stearn’s book,
[32]
Table 1
Flower part
Greek
Latin
Former meaning
calyx
kálux
—
kúlíx
sképh
—
pétalon
—
—
—
—
audr-,
’
o’ikóv
stígma
st⁀ulov
—
karpóv
gunh́-, o’ikóv
—
—
—
corolla
—
petalum
stamen
filamentum
anthera
—
—
—
stilus
—
—
pistillum
various kinds of
covering
cup or goblet
covering
garland or coronet
leaf
metal plate
thread, warp, string
thread
potion of herbs
man-, house
tattoo or spot
pillar or post
pointed writing tool
fruit
woman-, house
pestle
sepal
corolla
petal
stamen
filament
anther
androecium
stigma
style
carpel
gynoecium
pistil
Botanical Latin (1983). Nevertheless, it is necessary to know that
in Latin, nouns (such as family and generic names) have gender,
number and case and that the words which give some attribute to
a noun (as in adjectival specific epithets) must agree with the noun
in each of these. Having gender means that all things (the names of
which are called nouns) are either masculine or feminine or neuter.
In English, we treat almost everything as neuter, referring to nouns
as ‘it’, except animals and most ships and aeroplanes (which are
commonly held to be feminine). Gender is explained further below.
Number means that things may be single (singular) or multiple
(plural). In English we either have different words for the singular
and plural (man and men, mouse and mice) or we convert the
singular into the plural most commonly by adding an ‘s’ (ship and
[33]
ships, rat and rats) or more rarely by adding ‘es’ (box and boxes, fox
and foxes) or, rarer still, by adding ‘en’ (ox and oxen). In Latin, the
difference is expressed by changes in the endings of the words. Case
is less easy to understand but means the significance of the noun
to the meaning of the sentence in which it is contained. It is also
expressed in the endings of the words. In the sentence, ‘The flower
has charm’, the flower is singular, is the subject of the sentence and
has what is called the nominative case. In the sentence ‘I threw away
the flower’, I am now the subject and the flower has become the
direct object in the accusative case. In the sentence, ‘I did not like
the colour of the flower’, I am again the subject, the colour is now
the object and the flower has become a possessive noun and has the
genitive case. In the sentence, ‘The flower fell to the ground’ the
flower is once again the subject (nominative) and the ground has
the dative case. If we add ‘with a whisper’, then whisper takes the
ablative case. In other words, case confers on nouns an expression
of their meaning in any sentence. This is shown by the ending of
the Latin word, which changes with case and number and, in so
doing, changes the naked word into part of a sentence (Table 2).
Nouns fall into five groups, or declensions, as determined by
their endings (Table 3).
Generic names are treated as singular subjects, taking the nominative case. Solanum means ‘Comforter’ and derives from the use
Table 2
Case
Singular
nominative
accusative
genitive
dative
ablative
flos the flower (subject)
florem the flower (object)
floris of the flower
flori to or for the flower
flore by, with or from
the flower
[34]
Plural
flores the flowers
flores the flowers
florum of the flowers
floribus to or for the flowers
floribus by, with or from
the flowers
Table 3
Declension
I
II
III
IV
V
Gender
f
m
n
m,f
n
m,f
n
m
n
f
Singular
nom
acc
gen
dat
abl
-a
-am
-ae
-ae
-a
-us(-er)
-um
-i
-o
-o
-um
-um
-i
-o
-o
*
-em
-is
-i
-e
*
*
-is
-i
-e
-is(es)
-em(im)
-is
-i
-i(e)
-e(l)(r)
-e(l)(r)
-is
-i
-i(e)
-us
-um
-us
-ui(u)
-u
-u
-u
-us
-ui(u)
-u
-es
-em
-ei
-ei
-e
Plural
nom
acc
gen
dat
abl
-ae
-as
-arum
-is
-is
-i
-os
-orum
-is
-is
-a
-a
-orum
-is
-is
-es
-es
-um
-ibus
-ibus
-a
-a
-um
-ibus
-ibus
-es
-es(is)
-ium
-ibus
-ibus
-ia
-ia
-ium
-ibus
-ibus
-us
-us
-uum
-ibus
-ibus
-ua
-ua
-uum
-ibus
-ibus
-es
-es
-erum
-ebus
-ebus
∗
Denotes various irregular endings.
[35]
of nightshades as herbal sedatives. The gender of generic names is
that of the original Greek or Latin noun or, if that was variable,
is chosen by the author of the name. There are exceptions to this
in which masculine names are treated as feminine, and fewer in
which compound names, which ought to be feminine, are treated
as masculine. As a general guide, names ending in -us are masculine
unless they are trees (such as Fagus, Pinus, Quercus, Sorbus which are
treated as feminine), names ending in -a are feminine and names
ending in -um are neuter; names ending in -on are masculine unless they can also take -um, when they are neuter, or the ending is
-dendron when they are also neuter (Rhododendron or Rhododendrum);
names ending in -ma (as in terminations such as -osma) are neuter;
names ending in -is are mostly feminine or masculine treated as
feminine (Orchis) and those ending in -e are neuter; other feminine
endings are -ago, -odes, -oides, -ix and -es.
A recommendation for forming generic names to commemorate men or women is that these should be treated as feminine and
formed as follows:
for names ending in a vowel,
for names ending in -a,
for names ending in -ea,
for names ending in a consonant,
for names ending in -er,
for latinized names ending in -us,
terminate with -a
terminate with -ea
do not change
add -ia
add -a
change the ending to -ia
Generic names which are formed arbitrarily or are derived from
vernacular names have their ending selected by the name’s author.
Species names
The name of a species is a binary combination of the generic name
followed by a specific epithet. If the epithet is of two words they
must be joined by a hyphen or united into one word. The epithet
can be taken from any source whatever and may be constructed
[36]
Table 4
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Example
Meaning
-us
-is
-os
-er
-er
-ax
-ex
-ox
-ans
-ens
-or
-oides
-a
-is
-os
-era
-ra
-ax
-ex
-ox
-ans
-ens
-or
-oides
-um
-e
-on
-erum
-rum
-ax
-ex
-ox
-ans
-ens
-or
-oides
hirsutus
brevis
acaulos kaulov
asper
scaber
fallax
duplex
ferox
reptans
repens
tricolor
bryoides brÅon,
e«dov
(hairy)
(short)
(stemless)
(rough)
(rough)
(false)
(double)
(very prickly)
(creeping)
(creeping)
(three-coloured)
(moss-like)
Table 5
Masculine
Feminine
Neuter
Example
Meaning
-us
-ior
-issimus
-is
-ior
-limus
-er
-erior
-errimus
-a
-ior
-issima
-is
-ior
-lima
-era
-erior
-errima
-um
-ius
-issimum
-e
-ius
-limum
-erum
-erius
-errimum
longus
(long)
(longer)
(longest)
(slender)
(slenderer)
(slenderest)
(thin)
(thinner)
(thinnest)
gracilis
tener
in an arbitrary manner. It would be reasonable to expect that the
epithet should have a descriptive purpose, and there are many which
do, but large numbers either refer to the native area in which the
plant grows or commemorate a person (often the discoverer, the
[37]
introducer into cultivation or a noble personage). The epithet may
be adjectival (or descriptive), qualified in various ways with prefixes
and suffixes, or a noun.
It will become clear that because descriptive, adjectival epithets
must agree with the generic name, the endings must change in
gender, case and number; Dipsacus fullonum L. has the generic name
used by Dioscorides meaning ‘Dropsy’, alluding to the accumulation
of water in the leaf-bases, and an epithet which is the masculine
genitive plural of fullo, a fuller, and which identifies the typical form
of this teasel as the one which was used to clean and comb up a
‘nap’ on cloth. The majority of adjectival epithet endings are as in
the first two examples listed in Table 4.
Comparative epithets are informative because they provide us
with an indication of how the species contrasts with the general
features of other members of the genus (Table 5).
Epithets commemorating people
Specific epithets which are nouns are grammatically independent
of the generic name. Campanula trachelium is literally ‘Little bell’
(feminine) ‘neck’ (neuter). When they are derived from the names
of people, they can either be retained as nouns in the genitive case
(clusii is the genitive singular of Clusius, the latinized version of
l’Ecluse, and gives an epithet with the meaning ‘of l’Ecluse’) or be
treated as adjectives and then agreeing in gender with the generic
noun (Sorbus leyana Wilmott is a tree taking, like many others, the
feminine gender despite the masculine ending, and so the epithet
which commemorates Augustin Ley also takes the feminine ending).
The epithets are formed as follows:
to names ending with a vowel (except -a) or -er is added
i when masculine singular,
ae when feminine singular,
orum when masculine plural,
arum when feminine plural
[38]
to names ending with -a is added
e when singular,
rum when plural
to names ending with a consonant (except -er) is added
ii when masculine singular,
iae when feminine singular,
iorum when masculine plural,
iarum when feminine plural
or, when used adjectivally:
to names ending with a vowel (except -a) is added
anus when masculine,
ana when feminine,
anum when neuter
to names ending with -a is added
nus when masculine,
na when feminine,
num when neuter
to names ending with a consonant is added
ianus when masculine,
iana when feminine,
ianum when neuter.
Geographical epithets
When an epithet is derived from the name of a place, usually to
indicate the plant’s native area but also, sometimes, to indicate the
area or place from which the plant was first known or in which
it was produced horticulturally, it is preferably adjectival and takes
one of the following endings:
-ensis (m)
-(a)nus (m)
-inus (m)
-icus (m)
-ensis (f )
-(a)na (f )
-ina (f )
-ica (f )
-ense (n)
-(a)num (n)
-inum (n)
-icum (n)
[39]
Geographical epithets are sometimes inaccurate because the author of the name was in error as to the true origin of the plant, or
obscure because the ancient classical names are no longer familiar
to us. As with epithets which are derived from proper names to
commemorate people, or from generic names or vernacular names
which are treated as being Latin, it is now customary to start them
with a small initial letter but it remains permissible to give them a
capital initial.
Categories below the rank of species
The subdivision of a species group is based upon a concept of infraspecific variation which assumes that, in nature, evolutionary
changes are progressive fragmentations of the parent species. Put
in another way, a species, or any taxon of lower rank, is a closed
grouping whose limits embrace all their lower-ranked variants (subordinate taxa). It will be seen later that a different concept underlies
the naming of cultivated plants which does not make such an assumption but recognizes the possibility that cultivars may straddle
species, or other, boundaries or overlap each other, or be totally
contained, one by another.
The rules by which botanical infraspecific taxa are named specify that the name shall consist of the name of the parent species
followed by a term which denotes the rank of the subdivision, and
an epithet which is formed in the same ways as specific epithets,
including grammatical agreement when adjectival. Such names are
subject to the rules of priority and typification. The ranks concerned
are subspecies (abbreviated to subsp. or ssp.), varietas (variety in English, abbreviated to var.), subvarietas (subvariety or subvar.), forma
(form or f.). These form a hierarchy and further subdivisions are permitted but the Code does not define the characteristics of any rank
within the hierarchy. Consequently, infraspecific classification is
subjective.
[40]
When a subdivision of a species is named, which does not include the nomenclatural type of the species, it automatically establishes the name of the equivalent subdivision which does contain that
type. Such a name is an ‘autonym’ and has the same epithet as the species itself but is not attributed to an author. This is the only event
which permits the repetition of the specific epithet and the only permissible way of indicating that the taxon includes the type for the
species name. The same constraints apply to subdivisions of lower
ranks. For example, Veronica hybrida L. was deemed by E.F. Warburg
to be a component of Veronica spicata L. and he named it V. spicata
L. subsp. hybrida (L.) E.F. Warburg. This implies the existence of a typical subspecies, the autonym for which is V. spicata L. subsp. spicata.
It will be seen from the citation of Warburg’s new combination that the disappearance of a former Linnaean species can be
explained. Retention of the epithet ‘hybrida’, and the indication of
Linnaeus being its author (in parentheses) shows the benefit of this
system in constructing names with historic meanings.
Hybrids
Hybrids are particularly important as cultivated plants but are also a
feature of many plant groups in the wild, especially woody perennials such as willows. The rules for the names and naming of hybrids
are contained in the Botanical Code but are equally applicable to
cultivated plant hybrids.
For the name of a hybrid between parents from two different
genera, a name can be constructed from the two generic names, in
part or in entirety (but not both in their entirety) as a condensed
formula; × Mahoberberis is the name for hybrids between the genera
Mahonia and Berberis (in this case the cross is only bigeneric when
Mahonia, a name conserved against Berberis, is treated as a distinct
genus) and × Fatshedera is the name for hybrids between the genera
Fatsia and Hedera. The orchid hybrid between Gastrochilus bellinus
[41]
(Rchb.f.) O.Ktze. and Doritis pulcherrima Lindl. carries the hybrid
genus name ×Gastritis (it has a cultivar called ‘Rumbling Tum’!).
Alternatively a formula can be used in which the names of the genera are linked by the sign for hybridity ‘×’: Mahonia × Berberis and
Fatsia × Hedera. Hybrids between parents from three genera are also
named either by a formula or by a condensed formula and, in all
cases, the condensed formula is treated as a generic name if it is
published with a statement of parentage. When published, it becomes the correct generic name for any hybrids between species of
the named parental genera. A third alternative is to construct a commemorative name in honour of a notable person and to end it with
the termination -ara: × Sanderara is the name applied to the orchid
hybrids between the genera Brassia, Cochlioda and Odontoglossum
and commemorates H.F.C. Sander, the British orchidologist.
A name formulated to define a hybrid between two particular
species from different genera can take the form of a species name,
and then applies to all hybrids produced subsequently from those
parent species: × Fatshedera lizei Guillaumin is the name first given
to the hybrid between Fatsia japonica (Thunb.) Decne. & Planch.
and Hedera helix L. cv. Hibernica, but which must include all hybrids between F. japonica and H. helix; and × Cupressocyparis leylandii (Jackson & Dallimore) Dallimore is the name for hybrids
between Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D.Don) Spach and Cupressus
macrocarpa Hartweg ex Godron. Other examples include × Achicodonia, × Achimenantha, × Amaryg ia, × Celsioverbascum, × Citrofortunella, × Chionoscilla, × Cooperanthes, × Halimocistus, × Ledodendron,
× Leucoraoulia, × Lycene, × Osmarea, × Stravinia, × Smithicodonia,
× Solidaster and × Venidioarctotis. Because the parents themselves are
variable, the progeny of repeated crosses may be distinctive and warrant naming. They may be named under the Botanical Code (prior
to 1982 they would have been referred to as nothomorphs or bastard forms) and also under the International Code of Nomenclature
for Cultivated Plants as ‘cultivars’: thus, × Cupressocyparis leylandii
cv. Naylor’s Blue. The hybrid nature of × Sanderara is expressed by
[42]
classifying it as a ‘nothogenus’ (bastard genus or, in the special circumstances of orchid nomenclature, grex class) and of ×Cupressocyparis leylandii by classifying it as a ‘nothospecies’ (within a
nothogenus). For infraspecific ranks the multiplication sign is not
used but the term denoting their rank receives the prefix notho-, or
‘n-’ (Mentha × piperita L. nothosubspecies pyramidalis (Ten.) Harley
which, as stated earlier, also implies the autonymous Mentha ×
piperita nothosubspecies piperita.
Hybrids between species in the same genus are also named
by a formula or by a new distinctive epithet: Dig italis lutea L. ×
D. purpurea L. and Nepeta × faassenii Bergmans ex Stearn are both
correct designations for hybrids. In the example of Dig italis, the
order in which the parents are presented happens to be the correct
order, with the seed parent first. It is permissible to indicate the
roles of the parents by including the symbols for female ‘乆’ and
male ‘么’, when this information is known, or otherwise to present
the parents in alphabetical order.
The orchid family presents particularly complex problems of
nomenclature, requiring its own ‘Code’ in the form of the Handbook
on Orchid Nomenclature and Reg istration (Greatwood, Hunt, Cribb &
Stewart, 1993). There are some 20,000 species of orchids and to
this has been added a huge range of hybrids, some with eight genera
contributing to their parentage, and over 70,000 hybrid swarms,
or greges (singular grex–a crowd or troupe), with a highly complex
ancestral history.
In cases where a hybrid is sterile because the two sets of chromosomes which it has inherited, one from each parent, are sufficiently
dissimilar to cause breakdown of the mechanism which ends in
the production of gametes, doubling its chromosome complement
may produce a new state of sexual fertility and what is, in effect, a new biological species. Many naturally occurring species are
thought to have evolved by such changes and man has created others
artificially via the same route, some intentionally and some unintentionally from the wild. The bread-wheats, Triticum aestivum L.
[43]
are an example of the latter. They are not known in the wild and
provide an example of a complex hybrid ancestry but whose name
does not need to be designated as hybrid. Even artificially created
tetraploids (having, as above, four instead of the normal two sets of
chromosomes) need not be designated as hybrid, by inclusion of ‘×’
in the name: Dig italis mertonensis Buxton & Darlington is the
tetraploid from an infertile hybrid between D. grandiflora L. and
D. purpurea L.
Synonymy and illegitimacy
Inevitably, most plants have been known by two or more names
in the past. Since a plant can have only one correct name, which
is determined by priority, its other validly published names are
synonyms. A synonym may be one which is strictly referable to the
same type (a nomenclatural synonym) or one which is referable to
another type which is, however, considered to be part of the same
taxon (this is a taxonomic synonym). The synonymy for any plant
or group of plants is important because it provides a reference list
to the history of the classification and descriptive literature on that
plant or group of plants.
In the search for the correct name, by priority, there may be
names which have to be excluded from consideration because they
are regarded as being illegitimate, or not in accordance with the
rules.
Names which have the same spelling but are based on different types from that which has priority are illegitimate ‘junior
homonyms’. Clearly, this prevents the same name being used for
different plants. Curiously, this exclusion also applies to the names
of those animals which were once regarded as plants, but not to any
other animal names.
Published names of taxa, which are found to include the type
of an existing name, are illegitimate because they are ‘superfluous’.
This prevents unnecessary and unacceptable proliferation of names
of no real value.
[44]
Names of species in which the epithet exactly repeats the generic
name have to be rejected as illegitimate ‘tautonyms’. It is interesting
to note that there are many plant names which have achieved some
pleonastic repetition by using generic names with Greek derivation and epithets with Latin derivation: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry, berry of the bear); Myristica fragrans (smelling of myrrh, fragrant), Orobanche rapum-genistae (legume strangler, rape of broom);
or the reverse of this, Liquidambar styraciflua (liquid amber, flowing
with storax); Silaum silaus; but modern practice is to avoid such
constructions. In zoological nomenclature tautonyms are commonplace.
The Code provides a way of reducing unwelcome disturbance
to customary usage which would be caused by rigid application of
the rule of priority to replace with correct names certain names of
families and genera which, although incorrect or problematic are,
for various reasons (usually their long usage and wide currency in
important literature) agreed to be conserved at a Botanical Congress.
These conserved names can be found listed in an Appendix to the
Code, together with names which are to be rejected because they
are taxonomic synonyms used in a sense which does not include
the type of the name, or are earlier nomenclatural synonyms based
on the same type, or are homonyms or orthographic variants.
The Code also recommends the ways in which names should be
spelt or transliterated into Latin form in order to avoid what it refers
to as ‘orthographic variants’. The variety found amongst botanical
names includes differences in spelling which are, however, correct
because their authors chose the spellings when they published them
and differences which are not correct because they contain any of
a range of defects which have become specified in the Code. This
is a problem area in horticultural literature, where such variants are
commonplace. It is clearly desirable that a plant name should have a
single, constant and correct spelling but this has not been achieved
in all fields and reaches its worst condition in the labelling of plants
for sale in some nurseries.
[45]
The International Code of Nomenclature
for Cultivated Plants
There can be no doubt that the diverse approaches to naming garden plants, by common names, by botanical names, by mixtures
of botanical and common names, by group names and by fancy
names, is no less complex than the former unregulated use of common or vernacular names. The psychology of advertising takes descriptive naming into yet new dimensions. It catches the eye with
bargain offers of colourful, vigorous and hardy, large-headed, incurved Chrysanthemum cvs. by referring to them as HARDY FOOTBALL MUMS. However, we are not here concerned with such colloquial names or the ethics of mail-order selling techniques but with
the regulation of meaningful names under the Code.
In 1952, the Committee for the Nomenclature of Cultivated
Plants of the International Botanical Congress and the International
Horticultural Congress in London adopted the International Code
of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. Sometimes known as the
Cultivated Code, it was first published in 1953 and has been revised several times at irregular intervals since then (Trehane, 1995).
This Code formally introduced the term ‘cultivar’ to encompass all
varieties or derivatives of wild plants which are raised under cultivation and its aim is to ‘promote uniformity and fixity in the naming
of agricultural, sylvicultural and horticultural cultivars (varieties)’.
The term culton (plural culta) is also mooted as an equivalent of the
botanical term taxon.
The Cultivated Code governs the names of all plants which retain
their distinctive characters, or combination of distinctive characters,
when reproduced sexually (by seed), or vegetatively in cultivation.
Because the Code does not have legal status, the commercial interests
of plant breeders are guarded by the Council of the International
[46]
Union for the protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). In
Britain, the Plant Varieties Rights Office works with the Government to have UPOV’s guidelines implemented. Also, in contrast
with the International Code for Botanical Nomenclature, the Cultivated Code faces competition from legislative restraints presented
by commercial law in certain countries. Where national and international legislation recognize ‘variety’ as a legal term and also
permit commercial trade designation of plant names, such legislative requirements take precedence over the Rules of the Cultivated
Code.
The Cultivated Code accepts the International Rules of Botanical
Nomenclature and the retention of the botanical names of those
plants which are taken into cultivation from the wild and has
adopted the same starting date for priority (precedence) of publication of cultivar names (Species Plantarum of 1753). It recognizes
only the one category of garden-maintained variant, the cultivar
(cv.) or garden variety, which should not be confused with the
botanical varietas. It recognizes also the supplementary, collective
category of the Cultivar Group, intermediate between species and
cultivar, for special circumstances explained below. The name of
the Cultivar Group is for information and may follow the cultivarietal name, being placed in parentheses: Solanum tuberosum ‘Desiré’
(Maincrop Group) or potato ‘Desiré’ (Maincrop Group).
Unlike wild plants, cultivated plants are maintained by unnatural treatment and selection pressures by man. A cultivar must have
one or more distinctive attributes which separate it from its relatives
and may be:
1 Clones derived asexually from (a) a particular part of a plant, such
as a lateral branch to give procumbent offspring, (b) a particular
phase of a plant’s growth cycle, as from plants with distinctive
juvenile and adult phases, (c) an aberrant growth, such as a gall or
witches’ broom.
2 Graft chimaeras (which are dealt with below).
[47]
3 Plants grown from seed resulting from open pollination, provided
that their characteristic attributes remain distinctive.
4 Inbred lines resulting from repeated self-fertilization.
5 Multilines, which are closely related inbred lines with the same
characteristic attributes.
6 F1 hybrids, which are assemblages of individuals that are
re-synthesized only by crossbreeding.
7 Topovariants, which are repeatedly collected from a specific
provenance (equivalent to botanical ecospecies or ecotypes).
8 Assemblages of genetically modified plants.
The cultivar’s characteristics determine the application of the
name – so genetic diversity may be high and the origins of a single
cultivar may be many. If the method of propagating the cultivar is
changed and the offspring show new characteristics, they may not
be given the name of the parent cultivar. If any of the progeny revert
to the parental characteristics, they may carry the parental cultivar
name.
Plants grafted onto distinctive rootstocks, such as apples grafted
onto Malling dwarfing rootstocks, may be modified as a consequence but it is the scion which determines the cultivar name – not
the stock. Plants which have their physical form maintained by cultural techniques, such as bonsai and topiary subjects and fruit trees
trained as espaliers, etc. do not qualify for separate cultivar naming
since their characteristics would be lost or changed by cessation of
pruning or by pruning under a new regime.
From this it will be seen that with the single category of cultivar, the hybrid between parents of species rank or any other rank
has equal status with a ‘line’ selected within a species, or taxon
of any other rank, including another cultivar, and that parity exists only between names, not between biological entities. The creation of a cultivar name does not, therefore, reflect a fragmentation of the parent taxon but does reflect the existence of a group of
plants having a particular set of features, without definitive reference
[48]
to its parents. Features may be concerned with cropping, disease
resistance or biochemistry, showing that the Cultivated Code requires a greater flexibility than the Botanical Code. It achieves
this by having no limiting requirement for ‘typical’ cultivars but
by regarding cultivars as part of an open system of nomenclature. Clearly, this permits a wide range of applications and differences with the Botanical Code and these are considered in Styles
(1986).
The names of cultivars have had to be ‘fancy names’ in common
language and not in Latin. Fancy names come from any source.
They can commemorate anyone, not only persons connected with
botany or plants, or they can identify the nursery of their origin, or
be descriptive, or be truly fanciful. Those which had Latin gardenvariety names were allowed to remain in use: Nigella damascena L.
has two old varietal names alba and flore pleno and also has a modern
cultivar with the fancy name cv. Miss Jekyll. In the glossary, no
attempt has been made to include fancy names but a few of the
earlier Latin ones have been included.
In order to be distinguishable, the cultivar names have to be
printed in a typeface unlike that of the species name and to be
given capital initials. They also have to be either preceded by ‘cv.’,
as above, or placed between single quotation marks. Thus, Salix
caprea L. cv. Kilmarnock, or S. caprea ‘Kilmarnock’, is a weeping
variety of the goat willow and is also part of the older variety Salix
caprea var. pendula. Other examples are Geranium ibericum Cav. cv.
Album and Acer davidii Franchet ‘George Forrest’. The misuse of the
apostrophe that is now commonplace may require the use of single
quotation marks to be changed in the future.
Cultivar names can be attached to an unambiguous common
name, such as potato ‘Duke of York’ for Solanum tuberosum L. cv.
Duke of York, or to a generic name such as Cucurbita ‘Table Queen’
for Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Table Queen, or of course to the botanical
name, even when this is below the rank of species; Rosa sericea var.
omeiensis ‘Praecox’.
[49]
Commercial breeders have produced enormous numbers of cultivars and cultivar names. Some have found popularity and have
therefore persisted and remained available to gardeners but huge
numbers have not done so and have been lost or remain only
as references in the literature. The popular practice of naming
new cultivars for people (friends, growers, popular personalities or
royalty) or the nursery originating the new cultivar is a form of
flattery. For those honouring people who made some mark upon
horticulture during their lifetime it is more likely that we can discover more about the plant bearing their name but, for the vast
majority of those disappearing into obscurity, the only record may
be the use of their name in a nurseryman’s catalogue. Alex Pankhurst
(1992) has compiled an interesting collection of commemorative
cultivarietal names.
For some extensively bred crops and decorative plants there is a
long-standing supplementary category, the Cultivar Group. By naming the Cultivar Group in such plants, a greater degree of accuracy is
given to the garden name; such as pea ‘Laxton’s Progress’ (Wrinkleseeded Group), and Rosa ‘Albéric Barbier’ (Rambler Group) and
Rosa ‘Agnes’(Rugosa Group). However, for some trade purposes a
cultivar may be allocated to more than one Cultivar Group ; such
as potato ‘Desiré’ (Maincrop Group) but also potato ‘Desiré’ (Redskinned Group).
The same cultivar name may not be used twice within a genus,
or denomination class, if such duplication would cause ambiguity.
Thus, we could never refer to cherries and plums by the generic
name, Prunus, alone. Consequently, the same fancy name could not
be used for a cultivar of a cherry and for a cultivar of a plum. Thus,
the former cultivars Cherry ‘Early Rivers’ and Plum ‘Early Rivers’
are now Cherry ‘Early Rivers’ and Plum ‘Rivers Early Prolific’.
To ensure that a cultivar has only one correct name, the Cultivated Code requires that priority acts and, to achieve this, publication and registration are necessary. To establish a cultivar name, publication has to be in printed matter which is dated and distributed
[50]
to the public. For the more popular groups of plants, usually genera, there are societies which maintain statutory registers of names
and the plant breeding industry has available to it the Plant Variety
Rights Office as a statutory registration body for crop-plant names
as trade marks for commercial protection, including patent rights
on vegetatively propagated cultivars. Guidance on all these matters
is provided as appendices to the Code.
As with botanical names, cultivars can have synonyms. However,
it is not permissible to translate the fancy names into other languages
using the same alphabet; except that in commerce the name can
be translated and used as a trade designation. This produces the
confusion that, for example, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Blue Bird’ is just a
trade name for Hibiscus syriacus ‘L’Oiseau Bleu’ but will be the one
presented at the point of sale. Also, translation is permitted to or
from another script and the Code provides guidance for this.
In the case of the names of Cultivar Groups, translation is permitted; since these are of the nature of descriptions that may relate
to cultivation. An example provided is the Purple-leaved Group of
the beech which is the Purpurblätterige Gruppe in German, the
Gruppo con Foglie Purpuree in Italian and the Groupe à Feuilles
Pourpres in French.
For the registration of a new cultivar name, it is also recommended that designated standards are established. These may be
herbarium specimens deposited in herbaria, or illustrations that
can better define colour characteristics, or documentation held at
a Patents Office or a Plant Variety Protection Office. In each case,
the intention is that they can be used as reference material in determining later proposed names. This brings the Cultivated Code
closer to the Botanical Code and is a small step towards the eventual
establishment of an all-encompassing Code of Bionomenclature.
When the names of subspecies, varieties and forms are used,
it is a growing trend to present the full name without indication
of these – particularly in America, but also in our own horticultural literature (Bagust, 2001), as a shorthand cross reference. Thus,
[51]
Narcissus bulbocodium subsp. bulbocodium var. conspicuus is written as
Narcissus bulbocodium bulbocodium conspicuus. This is confusing when
the cultivar name has a Latin form since this then appears as a preLinnaean phrase name (e.g. Narcissus albus plenus odoratus and Rosa
sericea omiensis praecox).
Graft chimaeras
One group of plants which is entirely within the province of gardening and the Cultivated Code is that of the graft chimaeras, or graft
hybrids. These are plants in which a mosaic of tissues from the two
parents in a grafting partnership results in an individual plant upon
which shoots resembling each of the parents, and in some cases
shoots of intermediate character, are produced in an unpredictable
manner. Unlike sexually produced hybrids, the admixture of the
two parents’ contributions is not at the level of the nucleus in each
and every cell but is more like a marbling of a ground tissue of one
parent with streaks of tissue of the other parent. Chimaeras can also
result from mutation in a growing point, from which organs are
formed composed of normal and mutant tissues, as with genetic
forms of variegation. In all cases, three categories may be recognized in terms of the extent of tissue ‘marbling’, called sectorial,
mericlinal and periclinal chimaeras. The chimaeral condition is denoted by the addition sign ‘+’ instead of the multiplication sign ‘×’
used for true hybrids. A chimaera which is still fairly common in
Britain is that named + Laburnocytisus adamii C.K.Schneider. This
was the result of a graft between Cytisus purpureus Scop. and Cytisus
laburnum L., which are now known as Chamaecytisus purpureus
(Scop.) Link and Laburnum anagyroides Medicus, respectively. Although its former name Cytisus + adamii would not now be correct,
the name Laburnocytisus meets the requirement of combining substantial parts of the two parental generic names, and can stand.
Combining generic names for Graft chimaeras must not duplicate a composite name for a sexually produced hybrid between
[52]
the same progenitors. Hybrids between species of Crataegus and
species of Mespilus are ×Crataemespilus but the chimaera between
the same species of the same genera is +Crataegomespilus. As in this
example, the same progenitors may yield distinctive chimaeras and
these may be given cultivar names: + Crataegomespilus ‘Dardarii’ and
+Crataegomespilus ‘Jules d’Asnières’.
It is interesting to speculate that if cell- and callus-culture techniques could be used to produce chimaeral mixtures to order, it
may be possible to create some of the conditions which were to
have brought about the early ‘green revolutions’ of the 1950–2000
period. Protoplast fusion methods failed to combine the culturally
and economically desirable features of distant parents, which were
to have given multi-crop plants and new nitrogen-fixing plants,
because of the irregularities in fusion of both protoplasts and their
nuclei. It may be that intact cells would prove easier to admix. However, molecular genetics and genetic manipulation have shown that
genetic control systems can be modified in ways which suggest
that any aspect of a plant can, potentially, be manipulated to suit
man’s requirements and novel genetic traits can be inserted into a
plant’s genome by using DNA implants. The genetically modified
(GM) results of such manipulation are the products of commercial
undertakings and may be given cultivar names but are protected
commercially by trade designations.
[53]
Botanical terminology
There is nothing accidental about the fact that in our everyday lives
we communicate at two distinct levels. Our ‘ordinary’ conversation
employs a rich, dynamic language in which meaning can differ
from one locality to another and change from time to time. Our
‘ordinary’ reading is of a written language of enormous diversity –
ranging from contemporary magazines which are intentionally erosive of good standards, to high-quality prose of serious writers.
However, when communication relates to specific topics, in which
ambiguity is an anathema, the language which we adopt is one in
which ‘terminology’ is relied upon to convey information accurately
and incontrovertibly. Thus, legal, medical and all scientific communications employ terms which have widely accepted meanings and
which therefore convey those meanings in the most direct way. Because, like botanical terms for the parts of the flower, these terms are
derived predominantly from classical roots and have long-standing
acceptance, they have the added advantage of international currency.
This glossary contains many examples of words which are part
of botanical terminology as well as being employed as descriptive
elements of plant names. Such is the wealth of this terminology that
an attempt here to discriminate between and explain all the terms
which relate, say, to the surface of plant leaves and the structures
(hairs, glands and deposits) which subscribe to that texture would
make tedious reading. However, terms which refer to such conspicuous attributes as leaf shape and the form of inflorescences are very
commonly used in plant names and, since unambiguous definition
would be lengthy, are illustrated as figures.
More extensive glossaries of terminology can be found in textbooks and floras but the 6th edition (1955) of Willis’s Dictionary of
[54]
Flowering Plants and Ferns (1931) is a particularly rewarding source
of information, and B.D. Jackson’s Glossary of Botanic Terms (1960)
is a first rate source of etymological information.
The glossary
The glossary is for use in finding the meanings of the names of
plants. There are many plant names which cannot be interpreted
or which yield very uninformative translations. Authors have not
always used specific epithets with a single, narrow meaning so
that there is a degree of latitude in the translation of many epithets. Equally, the spelling of epithets has not remained constant,
for example in the case of geographic names. The variants, from
one species to another, are all correct if they were published in accordance with the Code. In certain groups such as garden plants
from, say, China and exotics such as many members of the profuse orchid family, commemorative names have been applied to
plants more frequently than in other groups. If the reader wishes
to add further significance to such names, he will find it mostly
in literature on plant-hunting and hybridization or from reference
works such as that on taxonomic literature by Stafleu & Cowan
(1976–).
Generic names in the European flora are mostly of ancient origin. Their meanings, even of those which are not taken from mythological sources, are seldom clear and many have had their applications changed and are now used as specific epithets. Generic names
of plants discovered throughout the world in recent times have
mostly been constructed to be descriptive and will yield to translation. The glossary contains the generic names of a wide range of
both garden and wild plants and treats them as singular nouns, with
capital initials. Orthographic variants have not been sought out but a
few are presented and have the version which is generally incorrect
between parentheses. Listings of generic names can be found in Farr
(1979–86) and in Brummitt (1992).
[55]
As an example of how the glossary can be used, we can consider the name Sarcococca ruscifolia. This is the name given by Stapf to
plants which belong to Lindley’s genus Sarcococca, of the family Buxaceae, the box family. In the glossary we find sarc-, sarco- meaning
fleshy and -coccus -a -um meaning ‘berried’ and from this we conclude that Sarcococca means Fleshy-berry (the generic name being
a singular noun) and has the feminine gender. We also find ruscimeaning butcher’s-broom-like or resembling Ruscus and -folius -a
-um meaning -leaved and we conclude that this species of Fleshyberry has leaves resembling the prickly cladodes (leaf-like branches)
of Ruscus. The significance of this generic name lies in the fact that
dry fruits are more typical in members of the box family than fleshy
ones.
From this example, we see that names can be constructed from
adjectives or adjectival nouns to which prefixes or suffixes can be
added, thus giving them further qualification. As a general rule, epithets which are formed in this way have an acceptable interpretation
when ‘-ed’ is added to the English translation; this would render
ruscifolia as ‘Ruscus-leaved’.
It will be noted that Sarcococca has a feminine ending (-a ) and
that ruscifolia takes the same gender. However, if the generic name
had been of the masculine gender the epithet would have become
ruscifolius and if of the neuter gender then it would have become
ruscifolium. For this reason the entries in the glossary are given all
three endings which, as pointed out earlier, mostly take the form
-us -a -um or -is -is -e.
Where there is the possibility that a prefix which is listed could
lead to the incorrect translation of some epithet, the epithet in question is listed close to the prefix and to an example of an epithet in
which the prefix is employed. Examples are:
aer- meaning air- or mist-, gives aerius -a -um meaning airy or lofty;
aeratus -a -um, however, means bronzed (classically, made of
bronze).
[56]
caeno-, from the Greek cainov, means fresh-, but
caenosus -a -um, is from the Latin caenum and means muddy or
growing on mud or filth.
Examples will be found of words which have several fairly disparate meanings. A few happen to reflect differences in meaning of
closely similar Greek and Latin source words as in the example above
and others reflect what is to be found in literature, in which other
authors have suggested meanings of their own. Similarly, variations
in spelling are given for some names and these are also to be found
in the literature although not all of them are strictly permissible for
nomenclatural purposes. Their inclusion emphasizes the need for
uniformity in the ways in which names are constructed and provides a small warning that there are in print many deviant names,
some intentional and some accidental.
Many of the epithets which may cause confusion are either
classical geographic names or terms which retain a meaning closer
to that of the classical languages. There are many more such epithets
than are listed in this glossary.
[57]
The glossary
a-, ab- away from-, downwards-, without-, un-, veryabbreviatus -a -um shortened
Abelia for Dr Clarke Abel (1780–1826), physician and writer on
China
Abeliophyllum Abelia-leaved (similarity of foliage)
aberconwayi for Lord Aberconway, former President of the RHS
Abies Rising-one (the ancient Latin name for a tall tree)
abietinus -a -um Abies-like, fir-tree-like
-abilis -is -e -able, -capable of (preceded by some action)
abnormis -is -e departing from normal in some structure
abortivus -a -um with missing or malformed parts
abros delicate
abrotani-, abrotonoides Artemisia-like (from an ancient Greek name,
abrotonon, for wormwood or mugwort)
abrotanum ancient Latin name for southernwood
abruptus -a -um ending suddenly, blunt-ended
abscissus -a -um cut off
absinthius -a -um from an ancient Greek or Syrian name for
wormwood
Absynthium the old generic name, ayinqion, for wormwood
Abutilon the Arabic name for a mallow
abyssinicus -a -um of Abyssinia, Abyssinian
ac-, ad-, af-, ag-, al-, an-, ap-, ar-, as-, at- near-, towardsAcacia Thorn (from the Greek akiv)
Acaena Thorny-one (akh, akiv)
Acalypha Nettle-like (from the Greek name, akelpe, for a nettle)
the hispid leaves
acantho-, acanthus thorny-, spiny[58]
Acantholimon Thorny-Limonium
Acanthopanax Spiny-Panax (the prickly nature of the plants)
Acanthus Prickly-one, the Nymph, akanqa, loved by Apollo was
changed into an Acanthus
acaulis -is -e, acaulos -os -on lacking an obvious stem
accicus -a -um with a small acute apical cleft, emarginate
Acer Sharp (Ovid’s name for a maple, either from its use for lances
or its leaf-shape), etymologically linked to oak and acre
acer, acris, acre sharp-tasted, acid
Aceras Without-a-horn (the lip has no spur, a–kerav)
acerbus -a -um harsh-tasted
aceroides maple-like
acerosus -a -um pointed, needle-like
acetabulosus -a -um saucer-shaped
acetosus -a -um slightly acid, sour
acetosellus -a -um slightly acid
-aceus -a -um -resembling (preceded by a plant name), (rose)aceous
Achillea after the Greek warrior Achilles, acilleuv, reputed to have
used it to staunch wounds
Achimenes Tender-one (ceimino cold-hating)
Achras an old Greek name, acrav, for a wild pear used by Linnaeus
for the sapodilla or chicle tree
Achyranthes Chaff-flower, acuron–anqov
acicularis -is -e needle-shape
aciculatus -a -um finely marked as with needle scratches
aciculus -a -um sharply pointed (e.g. leaf-tips)
acidosus -a -um acid, sharp, sour
acidotus -a -um sharp-spined
acinaceus -a -um, aciniformis -is -e scimitar-shaped
acinifolius -a -um Acinos-leaved, basil-thyme-leaved
Acinos Dioscorides’ name for a heavily scented calamint
Acioa Pointed (the toothed bracts of some species)
acmo- pointed- (followed by a part of a plant), anvil-shapedAcokanthera Pointed-anther (akoke a point)
[59]
aconiti- aconiteAconitum the name of a hill in Ponticum, used by Theophrastus for
poisonous aconite
Acorus Without-pupil, Dioscorides’ name, akoron, for an iris (its
use in treating cataract)
acr-, acro- summit-, highest-, akra (followed by noun e.g. hair, or
verb e.g. fruiting)
Acradenia Apical-gland
acreus -a -um of high places
Acrobolbus Apical-bulb (the archegonia are surrounded by minute
leaves at the apex of the stem)
Acroceras Apex-horn (the glumes have an excurrent vein at the tip)
Acrostichum Upper-spotted, akra–stiktov (the sori cover the backs
or whole of the upper pinnae)
Actaea from the Greek name, aktea, for elder (the shape of the
leaves)
actin-, actino- radiating-, aktiv–inov (followed by a part of a plant)
actinacanthus -a -um ray-spined
actinia sea-anemone
Actinidia Rayed (aktinov a ray) (refers to the radiate styles)
actinius -a -um sea-anemone-like
Actinocarpus Radiate-fruit (the spreading ripe carpels of thrumwort)
acu- pointed-, acuteaculeatus -a -um having prickles, prickly, thorny
aculeolatus -a -um having small prickles or thorns
aculiosus -a -um decidedly prickly
acuminatus -a -um with a long, narrow and pointed tip (see Fig.
7(c)), acuminate
acuminosus -a -um with a conspicuous long flat pointed apex
acutus -a -um, acuti- acutely pointed, sharply angled at the top
adamantinus -a -um from Diamond Lake, Oregon, USA
Adansonia for Michel Adanson (1727–1806), French West African
botanist, baobab
aden-, adeno- gland-, glandular-, admn
[60]
Adenocarpus Gland-fruit (the glandular pod)
Adenophora Gland-bearing
adenophyllus -a -um glandular-leaved
adenotrichus -a -um glandular-hairy
Adiantum Unwettable, the old Greek name, adianton, refers to its
staying unwetted under water
Adlumia for Maj. John Adlum (1759–1836), American vitculturist
admirabilis -is -e to be admired, admirable
adnatus -a -um attached through the whole length, adnate
(e.g. anthers)
Adonis for the Greek god loved by Venus, killed by a boar, from
whose blood grew a flower; an Anemone
Adoxa Without-glory, a–doxa (its small greenish flowers)
adpressus -a -um pressed together, lying flat against (e.g. the hairs on
the stem)
adriaticus -a -um from the Adriatic region
Adromiscus Stout-stemmed (adrov sturdy)
adscendens curving up from a prostrate base, half-erect, ascending
adstringens constricted
adsurgens rising up, arising
adulterinus -a -um of adultery (intermediate between two other
species suggesting hybridity, as in Asplenium adulterinum)
aduncus -a -um hooked, having hooks
adustus -a -um fuliginous, soot-coloured
advena exotic, stranger
Aechmea Pointed (aichm a point)
aegaeus -a -um of the Aegean region
Aegopodium Goat’s-foot, aigov–podion (the leaf shape)
aelophilous -a -um wind-loving (plants disseminated by wind)
aemulus -a -um imitating, rivalling
aeneus -a -um bronzed
Aeonium the Latin name from the Greek, aion, for age
aequi-, aequalis -is -e, aequali- equal-, equallyaequilateralis -is -e, aequilaterus -a -um equal-sided
[61]
aequinoctialis -is -e of the equinox (the flowering time)
aer- air-, mistaeranthos -os -on air-flower (not ground-rooted)
Aeranthus Air-flower (rootless epiphyte)
aeratus -a -um bronzed
aereus -a -um copper-coloured
Aerides Of the air (epiphytic)
aerius -a -um airy, lofty
aerug inosus -a -um rusty, verdigris-coloured
Aeschynanthus Shame-flower (aiscov shame)
aeschyno- shy-, to be ashamedaesculi- horse-chestnut-like
Aesculus Linnaeus’ name from the Roman name of an edible acorn.
The Turks reputedly used ‘conkers’ in a treatment for bruising in
horses – now attributed to its aescin content
aestivalis -is -e of summer
aestivus -a -um developing in the summer
aestuans glowing
aestuarius -a -um of tidal estuaries
aethereus -a -um aerial (epiphytic)
Aethionema Strange-filaments (those of the long stamens are winged
and toothed)
aethiopicus -a -um of Africa, African, of NE Africa
Aethusa Burning-one, aiqw (its pungency)
aetiolatus -a -um lank and yellowish, etiolated
aetnensis -is -e from Mt Etna, Sicily
aetolicus -a -um from Aetolia, Greece
-aeus -belonging to (of a place)
afer, afra, afrum Afro-, African
affinis -is -e related, similar to
aflatunensis -is -e from Aflatun, central Asia
africanus -a -um African
Afzelia for Adam Afzelius (1750–1837), Swedish botanist
Agapanthus Good-flower (agaph good)
[62]
Agapetes Desirable
Agathis Ball-of-twine (the appearance of the cones)
Agastache Much-spiked
agastus -a -um charming, pleasing
Agathelpis Good-hope (its natural area on the Cape)
Agave Admired-one (agaue noble)
Ageratum Un-ageing (the flower-heads long retain their colour),
from a name, aghratov, used by Dioscorides
agetus -a -um wonderful
agglomeratus -a -um in a close head, congregated together
agglutinatus -a -um glued or firmly joined together
aggregatus -a -um clustered together
aglao- bright- (aglaov)
Aglaodorum Bright-bag (the spathe around the inflorescence)
Aglaonema Bright-thread (possibly the naked male inflorescences)
agninus lamb
agnus-castus chaste-lamb
-ago -like
agrarius -a -um, agrestis -is -e of fields, wild on arable land
agri-, agro- grassy-, grass-like-, field-, meadowagricola of the fields, rustic
Agrimonia Cataract (from its medicinal use), Pliny’s transliteration of
argemonia
Agropyron(um) Field-wheat
Agrostemma Field-garland (Linnaeus’ view of its suitability for
such)
Agrostis Field (-grass)
ai-, aio- eternally-, alwaysAilanthus Reaching-to-heaven (from a Moluccan name)
aiophyllus -a -um always in leaf, evergreen
Aira an old Greek name, aira, for darnel grass
Aitonia for William Aiton (1759–1793), head gardener at Kew
aizoides resmbling Aizoon
Aizoon Always-alive, aei–zwh
[63]
ajacis -is -e of Ajax, son of Telemon, from whose blood grew a
hyacinth marked AIA
ajanensis -is -e from Ajan, E Asia
Ajania from Ajan, E Asia (Chrysanthemum)
Ajuga corrupted Latin for abortifacient (not-yoked)
ajugi- Ajuga-, bugleAkebia the Japanese name, akebi
alabastrinus -a -um like alabaster
Alangium from an Adansonian name for an Angolan tree
alaris -is -e winged, alar (axillary)
alaternus an old generic name for a buckthorn
alatus -a -um, alati-, alato- wing-like (fruits), winged (stems with
protruding ridges which are wider than thick), alate
alb-, albi-, albo-, -albus -a -um white-, -white
albatus -a -um turning white
albens white
Alberta for Albertus Magnus (1193–1280) (A. magna is from Natal)
albertii, albertianus -a -um for Albert, Prince Consort, or for Dr Albert
Regel, Russian plant collector in Turkestan
albescens turning white
albicans, albidus -a -um, albido-, albulus -a -um whitish
Albizia (Albizzia) for Filippo degli Albizzi, Italian naturalist
Albuca White
albus -a -um, albi-, albo- dead-white
Alcea the name, alkaia, used by Dioscorides
alceus -a -um mallow-like, resembling Alcea
Alchemilla from Arabic, alkemelych, reference either to its reputed
magical properties or to the fringed leaves of some species
alcicornis -is -e elk-horned
aleppicus -a -um of Aleppo, N Syria
aleur-, aleuro- mealy-, flowery-, aleuron (surface texture)
aleuticus -a -um Aleutian
algidus -a -um cold, of high mountains
Alhagi the Mauritanian name
[64]
alicae for Princess Alice of Hesse (1843–1878)
alicia for Miss Alice Pegler, plant collector in Transkei, South Africa
-alis -is -e -belonging to (a place)
Alisma Dioscorides’ name, alisma, for a plantain-leaved water
plant
Alkanna from the Arabic, al-henna, for Lawsonia inermis, henna.
Hence our ‘alkanet’
alkekengi a name, alkikakabon, used by Dioscorides
Allamanda for Dr Frederick Allamand, who sent seeds of this to
Linnaeus, from Brazil
allantoides sausage-shaped
allatus -a -um introduced, not native, foreign
Allexis Different (distinct from Rinorea)
alliaceus -a -um, allioides Allium-like, smelling of garlic
Alliaria Garlic-smelling
allionii for Carlo Allioni (1705–1804), author of Flora Pedemontana
Allium the ancient Latin name for garlic
allo- diverse-, several-, different-, other- (allov)
Allosorus Variable-sori, allov–swrov (their shapes vary)
almus -a -um bountiful
alni- Alnus-like-, alder-likeAlnus the ancient Latin name for the alder
Alocasia from the Greek, kalokasia, attractive (leaves)
Aloe from the Semitic, alloeh, for the medicinal properties of the
dried juice (aloh) (Aloë, of Linnaeus)
aloides Aloë-like
Alonsoa for Alonzo Zanoni, Spanish official in Bogotá
Alopecurus Fox-tail, alwphx–oura
Aloysia for Queen Maria Louisa of Spain
alpester -ris -re of mountains, of the lower Alps
alpicolus -a -um of high mountains
Alpinia for Prosper Alpino (1553–1616), Italian botanist
alpinus -a -um of upland or mountainous regions, alpine, of the
high Alps
[65]
alsaticus -a -um from Alsace, France
Alsine a name, alsinh, used by Theophrastus for a chickweed-like
plant
alsinoides chickweed-like
also- leafy glade-, of grovesAlsophila, alsophilus -a -um Grove-loving
Alstonia for Prof. Charles Alston (1716–1760), of Edinburgh
alstonii for Capt. E. Alston, collector of succulents in Ceres,
South Africa
Alstroemeria for Baron Claus Alstroemer
altaclerensis -is -e from High Clere Nurseries (Alta Clara)
altamahus -a -um from the Altamata River
alternans alternating
Alternanthera Alternating-stamens
alterni-, alternus -a -um alternating on opposite sides, every other-,
alternate
Althaea Healer, a name, alqaia, used by Theophrastus
alti-, alto-, altus -a -um tall, high
altilis -is -e nutritious, fat, large
alumnus -a -um well-nourished, flourishing
alutaceus -a -um of the texture of soft leather, alutus
alveolatus -a -um with shallow pits, alveolar
Alyssum Pacifier (an ancient Greek name, alussov, without-fury)
amabilis -is -e pleasing, lovely
Amaranthus (Amarantus) unfading-flower (amarantov lasting
flower)
amaranticolor purple, Amaranthus-coloured
amarellus -a -um, amarus -a -um bitter (as in the amaras or bitters of
the drinks industry, e.g. Quassia amara)
Amaryllis the name of a country girl in Virgil’s writings
amaurus -a -um dark, without lustre
amazonicus -a -um from the Amazon basin, South America
amb-, ambi- around-, both-
[66]
ambianensis -is -e from Amiens, France
ambigens, ambiguus -a -um doubtful, of uncertain relationship
ambly- bluntamblygonus -a -um blunt-angled
amblyodon blunt-toothed
amboinensis -is -e from Amboina, Indonesia
ambrosia elixir of life, food of the gods giving immortality, divine
food
Amelanchier a Provençal name for A. ovalis (snowy-Mespilus)
amelloides resembling-Amellus
Amellus a name used by Virgil for a blue-flowered composite from
the River Mella
amentaceus -a -um having catkins, catkin-bearing
amenti- catkinamericanus -a -um from the Americas
amesianus -a -um for Frederick Lothrop Ames, American
orchidologist, or for Prof. Oakes Ames of Harvard Botanic Garden
and orchidologist
amethystea, amethystinus the colour of amethyst gems, violet
amicorum of the Friendly Isles, Tongan
amictus -a -um clad, clothed
amiculatus -a -um cloaked, mantled
Ammi Sand, a name used by Dioscorides
ammo- sandammoniacum gum ammoniac, an old generic name
Ammophila Sand-lover, ammov–jilov
ammophillus -a -um sand-loving (the habitat)
amoenulus -a -um quite pleasing or pretty
amoenus -a -um charming, delightful, pleasing
amomum purifying (the Indian spice plant Amomum was used to
cure poisoning)
Amorpha Deformed-one the genus of the greyish-downy lead plant,
Amorpha canescens, lacks wing and keel petals
[67]
Amorphophallus Deformed-mace (the enlarged spadix)
amorphus -a -um, amorpho- deformed (amorjov), shapeless, without
form
ampelo- wine-, vine-, grapeampeloprasum leek of the vineyard, a name, ampeloprassu, in
Dioscorides
Ampelopsis Vine-resembling
amphi-, ampho- on-both-sides, in-two-ways-, both-, double-,
of-both-kinds-, aroundamphibius -a -um with a double life, growing both on land and in
water
Amphorella Small-wine-jar
amplectans stem-clasping (leaf bases)
amplexicaulis -is -e embracing the stem (e.g. the base of the leaf, see
Fig. 6(d))
amplexifolius -a -um leaf-clasping
ampli- large-, doubleamplissimus -a -um very large, the biggest
amplus -a -um large
ampulli- bottleampullaceus -a -um, ampullaris -is -e bottle-shaped, flask-shaped
Amsinckia for W. Amsinck (1752–1831), of Hamburg
amurensis -is -e from the region of the Amur River, E Siberia
amygdalinus -a -um of almonds, almond-like, kernel-like
amygdalus the Greek name, amugdalinov, for the almond tree
an-, ana- upon-, without-, backwards-, above-, again-, upwards-,
upAnacamptis Bent-back (the long spur of the flower)
anacanthus -a -um lacking thorns
Anacardium Heart-shaped (Linnaeus’ name refers to the shape of the
false-fruit)
Anacharis Without-charm
Anagallis Unpretentious, without-boasting, without-adornment
anagyroides resembling Anagyris, curved backwards
[68]
Ananas probably of Peruvian origin
Anaphalis Greek name for an immortelle, derivation obscure
anastaticus -a -um rising up (Anastatica hierochuntica resurrection
plant or rose of Jericho)
anatolicus -a -um from Anatolia, Turkish
anatomicus -a -um skeletal (leaves)
anceps two-edged (stems), two-headed, ambiguous
Anchusa Strangler (Aristophanes’ name, agcousa, formerly for a
plant yielding a red dye)
ancistro- fish-hookancylo- hookedandegavensis -is -e from Angers in Anjou, France
Andersonia for Wm. Anderson, botanist on Cook’s 2nd and
3rd voyages
andersonii for Thos. Anderson, botanist in Bengal or for J. Anderson
who collected in the Gold Coast (Ghana)
andicolus -a -um from the central Andean cordillera
Andrachne the ancient Greek name, andracne, for an evergreen
shrub
andro-, andrus -a -um stamened-, anthered-, male, man (andro–)
androgynus -a -um with staminate and pistillate flowers on the same
head
Andromeda after the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiope rescued by
Perseus from the sea monster
Andropogon Bearded-male (awned male spikelet)
Androsace Man-shield (the exposed stamens of heterostyled spp.)
Androsaemum Man’s-blood (the blood-coloured juice of the berries)
Anemia (Aneimia) Naked (aneimon), the sori have no indusia
Anemone a name used by Theophrastus. Possibly a corruption of
Naaman, a Semitic name for Adonis whose blood sprung the
crimson-flowered Anemone coronaria. Commonly called windflower
anfractuosus -a -um twisted, bent, winding
Angelica from the Latin for an angel (healing powers, see Archangelica)
angio- urn-, vessel-, enclosed- (boxed), aggeion
[69]
anglicus -a -um, anglicorum English, of the English
Angraecum a Malayan name, angurek, for epiphytes
angui-, anguinus -a -um serpentine, eel-like-, wavy (anguilla a serpent)
angularis -is -e angular
anguligerus -a -um having hooks, hooked
angulosus -a -um having angles, angular
angusti-, angustus -a -um narrow
angustiflius -a -um narrow-leaved
angustior narrower
Anigosanthus Open-flower (anoigov)
Anisantha Unequal-flower (flowers vary in their sexuality)
anisatus -a -um aniseed-scented
aniso- unequally-, unequal-, uneven-, anisov, anise-smellingAnisophyllea Unequal-leaved (the paired large maturing and small
transient leaves)
Anisum Aniseed (an old generic name)
ankylo- crooked-, agkulov
Annona (Anona) from the Haitian name
annotinus -a -um one year old, of last year (with distinct annual
increments)
annularis -is -e, annulatus -a -um ring-shaped, having rings (markings)
annuus -a -um annual
ano- upwards-, up-, anw, towards the topAnogeissus Towards-the top-tiled (the scale-like fruiting heads)
Anogramma Towards-the-top-lined (the sori first mature towards
the tips of the pinnae)
anomalus -a -um unlike its allies, out of the ordinary
Anonidium Like-Annona
anopetalus -a -um erect-petalled
Anopyxis Upright-capsule (the fruit is held upright until it
dehisces)
anosmus -a -um without fragrance, scentless
ansatus -a -um, ansiferus -a -um having a handle
anserinus -a -um of the goose, of the meadows
[70]
ante- beforeAntennaria Feeler (projecting like a boat’s yard-arm; the hairs of the
pappus)
anthelminthicus -a -um vermifuge, worm-expelling
anthemi- Anthemis-, chamomileAnthemis Flowery (name, anqemiv, used by Dioscorides)
-anthemus -a -um, -anthes -flowered, anqov
Anthericum the Greek name, anqerikov, for an asphodel
antherotes brilliant
-antherus -a -um -anthered
antho- flower- (anqov)
Anthoceros Flower-horns (the conspicuously elongate, dark brown,
bi-valved capsules)
anthora resembling Ranunculus thora in poisonous properties
Anthostema Floral-wreath (the heads of flowers)
Anthoxanthum Yellow-flower (the mature spikelets)
anthracinus -a -um coal-black
Anthriscus from a Greek name, aqruskon, for another umbellifer
anthropophagorus -a -um of the man-eaters (cannibal tomato)
anthropophorus -a -um man-bearing (flowers of the man orchid)
Anthurium Flower-tail (oura the tail-like spadix)
-anthus -a -um -flowered
Anthyllis Downy-flower (calyx hairs), anqulliv, used by Dioscorides
anti- against-, opposite-, opposite-to-, like-, false-, antiAntiaris Against-association (the Javan upas tree, Antiaris toxicaria,
reputedly causes the death of anyone who sleeps beneath it)
anticus -a -um turned inwards towards the axis
Antidesma Against-a-band
antidysentericus -a -um against dysentery (use in medical treatment)
antillarus -a -um from the Antilles, West Indies
antipolitanus -a -um from Antibes (Roman Antipolis)
antipyreticus -a -um against fire (the moss Fontinalis antipyretica was
packed around chimneys to prevent thatch from igniting)
antiquorum of the ancients
[71]
antiquus -a -um ancient
Antirrhinum Nose-like
antrorsus -a -um forward or upward facing
anulatus -a -um with rings, ringed
-anus -a -um -belonging to, -having
anvegadensis -is -e see andegavensis
ap- without-, upaparine a name, aparinh, used by Theophrastus (clinging, seizing)
apenninus -a -um of the Italian Apennines
Apera a meaningless name used by Adanson
aperti-, apertus -a -um open, bare, naked
aphaca a name, ajakh, used in Pliny for a lentil-like plant
aphan-, aphano- unseen-, inconspicuousaphanactis resembling the Andean genus Aphanactis (Erigeron
aphanactis)
Aphananthe Inconspicuous-flower
Aphanes Inconspicuous (unnoticed), ajanhv
Aphelandra Simple-male
aphthosus -a -um wine-glass-shaped
aphyllus -a -um without leaves, leafless (perhaps at flowering time)
apiatus -a -um bee-like, spotted
apicatus -a -um with a pointed tip, capped
apiculatus -a -um with a small broad point at the tip, apiculate (see
Fig. 7(e))
apifer -era -erum bee-like, bee-bearing (flowers of the bee orchid),
bee-flowered
apii- Apium-, parsleyApium a name used in Pliny for a celery-like plant. Some relate it to
the Celtic ‘apon’, water, as its preferred habitat
apo- up-, without-, freeApocynum Dioscorides’ name for Apocynum venetum (supposed to be
poisonous to dogs)
apodectus -a -um acceptable
apodus -a -um without a foot, stalkless
[72]
Aponogeton Without-neighbour (see Potamogeton)
aporo- impenetrableappendiculatus -a -um with appendages, appendaged
applanatus -a -um flattened out
appressus -a -um lying close together, adpressed
appropinquatus -a -um near, approaching (resemblance to another
species)
apricus -a -um sun-loving, of exposed places
aprilis of April (the flowering season)
Aptenia Wingless (the capsules)
apterus -a -um without wings, wingless
aquaticus -a -um living in water
aquatilis -is -e living under water
aquifolius -a -um with pointed leaves, spiny-leaved
Aquilegia Eagle (claw-like nectaries)
aquilinus -a -um of eagles, eagle-like (the appearance of the
vasculature in the cut rhizome of Pteridium)
aquilus -a -um blackish-brown
arabicus -a -um, arabus -a -um of Arabia, Arabian
Arabidopsis Arabis-resembling
Arabis Arabian (derivation obscure)
arachnites spider-like, aracnh
arachnoides, arachnoideus -a -um cobwebbed, covered with a weft of
hairs
aragonensis -is -e from Aragon, Spain
Aralia origin uncertain, could be from French Canadian, aralie
araneosus -a -um spider-like, like a cobweb
aranifer -era -erum spider-bearing
araroba the Brazilian name for the powdery secretion produced by
Andira araroba
araucanus -a -um from the name of a tribe in Arauco, Southern Chile
Araucaria from the Chilean name, araucanos, for the tree
Araujia from the Brazilian name for the cruel plant
arborescens becoming or tending to be of tree-like dimensions
[73]
arboreus -a -um tree-like, branched
arboricolus -a -um living on trees
arbusculus -a -um, arbuscularis -is -e small-tree-like, shrubby
arbustivus -a -um coppiced, growing with trees
Arbutus the ancient Latin name
Arceuthobium Juniper-life (European species is a parasite on Juniperus)
Archangelica supposedly revealed to Matthaeus Sylvaticus by the
archangel as a medicinal plant
arche-, archi- primitive-, arch-, beginning-, originalarct-, arcto- bear-, arktov, northern-,
Arctanthemum Northern-flower (Chrysanthemum arctium)
arcticus -a -um of the Arctic regions, Arctic
Arctium Bear (a name in Pliny, the shaggy hair)
Arctostaphylos Bear’s-grapes (this is the Greek version of uva-ursi,
giving one of the repetitive botanical binomials Arctostaphylos
uva-ursi)
Arctotis Bear’s-ear
Arctous Boreal-one, arktov, or That-of-the-bear (the black
bearberry)
arcturus -a -um bear’s tail-like
arcuatus -a -um bowed, curved, arched
ardens glowing, fiery
ardesiacus -a -um, ardosiacus -a -um slate-grey, slate-coloured
Ardisea Pointed (the acute anthers)
Aregelia for E.A. von Regel (1815–1892), of St Petersburg Botanic
Garden
Aremonia derived from a Greek plant name, argemon, for Agrimonia
Arenaria Sand-dweller
arenarius -a -um, arenosus -a -um growing in sand, of sandy places
arenastrus -a -um resembling Arenaria
arenicolus -a -um sand-dwelling
areolatus -a -um with distinct angular spaces (in the leaves)
Argemone a name, argemwnh, used by Dioscorides for a poppy-like
plant used medicinally as a remedy for cataract
[74]
argentatus -a -um silvered
argenteo-, argenteus -a -um, argentus -a -um silvery
aretinus -a -um from Arezzo, Italy
argillaceus -a -um growing in clay, whitish, clay-like, of clay
argo- pure white-, silveryarguti- sharply saw-toothed
argutus -a -um sharply toothed or knotched, lively, piercing
Argylia for Archibald Campbell, 3rd Duke of Argyll and plant
introducer
argyr-, argyreus -a -um, argyro- silvery, silver-, argurov
Argyranthemum Silver-flower (Chrysanthemum)
ari- Arumaria a name, aria, used by Theophrastus for a whitebeam
arianus -a -um from Afghanistan, Afghan
aridus -a -um of dry habitats, dry, arid
arietinus -a -um like a ram’s head, ram-horned
-aris -is -e -pertaining to
Arisaema Blood-arum (aima blood)
aristatus -a -um with a beard, awned, aristate (see Fig. 7(g))
Aristida Awn (the awns are conspicuous)
Aristolochia Best-childbirth, aristoloceia (abortifacient property)
-arius -a -um -belonging to, -having
arizelus -a -um notable
arizonicus -a -um from Arizona, USA
armatus -a -um thorny, armed
armeniacus -a -um Armenian (mistake for China), the dull orange
colour of Prunus armeniaca fruits
armenus -a -um from Armenia, Armenian
Armeria ancient Latin name for a Dianthus
armillaris -is -e, armillatus -a -um bracelet-like
armoraceus -a -um horse-radish-like
Armoracia of uncertain meaning, a Greek name formerly used for a
cruciferous plant, possibly the widespread Raphanus raphanistrum
armoricensis -is -e from Brittany peninsula, NW France (Armorica)
[75]
Arnebia from an Arabic name
Arnica Lamb’s-skin (arnakiv from the leaf texture)
arnoldianus -a -um of the Arnold Arboretum, Massachusetts
Arnoseris Lamb-succour (Lamb’s succory), arnov–seriv
aromaticus -a -um fragrant, aromatic
Aronia a derivative name from Aria
arrectus -a -um raised up, erect
arrhen-, arrhena- male-, stamenArrhenatherum Male-awn (the male lower spikelet is awned),
arrhn–aqhr
arrhizus -a -um without roots, rootless, a–riza (the minute, floating
Wolffia has no roots)
Artemisia for Artemis (Diana), wife of Mausolus, of Caria, Asia
Minor
arthro- joint-, jointed-, arqronArthrocnemum Jointed-internode, arqron–knhmh
Arthropodium Jointed-foot (the jointed pedicels)
Arthropteris Jointed-fern (the rachis of the frond is jointed towards
the base)
articulatus -a -um, arto- jointed, joint-, articulated
Artocarpus Bread-fruit (artopta a baker)
Arum a name, aron, used by Theophrastus
Aruncus the Greek name
arundinaceus -a -um Arundo-like, reed-like
Arundinaria derived from arundo, a cane
Arundo the old Latin name for a reed
arvalis -is -e of arable or cultivated land
arvaticus -a -um from Arvas, N Spain
arvensis -is -e of the cultivated field, of ploughed fields
arvernensis -is -e from Auvergne, France
Asarina a Spanish vernacular name for Antirrhinum
Asarum a name, asaron, used by Dioscorides
ascendens upwards, ascending
-ascens -becoming, -turning to, -tending-towards
[76]
asclepiadeus -a -um Asclepias-like
Asclepias for Aesculapius, mythological god of medicine
asco- bag-like-, bagAsimina from the French/Italian name, asiminier
asininus -a -um ass-like (eared), loved by donkeys
Asparagus the Greek name for plants producing edible turions from
the rootstock
asper -era -erum, asperi- rough (the surface texture)
asperatus -a -um rough
aspergilliformis -is -e shaped like a brush, with several fine branches
aspermus -a -um without seed, seedless
aspernatus -a -um despised
aspersus -a -um sprinkled
Asperugo Rough-one
Asperula Little-rough-one (asper rough)
Asphodeline Asphodelus-like
Asphodelus the Greek name, asjodelov, for Asphodelus ramosus
Aspidistra Small-shield (aspidion), the stigmatic head
Aspidium Shield, aspiv (the shape of the indusium)
aspleni- Asplenium-, spleenwortAsplenium Without-spleen (Dioscorides’ name, asplhnon, for
spleenwort)
assimilis -is -e resembling, like, similar to
assurgens, assurgenti- rising upwards, ascending
Aster Star, asthr
-aster -ra -rum -somewhat resembling (usually implying inferiority),
-false
asterias star-like
asterioides Aster-like
asthmaticus -a -um of asthma (its medicinal use)
astictus -a -um immaculate, without blemishes, unspotted
Astilbe Without-brilliance (stilbw), the flowers
Astragalus Ankle-bone, a Greek name in Pliny for a plant with
vertebra-like knotted roots
[77]
Astrantia l’Ecluse’s name for masterwort
astro- star-shapedAstrocarpus Star-fruit
Astrophytum Star-plant (the plant’s shape)
atamasco a vernacular name
-ater, -atra, -atrum -matt-black
athamanticus -a -um, athemanticus -a -um of Mt Athamas, Sicily
Athanasia Immortal (without death, funerary use of Tanacetum)
athero- bristleAthyrium Sporty, aqurw (from the varying structure of the sori)
-aticus -a -um, -atilis -is -e -from (a place)
atlanticus -a -um of the Atlas Mountains, North Africa, of
Atlantic areas
atomerius -a -um speckled
Atraphaxis an ancient Greek name, atrajaxuv, for Atriplex(q.v.)
atratus -a -um blackish, clothed in black
atri-, atro- very dark-, better- (a colour)
Atriplex the ancient Greek name, atrajaxuv, used by Pliny
Atropa Inflexible (one of three Fates, Atropov)
atrovirens very dark green
attenuatus -a -um tapering, drawn out to a point
-atus -a -um -having, -rendered
Aubrieta (Aubretia) for Tournefort’s artist friend, Claude Aubriet
(1668–1743)
Aucuba latinized Japanese name, aokiba
aucuparius -a -um bird-catching, of bird-catchers (fruit used as bait,
avis capio)
augescens increasing
augurius -a -um of the soothsayers
augustus -a -um stately, noble, tall
aulicus -a -um courtly, princely
aulo-, aulaco- tube-, furrowedaurantiacus -a -um, aurantius -a -um orange-coloured
[78]
aurarius -a -um, auratus -a -um golden, ornamented with gold
aureliensis -is -e from Orleans, France
aureo-, aureus -a -um golden-yellow
auricomus -a -um with golden hair
Auricula l‘Ecluse’s name, auricula-ursi, for the bear’s-ear Primula
auricula-judae Jew’s-ear (the shape of the fruiting body of Auricularia
auricula-judae)
auriculatus -a -um lobed like an ear, with lobes, ear-shaped
aurigeranus -a -um from Ariège, France
auritextus -a -um cloth-of-gold
auritus -a -um with ears, long-eared
aurorius -a -um orange
aurosus -a -um golden
australasiacus -a -um, australiensis -is -e Australian, South Asiatic
australis -is -e southern, of the South
austriacus -a -um from Austria, Austrian
austro- southern
autumnalis -is -e of the autumn (flowering or growing)
avellanus -a -um from Avella, Italy or hazy
Avena Nourishment
avenaceus -a -um oat-like
Averrhoa for Ibn Rushd Averrhoes, 12th century Arabian physician,
translator of Aristotle’s work
Avicennia for Ibn Sina (Avicenna) (980–1037), Arabian philosopher
and physician
avicularis -is -e of small birds, eaten by small birds
avium of the birds
axillaris -is -e arising from the leaf axils (flowers), axillary
Axyris Without-edge, axurhv (the bland flavour)
Azalea Of-dry-habitats (azaleov, formerly used for Loiseleuria)
Azana the Mexican vernacular name
Azara for J.N. Azara
azarolus a vernacular name
[79]
Azolla from a South American name thought to refer to its inability
to survive out of water, or azo–ollumi dryness-kills
azureus -a -um sky-blue
Babiana Baboon (from the Afrikaans for baboon; they feed on the
corms)
babylonicus -a -um from Babylon
baccans berried-looking (shining red to purple, berry-like fruits of
Carex baccans)
baccatus -a -um having berries, fruits with fleshy or pulpy coats
Baccharis an ancient Greek name (doubtful etymology)
baccifer -era -erum bearing berries
bacillaris -is -e rod-like, staff-like, stick-like
badius -a -um reddish-brown
baeticus -a -um from Spain (Baetica), Andalusian
Baillonia for H. Baillon (1827–1895), French botanist
Balanites Acorn (the Greek name, balanov, describes the fruit of
some species)
balansae, balansanus -a -um for Benedict Balansa, French plant
collector (1825–1891)
balanus the ancient name, balanov, for an acorn
balcanus -a -um of the Balkans, Balkan
Baldellia for B. Bartolini-Baldelli, Italian nobleman
baldensis -is -e from the area of Mt Baldo, N Italy
baldschuanicus -a -um from Baldschuan, Bokhara
Ballota the Greek name, ballwth, for Ballota nigra
balsamae, balsameus -a -um, balsamoides balsam-like, yielding a balsam
balsamifer -era -erum yielding a balsam, producing a fragrant resin
banaticus -a -um from Banat, Romania
Banksia, banksii, banksianus -a -um for Sir Joseph Banks
(1743–1820), one time President of the Royal Society and patron
of the sciences
Baphia Dye (cam-wood, Baphia nitida, gives a red dye, it is also used
for violin bows)
[80]
{
stigma
the pistil
style
or
gynoecium
a stamen
of the
filament androecium
anther
{
ovary
a petal of the
corolla
a sepal of the
calyx
pedicel
Fig. 1. The parts of a flower as seen in a stylized flower which is cut
vertically in half.
baphicantus -a -um of the dyers, dyers’
Baptisia Dye (baptw), several yield indigo
barbadensis -is -e from Barbados, West Indies
barba-jovis Jupiter’s beard
Barbarea Lyte’s translation of Dodoens’ Herba Sanctae Barbarae, for
St Barbara
barbarus -a -um foreign, from Barbary (North African coast)
barbatus -a -um with tufts of hair, bearded
barbellatus -a -um having small barbs
barbi-, barbigerus -a -um bearded
barometz from a Tartar word meaning lamb (the woolly fern’s
rootstock)
Barosma Heavy-odour
Bartsia for Johann Bartsch, Dutch physician
bary- heavybasalis -is -e sessile-, basal[81]
Basella the Malagar vernacular name
basi-, -bassos of the base-, from the base-, basiv
basilaris -is -e relating to the base
basilicus -a -um princely, royal
bastardii for T. Bastard, author of the Flora of Maine & Loire, 1809
batatas Haitian name for sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas
bathy- thick-, deepbatrachioides water-buttercup-like, Batrachium-like
Batrachium Little-frog (Greek, batracov, for some Ranunculus
species)
battandieri for Jules Aime Battandier (1848–1922) of the Algiers
Medical School
Bauhinia for the 16th century botanists Caspar Bauhin (1550–1624)
and his brother John
baxarius -a -um clog-like
beccabunga from an old German name ‘Bachbungen’, mouth-smart
or streamlet-blocker
Begonia for Michel Begon (1638–1710), French Governor of
Canada and patron of botany
Belamcanda from an Asian name for the leopard lily
belladonna beautiful lady, the juice of the deadly nightshade was
used to beautify by inducing pallid skin and dilated pupils when
applied as a decoction
bellatulus -a -um somewhat beautiful
Bellevalia for P.R. Belleval (1558–1632), early plant systematist
bellidi-, bellidiformis -is -e, belloides daisy-like, Bellis-like
Bellis Pretty (a name used in Pliny)
bellobatus -a -um beautiful bramble
bellus -a -um handsome, beautiful, neat
benedictus -a -um well spoken of, blessed, healing
benjamina from an Indian vernacular name, ben-yan
benjan the Indian vernacular for weeping fig, Ficus benjan
Benthamia (Cornus) for George Bentham (1800–1884) author of
Genera Plantarum, with Sir Joseph Hooker
[82]
Benzoin, benzoin from an Arabic or Semitic name, signifying
perfume or gum
Berberis Barbed-berry (from medieval Latin, barbaris, an Arabic
name for North Africa)
bergamia from the Turkish name, beg-armodi, of the bergamot
orange
Bergenia for Karl August von Bergen (1704–1760), German
physician and botanist
berolinensis -is -e from Berlin, Germany
Berteroa for Carlo G.L. Bertero (1789–1831), Italian physician
Bertholletia for Claude-Louis Berthollet (1748–1822), French
chemist (Brazil nut)
Berula the Latin name in Marcellus Empyricus
Bessera, besserianus -a -um for Dr W.S.J.G. von Besser (1782–1842),
Professor of Botany at Brody, Ukraine
Beta the Latin name for beet
betaceus -a -um beet-like, resembling Beta
betoni- Betonica-likeBetonica from a name in Pliny for a medicinal plant from Vettones,
Spain
betonicifolius -a -um betony-leaved
Betula Pitch (the name in Pliny, bitumen is distilled from the bark)
betulinus -a -um, betuloides, betulus -a -um Betula-like, birch-like
bholuo from a vernacular name for a Daphne, bholu swa
bi-, bis- two-, twicebialatus -a -um two-winged (usually the stem)
bicalcaratus -a -um two-spurred
bicameratus -a -um two-chambered
bicapsularis -is -e having two capsules
bicolor of two colours
Bidens Two-teeth (the scales at the fruit apex)
biennis -is -e (with a life) of two years, biennial
bifarius -a -um in two opposed ranks (leaves or flowers),
two-rowed
[83]
bifidus -a -um deeply two-cleft, bifid
bifurcatus -a -um divided into equal limbs, bifurcate
Bignonia (Bignona) for Abbé Jean Paul Bignon (1662–1743),
librarian to Louis XIV of France
bijugans, bijugus -a -um two-together, yoked
bilimbi a vernacular name for the cucumber-tree (Averrhoa bilimbi)
-bilis -is -e -able, -capable
Billardiera, billardierei (billardierii) for Jaques Julien Houtou de la
Billardière (1755–1834), French botanist
Billbergia for J.G. Billberg (1772–1844), Swedish botanist
binatus -a -um with two leaflets, bifoliate
Biophytum Life-plant (sensitive leaves)
Biscutella Two-trays (the form of the fruit)
bisectus -a -um cut into two parts
biserratus -a -um twice-toothed, double toothed (leaf margin teeth
themselves toothed)
bistortus -a -um twice twisted (the roots, from the medieval name
for bistort)
bisuntinus -a -um from Besançon, France
bithynicus -a -um from Bithynia, Asia Minor
bituminosus -a -um tarry, clammy, adhesive
Bixa from a South American vernacular name for B. orellana, the
annatto tree
Blackstonia for John Blackstone, English botanical writer
blandus -a -um pleasing, alluring, not harsh, bland
-blastos, -blastus -a -um -shoot
blattarius -a -um cockroach-like, an ancient Latin name
Blechnum the Greek name, blhcnon, for a fern
blepharo- fringe-, eyelash-, blejariv
blepharophyllus -a -um with fringed leaves
blitoides resembling Blitum (Chenopodium), from a plant name used
by Greek and Latin writers
Blumenbachia for Johann Friedrich Blumenbach (1752–1840),
medical doctor of Göttingen
[84]
Blysmus meaning uncertain, bluzw
bocasanua -a -um from the Sierra de Bocas, Panama
Boehmeria for G.R. Boehmer (1723–1803), professor at Wittenberg
boeoticus -a -um from Boeotia, near Athens
Boerhaavia for Herman Boerhaave (1668–1739), early plant
systematist
bolanderi for Prof. H.N. Bolander (1831–1897) of Geneva, plant
collector in California and Oregon
Bombax Silk (the hair, kapok, covering of the seeds)
bombyci- silk- (bombyx, a silkworm)
bombycinus -a -um silky
bona-nox good night (night-flowering)
bonariensis -is -e from Buenos Aires, Argentina
bondus an Arabic name for a hazel-nut
bononiensis -is -e from Bologna, N Italy, or Boulogne, France
bonus-henricus good King Henry (allgood or mercury)
Boophone Ox-killer (narcotic property)
Borago Shaggy-coat (burra rough), the leaves
borbonicus -a -um from Reunion Island, Indian Ocean, or for the
French Bourbon Kings
borealis -is -e northern, of the North
boreaui for Alexander Boreau (1803–1875), Belgian botanist
Boreava for Alexander Boreau, Belgian botanist (1803–1875)
boris-regis for King Boris
Boronia for Francesco Boroni, assistant to Humphrey Sibthorp in
Greece
Borreri for W. Borrer (1781–1862), British botanist
bosniacus -a -um from Bosnia
bothrio- minutely pittedbotry- bunched-, panicledBotrychium Little-bunch, botrucion, the fertile portion of the frond
of moonwort
botryodes, botrys resembling a bunch of grapes
botrytis -is -e racemose, racemed, bunched
[85]
botulinus -a -um shaped like small sausages (branch segments)
Bougainvillea for Louis Antoine de Bougainville (1729–1811),
French navigator
brachi-, brachy- short- (bracuv)
brachiatus -a -um arm-like, branched at about a right-angle
brachybotrys short-clustered, shortly bunched
Brachychiton Short-tunic
Brachycome Short-hair
Brachypodium Short-foot
Brachystelma Short-crown (the coronna)
bracteatus -a -um with bracts, bracteate (as in the inflorescences of
Hydrangea, Poinsettia and Acanthus)
bracteosus -a -um with large or conspicuous bracts
brandisianus -a -um, brandisii for Sir Dietrich Brandis (1824–1907),
dendrologist of Bonn
brasiliensis -is -e from Brazil, Brazilian
Brassia for William Brass, orchidologist
Brassica Pliny’s name for various cabbage-like plants
brassici- cabbage-, Brassicabrevi-, brevis -is -e short-, abbreviatedbreviscapus -a -um short-stalked, with a short scape
Briza Food-grain (an ancient Greek name, briza, for rye)
Bromus Food (the Greek name, brwmov, for an edible grass)
-bromus -smelling, -stinking
bronchialis -is -e throated, of the lungs (medicinal use)
Broussonetia for T.N.V. Broussonet (1761–1807), French naturalist
Browallia for Bishop John Browall
brumalis -is -e of the winter solstice, winter-flowering
Brunfelsia for Otto Brunfels (1489–1534), who pioneered critical
plant illustration
brunneus -a -um russet-brown
Brunnichia for M.T. Brunnich, 18th century Scandinavian naturalist
Bryanthus Moss-flower
bryoides moss-like
[86]
Bryonia Sprouter (a name, bruwnia, used by Dioscorides)
Bryum Moss, from the Greek bruon
bubalinus -a -um, bubulinus -a -um of cattle, of oxen
buboni- of the groin (boubwn groin)
buccinatorius -a -um, buccinatus -a -um heralded, trumpet-shaped,
horn-shaped, trumpeter
bucephalus -a -um bull-headed
bucerus -a -um ox-horn-shaped
Buchanani either for Francis Buchanan Hamilton of Calcutta Botanic
Garden or for John Buchanan, specialist on New Zealand plants
bucharicus -a -um from Bokhara, Turkestan
bucinalis -is -e, bucinatus -a -um trumpet-shaped, trumpet-like
Buda an Adansonian name of no meaning
Buddleia (Buddleja) for Adam Buddle (d. 1715), English botanist
bufonius -a -um of the toad, living in damp places (bufo common toad)
bulbi-, bulbo- bulb-, bulbousbulbifer -era -erum producing bulbs (often when these take the place
of normal flowers)
Bulbine the Greek name, bolbov, for a bulb
bulbocastanus -a -um chestnut-brown-bulbed
Bulbophyllym Bulb-leaved (the pseudobulbs)
bulbosus -a -um swollen, having bulbs, bulbous
bullatus -a -um with a bumpy surface, puckered, blistered, bullate
bullulatus -a -um with small bumps or blisters or bullae
bumannus -a -um having large tubercles
Bumelia an ancient Greek name for an ash tree
-bundus -a -um -having the capacity for
Bunias the Greek name, bouniav, for a kind of turnip
Bunium a name, bounion, used by Dioscorides
Buphthalmum, buphthalmoides, bupthalmoides Ox-eyed
(bous–ojqalmov)
Bupleurum Ox-rib, an ancient Greek name, boupleurov, used by
Nicander
burmanicus -a -um from Burma, Burmese
[87]
burnatii for Emile Burnat (1828–1920), French botanist
burs-, bursa- pouch-, pursebursa-pastoris shepherd’s purse
bursiculatus -a -um formed like a purse, pouch-like
Butomus Ox-cutter, a name, boutomov, used by Theophrastus with
reference to the sharp-edged leaves
butyraceus -a -um oily, buttery
Butyrospermum Butter-seed (oily seed of shea-butter tree)
buxi- Buxus-, boxbuxifolius -a -um box-leaved
Buxus an ancient Latin name used by Virgil for B. sempervirens
byrs-, byrsa- pelt-, hide- (leather-)
byzantinus -a -um from Istanbul (Byzantium Constantinople), Turkish
Cabomba from a Guyanese vernacular name
cacao Aztec name for the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao
cachemerianus -a -um, cachemiricus -a -um from Kashmir
cacti- cactus-like- (originally the Greek cactuv was an Old World
spiny plant, not one of the Cactaceae)
cacumenus -a -um of the mountain top
cadmicus -a -um with a metallic appearance
caducus -a -um transient, not persisting, caducous
caeno-, caenos- fresh-, recentcaenosus -a -um muddy, growing on mud
caerulescens turning blue, bluish
caeruleus -a -um dark sky-blue
Caesalpinia for Andreas Caesalpini (1519–1603), Italian botanist
caesi-, caesius -a -um bluish-grey, lavender-coloured
caesiomurorum of the blue walls (Hieraceum)
caespitosus -a -um growing in tufts, matted, tussock-forming
caffer -ra -rum, caffrorum from South Africa, of the unbelievers
(Kaffirs)
cainito the West Indian name for the star apple
Caiophora Burn-carrier (the stinging hairs)
[88]
cairicus -a -um from Cairo, Egypt
cajan, Cajanus from the Malay name, katjan, for the pigeon pea
cajennensis -is -e from Cayenne, French Guyana
cajuputi the Malayan name
Cakile from an Arabic name
cala- beautifulcalaba the West Indian name
calabricus -a -um from Calabria, Italy
Caladium from the Indian name, kaladi, for an elephant ears Arum
Calamagrostis Reed-grass, name, kalamov–agrwstiv, used by
Dioscorides
calamarius -a -um reed-like, resembling Calamus
calami- Calamus-, reedcalaminaris -is -e cadmium-red, growing on the zinc ore, calamine
Calamintha Beautiful-mint, kalov–minqh
calamitosus -a -um causing loss, dangerous, miserable
Calamondin a name for the fruit of × Citrofortunella
Calamus the name, kalamov, for a reed
Calanthe Beautiful-flower
calanthus -a -um beautiful-flowered
Calathea Basket-flower (the inflorescence)
calathinus -a -um basket-shaped, basket-like
calcaratus -a -um, calcatus -a -um spurred, having a spur
calcareus -a -um of lime-rich soils, chalky
calcar-galli cock’s-spur
calceolatus -a -um shoe-shaped, slipper-shaped
calceolus -a -um like a small shoe
calcicolus -a -um living on limy soils
calcifugus -a -um disliking lime, avoiding limy soils
calcitrapa caltrop (the fruit’s resemblance of the spiked ball used to
damage the hooves of charging cavalry horses)
calcitrapoides Centaurea-like, resembling Calcitrapa (for Centaurea)
caledonicus -a -um from Scotland (Caledonia), Scottish, of northern
Britain
[89]
calenduli- Calendula-, marigoldCalendula First-day-of-the-month (Lat. calendae associated with
paying accounts and settling debts), for its long flowering period
Calepina an Adansonian name perhaps relating to Aleppo
calidus -a -um fiery, warm
californicus -a -um from California, USA
caliginosus -a -um of misty places
Calla Beauty (a name used in Pliny)
calli-, callis- beautiful- (kalli-)
Calliandra Beautiful-stamens (shaving-brush tree)
callibotryon beautifully bunched
Callicarpa Beautiful-fruit (its metallic-violet drupes)
callifolius -a -um Calla-leaved
callimorphus -a -um of beautiful form or shape
Callistemon Beautiful-stamens (bottle-brush tree)
Callistephus Beautiful-crown (the flower-heads)
callistus -a -um very beautiful
Callitriche Beautiful-hair, kallitricon
callizonus -a -um beautifully zoned (colouration)
callosus -a -um hardened, with a hard skin
Calluna Sweeper (former common use as brooms)
callybotrion fine-racemed
calo- beautiful- (kalov)
Calochortus Beautiful-grass (the grass-like foliage)
Calodendrum (-on) Beautiful-tree
calomelanos beautifully-dark
Caloncoba Beautiful-Oncoba
calophrys with dark margins
calostomus -a -um beautiful mattress (growth habit)
calpetanus -a -um from Gibraltar
calpophilus -a -um estuary-loving, estuarine
Caltha old Latin name, used by Pliny for a marigold
calvescens with non-persistent hair, becoming bald
calvus -a -um naked, hairless, bald
[90]
calyc-, calyci- calyx-, kalux
Calycanthus Calyx-flower (the undifferentiated tepals of the spiral
perianth of allspice)
calycinus -a -um, calycosus -a -um with a persistent calyx, calyx-like
Calycocarpum Cup-fruit (the concavity on one side of the stone)
Calycotome Split-calyx (the upper part of the calyx splits before
anthesis)
calyculatus -a -um with a small calyx, resembling a small calyx
calyptr-, calyptro- hooded-, liddedcalyptratus -a -um with a cap-like cover over the flowers or fruits
Calystegia Calyx-cover (the calyx is at first obscured by prophylls)
camaldulensis -is -e from the Camaldoli gardens near Naples
camara a West Indian name, arched
-camarus -a -um -chambered
Camassia a North American Indian name, quamash, for an edible
bulb
cambodgensis -is -e from Cambridge
cambodiensis -is -e from Cambodia, SE Asia
cambrensis -is -e, cambricus -a -um from Wales (Cambria), Welsh
Camelina Dwarf-flax, camai–linon
Camellia for George Joseph Kamel, or Cameli (1661–1706), Jesuit
traveller and plant illustrator
camelliiflorus -a -um Camellia-flowered
camelorus -a -um of camels (they feed upon the camel thorn, Alhag i
camelorum, also known as the manna plant because of the crust of
dried honey-sap forming on the leaves overnight)
cammarus -a -um lobster (from a name used by Dioscorides)
campani- bellCampanula Little-bell
campanularius -a -um, campanulatus -a -um, campanulus -a -um
bell-shaped, bell-flowered
campanus -a -um from Campania, Italy
campester -tris -tre of the pasture, from flat land, of the plains
camphoratus -a -um camphor-like scented
[91]
Camphorosma Camphor-odour (the fragrance)
Campsis Curvature, kampe (the bent stamens)
campto- (kampto-) bentCamptosorus Curved-sorus
Camptostylus Bent-style (the long curved style)
Camptothecium Bent-theca (the curved capsule)
camptotrichus -a -um with curved hairs
campyl-, campylo- bent-, curvedCampylopus Curved-stalk
Campylotropis Curved-keel (the curved, rostrate keel petals)
camtschatcensis -is -e, camtschaticus -a -um from the Kamchatka
Peninsula, E Siberia
camulodunum from Colchester
canadensis -is -e from Canada, Canadian
canaliculatus -a -um furrowed, channelled
cananga from a Malayan name
canariensis -is -e from the Canary Isles, of bird food
canarinus -a -um yellowish, resembling Canarium
canarius -a -um canary-yellow
cancellatus -a -um cross-banded, chequered, latticed
candelabrus -a -um candle-tree, like a branched candlestick
candicans whitish, hoary-white, with white woolly hair
candidus -a -um shining-white
Candollea for August Pyramus de Candolle (1778–1841), Professor
of Botany at Geneva
canephorus -a -um like a basket bearer
canescens turning hoary-white, off-white
caninus -a -um of the dog, sharp-toothed or spined, wild or inferior,
not of cultivation
Canna Reed (canna)
cannabinus -a -um hemp-like, resembling Cannabis
Cannabis Dioscorides’ name, kannabiv, for hemp
cano- hairycantabricus -a -um from Cantabria, N Spain
[92]
cantabrigiensis -is -e from Cambridge (Cantabrigia)
cantianus -a -um from Kent, England
Cantua from a Peruvian vernacular name
canus -a -um whitish-grey, white
capax wide, broad
capensis -is -e from Cape Colony, South Africa
caperatus -a -um wrinkled
capillaceus -a -um, capillaris -is -e, capillatus -a -um hair-like, very
slender
capilliformis -is -e hair-like
capillipes with a very slender stalk
capillus-veneris Venus’ hair
capitatus -a -um growing in a head, head-like (inflorescence)
capitellatus -a -um growing in a small head
capitulatus -a -um having small heads
capnoides smoke-coloured (kapnoeidev)
cappadocicus -a -um, cappadocius -a -um from Cappadocia, Asia Minor
capraeus -a -um, capri- of the goat, goat-like (smell), capraeaa
she-goat
capreolatus -a -um tendrilled, with tendrils, twining
capreolus the roe deer
caprifolium Goat-leaf (an old generic name)
Capriola Goat
Capsella Little-case (the form of the fruit)
Capsicum Biter (kapth), the hot taste
capsularis -is -e producing capsules
caput-galli cock’s-head
caput-medusae Medusa’s-head
caracalla beautiful snail, cloaked
caracasanus -a -um from Caracas
Caragana the Mongolian name, caragan, for the plant
carambola a vernacular name for the carambola-tree (Averrhoa
carambola)
carataviensis -is -e from Karatau, Kazakhstan
[93]
Cardamine Dioscorides’ name, kardaminh, for cress
Cardaminopsis Cardamine-resembler
cardamomum ancient Greek name for the Indian spice
Cardamon the Greek name, kardamon, for garden cress
Cardaria Heart-like (the fruiting pods)
cardi-, cardio- heart-shaped-, kardia
cardiacus -a -um of heart conditions (medicinal use), kardiakov
cardinalis -is -e cardinal-red
cardiopetalus -a -um with heart-shaped petals
Cardiospermum Heart-seed; refers to the white, heart-shaped aril on
the black seeds
cardui- Carduus-, thistlecardunculus -a -um thistle-like
Carduus Thistle (a name in Virgil)
Carex Cutter (the sharp leaf margins of many)
caribaeus -a -um from the Caribbean
Carica From-Carya (mistakenly thought to be the provenance of the
pawpaw, Carica papaya)
carici-, caricinus -a -um, caricosus -a -um sedge-like, resembling Carex
caricus -a -um from Caria, province of Asia Minor
carinatus -a -um keeled, having a keel-like ridge
carinthiacus -a -um from Carinthia, Austria
Carlina for Charlemagne (Carolinus); his army was supposed to
have been cured of the plague with a species of Carlina
Carmichaelia for Captain Douglas Carmichael (1722–1827), plant
hunter
carmineus -a -um carmine
Carnegiea for the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie
carneus -a -um, carnicolor flesh-coloured
carniolicus -a -um from Carniola, former Yugoslavia
carnosulus -a -um somewhat fleshy
carnosus -a -um fleshy, thick and soft-textured
carolinianus -a -um, carolinus -a -um of North or South Carolina, USA
carota the old name for carrot (Daucus carota)
[94]
carpathicus -a -um, carpaticus -a -um from the Carpathian Mountains
Carpenteria for William M. Carpenter (1811–1848), Professor at
Louisiana
carpetanus -a -um from the Toledo area of Spain
carpini- hornbeam-likeCarpinus the ancient Latin name for hornbeam, some derive it from
Celtic for a yoke
carpo-, carpos-, -carpus -a -um (karpo-) fruit-, -fruited, -podded
(karpov)
Carpobrotus Edible-fruit, karpov–brwtov
Carpodetus Bound-fruit (external appearance of the putaputawheta
fruit)
Carrichtera for Bartholomaeus Carrichter, physician to Emperor
Maximillian II
Carthamus Painted-one (Hebrew, qarthami, an orange-red dye is
made from Carthamnus tinctorius)
carthusianorum of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery of Carthusian
Monks, Grenoble, France
cartilagineus -a -um, cartilag inus -a -um cartilage-like (texture of some
part, e.g. leaf margin)
Carum Dioscorides’ name, karw, for caraway
carunculatus -a -um with a prominent caruncle (seed coat
outgrowth, usually obscuring the micropyle)
carvi (carui) from Caria, Asia Minor
Carya ancient Greek name, karia, for a walnut and the tree
caryo- (karyo-) nut-, clove-, karuon
Caryolopha Nut-crest (they form a ring)
caryophyllaceus -a -um, caryophylleus -a -um resembling a stitchwort,
clove-pink-coloured
Caryopteris Nut-winged (the fruit-body splits into four, winged
nutlets)
cashemirianus -a -um see cachemerianus
Casimiroa for Casimiro Gomez de Ortega (1740–1818), Spanish
botanist
[95]
caspicus -a -um of the Caspian area
Cassia a name, kasia, used by Dioscorides from a Hebrew name
(quetsi’oth) used by Linnaeus for C. fistula (medicinal senna)
Cassinia for Count A.H.G. de Cassini (1781–1832), French botanist
cassioides resembling Cassia
Cassiope mother of Andromeda in Greek mythology
Cassipourea from a vernacular name from Guyana
cassubicus -a -um from Cassubia, part of Pomerania
Castalia Spring-of-the-Muses, on Mt Parnassus
Castanea old Latin name for the sweet chestnut, from the
Greek kasta
castaneus -a -um, castanus -a -um chestnut-brown
Castanopsis Chestnut-like
castello-paivae for Baron Castello de Paiva
castus -a -um spotless, pure
cat-, cata-, cato- below-, outwards-, downwards-, from-, under-,
against-, alongCatabrosa Eaten (the appearance of the tip of the lemmas, and also
much liked by cattle), katabrwsiv, to swallow
catacosmus -a -um adorned
catafractus -a -um, cataphractus -a -um enclosed, armoured, closed in,
mail-clad
Catalpa, catalpa from an East Indian vernacular name
Catananche Driving-force (katanangke), its use in love potions by
Greek women
Catapodium Minute-stalk (the spikelets are subsessile)
catappa from a native East Indian name for olive-bark tree
cataria of cats, old name for catmint (catnip)
catarractae, catarractarum growing near waterfalls, resembling a
waterfall
catawbiensis -is -e from the Catawber River, Carolina, USA
catechu a vernacular name, caycao, for the betel (Acacia catechu) in
Cochin China
catenarius -a -um, catenatus -a -um chain-like, linked
[96]
catharticus -a -um purgative, purging, cathartic
cathayanus -a -um, cathayensis -is -e from China (Cathay)
catholicus -a -um of Catholic lands (Spain and Portugal),
world-wide, universal
Cattleya for William Cattley, English plant collector, and patron of
Botany
Caucalis old Greek name, kaukaliv, for an umbelliferous plant
caucasicus -a -um from the Caucasus, Caucasian
caudatus -a -um, caudi- -tailed (see Fig. 7(a))
caudiculatus -a -um with a thread-like caudicle or tail
caulescens having a distinct stem, beginning to stem, kaulov
cauliatus -a -um, -caulis -is -e, -caulo, -caulos of the stem or stalk,
-stemmed, -stalked
cauliflorus -a -um bearing flowers on the main stem, flowering on
the old woody stem
causticus -a -um with a caustic taste (mouth-burning)
cauticolus -a -um growing on cliffs, cliff-dwelling
cautleoides resembling Cautlea
cavernicolus -a -um growing in caves, cave-dwelling
cavernosus -a -um full of holes
cavus -a -um hollow, cavitied
cayennensis -is -e from Cayenne, French Guyana
Ceanothus the ancient Greek name, keanoqov
Cecropia for Cecrops, legendary King of ancient Athens
Cedrela Cedar-like (the wood is similar)
Cedrus the ancient Greek name, kedrov, for a resinous tree with
fragrant wood
Ceiba from a vernacular South American name for silk-cotton tree
celastri- Celastrus-likeCelastrus Theophrastus’ name, khlaston, for an evergreen tree,
possibly an Ilex
celebicus -a -um from the Indonesian island of Celebes
celeratus -a -um hastened
-cellus -a -um -lesser, -somewhat
[97]
Celosia Burning (from kelov, for the burnt or dry flowers of some)
celtibiricus -a -um from central Spain
Celtis ancient Greek name, keltiv, for a tree with sweet fruit.
Linnaeus applied this to the European hackberry
cembra the old name for the arolla or stone pine
cembroides, cembrus -a -um resembling Pinus cembra
cenisius -a -um from Mt Cénis on the French/Italian border
ceno-, cenose- empty-, fruitless-, kenov
Centaurea Centaur (mythical creature with the body of a horse
replacing the hips and legs of a man, the name used by
Hippocrates)
centaureoides resembling Centaurea
Centaurium for the Centaur, Chiron, who was fabled to have used
this plant medicinally
centi- one hundred-, manycentra-, centro-, -centrus -a -um spur-, -spurred, kentron
centralis -is -e in the middle, central
Centranthus (Kentranthus) Spur-flower
centratus -a -um many-spined, many-spurred
cepa, cepae- the old Latin name, caepa, for an onion, onioncepaeus -a -um grown in gardens, khpov, from the ancient Greek for
a salad plant
cephal- head-, head-like-, kejalh
Cephalanthera Head-anther (its position on the column)
Cephalanthus Head-flower (flowers are in axillary globose heads)
Cephalaria Head (the capitate inflorescence)
cephalidus -a -um having a head
cephalonicus -a -um from Cephalonia, one of the Ionian Islands
Cephalotaxus Headed-yew (the globose heads of staminate
‘flowers’)
cephalotes having a small head-like appearance
cephalotus -a -um with flowers in a large head
-cephalus -a -um -headed
cerae- waxy[98]
-ceras -horned, -podded
ceraseus -a -um waxy
cerasifer -era -erum bearing cherries (cherry-like fruits)
cerasinus -a -um cherry-red
Cerastium Horned (the fruiting capsule’s shape)
Cerasus from an Asiatic name for the sour cherry
cerato- horn-shaped-, keratov
Ceratochloa Horned-grass (the lemmas are horn-like)
Ceratonia Horned (the fruit shape of the carob)
Ceratophyllum Horn-leaf (the stag’s-horn shape of the leaf )
Ceratopteris Horned fern
Ceratostigma Horned-stigma (the shape of the stigmatic head)
Cerberus Poisonous-one, after Cerberus, the three-headed guardian
dog of Hades
Cercidiphyllum Cercis-leaved
Cercis the ancient Greek name, kerkiv
Cercocarpus Tail-fruit (the persistent, long, plumose style on the
fruit)
cerealis -is -e for Ceres, the goddess of agriculture
Cereus, cereus -a -um waxy (cereus, a wax taper)
cerifer -era -erum wax-bearing
cerinus -a -um waxy
cernuus -a -um drooping, curving forwards
Ceropegia Fountain-of-wax (appearance of the inflorescence)
Ceroxylon Wax-wood
cerris the ancient Latin name, cerrus, for turkey oak
cervianus -a -um of the hind or stag (Mollugo cervianus)
cervicarius -a -um constricted, keeled
cervinus -a -um tawny, stag-coloured
cespitosus -a -um growing in tufts – see caespitosus
Cestrum an ancient Greek name, kestron, of uncertain etymology
Ceterach an Arabic name, chetrak, for a fern
cevisius -a -um closely resembling
ceylanicus -a -um from Ceylon
[99]
chaeno- splitting-, gaping-, cainw
Chaenomeles Gaping-apple
Chaenorrhinum Gaping-nose (analogy with Antirrhinum)
chaero- pleasing-, rejoicingChaerophyllum Pleasing-leaf (the ornamental foliage)
chaeto- long hair-like-, caith
chaixii for Abbé Dominique Chaix (1731–1800) a collaborator of
Villars
chalcedonicus -a -um from Chalcedonia, Turkish Bosphorus
chamae- on-the-ground-, lowly-, low-growing-, prostrate-, false-,
camai
Chamaebatia Dwarf-bramble
Chamaecyparis Dwarf-cypress
Chamaedaphne Ground-laurel
chamaedrys ground oak
Chamaemelum Ground-apple (the habit and fragrance), chamomile
Chamaenerion Dwarf-oleander. Gesner’s name for rosebay
willow-herb
Chamaepericlymenum Dwarf-climbing-plant
chamaeunus -a -um lying on the ground
Chamomilla Dioscorides’ name, camaimhlov, for a plant smelling of
apples
Characias the name in Pliny for a spurge with very caustic latex
charantius -a -um graceful
charianthus -a -um with elegant flowers
Charieis Elegant
-charis -beauty
chartaceus -a -um parchment-like
chasmanthus -a -um having open flowers
chathamicus -a -um from the Chatham Islands
chauno- gaping-, cainw
Cheilanthes Lip-flower (the false indusium of the frond margin
covers the marginal sori)
cheilanthus -a -um with lipped flowers
[100]
cheilo- lip-, lippedcheir- red (from Arabic)
Cheiranthus Red-flower (from an Arabic name for wallflower)
cheiri, cheiri- red-flowered, wallflowercheiro- hand-, hand-likeChelidonium Swallow-wort (Dioscorides’ name, celidon, Greek for a
swallow; flowering at the time of their migratory arrival)
Chelone Turtle-like (celwne) the turtle’s-head-like corolla
Chenopodium Goose-foot (the shape of the leaves)
cherimola a Peruvian-Spanish name
Cherleria for J.H. Cherler, son-in-law of C.H. Bauhin
chermisinus -a -um red
chia from the Greek Island of Chios
Chiastophyllum Crosswise-leaf (the phyllotaxy)
chilensis -is -e from Chile, Chilean
chiloensis -is -e from Chiloe Island, off Chile
-chilos, -chilus -a -um -lipped
chima-, chimon- winterchimaera monstrous, fanciful
Chimaphila Winter-love (wintergreen)
Chimonanthus Winter-flower (ceima, ceimwn winter)
chinensis -is -e from China, Chinese, see sinensis
chio-, chion-, chiono- snow- (ciwn)
chioneus -a -um snowy
Chiogenes Snow-offspring (the white berries)
Chionanthus Snow-flower (its abundant white flowers)
Chionodoxa Glory of the snow (very early flowering)
chiro- handChironia, chironius -a -um after Chiron, the centaur of Greek
mythology who taught Jason and Achilles the medicinal use of
plants
chirophyllus -a -um with hand-shaped leaves
-chiton -covering, -protection, -tunic (citwn, a coat of
mail)
[101]
chlamy-, chlamydo- cloak-, cloaked- (clamuv mantle or cloak)
Chlidanthus Luxurious-flower (clide luxury)
chlor-, chloro-, chlorus -a -um yellowish-green- (clwro)
Chlora Greenish-yellow-one
chloracrus -a -um with green tips, green-pointed
chloranthus -a -um green-flowered
Chloris for Chloris, Greek goddess of flowers
chlorophyllus -a -um green-leaved
chocolatinus -a -um chocolate-brown
Choisya for Jacques Denis Choisy (1799–1859), Swiss botanist
choli- bile-like (colhkov bile)
chondro- rough-, angular-, lumpy-, coarse- (condrov grain)
chordatus -a -um cord-like
chordo- string-, slender-elongatechori- separate-, apartChorispora Separated-seed (winged seeds are separated within the
fruit)
-chromatus -a -um, -chromus -a -um -coloured (crwma)
chrono- timechrys-, chryso- golden- (crusov)
Chrysalidocarpus Golden-fruit
Chrysanthemum Golden-flower (Dioscorides’ name for C.
coronarium). Now treated as several new genera such as Ajania,
Arctanthemum, Argyranthemum, Dendranthema, Leucanthemella,
Leucanthemopsis, Leucanthemum, Nipponanthemum, Pyrethropsis,
Rhodanthemum and Tanacetum
chrysanthus -a -um golden-flowered, crusov–anqemon
chryseus -a -um golden-yellow (crusov gold)
Chrysobalanus Golden-acorn (the fruit of some is acorn-like)
Chrysocoma Golden-hair (the terminal inflorescence)
chrysographes marked with gold lines, as if written upon in gold
chrysolectus -a -um finishing up yellow, yellow at maturity
chrysomallus -a -um with golden wool, golden-woolly-hairy
chrysops with a golden eye
[102]
chrysopsidis -is -e resembling Chrysopsis (former North American
generic name)
Chrysosplenium Golden-spleenwort (used for diseases of the spleen)
chrysostomus -a -um with a golden throat
Chrysothamnus Golden-shrub (its appearance when in full flower)
chrysotoxus -a -um golden-arched
-chthon-, chthono- -ground, earth- (cqwu earth)
chyllus -a -um from a Himalayan vernacular name
chylo- sappy- (culov juice)
cibarius -a -um edible
cicatricatus -a -um marked with scars (left by falling structures such
as leaves)
Cicenda an Adansonian name with no obvious meaning
cicer, cicerus -a -um the old Latin name, cicer, for the chick-pea
Cicerbita Italian name for Sonchus oleraceus, from an old Latin name
for a thistle
Cichorium Theophrastus’ name, kicwrion
ciconius -a -um resembling a stork’s neck
Cicuta the Latin name for Conium maculatum
cicutarius -a -um resembling Cicuta, with large two- or three-pinnate
leaves
ciliaris -is -e, ciliatus -a -um, ciliosus -a -um fringed with hairs, ciliate
cilicicus -a -um from Cilicia, southern Turkey
-cillus -a -um -lesser
Cimicifuga Bug-repeller (cimex, a bug)
Cinchona for the Countess of Chinchon, wife of the Viceroy of Peru.
She was cured of fever with the bark, source of quinine, in 1638,
and introduced it to Spain in 1640
cincinnatus -a -um with crisped hairs
cinctus -a -um, -cinctus -a -um girdled, -edged
cineraceus -a -um, cinerarius -a -um, cinerescens ash-coloured, covered
with ash-grey felted hairs
Cineraria Ashen-one (the foliage colour)
cinereus -a -um ash-grey
[103]
cinnabarinus -a -um cinnabar-red
cinnamomeus -a -um, cinnamonius -a -um cinnamon-brown, endearing
(Ovid)
Cinnamomum the Greek name, kinnamomon, used by Theophrastus
cio- erect- (kion)
Circaea for the enchantress Circe, kirke, of mythology (Pliny’s name
for a charm plant)
circinalis -is -e, circinatus -a -um curled round, coiled like a crozier,
circinate
circum- aroundcirratus -a -um, cirrhatus -a -um, cirrhiferus -a -um having or carrying
tendrils
cirrhosus -a -um tawny-coloured (kirrov tawny)
Cirsium the ancient Greek name, kirsion, for a thistle
Cissus the ancient Greek name, kiss, for ivy
cisti- Cistus-likeCistus Capsule, kisquv (conspicuous in fruit)
citratus -a -um Citrus-like
citreus -a -um, citrinus -a -um citron-yellow
citri- citron-likecitriodorus -a -um citron-scented, lemon-scented
Citrulus Little-orange (the fruit colour)
Citrus from the ancient Latin name, citrus
clad-, clado- shoot-, branch-, of the branchCladium Small-branch
Cladothamnus Branched-shrub (the much-branched habit)
Cladrastis Fragile-branched (the brittle branches)
clandestinus -a -um concealed, hidden, secret
clandonensis -is -e from Clandon, Surrey
Claoxylon Brittle-wood
Clarkia for Captain William Clark
clarus -a -um clear
clausus -a -um shut, closed
clavatus -a -um, clavi-, clavus -a -um clubbed, club-shaped
[104]
claviculatus -a -um having tendrils, tendrilled
clavigerus -a -um club-bearing
Claytonia for John Clayton (1686–1773), British botanist in
America
cleio-, cleisto- shut-, closedCleistanthus Hidden-flower (concealed by prominent, hairy bracts)
Cleistopholis Closed-scales (the arrangement of the inner petals)
Clematis the Greek name, klemativ, for several climbing plants
clematitis -is -e vine-like, with long vine-like twiggy branches
Clematoclethra Climbing-Clethra (resembles Clethra but climbs like
Clematis)
Clerodendron (um) Fortune-tree (early names for Ceylonese species
arbor fortunata and arbor infortunata)
Clethra ancient Greek name, klhqrh, for alder (similarity of the
leaves of some)
Clianthus Glory-flower (clidh glory)
Clino- prostrate-, bedClinopodium Bed-foot (Dioscorides’ name, klinopodion, for the
shape of the inflorescence)
clipeatus -a -um shield-shaped
Clivia for Lady Charlotte Clive, wife of Robert Clive of India
clivorum of the hills
Clutia (Cluytia) for Outgers Cluyt (Clutius) (1590–1650), of Leyden
clymenus -a -um from an ancient Greek name (see periclymenum)
clypeatus -a -um, clypeolus -a -um like a Roman shield
Clypeola (Clipeola) Shield (the shape of the fruit)
-cnemis, cnemi-, cnemido- -covering (ancient Greek, knhmiv, for a
greave or legging)
-cnemius -calf-of-the-leg, internodes, ancient Greek, knhmo
-cnemum -the-internode (Theophrastus used knama, knhmh tibia, for
the part of the stem between the joints)
cneorum of garlands, the Greek name for an olive-like shrub
Cnicus the Greek name, knhkov, of a thistle used in dyeing
co-, col-, con- together-, together with-, firmly[105]
coacervatus -a -um clustered, in clumps
coadunatus -a -um united, held-together
coaetaneus -a -um ageing together (leaves and flowers both senesce
together)
coagulans curdling
coarctatus -a -um pressed together, bunched, contracted
coca the name used by South American Indians
cocciferus -a -um, coccigerus -a -um bearing berries
coccineus -a -um (cochineus) crimson (the dye produced from galls on
Quercus coccifera)
Cocculus Small-berry (diminutive of kokkov)
coccum scarlet
-coccus -a -um -berried (kokkov)
Cochlearia Spoon (via latinization of German Löffelkraut, cochlear,
shape of the basal leaves)
cochlearis -is -e spoon-shaped
cochleatus -a -um twisted like a snail-shell, cochleate
cochlio-, cochlo- spiral-, twistedcocoides Cocos-like, coconut-like
Cocos from the Portuguese, coco, for monkey, the features of the
end of the fruit
Cadiaeum from a Malayan vernacular name, kodiho
-codon -bell, -mouth, kwdwn
Codonopsis Bell-like (flower shape)
coelestinus -a -um, coelestis -is -e, coelestus -a -um sky-blue, heavenly
coeli- sky-blue-, heavenlycoeli-rosa rose of heaven
coelo- hollow-, koilov
Coelocaryon Hollow-nut (the cavity in the seed)
Coeloglossum Hollow-tongue (the lip of the flower)
coen-, coenos- commoncoerulescens bluish
coeruleus -a -um blue
Coffea from the Arabic name
[106]
coggygria the ancient Greek name for Cotinus
cognatus -a -um closely related to
Coix the ancient Greek name, kwhx, for Job’s tears grass
Cola from the Mende, West African name, ngolo
Colchicum Colchis, a Black Sea port, used by Dioscorides as a name
for C. speciosum
colchicus -a -um from Colchis, the Caucasian area once famous for
poisons
coleatus -a -um sheath-like
coleo- sheath-, koleov
Coleus Sheath (the filaments around the style)
coliandrus -a -um coriander-like
coll-, -collis -is -e -necked
Colletia for Philibert Collet (1643–1718), French botanist
collinus -a -um of the hills, growing on hills
colocynthis ancient Greek name, kolokinquv, for the cucurbit
Citrullus colocynthis
colombinus -a -um dove-like
colonus -a -um forming a mound, humped
colorans, coloratus -a -um, -color coloured
colubrinus -a -um snake-like
columbarius -a -um, columbrinus -a -um dove-like, dove-coloured, of
doves, pigeon’s
Columella for the 1st century Roman writer on agriculture
columellaris -is -e having or forming small pillars
columnaris -is -e pillar-like, columnar
Columnea for Fabio Colonna of Naples (1567–1650), publisher of
Phytobasanos
colurna the ancient name for Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna)
-colus -a -um -loving, -inhabiting, -dwelling (follows a place or
habitat)
Colutea an ancient Greek name, koloutea, used by Theophrastus
for a tree
com- with-, together with[107]
comans, comatus -a -um hairy-tufted, hair-like
Comarum from Theophrastus’ name, komarov, for the strawberry
tree (their similar fruits)
comaureus -a -um with golden hair, golden-haired
Combretodendron Combretum-like-tree
Combretum a name used by Pliny for an undetermined climbing plant
Commelina for Caspar Commelijn (1667–1731), Dutch botanist
commixtus -a -um mixed together, mixed up
communis -is -e growing in clumps, gregarious, common
commutatus -a -um changed, altered (e.g. from previous inclusion in
another species)
comorensis -is -e from Comoro Islands, off Mozambique, East Africa
comosus -a -um shaggy-tufted, with tufts formed from hairs or leaves
or flowers, long-haired
compactus -a -um close-growing, closely packed together, dense
compar well-matched
complanatus -a -um flattened out upon the ground
complexus -a -um encircled, embraced
compositus -a -um with flowers in a head, Aster-flowered, compound
compressus -a -um flattened sideways (as in stems), pressed together
Comptonia for Henry Compton (1632–1713), bishop of Oxford
comptus -a -um ornamented, with a head-dress
con- with-, together withconcatenans, concatenatus -a -um joined together, forming a chain
concavus -a -um basin-shaped, concave
conchae-, conchi- shell-, shell-likeconchifolius -a -um with shell-shaped leaves
concinnus -a -um well-proportioned, neat, elegant, well-puttogether
concolor uniformly-coloured, coloured similarly
condensatus -a -um crowded together
conduplicatus -a -um twice-pleated, double-folded (e.g. aestivation of
Convolvulus)
condylodes knobbly, with knuckle-like bumps, kondulov
[108]
confertus -a -um crowded, pressed-together
confluans flowing-together
confluentes from Koblenz, Germany
conformis -is -e symmetrical, conforming to type or relationship
confusus -a -um easily mistaken for another species, intricate
congestus -a -um arranged very close together, crowded
conglomeratus -a -um clustered, crowded together
conicus -a -um cone-shaped, conical
conifer -era -erum cone-bearing
conii- hemlock-like, resembling Conium
Conium the Greek name, kwneion, for hemlock plant and poison
conjugalis -is -e, conjugatus -a -um joined together in pairs, conjugate
conjunctus -a -um joined together
connatus -a -um united, joined
connivens converging, connivent
cono- cone-shaped-, kwnov
conoides, conoideus -a -um cone-like
Conophytum Cone-plant (its inverted conical habit)
Conopodium Cone-foot
conopseus -a -um cloudy, gnat-like
Conringia for Hermann Conring, German academic
consanguineus -a -um closely related, of the same blood
consimilis -is -e much resembling
Consolida Make-whole (the ancient Latin name from its use in
healing medicines)
consolidus -a -um stable, firm
conspersus -a -um speckled, scattered
conspicuus -a -um easily seen, marked, conspicuous
constrictus -a -um erect, dense
contemptus -a -um despising, despised
contiguus -a -um close and touching, closely related
contorus -a -um twisted, bent
contra-, contro- againstcontractus -a -um drawn together
[109]
conterminus -a -um closely related, close in habit or appearance
contortus -a -um twisted
controversus -a -um doubtful, controversial
Convallaria Of-the-valley (the natural habitat of lily-of-the-valley)
convalliodorus -a -um lily-of-the-valley-scented
conversus -a -um turning towards, turning together
convexus -a -um humped, bulged outwards, convex
convolutus -a -um rolled together
Convolvulus Interwoven (a name in Pliny)
Conyza a name, konuza, used by Theophrastus
copallinus -a -um from a Mexican name, yielding copal-gum
cophocarpus -a -um basket-fruited
copiosus -a -um abundant, copious
Coprosma Dung-smelling (the odour of the plant)
copticus -a -um from Coptos, near Thebes, Egyptian
coracensis -is -e from Korea, Korean
coracinus -a -um raven-black
coralliferus -a -um coral-bearing
corallinus -a -um, corallioides coral-red, korallion, coral-like
Corallorhiza Coral-root (the rhizomes)
corbariensis -is -e from Corbières, France
corbularia like a small basket
Corchorus the Greek name for jute
cordatus -a -um, cordi- heart-shaped, cordate (see Fig. 6(e))
cordiacus -a -um cordial
cordifolius -a -um with heart-shaped leaves
Cordyline Club (kordule), some have large club-shaped roots
coreanus -a -um from Korea, Korean
Corema Broom (Greek name suggested by the bushy habit)
Coreopsis Bug-like (koriv) the shape of the fruits
coriaceus -a -um tough, leathery, thick-leaved
Coriandrum Theophrastus’ name, koriandron, for C. sativum
Coriaria Leather (corium leather) used in tanning
coriarius -a -um of tanning, leather-like, of the tanner
[110]
corid- Coris-like
corii- leatherycoritanus -a -um resembling Coris, from the East Midlands (home of
the Coritani tribe of ancient Britons)
corneus -a -um horny
corni- horned-, horn-bearing-, Cornuscornicinus -a -um horny-skinned or coated
corniculatus -a -um having small horn- or spur-like appendages or
structures
cornifer -era -erum, corniger -era -erum, -cornis -is -e horned,
horn-bearing
cornifolius Cornus-leaved
cornubiensis -is -e from Cornwall (Cornubia), Cornish
cornucopiae horn-of-plenty, horn-full
Cornus Horn (the ancient Latin name for the cornelian cherry,
Cornus mas)
-cornus, cornutus -a -um horn-shaped, -horned
Corokia from a New Zealand Maori vernacular name
corollinus -a -um with a conspicuous corolla
Coronaria Crown-material (used in making chaplets)
coronarius -a -um garlanding, forming a crown
coronatus -a -um crowned
Coronilla Little-crown (the arrangement of the flowers)
Coronopus Theophrastus’ name, korwnh–pouv, for crowfoot
(leaf-shape)
Corrigiola Shoe-thong (the slender stems)
corrugatus -a -um wrinkled, corrugated
corsicus -a -um from Corsica, Corsican
Cortaderia Cutter (from the Spanish-Argentinian name for Cortaderia
selloana, which refers to the sharp-celled margins of the leaves)
corticalis -is -e, corticosus -a -um with a notable, pronounced or thick
bark
coryandrus -a -um with helmet-shaped stamens
Corydalis Crested-lark (the spur of the flowers)
[111]
corylinus -a -um, coryli- hazel-like, resembling Corylus
Corylopsis Hazel-resembler
Corylus Helmet (the Latin name for the hazel)
corymbosus -a -um with flowers arranged in corymbs, with a
flat-topped raceme (see Fig. 2(d))
coryne-, coryno- club-, club-likeCorynephorus Club-bearer (korunhjorov the awns)
corynephorus -a -um clubbed, bearing a club
coryph- at the summitcorys-, -corythis -is -e helmet-, -cucculate (Greek koriv)
Cosmos Beautiful (kosmov)
-cosmus -a -um -beauty, -decoration
costalis -is -e, costatus -a -um with prominent ribs, with a prominent
mid-rib
Cotinus ancient Greek name (kotinov) for a wild olive
Cotoneaster Quince-like (the leaves of some species are similar to
quince, cotoneum)
Cotula Small-cup (kotulh), the leaf arrangement
Cotyledon Cupped (the leaf shape)
coulteri for Thomas Coulter (1793–1843), Irish physician and
botanist
coum from a Hebrew name
cous Coan, from the island of Cos, Turkey
cracca name used in Pliny, for a vetch
Crambe ancient Greek name, krambh, for a cabbage-like plant
crassi- thick-, fleshycrassicaulis -is -e thick-stemmed
Crassula Succulent-little-plant (crassus thick)
crassus -a -um thick, fleshy
Crataegus Strong (the name, krataiov, used by Theophrastus), the
timber
Crataeva for Crateva, an ancient Greek botanist
Crateranthus Bowl-flower (the shape of the corolla tube)
[112]
crateri-, cratero- strong-, goblet-shaped-, a cup
crateriformis -is -e goblet- or cup-shaped, with a shallow concavity
creber -ra -rum, crebri- densely clustered, frequently
crenati-, crenatus -a -um with small rounded teeth (the leaf margins,
see Fig. 4(a))
crepidatus -a -um sandal- or slipper-shaped
Crepis a name, krhpiv, used by Theophrastus, meaning not clear
crepitans rattling (as the seeds in the pod of the sandbox tree, Hura
crepitans), rustling
Crescentia for Pietro de Crescenzi (1230–1321), of Bologna
cretaceus -a -um of chalk, inhabiting chalky soils
creticus -a -um from Crete, Cretan
crini- hair-, criniscriniger -era -erum carrying hairs
Crinitaria Long-hair (the inflorescence)
crinitus -a -um with long soft hairs
Crinodendron Lily-tree (krinon), floral similarity
Crinum Lily (krinon)
crispatus -a -um closely waved, curled
crispus -a -um with a waved or curled margin
crista-galli cock’s comb (the crested bracts)
cristatus -a -um tassel-like at the tips, crested
Crithmum Barley (the similarity of the seed) kriqh
croaticus -a -um from Croatia
crocatus -a -um citron-yellow, saffron-like (used in dyeing)
croceus -a -um saffron-coloured, yellow
Crocosmia Saffron-scented (the dry flowers) krokov–osmh
crocosmifolius -a -um with Crocosmia-like leaves
Crocus Saffron, from the Chaldean name
Crossandra Fringed-anther (krossov)
Crotalaria Rattle (seeds loose in the inflated pods of some)
Croton Tick (the seeds of some look like ticks)
Crotonogyne Female-Croton
[113]
Crucianella Little-cross (= Phuopsis)
Cruciata Cross (Dodoens’ name refers to the arrangement of the
leaves)
cruciatus -a -um arranged cross-wise (leaf arrangement)
crucifer -era -erum cross-bearing, cruciform
cruentatus -a -um stained with red, bloodied
cruentus -a -um blood-coloured, bloody, blood-red
crumenatus -a -um pouched
crura, cruris legged, leg, shin
crus leg, shin
crus-andrae St Andrew’s cross
crus-galli cock’s spur or leg
crus-maltae, crux-maltae Maltese cross
crustatus -a -um encrusted
cruzianua -a -um from Santa Cruz
crypt-, crypto- obscurely-, hidden-, kruptov
Cryptanthus Hidden-flower, the concealed flowers of Earth star
Cryptogramma(e) Hidden-lines (kruptov–grammh), the concealed
lines of sori
Cryptomeria Hidden-parts (the inconspicuous male cones)
crystallinus -a -um with a glistening surface, as though covered with
crystals
Ctenanthe Comb-flower, the bracteate flower-head
Ctenitis Little-comb kteiv, ktenov
Ctenium Comb (the one-sided, awned, spike-like inflorescence)
cteno-, ctenoides comb-like-, comb- (kteinov)
Ctenolophon Comb-crest (the comb-like aril of the seed)
cubeba a local vernacular name
cubitalis -is -e a cubit tall (the length of the forearm plus the hand)
Cucurbita the Latin name for the bottle-gourd, Lagenaria
Cucubalus a name in Pliny
cuculi of the cuckoo
cucullaris -is -e, cucullatus -a -um hood-like, hooded
cucumerinus -a -um resembling cucumber, cucumber-like
[114]
cucurbitinus -a -um melon- or marrow-like, gourd-like
cujete a Brazilian name
culinaris of food, of the kitchen
cultoris, cultorus -a -um of gardeners, of gardens
cultratus -a -um, cultriformis -is -e shaped like a knife-blade
cultus -a -um cultivated, grown
-culus -a -um -lesser
cumulatus -a -um piled-up, enlarged, perfect
-cundus -a -um -dependable, -able
cuneatus -a -um, cuneiformis -is -e narrow below and wide above,
wedge-shaped
Cunninghamia for J. Cunningham, discoverer in 1702 of C. lanceolata
in Chusan, China
Cunonia for J.C. Cuno (1708–1780), Dutch naturalist
Cuphea Curve (kujov), the fruiting capsule’s shape
cupreatus -a -um coppery, bronzed
cupressinus -a -um, cupressoides cypress-like, resembling Cupressus
Cupressus Symmetry (the conical shape), in mythology Apollo
turned Kypressos into an evergreen tree
cupreus -a -um copper-coloured, coppery
cupularis -is -e cup-shaped
curassavicus -a -um from Curaçao, West Indies
curcas ancient Latin name for Jatropha
Curculigo Weevil (the beak of the fruit)
Curcuma the Arabic name for turmeric
curti-, curto-, curtus -a -um shortened-, short
curtisiliquus -a -um short-podded
curvatus -a -um, curvi- curved
curvidens with curved teeth
Cuscuta the medieval name for dodder
cuspidatus -a -um, cuspidi- abruptly narrowed into a short rigid point
(cusp), cuspidate
cutispongeus -a -um spongy-barked (Polyscias cutispongea is the
Sponge-bark tree)
[115]
cyaneus -a -um, cyano- Prussian-blue, kuaneov dark-blue
Cyanotis Blue-ear
cyanus blue (an old generic name)
Cyathea Little-cup (the basin-like indusium around the sorus)
cyathophorus -a -um cup-bearing
cybister tumbler-shaped
Cycas Theophrastus’ name, koikav, for an unknown palm
Cyclamen Circle (the twisted fruiting stalk)
cyclamineus -a -um resembling Cyclamen
cycl-, cyclo- circle-, circularcyclius -a -um round, circular
cyclops gigantic (one-eyed giants of Greek mythology)
cydoni-, cydoniae- Cydonia-, quinceCydonia the Latin name for an ‘apple’ tree from Cydon, Crete
cylindricus -a -um, cylindro- long and round, cylindrical
Cymbalaria Cymbal (kumbalon), the peltate leaves
cymbalarius -a -um cymbal-like (the leaves of toadflax)
cymbi-, cymbidi- boat-shaped-, boat- (kumbe)
Cymbidium Boat-like (the hollow recess in the lip)
cymbiformis -is -e boat-shaped
Cymbopogon Bearded-cup
cymimum an old generic name, cumin
cymosus -a -um having flowers borne in a cyme (see Fig. 3(a–d))
cynanchicus -a -um of quinsy (literally dog-throttling, kunagcw),
from its former medicinal use
cynanchoides resembling Cynanchum
Cynanchum Dog-strangler (some are poisonous)
Cynapium Dog-parsley (implying inferiority)
cyno- dog-, kuwn (usually has derogatory undertone, implying
inferiority)
cynobatifolius -a -um eglantine-leaved
cynoctonus -a -um dog’s-bane
Cynodon Dog-tooth (the form of the spikelets)
Cynoglossum Hound’s-tongue
[116]
cynops the ancient Greek name, kuwnopv, for a plantain
Cynosurus Dog-tail
cyparissias cypress-leaved (used in Pliny for a spurge)
Cyperus the Greek name, kupeirov, for several species
Cypripedium Aphrodite’s-slipper (Kypris was a name for Aphrodite
or Venus)
Cyrilla for Dominica Cyrillo (1734–1799), Professor of Medicine at
Naples
cyrt- curved-, arched- (kurtov)
Cyrtogonone an anagram of Crotonogyne, a related genus
Cyrtomiun Bulged, kurtwma (the leaflets)
cyst-, cysti-, cysto- hollow-, pouchedCystopteris Bladder-fern (kustiv), from the inflated-looking
indusia
Cytisus the Greek name, kutisov, for a clover-like plant
Daboecia (Dabeocia) for St Dabeoc, Welsh missionary to Ireland
Dacrydium Little-tear (dakrudion), its exudation of small resin
droplets
dactyl-, dactylo-, -dactylis, dactyloides finger-, daktulov, finger-likeDactylis Grape-bunch (the inflorescence)
Dactylorchis Finger orchid (the arrangement of the root-tubers)
Dahlia for Anders Dahl, who studied under Linnaeus
dahuricus -a -um, dauricus -a -um, davuricus -a -um from Dauria, NE
Asia, near Chinese border
dalmaticus -a -um from Dalmatia, eastern Adriatic, Dalmatian
damascenus -a -um from Damascus, coloured like Rosa damascena
Damasonium a name in Pliny for Alisma
Danaë after the daughter of Acrisius Persius, in Greek mythology
Danaea (Danaa) for J.P.M. Dana (1734–1801), Italian botanist
danfordiae for Mrs C.G. Danford
danicus -a -um from Denmark, Danish
Danthonia for Etienne Danthoine, student of the grasses of
Provence, France
[117]
(c)
(a)
(b)
pedicels
bracts
(d)
peduncle
(e)
Fig. 2. Types of inflorescence which provide specific epithets.
(a) A spike (e.g. Actaea spicata L. and Phyteuma spicatum L.);
(b) a raceme (e.g. Bromus racemosus L. and Sambucus racemosa L.);
(c) a panicle (e.g. Carex paniculata L. and Centaurea paniculata L.);
(d) a corymb (e.g. Silene corymbifera Bertol. and Teucrium corymbosum R.Br.);
(e) an umbel (e.g. Holosteum umbellatum L. and Butomus umbellatus L.).
In these inflorescences the oldest flowers are attached towards the base
and the youngest towards the apex.
[118]
danuviensis -is -e from the upper Danube
Daphne old name for bay-laurel, from that of a Dryad nymph in
Greek mythology
Daphniphyllum Daphne-leaved
daphnoides resembling Daphne
Darlingtonia for C.D. Darlington, cytologist and Professor of Botany
at Oxford
Darmera for Darmer (formerly Peltiphyllum peltatum)
Darwinia for Dr Erasmus Darwin (1731–1802), author of The
Botanic Garden and grandfather of Charles R. Darwin (1809–1882)
darwinii for Charles Robert Darwin (1809–1882), naturalist and
evolutionist, author of The Orig in of Species by means of Natural
Selection
dasy- thick-, thickly-hairy-, woolly-, dasuv
dasyclados shaggy-twigged
Dasylepis Thick-scales (the clustered scales on the stout pedicels)
dasyphyllus -a -um thick-leaved
-dasys -hairy
dasytrichus -a -um thickly haired
Datura from an Indian vernacular name
dauci- carrot-like, resembling Daucus
Daucus the Latin name for a carrot
Davallia for Edmond Davall (1763–1798), Swiss botanist
Davidia, davidii, davidianus -a -um for l’Abbé Armand David
(1826–1900), collector of Chinese plants
de- downwards-, outwards-, fromdealbatus -a -um with a white powdery covering, white-washed,
whitened
debilis -is -e weak, feeble, frail
dec-, deca-, decem- ten-, tenfoldDecaisnea for Joseph Decaisne (1809–1882), French botanist
decalvans balding, becoming hairless
decandrus -a -um ten-stamened
deciduus -a -um not persisting beyond one season, deciduous
[119]
decipiens deceiving, deceptive
declinatus -a -um turned aside, curved downwards
Decodon Ten-teeth (from the horn-like processes in the calyx
sinuses)
decolorans staining, discolouring
decompositus -a -um divided more than once (leaf structure),
decompound
decoratus -a -um, decorus -a -um handsome, elegant, decorous
decorticans, decorticus -a -um with shedding bark
decumanus -a -um (decimanus) very large (literally, one tenth of a
division of Roman soldiers)
Decumaria Ten-partite (the number of floral parts)
decumbens prostrate with tips turned up, decumbent
decurrens running down, decurrent (e.g. the bases of leaves down
the stem)
decussatus -a -um at right-angles, decussate (as when the leaves are in
two alternating ranks)
deficiens weakening, becoming less, deficient
deflexus -a -um bent sharply backwards
defloratus -a -um without flowers, shedding its flowers
deformis -is -e misshapen, deformed
dehiscens splitting open, gaping, dehiscent
dejectus -a -um debased, low-lying
delavayanus -a -um, delavayi for l’Abbé Jean Marie Delavay
(1834–1895), French missionary and collector of plants in China
delectus -a -um choice, chosen
delicatissimus -a -um most charming, most delicate
deliciosus -a -um of pleasant flavour, delicious
Delonix Conspicuous-claw (on the petals)
delphicus -a -um from Delphi, central Greece, Delphic
delphinensis -is -e from Delphi
Delphinium Dolphin (the name, deljinon, used by Dioscorides)
deltoides, deltoideus -a -um trianglular-shaped, deltoid
demersus -a -um underwater, submerged
[120]
demissus -a -um hanging down, low, weak, dwarf
dendr-, dendri-, dendro-, -dendron (-dendrum) tree-, tree-like-, on treesDendranthema Tree-flower (woody Chrysanthemum)
dendricolus -a -um tree-dwelling
Dendrobium Tree-dweller (epiphytic)
dendroideus -a -um, dendromorphus -a -um tree-like
densatus -a -um, densi-, densus -a -um crowded, close, dense (habit of
stem growth)
dens-canis dog’s tooth
dens-leonis lion’s tooth
Dentaria Toothwort (the signature of the scales upon the roots)
dentatus -a -um, dentosus -a -um having teeth, with outward-pointing
teeth, dentate (see Fig. 4(b))
dentifer -era -erum tooth-bearing
denudatus -a -um hairy or downy but becoming naked, denuded
deodarus -a -um from the Indian state of Deodar (gift of God)
deorsus -a -um downwards, hanging
deorum of the gods
depauperatus -a -um imperfectly formed, dwarfed, of poor
appearance, impoverished
dependens hanging down, pendent
depressus -a -um flattened downwards, depressed
derelictus -a -um abandoned, neglected
deremensis -is -e from Derema, Tanzania
-dermis -is -a -skin, -outer-surface
descendens downwards (flowering)
Deschampsia for the French naturalist M.H. Deschamps
Descurania (Descurainia) for Francois Descourain (1658–1740),
French physician
deserti-, desertorus -a -um, desertoris -is -e of deserts
desma- bundleDesmanthus Bundle-flower (the appearance of the inflorescence)
Desmazeria (Demazeria) for J.B.H. Desmazières (1796–1862), French
botanist
[121]
Desmodium Jointed-one (the lobed fruits)
detergens delaying
detersus -a -um wiped clean
detonsus -a -um shaved, bald
deustus -a -um burned
Deutzia for Johannes van der Deutz (1743–1788), Thunberg’s
patron
dextrorsus -a -um twining anticlockwise upwards as seen from
outside
di-, dia-, dis- two- (div), twice-, between-, away from-, different
dia- through-, acrossdiabolicus -a -um slanderous, two-horned, devilish
diacritus -a -um distinguished, separated
diadema, diadematus -a -um band or fillet, crown, crown-like
dialy- very deeply incised-, separateddiandrus -a -um two-stamened
Dianthus Jove’s-flower (a name, diosanqov, used by Theophrastus)
Diapensia formerly an ancient Greek name for sanicle but re-applied
by Linnaeus
diaphanoides resembling Hieracium diaphanum (in leaf form)
diaphanus -a -um transparent (leaves)
Dicentra Twice-spurred (the two-spurred flowers)
dicha-, dicho- double-, into twoDichaetanthera Two-spurred-stamens (the two spurs below the
anthers)
Dichapetalum Two-fold-petals (the petals are deeply bifid)
Dichondra Two-lumped (the two-lobed ovary)
Dichorisandra Two-separated-men (two of the stamens diverge from
the remainder)
Dichostemma Twice-wreathed (two bracts cover the flower heads)
dichotomus -a -um repeatedly divided into two equal portions,
equal-branched
dichrano- two-brancheddichranotrichus -a -um with two-pointed hairs
[122]
dichroanthus -a -um with two-coloured flowers
dichromatus -a -um, dichromus -a -um, dichrous -a -um of two colours,
two-coloured
Dicksonia for James Dickson (1738–1822), British nurseryman and
botanist
dicoccus -a -um having paired nuts, two-berried
Dicranium Double-headed (the peristome teeth are bifid)
Dictamnus from Mt Dicte, Crete
dictyo-, dictyon netted-, -net (diktuon)
dictyocarpus -a -um netted-fruit
didymo-, didymus -a -um twin-, twinned-, double-, equally-divided,
in pairs, didumov
Didymochlaena Twin-cloak (indusia attached at centre and base but
free at sides and apex)
dielsianus -a -um, dielsii for F.L.E. Diels (1874–1945), of the Berlin
Botanic Garden
Dierama Funnel (dierama) the shape of the perianth
Diervilla for Dièreville, French surgeon and traveller in Canada
during 1699–1700
difformis -is -e, diformis -is -e of unusual form or shape, irregular
diffusus -a -um loosely spreading, diffuse
Digitalis Thimble (from the German ‘Fingerhut’)
Digitaria Fingered (the radiating spikes)
digitatus -a -um fingered, hand-like, lobed from one point, digitate
Digraphis, digraphis -is -e Twice-inscribed, with lines of two colours
dilatatus -a -um, dilatus -a -um widened, spread out, dilated
dilectus -a -um precious, valuable
dilutus -a -um washed, pale
dimidiatus -a -um with two equal parts, dimidiate
diminutus -a -um very small
dimorpho-, dimorphus -a -um two-shaped, with two forms (of leaf or
flower or fruit)
Dimorphotheca Two-kinds-of-container (the fruits vary in shape)
dinaricus -a -um from the Dinaric Alps
[123]
diodon two-toothed
dioicus -a -um of two houses, having separate male and female
plants, div–oikov
Dionaea synonymous with Venus
Dioscorea for Pedanios Dioscorides of Anazarbeus, Greek military
physician
Diosma Divine-fragrance
Diospyros Divine-fruit (Jove’s-fruit, edible fruit)
Diotis Two-ears (the spurs of the corolla)
Dipcadi from an oriental name for Muscari
Dipelta Twice-shielded (the capsules are included between
persistent bracts)
diphyllus -a -um two-leaved
Diplachne Double-chaff
Diplazium Duplicate (the double indusium)
Diplopappus Double-down
Diplotaxis Two-positions (diploov–taxiv, the two-ranked seeds)
diplotrichus -a -um, diplothrix having two kinds of hairs
dipsaceus -a -um teasel-like, resembling Dipsacus
Dipsacus Dropsy, diyakov (analogy of the water-collecting
leaf-bases)
diptero-, dipterus -a -um two-winged
Dipteronia Twice-winged (the two-winged carpels of the fruits)
dipyrenus -a -um two-fruited, two-stoned
Dirca an ancient Greek name from mythology
dis- two-, different
Disanthus Two-flowers (the paired flowers)
Discaria Discoid (the prominent disc)
discerptus -a -um disc-like, discoid
disci-, disco- discdiscipes with a disc-like stalk
Discoglypremna Engraved-disc-shrub (the flowers have a deeply
segmented disc)
discoides discoid
[124]
discolor of different colours, two-coloured
disermas with two-glumes
disjunctus -a -um separated, not grown together, disjunct
dispar unequal, different
dispersus -a -um scattered
dissectus -a -um (disectus) cut into many deep lobes
dissimilis -is -e unlike
dissitiflorus -a -um with flowers not in compact heads
Dissomeria Two-fold-parts (the petals are twice as many as the sepals)
distachyon, distachyus -a -um two-branched, two-spiked, with two
spikes
distans widely separated, distant
distichus -a -um in two opposed ranks (leaves or flowers)
distillatorius -a -um shedding drops, of the distillers
distortus -a -um malformed, grotesque, distorted
Distylium Two-styles (the conspicuous, separate styles)
distylus -a -um two-styled
diurnus -a -um lasting for one day, day-flowering, of the day
diutinus -a -um, diuturnus -a -um long-lasting
divaricatus -a -um wide-spreading, straggling, divaricate
divensis -is -e from Chester (Deva)
divergens spreading out, wide-spreading, divergent
diversi-, diversus -a -um differing-, variable-, diverselydivionensis -is -e from Dijon, France
divisus -a -um divided
divulsus -a -um torn violently apart
divus -a -um belonging to the gods
Dizygotheca Two-yoked-case (the four-lobed anthers)
Docynia an anagram of Cydonia
dodec-, dodeca- twelveDodecatheon Twelve-gods (an ancient name)
Dodonaea for Rembert Dodoens (Dodonaeus) (1518–1585),
physician and botanical writer
dolabratus -a -um axed, axe-shaped
[125]
dolabriformis -is -e hatchet-shaped
dolicho- long- (dolicov)
Dolichos the ancient Greek name, dolicov, for long-podded beans
dolichostachyus -a -um long-spiked
dolobratus -a -um hatchet-shaped, see dolabratus
-dolon -net, -snare, -trap
dolosus -a -um deceitful
domesticus -a -um of the household
donax an old Greek name, donax, for a reed
Doritis Lance-like (the long lip of the corolla)
Doronicum from an Arabic name, doronigi
Dorotheanthus Dorothea-flower (for Dr Schwantes’ mother,
Dorothea)
dorsi-, -dorsus -a -um on the back-, -backed, outside (outer curve of a
curved structure)
dortmanna for Herr Dortmann (c. 1640)
-dorus -a -um -bag-shaped, -bag
dory- spear- (doru)
Dorycnium ancient Greek name, doruknion, for a Convolvulus
re-applied by Dioscorides
Doryopteris Spear-fern
Douglasia, douglasii for David Douglas (1798–1834), plant collector
in the American North-west for the RHS
-doxa -glory
Draba a name, drabh, used by Dioscorides for Lepidium draba
drabae-, drabi- Draba-like
Dracaena Female-dragon (drakaina)
dracontius -a -um dragon-like
Dracunculus Little-dragon (a name used by Pliny)
drepanus -a -um, drepano- sickle-shaped
Drepanocarpus Curved-fruit (Leopard’s claw)
Drepanocladus Curved-branch (the arched lateral branches)
drepanus -a -um from a town in Western Sicily
Drimia Acrid (the pungent juice from the roots)
[126]
drimyphilus -a -um salt-loving, halophytic
Drimys Acrid (drimuv), the taste of the bark
Drosanthemum Dewy-flower (glistens with epidermal hairs)
Drosera Dew (the glistening glandular hairs)
drucei for George Claridge Druce (1859–1932), British botanist
drupaceus -a -um stone-fruited with a fleshy or leathery pericarp,
drupe-like
Dryas Oak-nymph, druav (the leaf shape), one of the mythological
tree nymphs or Dryads
drymo- wood-, woodydryophyllus -a -um oak-leaved
Dryopteris Oak-nymph-fern (druopteriv), Dioscorides’ name for a
woodland fern
Drypetes Stone-fruits (the hard seeds)
dubius -a -um uncertain, doubtful
Duchesnea for Antoine Nicolas Duchesne (1747–1827), French
botanist
dulcamara bitter-sweet
dulcis -is -e sweet-tasted, mild
dumalis -is -e, dumosus -a -um compact, thorny, bushy
dumetorum of bushy habitats, of thickets
dumnoniensis -is -e from Devon, Devonian
dumosus -a -um thorn-bushy, scrubby
dunensis -is -e of sand-dunes
duplex, duplicatus -a -um growing in pairs, double, duplicate
duplicatus -a -um double, folded, twinned
duploserratus -a -um twice-serrate, with toothed teeth
duracinus -a -um hard-fruited, hard-berried, harsh-tasting
Durio from the Malaysian name for the fruit
durior, durius harder
duriusculus -a -um rather hard or rough
durmitoreus -a -um from the Durmitor Mountains, former Yugoslavia
durus -a -um hard, hardy
Durvillaea for J.S.C.D. d’Urville (1790–1842), French naval officer
[127]
Dyckia for Prince Salms Dyck (1773–1861), German writer on
succulents
dys- poor-, ill-, bad-, difficultDyschoriste Poorly-divided (the stigma)
dysentericus -a -um of dysentery (medicinal treatment for)
dyso- evil-smellingDysodea Evil-scented
e-, ef-, ex- without-, not-, from out of- (privative)
ebenaceus -a -um ebony-like
ebenus -a -um ebony-black
eboracensis -is -e from York (Eboracum)
eborinus -a -um ivory-like, ivory-white
ebracteatus -a -um without bracts
Ebulus a name in Pliny for danewort
eburneus -a -um ivory-white with yellow tinge
ecae for Mrs E.C. Aitchison
ecalcaratus -a -um without a spur, spurless
Ecballium Expeller (the sensitive fruit of the squirting cucumber
throws out, ekballw, its seeds when touched)
ecbolius -a -um shooting out, cathartic
eccremo- pendent (ekkremev)
Eccremocarpus Hanging-fruit (ekkremov hanging)
Echeveria for Athanasio Echeverria y Godoy, one of the illustrators
of Flora Mexicana
echinatus -a -um, echino- covered with prickles, hedgehog-like,
ecinov
Echinocactus Hedgehog-cactus
Echinocereus Hedgehog-Cereus
Echinochloa Hedgehog-grass (the awns)
Echinodorus Hedgehog-bag (the fruiting heads of some species)
Echinopanax Hedgehog-Panax
Echinops Hedgehog-resembler
[128]
echioides resembling Echium
Echium Viper (a name, ecion, used by Dioscorides)
eclectus -a -um picked out, selected
ecostatus -a -um without ribs, smooth (comparative state)
ect-, ecto- on the outside-, outwardsectophloeos living on the bark of another plant
edentatus -a -um, edentulus -a -um without teeth, toothless
edinensis -is -e of Edinburgh, Scotland
editorum of the editors
edo, edoensis from Tokyo (formerly Edo)
Edraianthus Sessile-flower (edraiov sitting)
edulis -is -e of food, edible
effusus -a -um spread out, very loose-spreading, unrestrained
Eglanteria, eglanterius -a -um from a French name (eglantois or
eglanties)
Ehretia for G.D. Ehret (1710–1770), botanical artist
Eichhornia (Eichornia) for J.A.F. Eichhorn (1779–1856), of Prussia
elae-, elaeo- olive- (elaia)
Elaeagnus Olive-chaste-tree
Elaeis Oil (copious in the fruit of the oil-palm, Elaeis guineensis)
Elaeophorbia Olive-Euphorbia (the olive-like fruits)
elaphinus -a -um tawny, fulvous (elaji, a fawn)
elapho- stag’sElaphoglossum Stag’s-tongue (shape and texture of the fronds)
elasticus -a -um yielding an elastic substance, elastic
elaterium Greek name, elathrion, for the squirting cucumber,
driving away (squirting out seeds)
Elatine Little-fir-trees (a name, elatinh, used by Dioscorides)
elatior, elatius taller
elatus -a -um exalted, tall, high
electus -a -um select
elegans, elegantulus -a -um graceful, elegant
eleo- marsh (elwdhv) cf. heleo-
[129]
Eleocharis (Heleocharis) Marsh-favour
Eleogiton (Heleogiton) Marsh-neighbour (in analogy with
Potamogeton)
elephantidens elephant’s tooth
elephantipes like an elephant’s foot (appearance of the stem or tuber)
elephantus -a -um of the elephants
elephas elephantine
Eleusine from Eleusis, Greece
eleuther-, eleuthero- free- (eleuqerov)
eleutherantherus -a -um with stamens not united but free
Elisma a variant of Alisma
Elliottia for Stephen Elliott (1771–1830), American botanist, author
of Flora of South Carolina
elliottii for either G.M. Scott-Elliott, botanist in Sierra Leone and
Madagascar, or Capt. Elliott, plant grower of Farnborough Park,
Hants
ellipsoidalis -is -e ellipsoidal (a solid of oval profile)
ellipticus -a -um about twice as long as broad, oblong with rounded
ends, elliptic
-ellus -ella -ellum -lesser (diminutive ending), -ish
Elodea Marsh (growing in water)
elodes as helodes, of bogs and marshes (elwdhv)
elongatus -a -um lengthened out, elongated
Elsholtzia for Johann Sigismund Elsholtz (1623–1688), Prussian
botanical writer
Elymus Hippocrates’ name, elumov, for a millet-like grass
elytri- coveringem-, en- in-, into-, within-, for-, notemarcidus -a -um limp, flaccid, withered
emarginatus -a -um notched at the apex (see Fig. 7(h))
emasculus -a -um without functional stamens
emblica an old generic name
Embothrium In-little-pits (en–boqrion) position of its anthers
emeritensis -is -e from Merida
[130]
emersus -a -um rising out (of the water)
emerus from an early Italian name for a vetch
emeticus -a -um causing vomiting, emetic
eminens noteworthy, outstanding, prominent
Emmenopteris Enduring (emmenhv)
emodensis -is -e, emodi from the western Himalayas, ‘Mt Emodus’,
N India
Empetrum On-rocks (Dioscorides’ name, empetrov, refers to the
habitat)
enantio- opposite-, enantiovEnantia Opposite (the one-seeded carpels contrasted to the usual
state)
Enarthocarpus Jointed-fruit, enarqrov–karpov
enatus -a -um sprung-up (an organ from another, e.g. the coronna of
Narcissus)
Encephalartos In-a-head-bread (farinaceous centre of the stem yields
sago, as in sago-palms)
encephalo- in a headenculatus -a -um hooded
end-, endo- internal-, inside-, withinendivia ancient Latin name for chicory (see Intybus)
Endodesmia Inside-bundle (the cup-like arrangement of the united
stamens)
Endymion Selen’s (Diana’s) lover, of Greek mythology
enervis -is -e, enervius -a -um destitute of veins, apparently lacking
nerves (veins)
Englera, Englerastrum, Englerella for Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler
(1844–1930), director of Berlin, Dahlem Botanic Garden
enki- -swollenEnkianthus Pregnant-flower (enkuos), the coloured involucre full of
flowers
ennea- nineenneagonus -a -um nine-angled
ensatus -a -um, ensi-, ensiformis -is -e sword-shaped (leaves)
[131]
-ensis -is -e -belonging to, -from, -of (after the name of a place)
entero- intestineento-, endo- on the inside-, inwards-, withinentomo- insectentomophilus -a -um of insects, insect-loving
ep-, epi- upon-, on-, over-, somewhatEpacris Upon-the-summit (some live on hilltops)
Ephedra from an ancient Greek name, ejedrh, used in Pliny for
Hippuris (morphological similarity)
ephemerus -a -um transient, ephemeral
ephesius -a -um from Ephesus, Turkey, site of the temple to Diana
epi- upon-, on-, epi
Epidendron (um) Tree-dweller (the epiphytic habit)
Epigaea, epigaeus -a -um Ground-lover (gaia)
epigeios, epigejos of dry earth, from dry habitats, epigeiov
epihydrus -a -um of the water surface
epilinus -a -um parasitic on flax, on Linum
Epilobium Gesner’s name indicating the positioning of the corolla on
top of the ovary
Epimedium the name, epimhdion, used by Dioscorides
Epipactis a name, epipaktiv, used by Theophrastus
epiphyllus -a -um upon the leaf (flowers or buds)
epiphyticus -a -um growing upon another plant
Epipog ium (Epipogon) Over-beard (the lip of the ghost-orchid is
uppermost)
Epipremnum On-trees (premnon a tree stump)
epipsilus -a -um somewhat naked (the sparse foliage of Begonia
epipsila)
epipterus -a -um on a wing (fruits)
epiroticus -a -um from the Epirus district of NW Greece
Episcia Shaded (episkiov)
epistomius -a -um snouted (flowers)
epiteius -a -um annual
epithymoides thyme-like
[132]
epithymum upon thyme (parasitic)
equestris -is -e of horses or horsemen, equestrian
equi-, equalis -is -e equalequinoctialis -is -e of the equinox, opening at a particular hour of the
day
equinus of the horse
Equisetum Horse-hair (a name in Pliny for a horsetail)
equitans astride, as on horseback (leaf bases of some monocots,
e.g. Iris)
Eragrostis Love-grass (erov)
Eranthemum Beautiful-flower
Eranthis Spring-flower (early flowering season)
erba-rotta red-herb (Achillea)
erectus -a -um upright, erect
erem- desert- (erhmia)
eremo- solitary- (erhmov)
eremophilus -a -um desert-loving, living in desert conditions
Eremurus Solitary-tail (the long raceme)
eri-, erio- woolly- (erion)
Erica Pliny’s version of an ancient Greek name, ereikh, used by
Theophrastus
ericetorum of heathland
ericinus -a -um, ericoides, erici- heath-like, resembling Erica
erigens rising-up (for horizontal branches which turn up at the end)
erigenus -a -um Irish-born
Erigeron Early-old-man (Theophrastus’ name, erio-geron)
Erinacea, erinaceus -a -um Prickly-one
Erinus Dioscorides’ name, erinov, for an early flowering basil-like
plant
erio-, eryo- woolly-, erionEriobotrya Woolly-cluster (heads of small flowers almost hidden by
the indumentum)
Eriocaulon Woolly-stem
Eriogonum Wool-joints (the hairy jointed stems)
[133]
Eriophorum Wool-bearer (cotton grass)
eriophorus -a -um bearing wool
Erisma Support
Erismadelphus Brother-of-Erisma (related to Erisma)
eristhales very luxuriant, Eristhalis-like
erithri-, erithro- red- (see erythro-)
ermineus -a -um ermine-coloured, white broken with yellow
Erodium Heron, erwdiov (the shape of the fruit)
Erophila Spring-lover, ear–jilov
erosus -a -um jagged, as if nibbled irregularly, erose
erraticus -a -um differing from the type, of no fixed habitat
-errimus -a -um -est, -very, -the most (superlative)
erromenus -a -um vigorous, strong, robust
erubescens blushing, turning red
Eruca Belch (the ancient Latin name for colewort)
Erucastrum Eruca-flowered
Ervum the Latin name for a vetch, called Orobus by Theophrastus
Eryngium Theophrastus’ name, hruggion, for a spiny-leaved plant
Erysimum a name, erusimon, used by Theophrastus
Erythea for the daughter of night and the dragon Lado of
mythology, one of the Hesperides
erythraeus -a -um, erythro- red, eruqrov
Erythronium Red (flower colours)
Erythroxylon (um) Red-wood
Erythrina Red (the flowers of some species)
Escallonia for the Spanish South American traveller named Escallon
Eschscholzia (Eschscholtzia) for Johann Friedrich Eschscholtz
(1793–1831), traveller and naturalist
-escens -becoming, -ish, -becoming more
esculentus -a -um fit to eat, edible by humans, esculent
estriatus -a -um without stripes
esula an old generic name from Rufinus
etesiae annual (applied to herbaceous growth from perennial
rootstock)
[134]
-etorus -a -um -community (indicating the habitat)
etruscus -a -um from Tuscany (Etruria), Italy
ettae for Miss Etta Stainbank
eu- well-, eu-, good-, proper-, completely-, well-marked
Euadenia Well-marked-glands (the five lobes at the base of the
gynophore)
euboeus -a -um, euboicus -a -um from the Greek island of Euboea
Eucalyptus Well-covered (eu–kaluptov) the operculum of the calyx
conceals the floral parts at first
Eucharis Full-of-grace
euchlorus -a -um of beautiful green, true green
euchromus -a -um well-coloured
Euclidium Well-closed (the fruit)
Eucomis Beautiful-head
Eucommia Good-gum (some yield gutta-percha)
Eucryphia Well-covered (krujaiov) the leaves are clustered at the
branch ends
eudorus -a -um sweetly perfumed
eudoxus -a -um of good character
Eugenia for Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663–1736), patron of
botany
eugenioides Eugenia-like
Eulophia Beautiful-crest (the crests of the lip)
eulophus -a -um beautifully crested
eunuchus -a -um castrated (as in double flowers without stamens)
Euodia, euodes Fragrance
Euonymus (Evonymus) Famed (Theophrastus’ name, euwnumov)
Eupatorium for Mithridates Eupator, King of Pontus, reputedly
immune to poisons through repeated experimentation with them
upon himself
euphlebius -a -um well-veined
Euphorbia for Euphorbus, who used the latex for medicinal purposes
Euphrasia Good-cheer (signature of eyebright flowers as being of
use in eye lotions)
[135]
euphues well-grown
eupodus -a -um long-stalked
euprepes, eupristus -a -um comely, good-looking, euprephv
Euptelea Handsome-elm
Eupteris Proper-Pteris
eur-, euro-, eury- wide-, broadeuropaeus -a -um from Europe, European
Eurotia Mouldy-one (the pubescence)
Euryale for one of the Gorgons of mythology (had burning thorns
in place of hair)
Euryops Good-looking
-eus -ea -eum -resembling, -belonging to, -noted for
Euscaphis Good-vessel (the colour and shape of the dehiscent
leathery pods)
eustachyus -a -um, eustachyon having long trusses of flowers
Euterpe Attractive (the name of one of the Muses)
evanescens quickly disappearing, evanescent
evectus -a -um lifted up, springing out
evertus -a -um overturned, expelled, turned out
Evodia (Euodia) Well-perfumed
ex- without-, outside-, over and aboveExaculum Exacum-like
Exacum a name in Pliny (may be derived from an earlier Gallic
word, or refer to its expulsive property)
exalbescens out of albescens (related to)
exaltatus -a -um, exaltus -a -um lofty, very tall
exaratus -a -um with embossed grooves, engraved
exasperatus -a -um rough, roughened (surface texture)
excavatus -a -um hollowed out, excavated
excellens distinguished, excellent
excelsior, excelsus -a -um higher, taller, very tall
excisus -a -um cut away, cut out
excoriatus -a -um with peeling bark
excorticatus -a -um without bark, stripped (without cortex)
[136]
excurrens with a vein extended into a marginal tooth (as on some
leaves)
exiguus -a -um very small, meagre, poor, petty
exili-, exilis -is -e meagre, small, few, slender, thin
eximius -a -um excellent in size or beauty, choice, distinguished
exitiosus -a -um fatal, deadly, pernicious, destructive
Exochorda Outside-cord (the vascular anatomy of the wall of the
ovary)
exoletus -a -um fully grown, mature
exoniensis -is -e from Exeter, Devon
exotericus -a -um common, external, exwterikov
exoticus -a -um foreign, not native, exotic, exwtikov
expansus -a -um spread out, expanded
expatriatus -a -um without a country
explodens exploding
exscapus -a -um without a stem
exsculptus -a -um with deep cavities, dug out
exsectus -a -um cut out
exsertus -a -um projecting, protruding, held out
exsurgens lifting itself upwards
extensus -a -um wide, extended
extra -outside-, beyond-, over and aboveextrorsus -a -um directed outwards from the central axis (outwards
facing stamens), extrorse
exudans producing a (sticky) secretion, exuding
faba the old Latin name for the broad bean
fabaceus -a -um, fabae-, fabarius -a -um bean-like, resembling Faba
Fabiana for Archbishop Francisco Fabian y Fuero
facetus -a -um elegant, fine, humorous
faenum hay, fodder
fagi-, fagineus -a -um beech-like, FagusFagopyrum(on) Beech-wheat (buckwheat is from the Dutch
Boekweit)
[137]
Fagus the Latin name for the beech tree
Falcaria Sickle (the shape of the leaf-segments)
falcatus -a -um, falciarius -a -um, falcatorius -a -um, falci- sickle-shaped,
falcate
falciformis -is -e sickle-like
fallax deceitful, deceptive, false
Fallugia for Virgilio Fallugi, 17th century Italian botanical writer
Faradaya for Michael Faraday (1794–1867), scientist
farcatus -a -um solid, not hollow
farfara an old generic name for butterbur
fargesii for Paul Guillaume Farges (1844–1912), plant collector in
Szechwan, China
farinaceus -a -um of mealy texture, yielding farina (starch),
farinaceous
farinosus -a -um with a mealy surface, mealy, powdery
farleyensis -is -e from Farley Hill Gardens, Barbados, West Indies
farnesianus -a -um from the Farnese Palace gardens of Rome
farreri for Reginald J. Farrer (1880–1920), English author and plant
hunter
fasciarus -a -um elongate and with parallel edges, band-shaped
fasciatus -a -um bound together, bundled, fasciated as in the
inflorescence of cockscomb (Celosia argentea ‘cristata’)
fascicularis -is -e, fasciculatus -a -um clustered in bundles, fascicled
fastigiatus -a -um with branches erect like the main stem, fastigiate
fastuosus -a -um proud
Fatsia from a Japanese name
fatuus -a -um not good, insipid, simple, foolish
Faucaria Gullet (fauces throat)
faucilalis -is -e wide-mouthed
favigerus -a -um bearing honey-glands
favosus -a -um cavitied, honey-combed
febrifugus -a -um fever-dispelling (medicinal property)
fecundus -a -um fruitful, fecund
fejeensis -is -e from the Fiji Islands
[138]
Felicia for a German official named Felix, some interpret it as
Cheerful
Felix fruitful
felleus -a -um as bitter as gall
felosmus -a -um foul-smelling
femina feminine
Fendlera for August Fendler (1813–1883), New Mexico naturalist
and explorer
fenestralis -is -e, fenestratus -a -um with window-like holes or
openings (Ouvirandra fenestralis)
fennicus -a -um from Finland (Fennica), Finnish
-fer -fera -ferum, -ferus -a -um -bearing, -carrying
ferax fruitful
fero-, ferus -a -um wild, feral
ferox very prickly, ferocious
ferreus -a -um durable, iron-hard
ferrugineus -a -um rusty-brown in colour
ferruginosus -a -um conspicuously brown, rust-coloured
fertilis -is -e heavy-seeding, fruitful, fertile
Ferula Rod (the classical Latin name)
ferulaceus -a -um fennel-like, resembling Ferula, hollowfestalis -is -e, festinus -a -um, festivus -a -um agreeable, bright, pleasant,
cheerful, festive
Festuca Straw (a name used in Pliny)
festus -a -um sacred, used for festivals
fetidus -a -um bad smelling, stinking, foetid
fibrillosus -a -um, fibrosus -a -um with copious fibres, fibrous
ficaria small-fig, an old generic name for the lesser celandine (the
root tubers)
fici-, ficoides fig-like, resembling Ficus
ficto-, fictus -a -um false
Ficus the ancient Latin name for the fig
-fid, -fidus -a -um -cleft,-divided
Filago Thread (the medieval name refers to the woolly indumentum)
[139]
filamentosus -a -um, filarius -a -um, fili- thread-like, with filaments or
threads
fili- thread-likefilicaulis -is -e having very slender stems
filicinus -a -um, filici-, filicoides fern-like
filiculoides like a small fern
filiferus -a -um bearing threads or filaments
filiformis -is -e thread-like
Filipendula Thread-suspended (slender attachment of the tubers)
Filix Latin for fern
filix-femina (foemina) female fern
filix-mas male fern
fimbriatus -a -um, fimbri- fringed
finitimus -a -um neighbouring, adjoining, related (linking related
taxa)
firmus -a -um strong, firm, lasting
fissi-, fissilis -is -e, fissuratus -a -um, fissus -a -um cleft, divided
Fissidens Split-teeth (the 16 divided peristome teeth)
fissus -a -um, -fissus cleft almost to the base
fistulosus -a -um hollow, pipe-like, tubular, fistular
Fittonia for E. and S.M. Fitton, botanical writers
flabellatus -a -um fan-like, fan-shaped, flabellate
flabellifer -era -erum fan-bearing (with flabellate leaves)
flabelliformis -is -e pleated fanwise
flaccidus -a -um limp, weak, feeble, soft, flaccid
flaccus -a -um drooping, pendulous, flabby
Flacourtia for Etienne de Flacourt (1607–1661), French East India
Company
flagellaris -is -e, flagellatus -a -um, flagelli- with long thin shoots,
whip-like, stoloniferous
flagelliferus -a -um bearing whips (elongate stems of New Zealand
trip-me-up sedge)
flagelliformis -is -e long and slender, whip-like, flagelliform
flammeus -a -um flame-red, fiery-red
[140]
flammula an old generic name for lesser spearwort
flammulus -a -um flame-coloured
flav-, flavi-, flaveolus -a -um, flavo- yellowish
flavens being yellow
flavescens pale-yellow, turning yellow
flavidus -a -um yellowish
flavus -a -um bright almost pure yellow
flexi-, flexilis -is -e pliant, flexible
flexicaulis -is -e with bending stems
flexuosus -a -um zig-zag, winding, much bent, tortuous
-flexus -a -um -turned
flocciger -era -erum, floccosus -a -um bearing a woolly indumentum
which falls away in tufts, floccose
flocculosus -a -um woolly
flora the Roman goddess of flowering plants
flore-albo white-flowered
florentinus -a -um from Florence, Florentine
flore-pleno double-flowered, full-flowered (flos plenus)
floribundus -a -um abounding in flowers, freely-flowering
floridanus -a -um from Florida, USA
floridus -a -um free-flowering, flowery
florindae for Mrs Florinda N. Thompson
florulentus -a -um flowery
-florus -a -um -flowered
flos-cuculi cuckoo-flowered, flowering in the season of cuckoo song
flos-jovis Jove’s flower
fluctuans inconstant, fluctuating
fluitans floating on water
fluminensis -is -e growing in running water, of the river
fluvialis -is -e, fluviatilis -is -e growing in rivers and streams, of the
river
foecundus -a -um fruitful, fecund
foemina feminine
foeni- fennel-like[141]
Foeniculum the Latin name for fennel
foenisicii of mown hay
foenum-graecum greek-hay (the Romans used Trigonella
foenum-graecum as fodder)
foetidus -a -um, foetens stinking, bad smelling, foetid
foliaceus -a -um leaf-like
foliatus -a -um, foliosus -a -um leafy
-foliatus -a -um -leaflets, -leafleted
folio- leafletfoliosus -a -um leafy, well-leaved
-folius -a -um -leaved
follicularis -is -e bearing follicles (seed capsules as in hellebores)
Fontanesia for Réné Louiche Desfontaines (1752–1833), French
botanist
fontanus -a -um, fontinalis -is -e of fountains, springs or fast-running
streams
Fontinalis Spring-dweller (fontanus a spring)
Forestiera for Charles Le-Forestier (c. 1800), French naturalist
forficatus -a -um scissor-shaped, shear-shaped (leaves)
formicarius -a -um relating to ants (formica)
-formis -is -e -resembling, -shaped, -sort, -kind
formosanus -a -um from Taiwan (Formosa)
formosus -a -um handsome, beautiful, well-formed
fornicatus -a -um arched
forrestii for George Forrest (1873–1932), plant hunter in China
forsteri, forsterianus -a -um for J.R. Forster or his son J.G.A. Forster, of
Halle, Germany
Forsythia for William Forsyth (1737–1804), of Kensington Royal
Gardens
fortis -is -e strong
fortunatus -a -um rich, favourite
Fortunearia, fortunei for Robert Fortune (1812–1880), Scottish plant
collector for the RHS in China
[142]
Fothergillia for John Fothergill (1712–1780), English physician and
plant introducer
foulaensis -is -e from Foula, Scotland
foveolatus -a -um with small depressions or pits all over the surface,
foveolate
fragari-, frag i- strawberryFragaria Fragrance (the fruit)
fragifer -era -erum strawberry-bearing
fragilis -is -e brittle, fragile
fragrans sweet-scented, odorous, fragrant
frainetto from a local name for an oak in the Balkans
franciscanus -a -um, fransiscanus -a -um from San Francisco,
California, USA
Frangula Fragile (medieval name refers to the brittle twigs of alder
buckthorn)
frangulus -a -um breakable, fragile
Frankenia for John Frankenius (1590–1661), Swedish botanist
Franklinia for Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), inventor of the
lightning conductor and American President
fraternus -a -um closely related, brotherly
fraxini-, fraxineus -a -um ash-like, resembling ash
Fraxinus ancient Latin name for the ash, used by Virgil
Freesia for Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese, pupil of Ecklon
Fremontodendron (Fremontia) for Maj. Gen. John Charles Fremont
(1813–1890), who explored western North America
frene- strapfresnoensis -is -e from Fresno County, California
frigidus -a -um cold, of cold habitats, of cold regions
friscus -a -um, frisius -a -um from Friesland, Friesian
Fritillaria Dice-box (the shape of the flowers)
frondosus -a -um leafy
fructifer -era -erum fruit-bearing, fruitful
fructu- fruit-
[143]
frumentaceus -a -um grain-producing
frutescens, fruticans, fruticosus -a -um shrubby, becoming shrubby
frutecorus -a -um, fruticorus -a -um of thickets
frutex shrub, bush
fruticulosus -a -um dwarf-shrubby
fucatus -a -um painted, dyed
Fuchsia for Leonard Fuchs (1501–1566), German Renaissance
botanist
fucifer -era -erum drone-bearing (fucus drone)
fuciflorus -a -um bee-flowered (superficial resemblance of the flower)
fuciformis -is -e, fucoides bladder-wrack-like, resembling Fucus
(seaweed)
fugax fleeting, rapidly withering, fugacious
-fugus -a -um -banishing, -putting-to-flight, -bane
Fuirena for G. Fuiren, Danish physician
fulgens, fulg idus -a -um shining, glistening (often with red flowers)
fuliginosus -a -um dirty-brown to blackish, sooty
fullonum of cloth-fullers
fulvescens becoming tawny
fulvi-, fulvo-, fulvus -a -um tawny, reddish-yellow, fulvous
Fumaria Smoke (Dioscorides’ name, kapnov, referred to the effect
of the juice on the eyes being the same as that of smoke)
fumeus -a -um smoke-coloured, smoky
fumidus -a -um smoke-coloured, dull grey coloured
fumosus -a -um smoky
funalis -is -e twisted together, rope-like
funebris -is -e mournful, doleful, of graveyards, funereal
fungosus -a -um spongy, fungus-like, pertaining to fungi
funiculatus -a -um like a thin cord
funiferus -a -um rope-bearing
furcans, furcatus -a -um forked, furcate
Furcraea for A.T. Fourcroy (1755–1809), French chemist
furfuraceus -a -um scurfy, mealy, scaly
furiens exciting to madness
[144]
fuscatus -a -um somewhat dusky-brown
fusci-, fusco-, fuscus -a -um bright-brown, swarthy, dark-coloured
fusiformis -is -e spindle-shaped
futilis -is -e useless
gaditanus -a -um from Cadiz, Spain
Gagea for Sir Thomas Gage (1781–1820), English botanist
Gaillardia for Gaillard de Charentonneau (Marentonneau), patron of
Botany
galactinus -a -um milky
galanthi- galanthus-, snowdropGalanthus Milk-white flower (the colour), gala–anqov
Galax Milky (flower colour)
galbanifluus -a -um with a yellowish exudate (some Ferula species
yield gum, galbanum)
galbinus -a -um greenish-yellow
gale from an old English vernacular name for bog-myrtle or sweet
gale
galeatus -a -um, galericulatus -a -um helmet-shaped, like a skull-cap
Galega Milk-promoter
galegi- resembling Galega
Galeobdolon Weasel-smell (a name, galeh–bdolov, used in
Pliny)
Galeopsis Weasel-like (an ancient Greek name)
gali-, galioides Galium-likeGalinsoga for Don M. Martinez de Galinsoga, Spanish botanist
galioides bedstraw-like, resembling Galium
Galium Milk, gala- (the flowers of G. verum were used to curdle
milk in cheesemaking)
gallicus -a -um from France, French, of the cock or rooster
Galphimia anagram of Malpighia
galpinii for Ernst E. Galpin
Galtonia for Sir Francis Galton (1822–1911), pioneer in eugenics,
fingerprinting and weather charting
[145]
gambogius -a -um rich-yellow, gamboge (the resin obtained from
Garcinia gambogia)
gamo- fused-, joined-, united-, married-, gamovGamochaeta Fused-bristles (the united pappus hairs)
Gamolepis United-scales (the involucral bracts)
-gamus -a -um -marriage
gandavensis -is -e from Ghent, Belgium
gangeticus -a -um from the Ganges region
Garcinia for Laurence Garcin, a French 18th century botanist
Gardenia for Dr A. Garden (1730–1791), American correspondent
with Linnaeus
gardneri, gardnerianus -a -um for Hon. E. Gardner (Nepal) or
G. Gardner (Brazil)
garganicus -a -um from Monte Gargano, S Italy
Garrya for Nicholas Garry, secretary of the Hudson’s Bay Company
gaster-, gastro- belly-, bellied-, gasthr
Gasteria Belly (the swollen base on the corolla)
Gastridium Little-paunch (the bulging of the glumes)
Gaudinia for J.F.G.P. Gaudin (1766–1833), Swiss botanist
Gaultheria for Dr Gaulthier (1750), Canadian botanist of Quebec
Gaura Superb
gayanus -a -um for Jacques E. Gay (1786–1864), French botanist
Gaylussacia for J.L. Gay-Lussac (1778–1850), French chemist
Gazania for the Greek scholar Theodore of Gaza (1398–1478),
who transcribed Theophrastus’ works into Latin. Some interpret it
as Riches, gaza -ae
geito-, geitono- neighbour-, geitwn
gelidus -a -um of icy regions, growing in icy places
Gelsemium from the Italian, gelsomine, for true jasmine
gemellus -a -um in pairs, paired, twinned
geminatus -a -um, gemini- united in pairs, twinned
gemmatus -a -um jewelled
gemmiferus -a -um, gemmiparus -a -um bearing gemmae or deciduous
buds or propagules (Brassica gemmifera Brussels sprout)
[146]
genavensis -is -e, genevensis -is -e from Geneva, Switzerland
generalis -is -e normal, prevailing, usual
geniculi-, geniculatus -a -um with a knee-like bend
Genista a name in Virgil (planta genista from which the Plantagenets
took their name)
genisti- broom-like, resembling Genista
Gentiana a name in Pliny (for King Gentius of Illyria, 180–167 BC)
Gentianella Gentian-like
gentilis -is -e foreign, of the same race, noble
genuinus -a -um natural, true
geo- on or under the earthgeocarpus -a -um with fruits which ripen underground
geoides Geum-like
geometrizans equal, symmetrical
geophilus -a -um spreading horizontally, ground-loving
georgei for George Forrest (1873–1932), collector in China
georgianus -a -um from Georgia, USA
georgicus -a -um from Georgia, Caucasus
Geranium Crane (Dioscorides’ name, geranion, refers to the shape
of the fruit resembling the head of a crane)
Gerardia for John Gerard (1545–1612), author of the Herbal of
1597
Gerbera for Traugott Gerber, German traveller
germanicus -a -um from Germany, German
germinans sprouting
Gesneria for Conrad Gesner (1516–1565), German botanist
-geton -neighbour, geitwn
Geum a classical name in Pliny
gibb-, g ibbi-, g ibbatus -a -um swollen on one side, gibbous
gibberosus -a -um humped, hunchbacked
gibbosus -a -um somewhat swollen or enlarged on one side
gibraltaricus -a -um from Gibraltar
giganteus -a -um unusually large or tall, gigantic, giganteiov
giganthes giant-flowered
[147]
gigas giant, gigav
gileadensis -is -e from Gilead, an Egyptian mountain range
Gilia from a Hottentot name for a plant used to make a beverage or
for Felipe Salvadore Gil (c. 1790), Spanish writer on exotic plants
giluus -a -um, g ilvo-, g ilvus -a -um dull pale yellow
gingidium from an old name, giggidion, used by Dioscorides
Ginkgo derived from a Japanese name, gin-kyo
ginnala a native name for Acer g innala
giraffae of giraffes
githago from an old generic name in Pliny (green with red-purple
stripes)
glabellus -a -um somewhat smooth, smoothish
glaber -ra -rum, glabro smooth, without hairs, glabrous
glaberrimus -a -um very smooth, smoothest
glabratus -a -um, glabrescens becoming smooth or glabrous
glabriusculus -a -um rather glabrous, a little glabrous
glabrus -a -um smooth, hairless
glacialis -is -e of the ice, of frozen habitats
gladiatus -a -um sword-like
Gladiolus Small-sword (the leaves)
glandulifer -era -erum gland-bearing
glandulosus -a -um full of glands, glandular
glasti- Isatis-, woad-like-, glastum
glauci-, glauco-, glaucus -a -um with a white or greyish bloom,
glaucous (Latin glaucuma, a cataract)
glaucescens, -glaucus -a -um with a fine whitish bloom, bluish-green,
sea-green, glaucous
Glaucidium Glaucium-like
glaucifolius -a -um with grey-green leaves
glauciifolius -a -um with leaves resembling those of horned poppy,
Glaucium
glaucinus -a -um a little clouded or bloomed (milky)
Glaucium Grey-green, glaukion (the colour of G. corniculatum juice)
glaucophyllus -a -um glaucous-leaved
[148]
glaucopsis -is -e glaucous-looking
Glaux a name, glaux, used by Dioscorides
Glechoma Dioscorides’ name, glhcwn, for penny-royal
Gleditsia (Gleditschia) for Johann Gottlieb Gleditsch (Gleditsius)
(d. 1786), of the Berlin Botanic Garden
Gleichenia for F.W. Gleichen (1717–1783), German director of
Berlin Botanic Garden
Gliricidia Mouse-killer (the poisonous seed and bark)
glischrus -a -um sticky, gluey, glandular-bristly
globatus -a -um arranged or collected into a ball
globosus -a -um, globularis -is -e with small spherical parts, spherical
(e.g. flowers)
Globularia Globe (the globose heads of flowers)
globulifer -era -erum carrying small balls (the sporocarps of pillwort)
globulosus -a -um small round-headed
glochi-, -glochin point-, -pointed (glwciv)
glochidiatus -a -um burred, with short barbed detachable bristles
glomeratus -a -um collected into heads, aggregated, glomerate
glomerulans, glomerulatus -a -um with small clusters or heads
glomeri- clustered-, crowdedgloriosus -a -um superb, full of glory
glosso-, -glottis tongue-shaped, tongued (glossa)
Glossocalyx Tongue-calyx (the elongated calyx lobe)
Glossopetalon Tongue-petalled (the narrow petals)
-glossus -a -um -tongue
glumaceus -a -um with chaffy bracts, conspicuously glumed
-glumis -is -e -glumed
glutinosus -a -um sticky, viscous, glutinous
Glyceria Sweet, glukerov (the sweet grain of Glyceria fluitans)
Glycine Sweet (the roots of some species)
glyco-, glycy- sweet-tasting or -smelling
Glycyrrhiza (Glycorrhiza) Sweet-root (the rhizomes are the source of
liquorice)
Glyphia Engraved (the elongate grooves on the fruit wall)
[149]
glypto- cut-into-, carvedglyptostroboides resembling-Glyptostrobus
Glyptostrobus Carved-cone (appearance of female cones)
Gnaphalium Soft-down (from a Greek name for a plant with felted
leaves)
Gnidia, gnidium the Greek name for Daphne, from Gnidus, Crete
Godetia for C.H. Godet (1797–1879), Swiss botanist
Goldbachia for C.L. Goldbach (1793–1824), writer on Russian
medicinal plants
gompho- nail-, bolt- or club-shaped
Gompholobium Club-pod (the shape of the fruit)
Gomphrena the ancient Latin name
gongylodes roundish, knob-like, swollen, turnip-shaped,
goggulov–wdhv
gonio-, gono-, -gonus -a -um angled-, prominently angledGoodyera for John Goodyer (1592–1664), English botanist
Gordonia for James Gordon (1728–1791), English nurseryman
gorgoneus -a -um gorgon-like, resembling one of the snake-haired
Gorgons of mythology, gorgov, terrible
gossypi-, gossypinus -a -um cotton-plant-like, resembling Gossypium
Gossypium Soft (from an Arabic name, goz, for a soft substance)
gothicus -a -um from Gothland, Sweden
gracilescens slenderish, somewhat slender
gracili-, gracilis -is -e slender, graceful
gracilior more graceful
gracillimus -a -um very slender, most graceful
Graderia an anagram of Gerardia, for John Gerard
graecizans becoming widespread
graecus -a -um Grecian, Greek
gramineus -a -um grassy, grass-like
gramini-, graminis -is -e of grasses, grass-like
grammatus -a -um marked with raised lines or stripes (grammata
letters)
[150]
Grammitis Short-line (sori appear to join up like lines of writing at
maturity)
grammo-, -grammus -a -um lined-, -lettered, -outline (gramma)
granadensis -is -e, granatensis -is -e either from Granada in Spain, or
from Colombia, South America, formerly New Granada
granatus -a -um pale-scarlet, the colour of pomegranate, Punica
granatum, flowers
grandi-, grandis -is -e large, powerful, full-grown, showy, big
grandidens with large teeth
graniticus -a -um of granitic rocks, grained
granulatus -a -um, granulosus -a -um as though covered with granules,
tubercled, granulate
graph-, graphys- marked with lines-, as though written on, grajw
grapto- linedgrat-, gratus -a -um pleasing, graceful
gratianopolitanus -a -um from Grenoble, France
Gratiola Agreeableness (medicinal effect)
gratissimus -a -um most pleasing or agreeable
graveolens strong-smelling, rank-smelling, heavily scented
Grayia for Asa Gray (1810–1888), American botanist
gregarius -a -um growing together
Grevillea for Charles F. Greville FRS (1749–1809), founder member
of the RHS
Grewia for Nehemiah Grew (1641–1712), British plant anatomist
Grindelia for D.H. Grindel (1776–1836), Latvian botanist
grisebachianus -a -um, grisebachii for Heinrich Rudolf August
Grisebach (1814–1879), Botany Professor at Göttingen
Griselinia for Francesco Griselini (1717–1783), Italian botanist
griseus -a -um (grizeus) bluish- or pearl-grey
Groenlandia for the Parisian, Johannes Groenland
groenlandicus -a -um from Greenland
grosse-, grossi-, grossus -a -um very large, thick, coarse
Grossularia from the French name, groseille, gooseberry
[151]
grossularioides, grossuloides gooseberry-like, resembling Grossularia
grossus -a -um large
gruinus -a -um crane-like
grumosus -a -um broken into grains, tubercled, granular
guadalupensis -is -e from Guadalupe Island off lower California, USA
Guaiacum from the South American name for the wood of life tree
guajava South American Spanish name for the guava, Psidium guajava
guianensis -is -e from Guiana, northern South America
guineensis -is -e from West Africa (Guinea Coast)
Guizotia for Fr P.G. Guizot (1787–1874), historian
gummifer -era -erum producing gum
gummosus -a -um gummy
Gunnera for Johann E. Gunnerus (1718–1773), Norwegian botanist
and cleric
gutta drop (Dichopsis gutta yields a latex, gutta percha
(chaoutchouc))
guttatus -a -um spotted, covered with small glandular dots
Gymnadenia Naked-gland (exposed viscidia of pollen)
gymnanthus -a -um naked-flowered
gymno- naked- (gumno)
Gymnocarpium Naked-fruit (sori lack indusia in oak fern)
Gymnocladus Bare-branch (foliage mainly towards the ends of the
branches)
Gymnogramma Naked-line (gumno), the sori lack a covering
indusium
Gymnomitrium Naked-turban (the peristome)
Gymnopteris Naked-fern (the linear sori do not have an indusium)
Gymnostomium the mouth of the capsule of the beardless moss lacks
a fringe of teeth
gyno-, -gynus -a -um relating to the ovary, female-, -pistillate,
-carpelled (gunm)
Gynura Female-tail (the stigma)
Gypsophila Lover-of-chalk (the natural habitat) guyov–jilov
gyrans revolving, moving in circles
[152]
gyro-, -gyrus -a -um bent-, twisted-, -round (gurov)
gyroflexus -a -um turned in a circle
gyrosus -a -um bent backwards and forwards (cucurbit anthers)
Habenaria Thong (etymology uncertain)
habr-, habro- soft-, graceful-, delicateHabranthus Graceful-flower
hadriaticus -a -um from the shores of the Adriatic Sea
haema-, haemalus -a -um, haematodes blood-red, the colour of blood
(aima)
haemo-, haemorrhoidalis -is -e blood-coloured
Haemanthus Blood-flower (the fireball lilies)
haemanthus -a -um with blood-red flowers
Haematoxylon Blood-wood (the heartwood which is the source of
the red dyestuff )
Hakea for Baron Christian Ludwig von Hake (1745–1818), German
horticulturalist
hal-, halo- saline-, salt- (alv)
halepensis -is -e, halepicus -a -um from Aleppo, northern Syria
Halesia for the Rev. Dr Stephen Hales (1677–1761), writer on plants
halicacabum from an ancient Greek name, from Halicarnassus,
Bodrum, Turkey
halimi-, halimus -a -um orache-like, with silver-grey rounded leaves
Halimiocistus hybrids between Halimium and Cistus
Halimione Daughter-of-the-sea, alimov–wnh
Halimium has leaves resembling those of Atriplex halimus
Halimodendron Maritime-tree (the habitat)
haliphloeos, haliphleos with salt-covered bark
halo-, halophilus -a -um salt-loving (the habitat)
Halorrhagis Seaside-grapeseed, als–ragov
Haloxylon Salt-wood (the habitat)
hama- together withHamamelis Greek name, amameliv, for a tree with pear-shaped
fruits, possibly a medlar
[153]
hamatus -a -um, hamosus -a -um hooked at the tip, hooked
hamatocanthus -a -um with hooked spines
Hammarbya for Linnaeus, who had a house at Hammarby in Sweden
hamulatus -a -um having a small hook, clawed, taloned
hamulosus -a -um covered with little hooks
haplo- simple-, single-, aplov
Haplopappus Single-down (its one-whorled pappus)
harmalus -a -um adapting, responsive, sensitive
Harpagophytum Grapple-plant (the fruit is covered with barbed
spines)
harpe-, harpeodes sickle- (arph)
harpophyllus -a -um with sickle-shaped leaves
Harungana from the vernacular name of the monotypic genus in
Madagascar
hastati-, hastatus -a -um formed like an arrow-head, spear-shaped
(see Fig. 6(a)), hastate
hastifer bearing a spear
Hebe Greek goddess of youth, daughter of Jupiter and wife of
Hercules
hebe- pubescent-, sluggishhebecarpus -a -um pubescent-fruited
hebecaulis -is -e slothful-stemmed (prostrate stems of Rubus
hebecaulis)
hebegynus -a -um with a blunt or soft-styled ovary, with part of the
ovary glandular-hairy (Aconitum hebegynum)
hebetatus -a -um dull, blunt or soft-pointed
hebriacus -a -um Hebrew
hecisto- viper-likeHedera the Latin name for ivy
hederaceus -a -um, hederi- ivy-like, resembling Hedera (usually in the
leaf-shape)
Hedychium (on) Sweet-snow (fragrant white flowers)
Hedyotis Sweet-ear
Hedypnois Sweet-sleep
[154]
hedys- sweet-, of pleasant taste or smell (hduv)
Hedysarum an ancient Greek name, hdusaron, used by Dioscorides
helena from Helenendorf, Transcaucasia
Helenium for Helen of Troy (a name, elenion, used by the Greeks for
another plant)
heleo- marsh- (elwdhv)
Heleocharis Marsh-favour (Eleocharis)
heli-, helio- sun-loving-, sun- (hliov)
Helianthemum Sun-flower
Helianthus Sun-flower
Helichrysum Golden-sun (crusov)
helici- coiled like a snail-shell, twisted, eliktov
Heliconia for Mt Helicon, Greece, sacred to the Muses of mythology
Helicteres Twisted-band (the screw-shaped carpels)
Helictotrichon (um) Twisted-hair (the awns)
Helinus Tendrilled (climbing by spiral tendrils)
Heliophila Sun-lover
helioscopius -a -um sun-observing, sun-watching (the flowers track
the sun’s course)
Heliotropium Turn-with-the-sun
Helipterum Sun-wing (the fruit’s plumed pappus)
helix ancient Greek name, elix, for twining plants
Helleborus Poison-food (the ancient Greek, elleborov, name for the
medicinal H. orientalis)
hellenicus -a -um from Greece, Grecian, Greek, Hellenic
Helminthia (Helmintia) Worm (the elongate wrinkled fruits)
helo-, helodes of bogs and marshes, elwdhv
helodoxus -a -um marsh-beauty, glory of the marsh
Helosciadium Marsh-umbel
helveticus -a -um from Switzerland, Swiss
helvolus -a -um pale yellowish-brown
helvus -a -um dimly yellow, honey-coloured, dun-coloured
Helwingia for G.A. Helwing (1666–1748), German botanical writer
Helxine a name, elxinh, used by Dioscorides formerly for pellitory
[155]
(a)
(b)
(c)
rachis
bract
(d)
Fig. 3. Types of inflorescence which provide specific epithets.
(a), (b) and (c) are cymes, with the oldest flower in the centre or at the
apex of the inflorescence (e.g. Saxifraga cymosa Waldts. & Kit.);
(b) may have the three-dimensional form of a screw, or bostryx;
(c) may be coiled, or scorpiod (e.g. Myosotis scorpioides L.);
(d) is a raceme of cymes, or a thyrse (e.g. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus).
Hemerocallis Day-beauty (the flowers are short-lived) (hmera, day)
hemi- half- (hmi)
hemidartus -a -um patchily covered with hair, half-flayed
hemionitideus -a -um barren, like a mule
Hemionitis Mule (non-flowering – fern)
Hemiptelea Half-elm (ptelea is ancient Greek for the elm)
[156]
Hemitelia Half-perfect (indusium scale-like at lower side of the
sorus and caducous)
Hemizonia Half-embraced (the achenes)
henryi for Augustine Henry (1857–1930), Irish botanist
Hepatica Of-the-liver (signature of leaf or thallus shape as of use for
liver complaints)
hepta-, hepto- seven-, epta
Heracleum Hercules’-healer (a name, hrakleion, used by
Theophrastus)
herba-barona fool’s-herb (of the dunce or common man)
herba-venti wind-herb (of the steppes)
herbaceus -a -um not woody, low-growing, herbaceous
Herbertia for Dr William Herbert (1778–1847), botanist and Dean
of Manchester
herco- fenced, a barrier
hercoglossus -a -um with a coiled tongue
hercynicus -a -um from the Harz Mountains, mid-Germany
hermaeus -a -um from Mt Hermes, Greece
Herminium Buttress (the pillar-like tubers), ermiv
Hermodactylus Hermes’-fingers, Ermhv–daktulov
Herniaria Rupture-wort (hernia), former medicinal use
herpeticus -a -um ringworm-like
hesperides of the far West (Spain)
Hesperis Evening (Theophrastus name, esperov), also the name for
Venus the evening star – that becomes Lucifer, the morning star
hespero-, hesperius -a -um western-, eveningheter-, hetero- varying-, differing-, diversely-, other-, eterov Heteranthera Differing-anthers (has one large and two small)
heteronemus -a -um diverse-stemmed
heterophyllus -a -um diversely-leaved
Heteropogon Varying-beard (the twisting awns)
Heuchera for Johann Heinrich Heucher (1677–1747), German
professor of medicine
Hevea from the Brazilian name, heve, for the Para-rubber tree
[157]
hex-, hexa-, hexae- six-, exhexagonus -a -um six-angled
Hexalobus Six-lobed (the six equal petals)
hexandrus -a -um six-stamened
hians gaping
hibernalis -is -e of winter (flowering or leafing)
hibernicus -a -um from Ireland (Hibernia), Irish
hibernus -a -um flowering or green in winter, Irish
Hibiscus an old Greek name, hibiskov, for mallow
hiemalis -is -e of winter
hieraci- Hieracium-, hawkweed-likeHieracium Hawkweed (Dioscorides’ name, ierax, for the supposed
use of by hawks to give them acute sight)
Hierochloe Holy-grass, ierov–cloh
hierochunticus -a -um from the classical name for Jericho (Anastatica
hierochuntica is the rose of Jericho)
hieroglyphicus -a -um marked as if with signs
hierosolymitanus -a -um from Jerusalem (the Roman name)
highdownensis -is -e connected with Sir Frederick Stern’s garden at
Highdown, Worthing
Hildegardia for the 11th century St Hildegard
Himantoglossum Strap-tongue (the narrow lip), imantinov leather
Hippeastrum Knight-star (hippeuv a horseman), the equitant leaves
hippo- horse-, ippov
Hippocastanum Horse-chestnut (kastanon chestnut)
Hippocrepis Horse-shoe (krepiv), the shape of the fruit
hippomanicus -a -um eagerly eaten by horses
hippomarathrum horse-fennel, Dioscorides’ name for an Arcadian
plant which caused madness in horses
Hippophae Horse-killer (used by Theophrastus for a prickly spurge)
Hippuris Horse-tail
hircinus -a -um of goats, smelling of a male goat
hirculus from a plant name in Pliny (a small goat)
Hirschfeldia for C.C.L. Hirschfeld, Austrian botanist
[158]
hirsutissimus -a -um very hairy, hairiest
hirsutulus -a -um, hirtellus -a -um, hirtulus -a -um somewhat hairy
hirsutus -a -um rough-haired, hairy
hirti-, hirtus -a -um hairy, shaggy-hairy
hirundinaceus -a -um, hirundinarius -a -um pertaining to swallows
hispalensis -is -e from Seville, southern Spain
hispanicus -a -um from Spain, Spanish, Hispanic
hispi-, hispidulus -a -um, hispidus -a -um bristly, with stiff hairs
Histiopteris Web-fern (the frond of bat-wing fern)
histrio- of varied colouring, theatrical
histrionicus -a -um of actors, of the stage
histrix showy, theatrical
Hoheria from a Maori name, houhere
Holcus Millet (the name in Pliny for a grain)
hollandicus -a -um from either northern New Guinea or Holland
Holmskioldia for Theodore Holmskjold (1732–1794), Danish
botanist
holo- completely-, entirely-, entire- (olov)
Holodiscus Entire-disc (refers to floral structure)
Holoschoenus a name, oloscoinov, used by Theophrastus
holosericus -a -um completely wrapped in silk
Holosteum, holostea Whole-bone (Dioscorides’ name, olov–osteon
for a chickweed-like plant)
homal-, homalo- smooth-, flat-, equal- (omalov)
Homalanthus Like-a-flower (the colouration of older leaves)
Homalium Equal (the petals are equal in number to the sepals – see
Dissomeria)
Homalocephala Flat-head (the tops of the flowers)
Homaria I-meet-together (the fused filaments)
homo-, homoio-, homolo- similar-, omoiov, not varying-, agreeing
with-, uniformly-, one and the sameHomogyne Uniform-female (the styles of neuter and female florets
are not different)
homolepis -is -e uniformly covered with scales
[159]
hondensis -is -e from Hondo Island, Japan
Honkenya for G.A. Honkeny (1724–1805), German botanist
hookerae for Lady Hooker (d. 1872), wife of Sir W.J. Hooker
Hookeria, hookeri, hookerianus -a -um for either Sir W.J. Hooker or his
son Sir Joseph D. Hooker, both directors of Kew
horarius -a -um lasting for one hour (the expended petals of Cistus)
Hordelymus Barley-lime-grass
Hordeum Latin name for barley
horizontalis -is -e flat on the ground, spreading horizontally
horminoides clary-like, resembling Horminium
Horminum Exciter (the Greek name for sage used as an aphrodisiac)
hormo- chain-, necklaceHornungia for E.G. Hornung (1795–1862), German writer
horologicus -a -um with flowers that open and close at set times of day
horridus -a -um very thorny, rough, horridly armed
Hort for Arthur Hort (1864–1935), Lychnis flos-jovis and Globularia
meridionalis cultivars bear his name
hort. signifying a plant name that is being used as the traditional
gardeners’ name – see hortulanorum
Hortensia A synonym for Hydrangea, for Hortense van Nassau
hortensis -is -e, hortorum cultivated, of the garden
hortulanus -a -um, hortulanorum of the gardener, of gardeners
hosmariensis -is -e from the neighbourhood of Beni Hosmar,
Morocco
Hosta, hosteanus -a -um for Nicolas Tomas Host (1761–1834),
physician
hostilis -is -e foreign
Hottonia for Peter Hotton (1648–1709), Swedish botanist
Houttuynia for Martin Houttuyn (1720–1794), Dutch naturalist
Howea (Howeia) from the Lord Howe Islands, East of Australia, or for
Admiral Lord Richard Howe (1725–1799)
Hoya for Thomas Hoy, gardener for the Duke of Northumberland at
Sion House
Hudsonia for William Hudson (1730–1793), English botanist
[160]
hugonis for Fr Hugh Scallon, collector in West China
humifusus -a -um spreading over the ground, trailing, sprawling
humilis -is -e, humilior low-growing, smaller than most of its kind
humuli- hop-, Humulus-likeHumulus from the Slavic-German ‘chmeli’
hungaricus -a -um from Hungary, Hungarian
hupehensis -is -e from Hupeh province, China
Hura from a South American vernacular name
Hutchinsia for Miss Hutchins (1785–1815), Irish cryptogamic
botanist
Hyacinthoides Hyacinth-like
Hyacinthus Homer’s name for the flower which sprang from the
blood of uakinqov, or from an earlier Thraco-Pelasgian word, for
the blue colour of water
hyacinthus -a -um, hyacinthinus -a -um dark purplish-blue, resembling
Hyacinthus
hyalinus -a -um nearly transparent, crystal, hyaline
hybernalis -is -e, hybernus -a -um of winter
hybridus -a -um bastard, mongrel, cross-bred, hybrid
Hydrangea (Hortensia) Water-vessel (udwr–aggov) the shape of the
capsules
Hydrilla Water-serpent
hydro- water-, of water- (udro)
Hydrocharis Water-beauty
Hydrochloa Water-grass
Hydrocotyle Water-cup
hydrolapathum a name in Pliny, udwr–lapaqon, for a water dock
hydropiper water pepper
hyemalis -is -e pertaining to winter, of winter (flowering)
hygro- moisture
hygrometricus -a -um responding to moisture level
Hygrophila Moisture-loving (ugrov moist) spiny plant of arid
habitats, flowering in response to moisture
hylaeus -a -um of woods, of forests
[161]
hylo- forest, woodland (ulh)
Hylocereus Wood-cactus (climbing cactus)
hylophilus -a -um living in forests, wood-loving
hymen-, hymeno- membrane-, membranous- (umhn)
Hymenanthera Membranous-stamen (the membranous appendages
of the anthers)
Hymenocallis Membranous-beauty (spider lily)
Hymenocardia Membranous-heart (the winged, heart-shaped fruits)
Hymenophyllum Membranous-leaf, delicate frond of the filmy fern
Hyoscyamus Hog-bean (a derogatory name, uoskuamov, by
Dioscorides)
Hyoseris Pig-salad (swine’s succory)
hyp-, hypo- under-, beneath- (upo-)
hypanicus -a -um from the region of the Hypanis River, Sarmatia
hyparcticus -a -um beneath the Arctic
Hyparrhenia Male-beneath (the arrangement of the spikelets)
hyper- above-, over- (uper)
hyperboreus -a -um of the far North
hyperici- Hypericum-likeHypericum Above-pictures (ancient use over shrines to repel evil
spirits)
Hyphaene Network (the fibres in the fruit wall)
hypnoides moss-like, resembling Hypnum
Hypnum Sleep (upnov)
Hypochoeris a name, upocoiriv, used by Theophrastus
hypochondriacus -a -um sombre, melancholy (colour)
hypochrysus -a -um golden underside, golden beneath
Hypodaphnis Inferior-laurel (the inferior ovary is unusual in the
Lauraceae)
Hypoestes Below-house
hypogaeus -a -um underground, subterranean
hypoglossus -a -um beneath-a-tongue, sheathed-below
Hypolepis Under-scale (the protected sori)
hypoleucus -a -um whitish, pale
[162]
hypophegeus -a -um from beneath beech trees (but Monotropa
hypophegia was parasitic on Quercus)
hypopithys, hypopitys growing under pine trees, pituz
Hypsela High-one (uyhlov)
hyrcanus -a -um from the Caspian Sea area
hysginus -a -um dark reddish-pink
hyssopi- hyssop-like, resembling Hyssopus
Hyssopus from a Semitic word, ezob
hystri-, hystrix porcupine-like (the spiny corm of Isoetes)
iacinthus -a -um see jacinthinus
ianthinus -a -um, ianthus -a -um bluish-purple, violet-coloured
-ianus -a -um -pertaining to (a person), -’s
iaponicus -a -um see japonicus
-ias -much resembling
ibericus -a -um, ibiricus -a -um either from Spain and Portugal (Iberia)
or from the Georgian Caucasus
iberideus -a -um from the Iberian peninsula
iberidi- Iberis-like
Iberis Iberia (Dioscorides’ name, ibhriv, for an Iberian cress-like
plant)
-ibilis -is -e able-, capable ofIcacina Icaco-like, resembling Chrysobalanus icaco (coco-plum)
-icans -becoming, -resembling
-icolus -a -um -of, -dwelling in
icos-, icosa- twentyicosandrus -a -um twenty-stamened
ictericus -a -um, icterinus -a -um yellowed, jaundiced
-icus -from (geographical names)
idaeus -a -um from Mt Ida in Crete, or Mt Ida in NW Turkey
-ides -resembling, -similar to, -like, -eidhv
Idesia for Eberhard Ysbrant Ides, Dutch explorer in China
idio- peculiar-, different- (idiov)
-idius -a -um -resembling
[163]
idoneus -a -um worthy, apt, suitable
Ifloga an anagram of Filago
ignescens, igneus -a -um kindling, fiery-red-and-yellow, glowing
ikariae from Ikaria
il-, im-, in- in-, into-, for-, contrary-, contrariwiseIlex the Latin name for the holm-oak (Quercus ilex)
ilici-, ilicinus -a -um holly-, Ilex-ilis -is -e -able, -having, -like, -resembling
illecebrosus -a -um alluring, enticing, charming
Illecebrum Charm (a name in Pliny)
Illicium Attractive (the fragrance)
-illimus -a -um -the best, -the most (superlative), -est
illinatus -a -um, illinitus -a -um smeared, smudged
-illius -a -um -lesser (a diminutive ending)
illustratus -a -um pictured, painted, as if painted upon
illustris -is -e brilliant, bright, clear
illyricus -a -um from Illyria, former Yugoslavia
ilvensis -is -e from the Isle of Elba, or the River Elbe
Ilysanthes Mud-flower
imbecillis -is -e, imbecillus -a -um feeble, weak
imberbis -is -e without hair, unbearded
imbricans, imbricatus -a -um overlapping like tiles (leaves, corolla,
bracts, scales), imbricate
immaculatus -a -um unblemished, without spots, immaculate
immarginatus -a -um without a rim or border
immersus -a -um growing underwater
impari- unpaired-, unequalImpatiens Impatient (touch-sensitive fruits)
impeditus -a -um tangled, hard to penetrate, impeding
Imperata for the Italian botanist Imperato
imperator, imperatoria emperor, ruler, master
imperatricis for the Empress Marie Josephine Rose Tascher de la
Pagerie (1763–1814)
imperforatus -a -um without perforations or apparent perforations
[164]
imperialis -is -e very noble, imperial
implexus -a -um tangled, interlaced
impolitus -a -um dull, not shining, opaque
imponens deceptive
impressus -a -um sunken, impressed (e.g. leaf-veins), marked with
slight depressions
impudicus -a -um lewd, shameless, impudent
in- not-, un-, en-, eminaequalis -is -e unequal-sided, unequal-sized (veins or other feature)
inaequidens with unequal teeth, not equally toothed
inapertus -a -um without an opening, closed, not opened
inarticulatus -a -um not jointed, indistinct (nodes)
inatophyllus -a -um thong-leaved
incanescens turning grey, becoming hoary
incanus -a -um quite grey, hoary-white
incarnatus -a -um flesh-coloured, carneus
Incarvillea for Pierre d’Incarville (1706–1757), correspondent of
Bernard de Jussieu from China
incertus -a -um doubtful, uncertain
incisi-, incisis -is -e, incisus -a -um sharply and deeply cut into, incised
includens encompassed
inclusus -a -um not protruding, included (e.g. corolla longer than the
style)
incomparabilis -is -e beyond compare, incomparable
incomptus -a -um unadorned, rough
inconspicuus -a -um small
incrassatus -a -um very thick, made stout (e.g. Sempervivum leaves)
incubaceus -a -um lying close upon the ground
incubus -a -um lying upon (when a lower distichous leaf overlaps the
next on the dorsal side); Latin for a nightmare
incurvus -a -um, incurvatus -a -um inflexed, incurved
indicus -a -um from India or, loosely, from the Orient
Indigofera Indigo-bearer (source of blue dyes)
indivisus -a -um whole, undivided
[165]
induratus -a -um hard, indurate (usually of an outer surface)
induvialis -is -e, induviatus -a -um clothed with dead remnants
(of leaves or other structure)
inebrians able to intoxicate, inebriating
inermis -is -e without spines or thorns, unarmed
-ineus -a -um -ish, -like
inexpectans not expected (found where not expected)
infarctus -a -um stuffed into, turgid
infaustus -a -um unfortunate
infectorius -a -um, infectoris dyed, used for dying, of the dyers
infestus -a -um troublesome, hostile, dangerous
infirmus -a -um weak, feeble
inflatus -a -um swollen, inflated
inflexus -a -um bent or curved abruptly inwards, inflexed
infortunatus -a -um unfortunate (poisonous)
infosus -a -um deeply sunken, buried
infra- belowinfractus -a -um curved inwards
infundibuliformis -is -e trumpet-shaped, funnel-shaped
ingens huge, enormous
innatus -a -um natural, inborn, innate
innominatus -a -um not named, unnamed
innoxius -a -um without prickles, harmless
inodorus -a -um without smell, scentless
inominatus -a -um unlucky, inauspicious
inophyllus -a -um fibrous-leaved, with fine thread-like veins
inopinatus -a -um, inopinus -a -um surprising, unexpected
inops deficient, poor, weak
inornatus -a -um without ornament, unadorned
inquilinus -a -um, inquillinus -a -um introduced
inquinans turning brown, staining, discolouring
inscriptus -a -um as though written upon, inscribed
insectifer -era -erum bearing insects (mimetic fly orchid)
insectivorus -a -um insect-eating
[166]
insertus -a -um inserted (the scattered inflorescences)
insignis -is -e remarkable, decorative, striking
insiticius -a -um, insititius -a -um, insitivus -a -um grafted
insubricus -a -um from the Lapontine Alps (Insubria) between Lake
Maggiore and Lake Lucerne
insulanus -a -um, insularis -is -e growing on islands, insular
intactus -a -um unopened, untouched (the flowers)
integer -era -erum, integerrimus -a -um, integri- undivided, entire,
intact, whole
integrifolius -a -um with entire leaves
inter- betweeninterjectus -a -um intermediate in form, interposed (between two
other species)
intermedius -a -um between extremes, intermediate
interruptus -a -um with scattered leaves or flowers
intertextus -a -um interwoven
intonsus -a -um bearded, unshaven, long-haired, leafy
intortus -a -um curled, twisted
intra-, intro- within-, insideintricatus -a -um entangled
introrsus -a -um facing inwards, turned towards the axis, introrse
intumescens swollen
intybus from a name in Virgil for wild chicory or endive
Inula a name in Pliny for Inula helenium, elecampane
inuncans covered with hooked hairs or glochidia
inunctus -a -um anointed
inundatus -a -um of marshes or places which flood periodically,
flooded
-inus -a -um -ish, -like, -resembling, -from
invenustus -a -um lacking charm, unattractive
inversus -a -um turned over, inverted
involucratus -a -um surrounded with bracts, involucrate, with an
involucre (the flowers)
involutus -a -um obscured, rolled inwards, involute
[167]
Iochroma Violet-colour (flower colour)
iodes violet-like, resembling Viola, ion
iodinus -a -um violet-coloured
ioensis -is -e from Iowa, USA
ion-, iono- violet- (stock- or wallflower-)
-ion -occurring
ionantherus -a -um, ionanthes violet-flowered
ionanthus -a -um with violet-coloured flowers
ionenis -is -e from Iowa, USA
ionicus -a -um from the Ionian Islands, Greece
Ionopsis Violet-looking (violet cress)
ionosmus -a -um violet-scented
ipecacuanha a vernacular name for the drug producing Cephaelis
ipecacuanha
Ipheion a name, hqeion, used by Theophrastus
Ipomaea Worm-resembling (ipv–omoiov), the twining stems
Iresine Woolly (eirov)
iricus -a -um from Ireland, Irish
iridescens iridescent
iridi- Iris-like
irio an ancient Latin name for a cruciferous plant
Iris the mythological name of the messenger of the Gods of the
rainbow
irrigatus -a -um of wet places, flooded
irriguus -a -um watered (has clammy hairs)
irritans causing irritation
irroratus -a -um bedewed, dewy, irroro, to bedew
isabellinus -a -um drab-yellowish, tawny
isandrus -a -um equal-stamened, with equal stamens
Isatis the name, isativ, used by Hippocrates for woad
Ischaemum Blood-stopper (a name, iscw–aima, in Pliny for its
styptic property)
-iscus -a -um -lesser (diminutive ending)
[168]
islandicus -a -um from Iceland, Icelandic
Isnardia for A.T.D. d’Isnard of Paris (1663–1743)
iso- equal- (isov)
Isoetes Equal-to-a-year (green throughout)
Isolepis Equal-scales (the glumes)
Isoloma Equal-border (the equal lobes of the perianth)
Isolona Equal-petals (the equal petals)
Isotoma Equal-division (the equal corolla segments)
-issimus -a -um -est, -the best, -the most (superlative)
istriacus -a -um from Istria, former Yugoslavia
-ium -lesser (diminutive ending)
italicus -a -um from Italy, Italian
Itea from a Greek name for a willow, itea
iteophyllus -a -um willow-leaved
-ites, -itis -closely resembling, -very much like, -ithv
Iva an old name applied to various fragrant plants, used by Rufinus
ivorensis -is -e from the Ivory Coast, West Africa
Ixia Bird-lime (Theophrastus’ name, ixov, refers to the clammy
sap)
Ixiolirion Ixia-lily (the superficial resemblance)
ixocarpus -a -um sticky-fruited
Ixora the name of a Malabar deity, Iswar
Jacaranda from the Tupi Guarani name, jakara’nda, for J. cuspidifolia
Jacea from the Spanish name for knapweed
jacinthinus -a -um reddish-orange coloured (iacuntus, relates to
Hyacinthus)
jackmanii for G. Jackman, plant breeder of Woking
jacobaeus -a -um either for St James (Jacobus) or from Iago Island,
Cape Verde
Jacobinia from Jacobina, Brazil
jalapa from Jalapa, Veracruz (Mirabilis jalapa false jalap); true
purgative jalap is derived from Ipomoea purga (Exogonium purga)
[169]
jambolana from a Hindu name, jambosa, for Eugenia jambolana
jambos from a Malaysian name for rose-apple (Eugenia jambos)
Jamesia for Edwin James (1797–1861), American botanist
januensis -is -e from Genoa, N Italy, Genoan
japonicus -a -um (iaponicus -a -um) from Japan, Japanese
Jasione Healer (from a Greek name, iasione, for Convolvulus)
jasminoides jasmine-like, resembling Jasminum
Jasminum latinized from the Persian name, yasmin
jaspidius -a -um, iaspidius jasper-like, striped or finely spotted in
many colours
Jatropha Physician’s-food (medicinal use)
javanicus -a -um from Java, Javanese
Jeffersonia for Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), American President
who strove to end slavery
jejunifolius -a -um insignificant-leaved
jejunus -a -um barren, poor, meagre, small
jezoensis -is -e from Jezo (Yezo), Hokkaido, Japan
jocundus -a -um see jucundus
jonquilla from the Spanish name for Narcissus jonquilla
jonquilleus -a -um the bright yellow of Narcissus odorus
johannis -is -e from Port St John, South Africa
Jovibarba Jupiter’s-beard (the fringed petals)
juanensis -is -e from Genoa, N Italy, Genoan
Jubaea for King Juba of Numidia
jubatus -a -um maned (crested with awns)
jucundus -a -um pleasing, delightful
judaicus -a -um of Judaea, Jewish
judenbergensis -is -e from the Judenburg Mountains, Austria
jugalis -is -e, jugatus -a -um joined together, yoked
juglandi- Juglans-likeJuglans Jupiter’s-acorn (in Pliny – glans Jovis)
jugosus -a -um hilly, ridged
-jugus -a -um -yoked, -paired
jujuba from an Arabic name, jujube, for Zizyphus jujuba
[170]
juliae for Julia Mlokosewitsch who, in about 1900, discovered
Primula juliae
julibrissin from the Persian name for Acacia julibrissin
julibrissius -a -um silken
juliformis -is -e downy
julii for Julius Derenberg of Hamburg, succulent grower
junceus -a -um, juncei-, junci- rush-like, resembling Juncus
Juncus Binder (iungo), classical Latin name refers to use for weaving
and basketry
juniperinus -a -um bluish-brown, juniper-like, resembling Juniperus
or its berry colour
Juniperus the ancient Latin name
junonia for the Greek goddess Juno
juranus -a -um from the Jura Mountains, France
Jussieua (Jussiaea) for Bernard de Jussieu (1699–1777), who made a
major contribution to establishing the concept of the taxonomic
species
Justicia for James Justice, Scottish gardener
juvenalis -is -e youthful
kaempferi for Engelbert Kaempfer (1651–1715), German physician
and botanist
kaido a Japanese name
kaki from the Japanese name, kaki-no-ki, for persimmon (Diospyros
kaki)
Kalanchoe from a Chinese name
kali, kali- either from the Persian for a carpet, or a reference to the
ashes of saltworts being alkaline (alkali); cognate with Kalium
(potassium)
Kalmia for Peter Kalm (1716–1779), a highly reputed student of
Linnaeus
kalo- beautiful-, kalov–
Kalopanax Beautiful-Panax
kamtschaticus -a -um from the Kamchatka Peninsula, E Siberia
[171]
kansuensis -is -e from Kansu province, China
karwinskii, karwinskianus -a -um for Wilhelm Friederich Karwinsky
von Karwin (1780–1855), plant collector in Brazil
katangensis -is -e from Katanga (Shaba)
katherinae for Mrs Katherine Saunderson, who collected plants in
Natal
keleticus -a -um charming
Kentranthus Spur-flower (see Centranthus)
kermesinus -a -um carmine-coloured, carmine
Kerria for William Kerr (d. 1814), collector of Chinese plants at Kew
Keteleeria for J.B. Keteleer, French nurseryman
kewensis -is -e of Kew Gardens
khasianus -a -um from the Khasia Hills, Assam, N India
Kickxia for J.J. Kickx (1775–1831), Belgian cryptogamic botanist
Kigelia from the native Mozambique name for the sausage tree
kingdonii for Capt. F. Kingdon-Ward
Kirengeshoma from the Japanese, ki- (yellow) -rengeshoma
(Anemopsis macrophylla)
kirro- citron-colouredkisso- ivy-, ivy-likeKitaibela (Kitaibelia) for Paul Kitaibel (1757–1857), botanist at Pécs,
Hungry
kiusianus -a -um from Kyushiu, one of the major islands forming
S Japan
Kleinia for J. Th. Klein (1685–1759), German botanist
Knautia for Christian Knaut (1654–1716), German botanist
Kniphofia for Johann H. Kniphof (1704–1763), German botanist
Kobresia (Cobresia) for Carl von Cobres (1747–1823), Austrian
botanist
kobus from a Japanese name, kobushi
Kochia for Wilhelm Daniel Joseph Koch
Koeleria for L. Koeler, German botanist
Koelreuteria for Joseph Gottlieb Koelreuter (1733–1806), Professor
of Natural History, Karlsruhe
[172]
Koeningia (Koenigia, Koeniga) for J.G. König (1728–1785), student of
Linnaeus, botanist in India
Kohlrauschia for F.H. Kohlrausch, assiduous German lady botanist
Kolkwitzia for Richard Kolkwitz, Professor of Botany, Berlin
kolomicta a vernacular name from Amur, E Siberia, for Actinidia
kolomicta
koreanus -a -um, koraiensis -is -e from Korea, Korean
kotschianus -a -um for Theodor Kotschy
kousa a Japanese name for Cornus kousa
kurroo from a Himalayan name for Gentiana kurroo
labdanus -a -um see ladanum
-labellus -a -um -lipped, -with a small lip (labrum, a lip)
labiatus -a -um lip-shaped, lipped, labiate
labilis -is -e unstable, labile
labiosus -a -um conspicuously lipped
lablab from a Hindu name for hyacinth bean, Dolichos lablab
Laburnum an ancient Latin name used by Pliny
lac-, lacto- milky- (lac milk)
-lacca, lacco- -resin, varnishedlacciferus -a -um producing a milky juice
Laccodiscus Varnished-disc (the shining floral disc)
lacer, lacerus -era -erum, laceratus -a -um torn into a fringe, as if finely
cut into
lacertinus -a -um lizard-tailed (the common garden lizard is Lacerta
vivipara)
Lachenalia for Werner de La Chenal (de Lachenal) (1763–1800),
Swiss botanist
lachno- downy-, woollyLachnostoma Woolly-mouth (the throat of the corolla is bearded)
lachnopus -a -um woolly-stemmed, downy-stalked
laciniatus -a -um, laciniosus -a -um jagged, fringed, slashed (see
Fig. 4( f ))
lacistophyllus -a -um having torn leaves
[173]
lacrimans (lachrymans) causing tears, weeping branching habit
(lacrima tear)
lacryma-jobi Job’s-tears (the shape and colour of fruit)
lactescens having lac, or milky sap
lacteus -a -um, lact-, lacti- milk-coloured, milky-white
lactifer -era -erum producing a milky juice
Lactuca the Latin name (has a milky juice)
lacunosus -a -um with gaps, furrows, pits or deep holes
lacuster, lacustris -is -e of lakes or ponds (lacus lake)
ladanifer -era -erum bearing ladanum, lhdanon gum (the resin called
myrrh)
ladysmithensis-is-e from Ladysmith, South Africa
Laelia after one of the Vestal Virgins
laetevirens bright-green
laeti-, laetis -is -e, laetus -a -um pleasing, vivid, bright
laevi-, laevigatus -a -um, laevis -is -e polished, not rough, smooth (levis
smooth)
laevo- to the leftlag-, lago- hare’slagaro-, lagaros- lanky-, long-, thin-, narrow-, lagarov
Lagarosiphum Narrow-tube
lagen-, lagenae-, lageni- bottlelagenaeflorus -a -um with flask-shaped flowers
Lagenaria Flask (the bottle-gourd fruit of Lagenaria siceraria)
lagenarius of a bottle or flask
Lagerstroemia for Magnus von Lagerstrom of Goteborg
(1696–1759), friend of Linnaeus
lagopinus -a -um hare’s-foot-like
lagopodus -a -um hare’s foot, lagwpouv
lagopus hare’s foot (an old generic name)
Laguncularia Small-bottle (the fruit)
lagunensis -is -e from Laguna, Luzon, Philippines
Lagurus Hare’s-tail (the inflorescence)
lakka from a vernacular name for the palm Cyrtostachys lakka
[174]
Lamarckia (Lamarkia) for Jean Baptiste Antoine Pierre Monnet de
Lamarck (1744–1829), French evolutionist
lamellatus -a -um layered, lamellate (diminutive of lamellus sheet)
lamii- deadnettle-like, resembling Lamium
laminatus -a -um laminated
Lamiopsis Looking-like-Lamium
Lamium Gullet (the name in Pliny refers to the gaping mouth of the
corolla)
lampas lamp-like, bright
lampr-, lampro- shining-, glossy-, lamprov
Lampranthus Shining-flower
lanatus -a -um woolly
lancastriensis -is -e from Lancashire, Lancastrian
lanceolatus -a -um, lanci- narrowed and tapered at both ends,
lanceolate
lancerottensis -is -e from Lanzarote, Canary Isles
lanceus -a -um spear-shaped
landra from the Latin name for a radish
langleyensis -is -e from Veitch’s Langley Nursery, England
lani-, laniger -era -erum, lanosus -a -um, lanug inosus -a -um softly-hairy,
woolly or cottony
lanigerus -a -um woolly
Lantana an old Latin name for Viburnum
lantanoides resembling Lantana
lanthanum inconspicuous (lanqanein escape notice)
lanugo soft-haired (lana wool)
Lapageria for Marie Josephine Rose Tascher de la Pagerie
(1763–1814), Napoleon’s Empress Josephine, avid collector of
roses at Malmaison
lapathi- sorrel-like-, dock-like-, lapaqon
Lapathum Adanson’s use of the Latin name for sorrel
Lapeirousia (Lapeyrousia) for J.F.G. de La Peyrouse (1741–1788),
French circumnavigator
lapidius -a -um hard, stony
[175]
lappa Latin name for bur-fruits (e.g. goosegrass and burdock,
Arctium lappa)
lappaceus -a -um bearing buds, bud-like, burdock-like
lapponicus -a -um, lapponus -a -um from Lapland, of the Lapps
lappulus -a -um with small burs (the nutlets)
Lapsana (Lampsana) Purge (Dioscorides’ name for a salad plant)
larici-, laricinus -a -um larch-like, resembling Larix
laricinifolius -a -um larch-leaved
laricio the Italian name for several pines
Larix Dioscorides’ name for the larch
lascivius -a -um running wild, impudent
Laser a Latin name for several umbellifers
Laserpitium an ancient Latin name
lasi-, lasio- shaggy-, woolly-, lasiovlasianthus -a -um with shaggy flowers
lasiopcarpus -a -um having woolly fruits
lasiolaenus -a -um shaggy-cloaked, woolly-coated
Lasiopetalum Woolly-petals (the sepals are downy and petaloid)
Lastrea for C.J.L. de Lastre (1792–1859), French botanical writer
latebrosus -a -um of dark or shady places
lateralis -is -e, lateri- on the side, laterallylatericius -a -um, lateritius -a -um brick-red
Lathraea Hidden (until flowering, inconspicuous root parasites),
laqraiov
lathyris the name for a kind of spurge (Euphorbia lathyris)
Lathyrus the ancient name, laqurov, for the chickling pea (Lathyrus
sativus) used by Theophrastus
lati-, latisi-, latus -a -um broad-, widelatici- latex-, juicelatifrons with broad fronds
latipes broad-stalked, thick-stemmed
latiusculus -a -um somewhat broad
latobrigorum of the Rhinelands
laudatus -a -um praised, worthy, lauded
[176]
laureola Italian name for Daphne laureola, from its use in garlands
lauri- laurel-, Laurus-likelauricatus -a -um wreathed, resembling laurel or bay
laurinus -a -um laurel-like
laurocerasus laurel-cherry (cherry-laurel)
Laurus the Latin name for laurel or bay
Laurustinus Laurel-like-Tinus
lautus -a -um washed
Lavandula To-wash (its use in the cleansing process)
lavandulae- lavender-, LavandulaLavatera for the brothers Lavater, 18th century Swiss naturalists
lavateroides Lavatera-like
Lawsonia for Dr Isaac Lawson, botanical traveller (henna plant)
lawsonianus -a -um for P. Lawson (d. 1820), Edinburgh nurseryman
laxi-, laxus -a -um open, loose, not crowded, distant, lax
lazicus -a -um from NE Turkey (Lazistan)
lecano- basinLecanodiscus Basin-disc (the concave floral disc)
Lecythis Oil-jar (lhkuqov) the shape of the fruit with its lid
Ledebouria for Carl Friedrich von Ledebour (1785–1851), student
of the Russian flora
Ledum an ancient Greek name, lhdanon, for the ladanum-resin
producing Cistus ladaniferus
Leersia for J.D. Leers (1727–1774), German botanist
legionensis -is -e from Leon, Spain
Legousia etymology uncertain
leio- smooth- (leiov)
Leiophyllum Smooth-leaf
Lemna Theophrastus’ name, lemna, for a water-plant
lemniscatus -a -um beribboned (the Roman victor had ribbons,
lemnisci, from his crown)
lendiger -era -erum nit-bearing (the appearance of the spikelets)
Lens the classical name for the lentil
lenti- spotted-, freckled[177]
Lentibularia usually regarded as referring to the lentil (lens)-shaped
bladders
lenticularis -is -e lens-shaped, bi-convex
lenticulatus -a -um with conspicuous lenticels on the bark, lenticulate
lentiformis -is -e lens-shaped, bi-convex
lentiginosus -a -um freckled, mottled
lentiscus Latin name for the mastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus
lentus -a -um tough, pliable
leo-, leon- lion-, lewn
leodensis -is -e from Liège, Belgium
leonensis -is -e from Sierra Leone, West Africa
leoninus -a -um tawny-coloured like a lion
leonis -is -e toothed or coloured like a lion
Leonotis Lion’s-ear
leonto- lion’sLeontodon Lion’s-tooth
Leontopodium Lion’s-foot
Leonurus Lion’s-tail
leopardinus -a -um conspicuously spotted
Lepidium Little-scale (Dioscorides’ name, lepidion, for a cress refers
to the fruit)
lepido-, lepiro- flaky-, scaly-, lepiv (the scales may be minute as on
butterflies’ and moths’ wings)
lepidus -a -um neat, charming
Lepidobotrys Scale-cluster (the flowers emerge from strobilus-like
groups of subtending bracts)
lepidocaulon with a scaly stem
lepidopteris scale-winged
Lepidotis Scaly
lepidotus -a -um scurfy, scaly, lepidote
lepidus -a -um neat, elegant, graceful
-lepis -scaly, -scaled, -lepiv
Lepiurus Scale-tail (the inflorescence of sea hard grass, cf. Pholiurus)
leporinus -a -um hare-like
[178]
leprosus -a -um scurfy, leprosied (lepra)
lept-, lepta-, lepto- slender-, weak-, thin-, small-, delicate-, leptovLeptactinia Slender-rayed (the circlet of fine corolla lobes)
leptochilus -a -um with a slender lip
leptoclados with slender shoots
Leptodermis Thin-skin (the inner fruit-wall)
Leptogramma Slender-lined (the sori)
Leptonychia Slender-clawed (the staminodes)
leptophis -is -e slender
leptophyllus -a -um slender-leaved
Leptospermum Narrow-seed (slender-seeded)
Lepturus Hare’s-tail
Lespedeza for V.M. de Lespedez, Spanish politician in Florida
leuc-, leuco- white-, leukoLeucadendron White-tree
Leucanthemum White-flower (Dioscorides’ name), Chrysanthemum
Leucanthemella Little-white-flower, Chrysanthemum
leuce a name for the white poplar
Leucobryum White-Bryum (the greyish-white appearance)
leucochroa white-coloured, pale
Leucojum White-violet (Hippocrates’ name, leuko–ion, for a
snowflake)
Leucorchis White-orchid
Leucothoe an ancient Greek name, Leucothoe was daughter of King
Orchanus of Babylon
levigatus -a -um smooth, polished
levis -is -e smooth, not rough
Levisticum Alleviator (the Latin equivalent of the Dioscorides’ Greek
name ligusticov)
Lewisia for Captain Meriwether Lewis (1774–1809) of the
trans-American expedition
Leycesteria for William Leycester, judge and horticulturalist in
Bengal c. 1820
lhasicus -a -um from Lhasa, Tibet
[179]
Liatris derivation uncertain
libanensis -is -e, libanoticus -a -um from Mt Lebanon, Syria
libani from the Lebanon, Lebanese
libanotis -is -e from Mt Lebanon or of incense, libanwtiv
libericus -a -um from Liberia, West Africa
liber unrestricted, undisturbed
libero- bark- (a characteristic)
liberoruber with red bark
Libertia for Marie A. Libert (1782–1865), Belgian writer on
Hepatics
Libocedrus Crying-cedar (the resin exudate of the incense cedar)
liburnicus -a -um from Croatia (Liburnia) on the Adriatic
libycus -a -um from Libya, Libyan
lignescens turning woody
ligni- woody-, wood-, of woodslignosus -a -um woody
lignum-vitae wood-of-life (the remarkably durable timber of
Guaiacum officinale)
ligtu from a Chilean name for St Martin’s flower
Ligularia Strap, ligula (the shape of the ray florets)
ligularis -is -e strap-shaped, ligule-like
ligulatus -a -um with a ligule, with a membranous projection,
ligulate
Ligusticum, ligusticus -a -um Dioscorides’ name, ligustikov, for a
plant from Liguria, NE Italy
ligustrinus -a -um privet-like, resembling Ligustrum
Ligustrum Binder (a name used in Virgil)
lilacinus -a -um lilac-coloured, lilac-like
lili-, lilii- lilyliliaceus -a -um lily-like, resembling Lilium
liliago silvery
Lilium the name in Virgil
lilliputianus -a -um of very small growth, Lilliputian
limaci- slug[180]
limaeus -a -um of stagnant waters
limbatus -a -um bordered, with a margin or fringe
-limbus -a -um -bordered, -fringed
limbo- border-, margin-, limbus
limensis -is -e from Lima, Peru
limicolus -a -um living in mud
Limnanthemum Pond-flower (spreads over surface)
Limnanthes Pond-flower
limn-, limno- marsh-, pool-, pond-, limnh
limnophilus -a -um marsh-loving
limon the Persian name for Citrus fruits
Limonium Meadow-plant (Dioscorides’ name, leimwnion, for a
meadow plant)
Limosella Muddy
limosus -a -um muddy, slimy, living on mud (limus mud)
lin-, linarii-, lini- flaxlinaceus -a -um flax-like, resembling Linum
Linaria Flax-like (the leaf similarity of some species)
Lindleyella for Dr John Lindley (1799–1865), Secretary and saviour
of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
linearis -is -e narrow and parallel-sided (usually the leaves), linear
lineatus -a -um marked with lines (usually parallel and coloured),
striped
linicola dweller of flax fields
lingua, linguae-, lingui- tongue-shaped-, lingulate- (some structure or
part)
-linguatus -a -um, -lingus -a -um -tongued
lingularis -is -e, lingulatus -a -um, linguus -a -um tongue-shaped
(Linguus was a name in Pliny)
linicolus -a -um of flax-fields
linitus -a -um smeared
Linnaea by Gronovius, at request of Carl Linnaeus, for its lowly,
insignificant and transient nature
linnaeanus -a -um, linnaei for Carl Linnaeus
[181]
linoides flax-like, resembling Linum
linosyris yellow-flax, an old generic name by l’Obel
Linum the ancient Latin name for flax
lio- smooth- (leiov)
liolaenus -a -um smooth-cloaked, glabrous
Liparis Greasy (the leaf-texture, liparov)
lipo- greasy- (lipov)
Lippia for A. Lippi (b. 1678), French/Italian naturalist
Liquidambar Liquid-amber (the fragrant resin from the bark of sweet
gum, Liquidambar styraciflua)
liratus -a -um ridged (lira, a ridge)
lirelli- with a central furrowlirio- lily-whiteLiriodendron Lily-tree (the showy flowers of the tulip tree)
Liriope for one of the Nymphs of Greek mythology, the tail-end of a
hood
liss-, lisso- smoothLissochilus Smooth-lip (of the corolla)
Listera for Dr M. Lister (1638–1712), pioneer palaeontologist
Litchi from the Chinese vernacular name
literatus -a -um with the appearance of being written upon
litho- stone- (liqov)
Lithocarpus Stone-fruit (the hard shell of Lithocarpus javensis)
lithophilus -a -um living in stony places, stone-loving
Lithops Stone-like (the mimetic appearance of stone-cacti)
Lithospermum Stone-seed (Dioscorides’ name, liqospermon, for the
glistening, whitish nutlets)
lithuanicus -a -um from Lithuania, Lithuanian
litigiosus -a -um disputed, contentious
litoralis -is -e, littoralis -is -e, littorius -a -um growing by the shore, of
the sea-shore
Littonia for Samuel Litton
Littorella Shore (the habitat)
lituus -a -um forked and with the ends turned outwards
[182]
lividus -a -um lead-coloured, bluish-grey, leaden
Livistonia for Patrick Murray, Lord Livingstone, whose garden
formed the nucleus of the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden
Lizei for the Lizé Frères of Nantes, France
llano- of treeless savannahLloydia for Curtis G. Lloyd (1859–1926), American botanist
Loasa from a South American vernacular name
lobatus -a -um, lobi-, lobus -a -um with lobes, lobed (see Fig. 4(d))
lobbii, lobbianus -a -um for the brothers Thomas and William Lobb
Lobelia for Matthias de l’Obel (1538–1616), renaissance pioneer of
botany and herbalist to James I of England
lobiferus -a -um having lobes
-lobium, -lobion -pod, -podded
Lobivia an anagram of Bolivia, provenance of the genus
Lobularia Small-pod (lobulusa small lobe)
-lobus -a -um -lobed (lobov)
lochabrensis -is -e from Lochaber, Scotland
lochmius -a -um coppice-dweller, of thickets
-locularis -is -e -celled (usually the ovary)
locusta spikeleted, old generic name for Valerianella locusta (crayfish
or locust)
loganobaccus -a -um loganberry, after its developer Judge J.H. Logan
of California
Loiseleuria for Jean Louis August Loiseleur-Deslongchamps
(1774–1849), French botanist
loliaceus -a -um resembling Lolium
Lolium a name in Virgil for a weed grass
loma- Peruvian grass-steppe-loma -fringe, -border
Lomaria Bordered (the marginal sori, loma)
Lomariopsis Lomaria-like
Lomatia Fringed (the seeds are wing-bordered)
lomentiferus -a -um bearing constricted pods that break up into
one-seeded portions
[183]
lonchitis -is -e, loncho- spear-shaped, lance-shaped (a name, loncitiv,
used by Dioscorides for a fern)
Lonchocarpus Lance-fruit, logch–karpov (the flat, indehiscent
pods)
lonchophyllus -a -um with spear-like leaves
longe-, long i-, longus -a -um long-, elongatedlongipes long-stalked
Lonicera for Adam Lonitzer (1528–1586), German physician and
botanist
lophanthus -a -um with crested flowers
Lophhira Crested (one of the sepals enlarges to a wing which aids
fruit dispersal)
lopho- crest-, crested- (lojia)
lophogonus -a -um crested-angular, with crested angles (as on a stem
or fruit)
lophophilus -a -um living on hills, hill-loving
Lophophora Crest-bearer (has tufts of glochidiate hairs)
lora-, loratus -a -um, lori-, loro- strap-shaped, lwron
Loranthus Strap-flower (the shape of the ‘petals’)
loricatus -a -um with a hard protective outer layer, clothed in mail
loriceus -a -um armoured, with a breast-plate
lorifolius -a -um with long narrow leaves, strap-leaved
Loroglossum Strap-tongue (the elongate lip)
loti-, lotoides trefoil-like, resembling Lotus
Lotus the ancient Greek name for various leguminous plants
louisianus -a -um from Louisiana, USA
loxo- obliqueLoxogramma Oblique-lettered (the sori)
lubricus -a -um smooth, slippery
lucens, lucidus -a -um glittering, clear, shining
luciae for Madame Lucie Savatier
lucianus -a -um from St Lucia, West Indies
luciliae for Lucile Boissier
luconianus -a -um from Luzon, Philippines
[184]
lucorum of woodland or woods
Luculia from a Nepalese vernacular name
ludens of games, sportive
ludovicianus -a -um from Louisiana, USA
Ludwigia for C.G. Ludwig (1709–1773), German botanist
Luffa from the Arabic name, louff, for Luffa cylindrica
lugdunensis -is -e from Lyons, France
lugens mourning, downcast
luma from a Chilean vernacular name for Myrtus luma
Lunaria Moon (the shape and colour of the septum (or replum) of
the fruit of honesty)
lunatus -a -um half-moon-shaped, lunate
lunulatus -a -um crescent-moon-shaped
lupicidius -a -um wolf’s-bane
lupinellus -a -um like a small Lupinus
Lupinus the ancient Latin name for the white lupin
lupuli-, lupulinus -a -um hop-like, with the rampant habit of Humulus
lupulus
Lupulus Wolf, in reference to its straggling habit on other plants
(the ancient Latin name for hop was Lupus salictarius–willow wolf )
luridus -a -um sallow, dingy yellow or brown, wan, lurid
Luronium Rafinesque’s name for a water plantain
lusitanicus -a -um from Portugal (Lusitania), Portuguese
lutarius -a -um of muddy places, living on mud
luteo-, luteus -a -um yellow
luteolus -a -um yellowish
lutescens turning yellow
lutetianus -a -um from Paris (Lutetia), Parisian
lutra otter
luxatus -a -um dislocated
luxurians rank, exuberant, luxuriant, of rapid growth
luzuli- Luzula-like
Luzula an ancient name of obscure meaning
Lycaste for Lycaste, daughter of King Priam of Troy
[185]
Lychnis Lamp (the hairy leaves were used as wicks for oil lamps,
lucniv)
lychnitis from a name in Pliny meaning of lamps
lychno-, lychnoides Lychnis-like
Lycium the ancient Greek name, lukion, for a thorn tree from Lycia
lycius -a -um from Lycia, SW Turkey
lyco- wolf- (usually implying inferior or wild) (lukov)
Lycocarpus Wolf-fruit (clawed at the upper end)
lycoctonus -a -um wolf-murder (poisonous wolf’s-bane, Aconitum
lycoctonum)
lycoides box-thorn-like, similar to Lycium
Lycopersicum (on) Wolf-peach (tomato)
Lycopodium Wolf’s-foot (clubmoss)
Lycopsis Wolf-like (Dioscorides’ derogatory name, lukoyiv)
lycopsoides resembling Lycopsis
Lycopus Wolf’s-foot
Lycoris for Lycoris the actress, and Marc Antony’s mistress
lydius -a -um from Lydia, SW Turkey
Lygodium Willow-like (the climbing fern’s stems)
lynceus -a -um lynx-like? (Lynceus was a keen sighted Argonaut)
lyratus -a -um lyre-shaped (rounded above with small lobes
below–usually of leaves)
lysi-, lysio- loose-, loosening- (lusiv)
Lysichiton (um) Loose-cloak, lusiv–citwn (the open, deciduous
spathe)
Lysimachia Ending-strife, lusimacov, named after theThracian king
Lysimachus
Lythrum Black-blood (Dioscorides’ name, luqron, may refer to the
flower colour of some species)
Maakia for Richard Maack (1825–1886), Russian naturalist
Macaranga from the Malayan vernacular name, umbrella tree (the
large leaves)
macedonicus -a -um from Macedonia, Macedonian
[186]
macellus -a -um rather meagre, poorish
macer -ra -rum meagre
macilentus -a -um thin, lean
Macleaya for Alexander Macleay (1767–1848), Secretary to the
Linnaean Society of London
macr-, macro- big-, large-, long- (makrov)
macrodus -a -um large-toothed
macromeris -is -e with large parts
macrorhizus -a -um large-rooted
macrosiphon large-tubular, long-tubed
macrurus -a -um (macrourus) long-tailed
maculatus -a -um, maculosus -a -um, maculifer -era -erum spotted,
blotched, bearing spots
maculi- spot-likemadagascariensis -is -e from Madagascar, Madagascan
maderaspatanus -a -um, maderaspatensis -is -e from the Madras region
of India
maderensis -is -e from Madeira, Madeiran
Madia from a Chilean name
madrensis -is -e from the Sierra Madre, northern Mexico
madritensis -is -e from Madrid, Spain
Maerua from an Arabic name, meru
maesiacus -a -um from the Bulgarian–Serbian region once called
Maesia
Maesobotrya Maesa-like-fruited (similarity of the fruiting clusters)
magellanicus -a -um from the Straits of Magellan, South America
magellensis -is -e from Monte Majella, Italy
magni-, magno-, magnus -a -um large
magnificus -a -um great, eminent, distinguished, magnificent
magnifolius -a -um large-leaved
Magnolia for Pierre Magnol (1638–1715), director of Montpelier
Botanic Garden
mahagoni mahogany, from a South American vernacular name for
Swietenia mahagoni
[187]
mahaleb an Arabic vernacular name for Prunus mahaleb
Mahernia an anagram of Hermannia, a related genus
Mahonia for Bernard McMahon (1775–1816), American
horticulturalist
mai-, maj- May- (maius May)
Maianthemum May-flower, a May-flowering lily
mairei for Edouard Maire
majalis -is -e (magalis) of the month of May (flowering time)
majesticus -a -um majestic
major -or -us larger, greater, bigger
malabaricus -a -um from the Malabar coast, S India
malaco-, malako-, malacoides soft, malakov, tender, weak,
mucilaginous, mallow-like
malacophilus -a -um pollinated by snails, snail-loving
malacophyllus -a -um with soft or fleshy leaves
Malaxis Softening, malaxiv (soft leaves)
Malcolmia (Malcomia) for William Malcolm, English horticulturalist
c. 1798
maleolens of bad fragrance, stinking
maliformis -is -e apple-shaped
mallococcus -a -um downy-fruited
mallophorus -a -um wool-bearing
Mallotus Woolly (the fruits of some species)
Malope a name for mallow in Pliny
Malpighia for Marcello Malpighi (1628–1694), Italian
naturalist
Malus the ancient Latin name for an apple tree
Malva Soft (the name in Pliny)
malvaceus -a -um mallow-like, resembling Malva
Malvaviscus Mallow-glue (Wax mallow)
malvinus -a -um mauve, mallow-like
mammaeformis -is -e, mammiformis -is -e shaped like a nipple
Mammea from a West Indian vernacular name
[188]
Mammillaria (Mamillaria) Nippled (conspicuous tubercles)
mammillaris -is -e, mamillarius -a -um, mammillatus -a -um having
nipple-like structures, mammillate
mammosus -a -um full-breasted
mancus -a -um deficient, inferior
mandibularis -is -e jaw-like, having jaws
Mandragora a Greek name derived from a Syrian mandrake
mandschuricus -a -um, mandshuricus -a -um from Manchuria,
Manchurian
Mangifera from the Hindu name for the mango fruit
manicatus -a -um with long sleeves, with a felty covering which can
be stripped off, manicate
Manihot from the Brazilian name for cassava
manipuliflorus -a -um with few-flowered clusters
manipuranus -a -um from Manipur, India
mano- scanty-, manov
manriqueorum for Manrique de Lara, of the Manriques
mantegazzianus -a -um for Paulo Mantegazzi (1831–1910), Italian
traveller and anthropologist
Manzanilla from the Spanish, manzanita, for a small apple
Maranta for Bartolomea Maranti, Venetian botanist
Marattia for J.F. Maratti (d. 1777), Italian botanist, author of
De Floribus Filicum
marcescens not putrefying, persisting, retaining dead leaves and/or
flowers
marckii for Jean Baptiste Antoine Pierre Monnet de la Marck
(Lamarck) (1744–1829); French pre-Darwinian evolutionist
margaritaceus -a -um, margaritus -a -um pearly, of pearls
margaritiferus -a -um bearing pearl
marginalis -is -e of the margins, margined
marginatus -a -um having a distinct margin (the leaves)
Margyricarpus Pearl-fruit (margarithv), the white berry-like
achenes
[189]
marianus -a -um of St Mary, from Maryland, USA, or from the Sierra
Morena
mariesii for Charles Maries (1850–1902), English plant collector
marilandicus -a -um, marylandicus -a -um from the Maryland region,
USA
marinus -a -um growing by or in the sea, marine
mariscus -a -um the name for a rush in Pliny
maritimus -a -um growing by the sea, maritime, of the sea
marjoranus -a -um derived from the Latin name, margorana, for sweet
marjoram
marmelos a Portuguese vernacular name, marmelo, for marmalade
marmoratus -a -um, marmoreus -a -um with veins of colour, marbled
maroccanus -a -um from Morocco, NE Africa, Moroccan
Marrubium the old Latin name
Marsdenia for Willam Marsden (1754–1836), author of a history of
Sumatra
Marsilea for Ludwig F. Marsigli (1658–1730), Italian patron of
botany
marsupiflorus -a -um with purse-like flowers
martagon resembling a kind of Turkish turban
Martia, Martiusia for K.F.P. von Martius (1794–1868), German
botanist in Brazil
martinicensis -is -e from Martinique
maru mastic
marus -a -um glowing
mas, maris, masculus -a -um bold, with stamens, male
masculinus -a -um male, staminate
massiliensis -is -e from Marseilles, France
mastichinus -a -um gummy, mastic-like, like the mastic exuded by
Pistacia lentiscus
mastigophorus -a -um (producing gum, gum-bearing) whip-bearing
Matricaria Mother-care (former medicinal use in treatment of
uterine infections)
matritensis -is -e from Madrid, Spain
[190]
matronalis -is -e of married women (the Roman matronal festival
was held on March 1st)
matsudana for Sadahisa Matsudo (1857–1921), Japanese botanist
Matteuccia (Matteucia) for C. Matteucci (1800–1868), Italian
physicist
Matthiola for Pierandrea A.G. Matthioli (1500–1577), Italian
botanist
matutinalis -is -e, matutinus -a -um morning, of the morning, early
mauritanicus -a -um from Morocco or North Africa generally
mauritianus -a -um from the island of Mauritius, Indian Ocean
maurorum of the Moors, Moorish, of Mauritania
maurus -a -um from Morocco
maxillaris -is -e of jaws, resembling an insect’s jaws
maximus -a -um largest, greatest
mays from the Mexican name for Indian corn
Mazus Nipple (mazov) the shape of the corolla
meandriformis -is -e of winding form, much convoluted
meanthus -a -um small-flowered
-mecon -poppy, mhkwn
Meconopsis Poppy-like
medeus -a -um remedial, healing, curing
medi-, medio-, medius -a -um middle-sized, between-, intermediateMedicago from a Persian name for a grass
medicus -a -um from Media (Iran), curative, medicinal
mediolanensis -is -e from Milan, Italy
mediopictus -a -um with a coloured stripe down the centre-line (of a
leaf )
mediterraneus -a -um from the Mediterranean region, from well
inland
medullaris -is -e, medullus -a -um pithy, soft-wooded
medullarius -a -um, medullosus -a -um with a large pith
mega-, megali-, megalo- big-, great-, large-, megalhmegacephalus -a -um large-headed (of composite inflorescences)
megalurus -a -um large-tailed
[191]
(a)
(c)
(e)
(b)
(d)
(f)
Fig. 4. Leaf-margin features which provide specific epithets.
(a) Crenate (scalloped as in Ardisia crenata Sims);
(b) dentate (toothed as in Castanea dentata Borkh.). This term has been
used for a range of marginal tooth shapes;
(c) sinuate (wavy as in Matthiola sinuata (L.) R.Br.). This refers to ‘in and
out’ waved margins, not ‘up and down’ or undulate waved margins;
(d) serrate (saw-toothed as in Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino);
(e) lobate (lobed, as in Quercus lobata Nee);
( f ) laciniate (cut into angular segments as in Crataegus laciniata Ucria).
[192]
megapotamicus -a -um of the big river, from the Rio Grande or River
Amazon
megaseifolius -a -um Megasea-leaved (Bergenia-leaved)
meio- (meon-) fewer, less than-, meiwn- (meiosis is the reduction
division during spore formation)
meiophyllus -a -um with fewer leaves in each successive whorl
meiostemonus -a -um with fewer stamens
mela-, melan-, melano- black- (melav, melanov)
Melaleuca Black-and-white (the colours of the bark on trunk and
branches)
Melampyrum (on) Black-wheat (a name, melampuron, used by
Theophrastus)
melancholicus -a -um sad-looking, drooping, melancholy
melanciclus -a -um with dark circular markings
Melandrium Black-oak (the name used in Pliny)
Melanodiscus -a -um Black-disc (floral feature)
melanophloeus -a -um black-barked
melanops black-eyed
melanoxylon black-wooded
Melastoma Black-mouth (the fruits stain the lips black)
meleagris -is -e Greek name for Meleager of Calydon, chequered as is
a guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris) and snake’s-head fritillary
(Fritillaria meleagris)
meles badger, meles
meli- honey-, meli
Melia from the Greek name for ash (the resemblance of the
leaves)
Melianthus Honey-flower
Melica Honey-grass
meliciferus -era -erum musical (melicus, musical)
Melilotus Honey-lotus (Theophrastus’ name, melilwtov, refers to
melilot’s attractiveness to honeybees)
melinus -a -um quince-like, quince-coloured
Meliosma Honey-perfumed (the fragrance of the flowers)
[193]
Melissa Honeybee (named for the nymph who, in mythology, kept
bees; and the plant’s use in apiculture)
melissophyllus -a -um (mellisifolius) balm-leaved, with Melissa-like
leaves
melitensis -is -e from Malta, Maltese
Melittis Bee (bastard balm attracts bees. A Greek derivation from
Melissa)
melleus -a -um of honey (smelling or coloured)
mellifer -era -erum honey-bearing
mellinus -a -um the colour of honey
mellitus -a -um darling, honey-sweet
melo- melonMelocactus Melon-cactus (the shape)
melongena apple-bearer (producing a tree-fruit, the egg plant)
meloniformis -is -e (meloformis -is -e) like a ribbed-sphere,
melon-shaped
Melothria the Greek name for bryony
membranaceus -a -um thin in texture, skin-like, membranous
Memecylon from the Greek name for the fruits of Arbutus, which are
similar
memnonius -a -um dark brown, brownish-black, changeable
mene-, meni- moon-, crescent-mene membrane (meninx)
meniscatus -a -um curved-cylindrical
Menispermum Moon-seed, the compressed, curved stone of the fruit
Mentha the name in Pliny
menthoides mint-like, resembling Mentha
mentorensis -is -e from Mentor, Ohio, USA
Mentzelia for Christian Mentzel (1622–1701), early plant name
lexicographer
Menyanthes Moon-flower (Theophrastus’ name, menanqov, for
Nymphoides)
Menziesia for Archibald Menzies (1754–1842), English naturalist
on the Discovery
[194]
meonanthus -a -um small-flowered
Mercurialis -is -e named by Cato for Mercury, messenger of the gods
Merendera from the Spanish vernacular name, quita meriendas
meri-, meros- partly-, partmeridianus -a -um, meridionalis -is -e of noon, flowering at midday,
southern
-meria, -meris -is -e -parts, -merov
Mertensia for Franz Carl Mertens (1764–1831), German botanist
-merus -a -um -partite, -divided into, -merous, -merov
merus pure, bare
mes-, mesi-, meso- middle-, mesov, somewhatmesargyreus -a -um with silver towards the middle (leaf colouration)
Mesembryanthemum Midday-flower (flowers open in full sun)
messanius -a -um from Messina
-mestris -is -e -months (the period of growth or flowering)
Mezereum latinized from the Arabic, masarjun
mesoponticus -a -um from the middle sea (lakes of central Africa)
mesopotamicus -a -um from between the rivers
Mespilus Theophrastus’ name, mespilh sataneiov, for the medlar
messaniensis -is -e from Messina, Italy
messeniensis -is -e from Messenia, Morea, Greece
met-, meta- amongst-, next to-, after-, behind-, later-, with- (meta)
metallicus -a -um lustrous, metallic in appearance
Metasequoia Close-to-Sequoia (resemblance of the dawn redwood)
meteoris -is -e dependent upon the weather (flowering)
methystico-, methysticus -a -um intoxicating
metro- mother-, mhthr, centre-, heartMetrosideros Heart-of-iron (sidhrov), the hard timber
Metroxylon Heart-wood (the large medulla)
Meum (Meon) an old Greek name, mhon, in Dioscorides
mexicanus -a -um from Mexico, Mexican
mezereum a name used by Avicenna (980–1037) from the Arabic
(mazarjun)
Mibora an Adansonian name of uncertain meaning
[195]
micaceus -a -um from mica soils
micans shining, sparkling, glistening
Michauxia for André Michaux (1746–1803), French botanist
micr-, micra-, micro- small- (mikro)
micranthus -a -um small-flowered
microbiota small-Thuja (Biota was an earlier synonym for Thuja)
Microcala Little-beauty
microcarpus -a -um small-fruited
microdasys small and hairy, with short shaggy hair
Microdesmis Small-clusters (refers to the clustered flowers)
microdon small-toothed
microglochin small-point (the tip of the flowering axis)
Microglossa Small-tongue (the short ligulate florets)
Microlepia Small-scale (thin outward-facing indusium is attached at
the base and sides)
micromerus -a -um with small parts or divisions
Microsisymbrium Little-Sisymbrium
-mict- -mixed-, -mixturemikanioides resembling Mikania (climbing hemp-weed)
miliaceus -a -um millet-like, pertaining to millet
miliaris -is -e minutely glandular-spotted
militaris -is -e upright, resembling part of a uniform
Milium the Latin name for a millet grass
mille- a thousand- (usually means ‘very many’)
millefolius -a -um thousand-leaved (much divided leaves of milfoil)
Miltonia for Charles Fitzwilliam, Viscount Milton
mimetes mimicking
Mimosa Mimic (the sensitivity of the leaves, mimov an imitator)
Mimulus Ape-flower (the flowers mimic a monkey’s face)
miniatus -a -um cinnabar-red, the colour of red lead
minimus -a -um least, smallest
minor -or -us smaller
Minuartia for Juan Minuart (1693–1768), Spanish botanist
minus -a -um small
[196]
minutissimus -a -um extremely small, smallest
minutus -a -um very small, minute
mio- see meioMirabilis, mirabilis -is -e Wonderful, extraordinary, astonishing
mirandus -a -um extraordinary
Miscanthus Stem-flower (miscov), the elongate inflorescence
miser -era -erum wretched, inferior
Misopates Reluctant-to-open
missouriensis -is -e from Missouri, USA
Mitchellia for John Mitchell (d. 1772), botanist in Virginia, USA
Mitella Little-mitre (the shape of the fruit)
mithridatus -a -um for Mithridates Eupator, king of Pontus
(mithridates give protection against poisons)
mitis -is -e gentle, mild, bland, not acid, without spines
Mitragyna Turban-shaped-ovary
Mitraria Capped (the bracteate inflorescence)
mitratus -a -um turbaned, mitred (mitra head-dress)
mitriformis -is -e, mitraeformis -is -e mitre-shaped, turban-shaped
mixo- mixing-, mingling- (mixiv)
mixtus -a -um mixed
mlokosewitschii for Herr Ludwig Mlokosewitsch, who found his
Paeonia in the central Caucasus
-mnemon -fixed characters
mnio- moss-, MniumMniopsis Moss-like (genus of the aquatic Podostemaceae)
modestus -a -um modest, unpretentious
Moehringia for P.H.G. Möhring (1710–1792), German naturalist
Moenchia for Conrad Moench (1744–1805), German botanist
moesiacus -a -um from Moesia, Balkans
moldavicus -a -um from Moldavia, Danube area
molendinaceus -a -um, molendinaris -is -e shaped like a mill-sail
Molinia, molinae for Juan I. Molina (1740–1829), writer on Chilean
plants
Molium Magic-garlic (after Allium moly)
[197]
molle from Peruvian name, mulli, for Schinus molle
mollearis -is -e resembling Schinus molle
molli-, mollis -is -e softly-hairy, soft
molliaris -is -e supple, graceful, pleasant
molliceps soft-headed
Mollugo Soft (a name in Pliny)
Moltkia for the Danish Count Joachim Gadske Moltke (d. 1818)
moluccanus -a -um from the Moluccas (Indonesia)
Moluccella derivation obscure (Bells of Ireland)
moly the Greek name of a magic herb
molybdeus -a -um, molybdos sad, neutral-grey, lead-coloured
mombin a West Indian vernacular name for hog plum, Spondias
mombin
mon-, mona-, mono- one-, single-, alone- (monov)
monadelphus -a -um in one group or bundle (stamens)
monandrus -a -um one-stamened, with a single stamen
Monarda for Nicholas Monardes of Seville (1493–1588), first
herbal writer to include newly discovered American plants
mondo from a Japanese vernacular name
monensis -is -e from Anglesey or the Isle of Man, both formerly
known as Mona
Moneses One-product (the solitary flower)
mongholicus -a -um, mongolicus -a -um from Mongolia, Mongolian
moniliformis -is -e necklace-like, like a string of beads
mono- single-, monovmonoclinus -a -um hermaphrodite, with stamens and ovary in one
flower
monoclonos single-branched (–klwn)
monococcus -a -um one-fruited or -berried (–kokkov)
Monodora Single-gift (the solitary flowers)
monoicus -a -um separate staminate and pistillate flowers on the same
plant, moneocious
monorchis -is -e one-testicle (Herminium has a single tuber at
anthesis)
[198]
Monotes Solitary (the first, and only genus of Dipterocarps in Africa
when erected)
Monotropa One-turn (the band at the top of the stem)
monspeliensis -is -e, monspessulanus -a -um from Montpellier, S France
Monstera derivation uncertain, of huge size or monstrous foliage?
monstrosus -a -um, monstrus -a -um abnormal, monstrous, wonderful,
horrible
montanus -a -um, monticolus -a -um of mountains, mountain-dweller
Montbretia for Antoine François Ernest Conquebert de Montbret
(1781–1801), died in Cairo on the French expedition to
Egypt
montevidensis -is -e from Montevideo, Uruguay
Montia for G.L. Monti (1712–1797), Italian botanist
monticolus -a -um mountain-loving
Moricandia for M. Etienne (Stephan) Moricand (1779–1854), Swiss
botanist
morifolius -a -um mulberry-leaved, with Morus-like leaves
Moringa from an Indian vernacular name
morio madness
-morius -a -um -divisions, -parts, -merous (of the flower)
-morphus -a -um -shaped, -formed (morjh)
morsus-ranae mouth of the frog (frog-bit)
mortefontanensis -is -e from the Chantrier brothers’ nursery,
Motrefontaine, France
mortuiflumis -is -e of dead water, growing in stagnant water
Morus the ancient Latin name for the mulberry
moschatellina an old generic name for Adoxa (musk-fragrant)
moschatus -a -um musk-like, musky (scented) (moskh)
moscheutos a vernacular name for swamp rose-mallow, Hibiscus
moscheutos
mosaicus -a -um parti-coloured, coloured like a mosaic
moupinensis -is -e from Mupin, W China
moxa a vernacular name for the woolly leaves of Artemisia moxa
mucosus -a -um slimy
[199]
mucro-, mucroni- pointed-, sharp-pointedmucronatus -a -um with a hard sharp-pointed tip, mucronate (see
Fig. 7(b))
mucronulatus -a -um with a hard, very short, pointed tip
Muehlenbeckia for Dr H. Gustave Muehlenbeck (1798–1845), Swiss
physician
Muehlenbergia for Henri Ludwig Muehlenberg (1756–1817)
muelleri for Otto Ferdinand Mueller (1730–1784) or Ferdinand von
Mueller (1825–1896)
mughus, mugo an old Italian vernacular name for the dwarf pine,
Pinus mugo
Mulgedium Milker (Cassini’s name refers to the possession of latex as
in Lactuca)
mult-, multi-, multus -a -um many
multicavus -a -um with many hollows, many-cavitied
multiceps many-headed
multifidus -a -um much divided, deeply incised
multijugus -a -um pinnate, with many pairs of leaflets
multiplex with very many parts, very-double (flowered)
multiramosus -a -um many-branched
mume from the Japanese name, ume
mundulus -a -um quite neat, neatish
mundus -a -um clean, neat, elegant, handsome
munitus -a -um fortified, armed
muralis -is -e growing on walls, of the walls
muralius -a -um covering walls
muricatus -a -um rough with short superficial tubercles, muricate
murice from a vernacular name for the bark of Byrsophyllum species
murinus -a -um mouse-grey, of mice
murorum of walls
murra myrrh
Musa for Antonio Musa (63–14 BC), physician to Emperor
Augustus
musaicus -a -um mottled like a mosaic, resembling Musa
[200]
musalae from Mt Musala, Bulgaria
Muscari Musk-like (from the Turkish, moscos – fragrance)
muscari- fly-, like Muscari inflorescencemusci- fly-, mossmuscifer -era -erum fly-bearing (floral resemblance)
musciformis -is -e moss-like
muscipulus -a -um fly-catching (Dionaea muscipula, Venus’ flytrap)
muscivorus -a -um fly-eating
muscoides fly-like
muscosus -a -um moss-like, mossy
musi- banana-, MusaMussaenda from a Sinhalese vernacular name
mussini for Count Grafen Apollos Apollosowitsch Mussin-Puschkin
(d. 1805), phytochemist from the Caucasus (Nepeta mussini)
mutabilis -is -e changeable (in colour), mutable
mutans changing, variable, mutant
mutatus -a -um changed, altered
muticus -a -um without a point, not pointed, blunt
mutilatus -a -um roughly divided, as though torn
Mutisia (Mutisa) for Joseph Celestino B. Mutis y Bosio (1732–1808),
Spanish discoverer of Cinchona
myagroides resembling Myagrum
Myagrum Mouse-trap (Dioscorides’ name, muagron)
Mycelis de l’Obel’s name has no clear meaning
-myces, myco- -fungi, fungus-, mushroommyiagrus -a -um fly-catching (sticky)
myo- mouse-, closed-, (also muscle-, as in myocardial)
myoctonus -a -um mouse-death, poisonous to mice
myosorensis -is -e from Mysore, India
Myosotidium Myosotis-like
Myosotis Mouse-ear (Dioscorides’ name, muoswtiv)
Myosoton Mouse-ear (Dioscorides’ name synonymous with
Myosotis)
Myosurus Mouse-tail (the fruiting receptacle)
[201]
myr-, myro- myrrh-, Myrrhismyrianthus -a -um with a large number of flowers
Myrica Fragrance (the ancient Greek name, murikh, for Tamarix)
Myricaria Myrica-like, a Homeric name for a tamarisk
myrio- numerous-, myriadMyriophyllum Numerous-leaves (Dioscorides’ name muriojullon)
Myristica Myrrh-fragrant (true nutmeg, M. fragrans)
myristicus -a -um myrrh-like (calabash-nutmeg, Monodora myristica)
myrmeco- ant- (many ant/plant symbioses involve plant structure
modifications)
myrmecophilus -a -um ant-loving (plants with special ant
accommodations and associations)
myrosmus -a -um myrrh-fragrant
Myrrhis Dioscorides’ ancient name, murrha, for true myrrh,
Myrrhis odorata
myrrhus -a -um myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Myrsine Dioscorides’ ancient name for the myrtle
myrsinites myrtle-like (mursinh-)
myrsinoides Myrsine-like
myrti- myrtle-, Myrtusmyrtifolius -a -um myrtle-leaved
Myrtus the Greek name, murton, for myrtle
mystacinus -a -um moustached, whiskered
mysurensis -is -e from Mysore, India
myurus -a -um, myuros mouse-tailed (muv–oura)
Myurus Mouse-tail (the fruiting receptacle)
myx-, myxo- amoeboid-, mucus-, slimenacreus -a -um mother-of-pearl-like
naevosus -a -um freckled, with mole-like blotches
Naias, Najas one of the three mythological freshwater nymphs, or
Naiads (see Nymphaea and Nyssa)
nairobensis -is -e from Nairobi, Kenya
nama-, namato- brook[202]
namaquensis -is -e from Namaqualand, western South Africa
namatophilus -a -um brook-loving
nan, nana-, nanae-, nani-, nano-, nanoe- dwarf
Nandina from its Japanese name, nandin
nanellus -a -um very dwarf
nannophyllus -a -um small-leaved
nanus -a -um dwarf
napaeifolius -a -um (napeaefolius -a -um) mallow-leaved, Napaea-leaved
napaulensis -is -e from Nepal, Nepalese
napellus -a -um swollen, turnip-rooted, like a small turnip
napi- turnipnapifolius -a -um turnip-leaved
Napoleona (Napoleonaea) for Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte
Napus the name in Pliny for a turnip
narbonensis -is -e from Narbonne, S France
Narcissus the name of a youth in Greek mythology who fell in love
with his own reflection, torpid (the narcotic effect)
Nardurus Nardus-tail (the narrow inflorescence)
Nardus Spikenard-like (the lower parts of N. stricta are a little like
the biblical spikenard Nardostachys jatamansi)
narinosus -a -um broad-nosed
Narthecium Little-rod (the stem, also an anagram of Anthericum)
Nasturtium Nose-twist (from Pliny’s quod nasum torqueat, the
mustard-oil smell)
nasutus -a -um acute, large-nosed
nathaliae for Queen Natholia, wife of a former King of Milan
natans floating on water, swimming
Naumbergia for S.J. Naumberg (1768–1799), German botanist
nauseosus -a -um nauseating
nauticus -a -um, nautiformis -is -e boat-shaped
navicularis -is -e boat-shaped
nebrodensis -is -e from Mt Nebrodi, Sicily
nebulosus -a -um cloud-like, clouded, vaporous, nebulous
Nectaroscordum Nectar-garlic
[203]
neglectus -a -um (formerly) overlooked, disregarded, neglected
negundo from a Sanskrit name for a tree with leaves like box-elder
Neillia for Patrick Neill (1776–1851), Edinburgh botanist
Nelumbo from a Sinhalese name
-nema, nema-, nemato- -thread, thread-, thread-likeNemesia a name, nemesion, used by Dioscorides for another plant
nemo- of glades-, glade- (nemov, knhmov)
Nemopanthus (Nemopanthes) Thread-flower (the slender pedicels)
Nemophila Glade-loving (nemov), woodland habitat
nemoralis -is -e, nemorosus -a -um, nemorum of woods, sylvan
nemossus -a -um from Clermont
nemusculus medieval Latin for underwood or scrub
neo- newneomontanus -a -um from Neuberg, Germany
neopolitanus -a -um from Naples, Neapolitan
Neoregelia for Eduard Albert von Regel
Neotinnea (Neotinea) New-Tinnea (for similarity to the genus named
for three Dutch ladies who explored on the Nile)
Neottia Nest-of-fledglings (the appearance of the roots of Neottia
nidus-avis, or ‘bird’s nest bird’s nest’)
nepalensis -is -e from Nepal, Nepalese
Nepenthes Euphoria (its reputed drug property of removing anxiety)
Nepeta the Latin name, from Nepi, Italy
nephr-, nephro- kidney-shaped-, kidney- (nejrov)
Nephrodium Kidneys (the shape of the indusia of the sori)
nephroideus -a -um reniform, kidney-shaped
Nephrolepis Kidney-scale (the shape of the indusia of the sori)
nericus -a -um from the province of Närke, Sweden
nerii- oleander-like-, Neriumneriifolius -a -um (nereifolius -a -um) Nerium-leaved
Nerine a sea Nymph, daughter of Nereus
Nerium the ancient Greek name for oleander, Nerium oleander
Nertera Lowly (nerterov), small stature
nerterioides resembling Nertera (bead plants)
[204]
nervalis -is -e loculicidal on the mid-rib, with a tendril-like
prolongation of the mid-nerve
nervatus -a -um, nervis -is -e nerved or veined
nervosus -a -um with prominent nerves or veins
Neslia for the French botanist, Nesles
neso- islandNesogordonia Island-Gordonia (it was originally thought to be
confined to Madagascar)
nesophilus -a -um island-loving
nessensis -is -e from Loch Ness, Scotland
-neurus -a -um -nerved, -veined
nevadensis -is -e from Nevada or the Sierra Nevada, USA
nicaensis -is -e from Nice, SE France or Nicaea, Bithynia, NW Turkey
Nicandra for Nicander of Calophon (100 BC), writer on plants
Nicotiana for Jean Nicot, who introduced tobacco to France in the
late 16th century
nictitans moving, blinking, nodding
nidi-, nidus nest, nest-like
Nidularium Little-nest (the appearance of the compound
inflorescence)
nidus-aves bird’s-nest (resemblance)
Nierembergia for Juan Eusebia Nieremberg (1594–1658), Spanish
Jesuit naturalist
Nigella Blackish (the seed coats)
nigellastrum medieval Latin name for corn-cockle
niger -ra -rum black
nigericus -a -um from Nigeria, West Africa
nigrescens darkening, turning black
nigri-, nigro- black-, darknigricans almost black, blackish with age
nikoensis -is -e from Nike, Japan
niliacus -a -um from the River Nile
niloticus -a -um from the Nile Valley
nimus -a -um wooden
[205]
nipho- snownipponicus -a -um from Japan (Nippon), Japanese
nissanus -a -um from Nish, SE Serbia
nissolia for Guillaume Nissole, 17th century botanist of Montpellier,
France
nitens, nitidi-, nitidus -a -um glossy, with a polished surface, neat,
shining
Nitraria Soda-producer (grows in saline deserts, when burnt yields
nitre)
nitrophilus -a -um alkali-loving (growing on soda- or potash-rich
soils)
nivalis -is -e growing near snow (nix, nivis snow)
niveus -a -um, nivosus -a -um purest white, snow-white
nobilis -is -e famous, grand, noble, notable
nocti- nightnoctiflorus -a -um, nocturnus -a -um night-flowering
nocturnalis -is -e at night, for one night (flowering)
nodiflorus -a -um flowering at the nodes
nodosus -a -um many-jointed, conspicuously jointed, knotty
nodulosus -a -um with swellings (on the roots), noduled
noeanus -a -um for Wilhelm Noe
Nolana Small-bell (nola)
noli-tangeri touch-not (the ripe fruit ruptures, expelling seed on
touch)
noma-, nomo- meadow-, pasture-, nomh
Nomalxochia the Mexican vernacular name
nominius -a -um customary (nomimov)
Nomocharis Meadow-grace (nomov)
non- not-, unnonpictus -a -um of plain colour, not painted
nonscriptus -a -um (nondescriptus -a -um) unmarked, not written
upon
nootkatensis -is -e, nutkatensis -is -e from Nootka Sound, British
Columbia, Canada
[206]
nordmannianus -a -um for Alexander von Nordmann (1843–1866),
zoologist of Odessa and Helsingfors
normalis -is -e representative of the genus, usual, normal
norvegicus -a -um from Norway, Norwegian
notatus -a -um spotted, lined, marked
notho-, nothos-, nothus -a -um false-, spurious-, not-true-, bastard(noqov)
Nothofagus False-beech
Nothoscordum Bastard-garlic
noti-, notio- southern-, notov
noto- surface-, the back- (nwton)
nov-, novae-, novi- newnovae-angliae from New England
novae-belgii (novi-belgae) from New Belgium (New Netherlands or
New York)
novae-caesareae (novi-caesareae) from New Jersey, USA
novae-zelandiae from New Zealand
noveboracensis -is -e from New York, USA
novem- ninenovi-caesareae from New Jersey, USA
nubicolus -a -um, of cloudy places
nubicus -a -um from the Sudan (Nubia), NE Africa
nubigenus -a -um (nubiginus -a -um) cloud-formed, cloud-born
nubilorum from high peaks, of clouds
nubilus -a -um gloomy, sad, dusky, greyish-blue
nucifer -era -erum nut-bearing
nuculosus -a -um containing hard, nut-like seeds
nudatus -a -um, nudi-, nudus -a -um bare, naked
nudicaulis -is -e naked-stemmed, leafless
numidicus -a -um from Algeria (Numidia), Algerian
nummularis -is -e circular, coin-like (the leaves)
nummularius -a -um money-wort-like, resembling Nummularia
Nuphar the Persian name for a water-lily (ancient Latin nenuphar,
ninufer)
[207]
nutabilis -is -e sad-looking, drooping, nodding
nutans drooping, nodding (the flowers)
nutkanus -a -um see nootkatensis
nux- nutnux-vomica with nuts causing vomiting (Strychnos nux-vomica
contain the alkaloid strychnine)
-nychius -a -um -clawed
nyct-, nycto- nightnyctagineus -a -um night-flowering
Nyctanthus Night-flower
nyctanthus -a -um nocturnal-flowering
Nyctocalos Night-beauty
nycticalus -a -um beautiful at night
Nymphaea for Nymphe, one of the mythological fresh-water Naiads
nymphae- waterlily-like-, Nymphaea-likeNymphe the name used by Theophrastus
Nymphoides Resembling-Nymphaea
Nyssa for Nyssa, one of the mythological fresh-water Naiads
ob-, oc-, of-, op- contrary-, opposite-, inverted-, inversely-, against-,
completelyobconicus -a -um like an inverted cone
obcordatus -a -um inversely cordate (stalked at narrowed end of a
heart-shaped leaf ), obcordate
obesus -a -um succulent, fat
obfuscatus -a -um clouded over, confused
Obione Daughter-of-the-Obi (a Siberian river)
oblanceolatus -a -um narrow and tapering towards the base
oblatus -a -um somewhat flattened at the ends, oval, oblate
obliquus -a -um slanting, unequal-sided, oblique
oblongatus-a -um, oblongi-, oblongus -a -um elliptic with blunt ends,
oblongobovalis -is -e, obovatus -a -um egg-shaped in outline with the narrow
end lowermost, obovate
[208]
obscissus -a -um with a squared-off end, cut off
obscurus -a -um dark, dingy, obscure, of uncertain affinity
obsoletus -a -um rudimentary, decayed
obstructus -a -um with the throat of the corolla restricted by hairs or
appendages
obtectus -a -um covered over
obturbinatus -a -um reverse top-shaped, wide at the base and tapered
to the apex
obtusatus -a -um, obtusi-, obtusus -a -um blunt, rounded, obtuse
obtusior more obtuse (than the type)
obvallaris -is -e, obvallatus -a -um (obvalearis) walled around, enclosed,
fortified
obvolutus -a -um half-amplexicaule, with one leaf margin
overlapping that of its neighbour
occidentalis -is -e western, occidental, of the West
occultus -a -um hidden
oceanicus -a -um growing near the sea
ocellatus -a -um (ocelatus -a -um) like a small eye, with a colour-spot
bordered with another colour
Ochna an ancient Greek name, ocnh, used by Homer for a wild pear
ochnaceus -a -um resembling Ochna
ochr-, ochro- ochre-, pale-yellow- (wcrov)
ochraceus -a -um ochre-coloured, yellowish
ochroleucus -a -um buff-coloured, yellowish-white (wcrov–leukov)
ochth-, ochtho- slope-, dyke-, bank-, ocqh
Ochthocosmus Hill-decoration (distinctive leaves, persistent flowers
and montane habitat)
ocimoides, ocymoides sweet basil-like, resembling Ocimum
Ocimum the Greek name, okimon, for an aromatic plant
oct-, octa-, octo- eightoctandrus -a -um eight-stamened
Octadesmia Eight-bundles (there are eight pollinial masses)
Octolepis Eight-scales (the paired scale-like petals)
Octolobus Eight-lobed (the calyx)
[209]
oculatus -a -um eyed, with an eye
oculus-christi Eye of Christ (Inula oculus-christi)
oculus-solis sun’s-eye-odes -like, -resembling, -shaped, -similar to -oida
odessanus -a -um from Odessa, Black Sea area of Ukraine
odont-, odonto- tooth-, odontov
Odontites For-teeth (the name, odouv–ithv, in Pliny refers to its use
for treating toothache)
odontochilus -a -um with a toothed lip
Odontoglossum Toothed-tongue (the toothed lip)
odontoides tooth-like, dentate
odoratus -a -um, odorifer -era -erum, -odorus -a -um fragrant, -scented
-odus -a -um -joined
oedo- swelling-, becoming swollen- (oidein-)
Oedogonium Swollen-ovary (the enlarged gynoecial cells)
oelandicus -a -um from Öland, Sweden
Oenanthe Wine-fragrant
Oenothera Ass-catcher (the Greek name, oinoqhrav, for another
plant but the etymology is uncertain)
officinalis -is -e, officinarum of the apothecaries, sold in shops,
officinal medicines
Oftia a name by Adanson with no clear meaning
-oides, -oideus -a -um -like, -resembling, -shaped, oida
oistophyllus -a -um arrow-shaped-leaved
Olax Furrow (the appearance given by the two-ranked leaves)
olbia, olbios rich or from Hyères (Olbia), France
Olea Oily-one (the ancient name for the olive)
oleagineus -a -um, oleag inosus -a -um fleshy, rich in oil
oleander old generic name, oleandrh, used by Dioscorides (Italian,
oleandra, for the olive-like foliage)
Olearia Olive-like (similarity of the leaves of some species)
Oleaster Olive-like (Eleagnus, Theophrastus used the name for a
willow)
olei- olive-, Olea[210]
oleifer -era -erum oil-bearing
olens fragrant, musty, smelling
-olentus -a -um -fullness of, -abundance
oleospermus -a -um oil-seeded
oleraceus -a -um of cultivation, vegetable, aromatic, esculent
olgae for Olga Fedtschenko
olibanum from the Arabic, al luban, for the resinous secretion of
Boswellia
olidus -a -um stinking, smelling
olig-, oligo- feeble-, fewoliganthus -a -um with few flowers
oligospermus -a -um with few seeds
olisiponensis -is -e from Lisbon
olitorius -a -um of gardens or gardeners (holitorius), salad vegetable,
culinary
olusatrum Pliny’s name for a black-seeded pot-herb
olympicus -a -um from Mt Olympus, Greece, Olympian
ombro- rain-storm-, shadeomeiensis -is -e from Mt Omei, Omei Shan, Szechwan, China
omeiocalamus Calamus of Mt Omei, Szechwan, China
omiophyllus -a -um lacking reduced (submerged) leaves
omorika from the Serbian name for Picea omorika
omphalo- navel- (omjalov)
Omphalodes Navel-like (omjalov) the fruit shape of navelwort
-on -clan, -family
onc-, onco- tumour-, hook- (ogkov)
Oncidium Tumour (ogkov), the warted crest of the lip
Oncoba from the Arabic name, onkob
onegensis -is -e from Onega, Russia
onites a name, onov, used by Dioscorides (of an ass or donkey)
Onobrychis Ass-bray (a name, onobruciv, in Pliny for a legume
eaten greedily by asses)
Onoclea Closed-cup, onov–kleiw (the sori are concealed by the
rolled frond margins)
[211]
onomatologia the rules to be followed in forming names
Ononis the classical name, onwniv, used by Dioscorides
Onopordum (on) Ass-fart, onopordon (its effect on donkeys)
onopteris ass-fern, from a name used by Tabernamontana
Onosma Ass-smell (said to attract asses)
oo- egg-shaped-, wonopacus -a -um dull, shady, not glossy or transparent
opalus from the old Latin name, opulus, for maple
operculatus -a -um lidded, with a lid
opertus -a -um hidden
ophio- snake-like, snake- (ojiv)
Ophiobotrys Serpentine-raceme (the slender branches of the
inflorescence)
ophiocarpus -a -um with an elongate fruit, snake-like-fruited
ophioglossifolius -a -um snake’s-tongue-leaved
Ophioglossum Snake-tongue (appearance of fertile part of frond –
adder’s tongue fern)
Ophiopogon Snake-beard
Ophrys Eyebrow (the name, ojruv, in Pliny)
-ophthalmus -a -um -eyed, -eye-like
opistho- back-, behindOplismenus Weapon (oplismov)
opo- sap- (feeding, of parasites)
oporinus -a -um of late summer, autumnal (opwrinov)
oppositi- opposite-, opposed-ops, opseo-, -opsis -is -e -eyed, -like, -looking like, -appearance of
(oyiv)
optimus -a -um the best
opuli- guelder rose-like
opulus an old generic name for the guelder rose
Opuntia Tournefort’s name for succulent plants from Opous,
Boeotea, Greece
opuntiiflorus -a -um (opuntiaeflorus -a -um) Opuntia-flowered
-opus -foot
[212]
orarius -a -um of the shoreline
orbicularis -is -e, orbiculatus -a -um disc-shaped, circular in outline,
orbicular
orcadensis -is -e from the Orkney Isles, Orcadian
orchioides resembling Orchis
Orchis Testicle, orciv (the shape of the root-tubers)
orculae- barrel-, caskoreadis -is -e of the sun, heliophytic (the Oreads were mythical
mountain Nymphs)
oreganus -a -um, oregonensis -is -e, oregonus -a -um from Oregon, USA
orellana from a pre-Linnaean name for annatto, the red dye from
Bixa
oreo-, ores-, ori mountain- (orov,oreov)
Oreodoxa Mountain-glory
oreophilus -a -um mountain-loving, montane
oresbius -a -um living on mountains
organensis -is -e from Organ Mt, New Mexico, USA or Brazil
orgyalis -is -e a fathom in length, about 6 feet tall (the distance from
finger-tip to finger-tip with arms outstretched)
orientalis -is -e eastern, oriental, of the East
Origanum Joy-of-the-mountain (Theophrastus’ name, origanon,
for an aromatic herb)
-orius -a -um -able, -capable of, -functioning
Orixa from the Japanese name for Orixa japonica
ormo- necklace-like-, necklaceornatus -a -um adorned, showy
ornitho- bird-like-, birdOrnithogalum Bird-milk (Dioscorides’ name, orniqogalon, for a
plant yielding bird-lime)
ornithopodioides, ornithopodus -a -um bird-footed, like a bird’s foot
(the arrangement of the fruits or inflorescence)
Ornithopus Bird-foot, orniqov–pouv (the disposition of the fruits)
ornithorhynchus -a -um like a bird’s beak
ornus from the ancient Latin for manna-ash, Fraxinus ornus
[213]
Orobanche Legume-strangler, orobov–agcw (one species
parasitizes legumes – see also rapum-genistae)
orobus an old generic name, orobov, for Vicia ervilia
orontium an old generic name, orontion, for a plant from the
Orontes River, Syria
orophilus -a -um mountain-loving, montane (orov)
orospendanus -a -um of mountains
orphanidium fatherless, unrelated
ortgeisii for Eduard Ortgeis (1829–1916), of Zurich Botanic Garden
(Oxalis ortgeisii tree oxalis)
orth-, ortho- correct-, straight-, upright- (orqov)
Orthila Straight (the style)
Orthocarpus Upright-fruit
orthocladus -a -um with straight branches
ortubae from the region of Lake Maggiore, Italy
orubicus -a -um from Oruba Island, Caribbean
orvala origin obscure, possibly from the Greek for a sage- (ormin)
like plant
Oryza from the Arabic name, eruz
Oryzopsis Oryza-resembler
oscillatorius -a -um able to move about a central attachment, versatile
-osma -scented, fragrant- (osmh))
osmo- thrust-, pressure- (wsmov)
Osmanthus Fragrant-flower (for the perfumed Osmanthus fragrans)
Osmaronia Fragrant-Aronia (the derivation is doubtful)
Osmunda either for Osmund the waterman or for the Anglo-Saxon
god of thunder, equivalent of the Norse, Thor
osseus -a -um of very hard texture, bony
ossifragus -a -um of broken bones (said to cause fractures in cattle
when abundant in lime-free pastures)
osteo- bone-like-, bone- (osteon)
Osteomeles Bone-apple (the hard fruit)
Osteospermum Bone-seed (the hard-coated fruits)
ostiolatus -a -um having a small opening or mouth
[214]
ostraco- hard-shelledOstrowskia for Michael Nicholajewitsch von Ostrowsky, Minister of
the Russian Imperial Domains and botanist
ostruthius -a -um purplish
Ostrya a name, ostruv, in Pliny for a hornbeam
-osus -a -um -abundant, -large, -very much
-osyne, -otes -notably
ot-, oto- ear-like-, ear- (ouv,wtov)
Otanthus Ear-flower (the shape of the corolla)
-otes, -otus -a -um -looking-like, -resembling, -having
Othonia Cloth-napkin (the covering of downy hairs)
otites relating to ears, an old generic name, from Rupius
otrubae for Joseph Otruba (b. 1889), of Moravia
Ottelia from the native Malabar name
Oubanguia from the name of the River Oubangui, Nigeria
ouletrichus -a -um with curly hair
Ouratea from the South American native name
Ourisia for Governor Ouris of the Falkland Islands
ovali-, ovalis -is -e egg-shaped (in outline), oval
ovati-, ovatus -a -um egg-shaped (in the solid or in outline), with the
broad end lowermost
ovifer -era -erum, oviger -era -erum bearing eggs (or egg-like
structures)
oviformis -is -e egg-shaped (in the solid), ovoid
ovinus -a -um of sheep
Oxalis Acid-salt (the name, oxaliv, in Nicander refers to the taste of
sorrel)
oxodus -a -um of acid humic soils, oxwdhv
oxy-, -oxys acid-, sharp-, -pointed (oxuv)
Oxyacantha Sharp-thorn (Theophrastus’ name)
oxyacanthus -a -um having sharp thorns or prickles
oxycarpus -a -um having a sharp-pointed fruit
Oxycedrus Pungent-juniper
Oxycoccus Acid-berry
[215]
Oxydendrum (on) Sour-tree (the acid taste of the leaves), sourwood
oxygonus -a -um with sharp angles, sharp-angled
oxylobus -a -um with sharp-pointed lobes
oxylophilus -a -um of humus-rich soils, humus-loving
Oxypetalum Sharp-petalled
oxyphilus -a -um of acidic soils, acid soil-loving
Oxyria Acidic (the taste)
Oxytropis Sharp-keel (the pointed keel petal)
Ozothamnus Fragrant-shrub
pabularis -is -e, pabularius -a -um of forage or pastures
pachy- stout-, thick- (pacuv)
pachyphloeus -a -um thick-barked
Pachyphragma Stout-partition (the ribbed septum of the fruit)
Pachypodanthium Thick-footed-flowers (the crowded stalkless
carpels)
Pachysandra Thick-stamens (the filaments)
(Pachystema, Pachistima, Pachystigma) see Paxistima
pacificus -a -um of the western American seaboard
padi- Prunus paduspadus Theophrastus’ name, padov, for St Lucie cherry or from the
River Po, Italy
Paederia Bad-smell (the crushed flowers)
Paeonia named by Theophrastus for Paeon, the physician to the
Gods who, in mythology, was changed into a flower by Pluto
paganus -a -um of country areas, from the wild
pago- foothill-, pagov
palaestinus -a -um from Palestine, Palestinian
paleaceus -a -um covered with chaffy scales, chaffy
palaeo- ancientpalinuri from Palinuro, Italy
Palisota for A.M.F. Palisot de Beauvois (1752–1820), French
botanist
Paliurus the ancient Greek name for Christ-thorn
[216]
pallasii for Peter Simon Pallas (1741–1811), German naturalist and
explorer
pallens pale
pallescens (palescens) becoming pale, fading
palliatus -a -um cloaked, hooded
pallidus -a -um greenish, somewhat pale
palmaris -is -e of a hand’s breadth, about 3 inches wide
palmati-, palmatus -a -um with five or more veins arising from one
point (usually on divided leaves), hand-shaped, palmate (see
Fig. 5(a))
palmensis -is -e from Las Palmas, Canary Isles
palmi- date-palm-, palm-of-the-handpalmitifidus -a -um palmately incised
palpebrae eyelashed, with fringe of hairs
paludis -is -e of swamps
paludosus -a -um growing in boggy or marshy ground
palumbinus -a -um lead-coloured (the colour of wood-pigeons)
paluster -tris -tre of swampy ground (palustris is often used as a
masculine ending in botanical names)
pamiricus -a -um of the Pamir Mountains, Tadzhikstan
pampini- tendrillar-, tendrilpampinosus -a -um leafy, with many tendrils
pan-, panto- all- (pan, pantov)
panaci- Panaxpanamensis-is-e from Panama, Central America
Panax Healer-of-all (the ancient virtues of ginseng)
pancicii for Joseph Panĉić (1814–1888), Yugoslavian botanist
Pancratium All-potent (a name, pankratov, used by Dioscorides)
pandani- PandanusPandanus Malayan name, pandan, for screw-pines
pandorana Pandora’s (objects of desire, the changing form of
Pandorea pandorana)
Pandorea Pandora (Wonga wonga vine)
panduratus -a -um fiddle-shaped, pandurate, panduriform
[217]
paniceus -a -um like millet grain
paniculatus -a -um with a branched-racemose or cymose
inflorescence, tufted, paniculate (see Fig. 2(c))
Panicum the ancient Latin name for the grass Setaria
panneformis -is -e with a felted surface texture, pannus, cloth
pannifolius -a -um cloth-leaved
pannonicus -a -um from Pannonia, SW Hungary
pannosus -a -um woolly, tattered, coarse, ragged
panormitanus -a -um from Palermo, panormov, Sicily
pantothrix hairy all round
Papaver the Latin name for poppies, including the opium poppy
papaya from a vernacular name for pawpaw, Carica papaya
paphio- Venus’Paphiopedilum Venus’-slipper (see Cypripedium), Venus’ temple was
at Paphos
papil-, papilio- butterflypapillifer -era -erum, papilliger -era -erum producing or bearing papillae
papillosus -a -um covered with papillae or minute lobes, papillate
pappi-, pappus- downy-, downpapposus -a -um downy
papuli- pimplepapulosus -a -um pimpled with small soft tubercles
papyraceus -a -um with the texture of paper, papery
papyrifer -era -erum paper-bearing
Papyrus Paper (the Greek name for the paper made from the
Egyptian bulrush, Cyperus papyrus)
para- near-, beside-, wrong, irregular- (para)
parabolicus -a -um ovate-elliptic, parabolic in outline
paradisi, paradisiacus -a -um of parks, of gardens, of paradise
Paradisea for Count Giovani Paradisi
paradoxus -a -um strange, unusual, unexpected (para–doxov)
paraguariensis -is -e, paraguayensis -is -e from Paraguay
paralias seaside, by the beach (ancient Greek name for a plant,
paraliov)
[218]
Parapholis Irregular-scales (the position of the glumes)
parasiticus -a -um living at another’s expense, parasitic (formerly
applied to epiphytes)
parellinus -a -um, parellus -a -um litmus-violet (lichen Lecanora parella)
parci- with fewparcifrondiferus -a -um bearing few or small leafy shoots, with
few-leaved fronds
pardalianches, pardalianthes leopard-strangling (a name in Aristotle,
pardaliagcev, for plants poisonous to wild animals.
Leopard’s-bane)
pardalinus -a -um, pardinus -a -um spotted or marked like a leopard
(pardaliv)
pardanthinus -a -um resembling Belamcanda (Pardanthus)
Parentucellia for Th. Parentucelli (Pope Nicholas V)
pari- equal-, pairedparietalis -is -e, parietarius -a -um, parietinus -a -um of walls, parietal
(also, the placentas on the wall within the ovary)
Parietaria Wall-dweller (a name in Pliny used for a plant growing on
walls)
Parinari from a Brazilian vernacular name
paripinnatus -a -um with an equal number of leaflets and no odd
terminal one
Paris Equal (the regularity of its leaves and floral parts)
parisiensis -is -e French (continental)
Parkinsonia for John Parkinson (1569–1629), author of Paradisi in
Sole
parmularius -a -um like a small round shield
parmulatus -a -um with a small round shield
parnassi, parnassiacus -a -um from Mt Parnassus, Greece
Parnassia l’Obel’s name for Gramen Parnassi – grass of Parnassus
Parochetus Brookside (ocetuv)
Parodia for Dr L.R. Parodi of Buenos Aires, writer on grasses
Paronychia Beside-nail (formerly used to treat whitlows)
Paropsis Dish-of-food
[219]
parqui from the Chilean name for Cestrum parqui
Parrotia for F.W. Parrot (1792–1841), German naturalist and
traveller
parthenium an old generic name, parqenion, for composites with
white ray florets. Virginal
Parthenocissus Virgin-ivy (French name Virginia creeper)
parthenus -a -um virgin, of the virgin, virginal (parqenov)
-partitus -a -um -deeply divided, -partite, -parted
-parus -a -um -bearing, -producing
parvi-, parvus -a -um smallparvulus -a -um very small, least
pascuus -a -um of pastures
Paspalum a Greek name for millet grass
Passiflora Passion-flower (the signature of the numbers of parts in
the flower related to the events of the Passion)
Pastinaca Food, eatable, from a trench in the ground (formerly for
carrot and parsnip)
pastoralis -is -e, pastoris -is -e growing in pastures, of shepherds
patagonicus -a -um from Patagonian area of South America
patavinus -a -um from Padua, Italy
patellaris -is -e, patelliformis -is -e knee-cap-shaped, small dish-shaped
patens, patenti- spreading out from the stem, patent
pateri- saucerpatientia patience (corruption of patience dock Lapathum)
patulus -a -um spreading, opened up
pauci-, paucus -a -um little-, few
pauciflorus -a -um few-flowered
Paulownia for Princess Anna Pavlovna (Paulowna) (1795–1865), of
The Netherlands, daughter of Czar Paul I of Russia
pauper-, pauperi- poorpauperculus -a -um of poor appearance
pausiacus -a -um olive-green
Pavonia, pavonianus -a -um for Don José Pavón (1790–1844), Spanish
botanist in Peru
[220]
pavonicus -a -um, pavoninus -a -um peacock-blue, showy
pavonius -a -um peacock-blue, resembling Pavonia
Paxistima Short-stigma (paciv) the short style of the immersed
ovary
pecten-veneris Venus’ comb (a name used in Pliny)
pectinatus -a -um comb-like (scalloped), pectinate
pectinifer -era -erum with a finely divided crest, comb-bearing
pectoralis -is -e of the chest (used to treat coughs)
pedalis -is -e about a foot in length or stature
ped- stalk-, footpedati- (pedali-), pedatus -a -um palmate but with the lower lateral
lobes divided, pedate (see Fig. 5(b))
pedatifidus -a -um divided nearly to the base in a pedate manner
pedemontanus -a -um from Piedmont, N Italy (foot of the hills)
pedialis -is -e with a long flower-stalk
pedicellatus -a -um, pedicellaris -is -e (pediculatus) each flower clearly
borne on its own individual stalk in the inflorescence, pedicellate
Pedicularis Louse-wort
pedicularis -is -e of lice (name of a plant in Columella thought to be
associated with lice)
pedifidus -a -um shaped like a (bird’s) foot
pedil-, pedilo- shoe-, slipper-, pedilon
Pedilanthus Shoe-flower (involucre of bird cactus)
pediophilus -a -um growing in upland areas
peduncularis -is -e, pedunculatus -a -um with the inflorescence
supported on a distinct stalk, pedunculate
pedunculosus -a -um with many or conspicuous peduncles
Peganum Theophrastus’ name for rue
pekinensis -is -e from Pekin (Beijing), China
pel- throughPelargonium Stork, pelargov (Greek name compares the fruit shape
of florists’ Geranium with a stork’s head)
pelegrina from a vernacular name for Alstroemeria pelegrina
pelicanos pelican-like
[221]
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Fig. 5. Some leaf shapes which provide specific epithets.
(a) Palmate (e.g. Acer palmatum Thunb. ‘Dissectum’. As this maple’s leaves
mature, the secondary division of the leaf-lobes passes through incised-,
incisum, to torn-, laciniatum, to dissected-, dissectum, -lobed, from one
central point;
(b) pedate (e.g. Callirhoe pedata Gray). This is distinguished from palmate
by having the lower, side lobes themselves divided;
(c) Pinnate (e.g. Ornithopus pinnatus Druce). When the lobes are more or
less strictly paired it is called paripinnate, when there is an odd terminal
leaflet it is called imparipinnate and when the lobing does not extend to
the central leaf-stalk it is called pinnatifid;
(d) peltate (e.g. Pelargonium peltatum (L.) Ait.) has the leaf-stalk attached
on the lower surface, not at the edge;
(e) Ternate (e.g. Choisya ternata H.B.K.). In other ternate leaves the three
divisions may be further divided, ternately, palmately, or pinnately.
[222]
peliorrhincus -a -um like a stork’s beak
pelios- black-, lividpelisserianus -a -um for Guillaume Pelisser, 16th century bishop of
Montpellier, mentioned by Tournefort as discoverer of Teucrium
scordium and Linaria pelisseriana
Pellaea Dusky (pellov), the fronds of most
pellitus -a -um skinned, covered with a skin-like film
pellucidus -a -um through which light passes, transparent, clear,
pellucid
pelochtho- mud-bankpelorius -a -um monstrous, peloric (e.g. radial forms of normally
bilateral flowers)
pelta-, pelti-, pelto- shieldpeltafidus -a -um with peltate leaves that are cut into segments
peltatus -a -um stalked from the surface (not the edge), peltate (see
Fig. 5(d))
Peltiphyllum Shield-leaf (the large leaves that follow the flowers). See
Darmera
Peltophorum Shield-bearer (the shape of the stigma)
peltophorus -a -um with flat scales, shield-bearing
pelviformis -is -e shallowly cupped, shaped like a shallow bowl
pemakoensis -is -e from Pemako, Tibet
pen-, pent-, penta- fivependens, penduli-, pendulinus -a -um, pendulus -a -um drooping,
hanging down
penduliflorus -a -um with pendulous flowers
penicillatus -a -um, penicillius -a -um (penicellatus) covered with tufts of
hair, brush-like
peninsularis -is -e living on a peninsula
penna-, penni- feather-, feathered-, wingedpennatus -a -um, penniger -era -erum arranged like the barbs of a
feather, feathered
pennatifidus -a -um pinnately divided
penninervis -is -e pinnately nerved
[223]
Pennisetum Feathery-bristle
pennsylvanicus -a -um, pensylvanicus -a -um from Pennsylvania, USA
pensilis -is -e hanging down, pensile
Penstemon (Pentstemon) Five-stamens (five are present but the fifth is
sterile)
penta- five- (pente)
pentadelphus -a -um with the stamens arranged in five bundles
Pentadesma Five-bundles (the grouping of the many stamens)
Pentaglottis Five-tongues (the scales in the throat of the corolla)
pentandrus -a -um with five stamens in the flower
pentapterus -a -um with five wings (e.g. on the fruit)
Pentas Five-fold
Penthorum Five-columns (the beaks on the fruit)
Peperomia Pepper-like (some resemble Piper)
peplis Dioscorides’ name, pepliv, for a Mediterranean coastal
spurge
peploides Peplus-like, spurge-like
peplus Dioscorides’ name, peplov, for a northern equivalent of
peplis
Pepo Sun-cooked (Latin name for a pumpkin, ripening to become
edible, pepwn)
per-, peri around-, through-, beyond-, extra-, very-, peri
peramoenus -a -um very beautiful, very pleasing
Peraphyllum Much-leaved (the crowded foliage)
percarneus -a -um deep-red
percurrens running through, along the whole length
percursus -a -um running through the soil
percussus -a -um actually or appearing to be perforated, striking
peregrinus -a -um strange, foreign, exotic
perennans, perennis -is -e through the years, continuing, perennial
perennitas continuing, of the perennial state
Pereskia for Nicholas Claude Fabry de Pieresc (1580–1637)
perfoliatus -a -um, perfossus -a -um the stem appearing to pass through
the completely embracing leaves
[224]
perforatus -a -um pierced or apparently pierced with small round
holes
perfossus -a -um pierced through, perfoliate
perfusus -a -um poured over, completely covered
pergamenus -a -um with a texture like that of parchment, of Pergamo,
a town in Mysia
Pergularia Arbour (the twining growth)
peri- around-, aboutpericlymenus -a -um Dioscorides’ name, periklumenon, for a twining
plant
Periploca Twine-around (the twining habit)
perlarius -a -um, perlatus -a -um with a pearly lustre, having pearl-like
appendages
permiabilis -is -e penetrable
permixtus -a -um confusing
permutatus -a -um completely changed
Pernettya for A.J. Pernetty (1716–1801), accompanied Bougainville
and wrote A Voyage to the Faukland Islands
peronatus -a -um booted, pero, with a woolly-mealy covering (on
fungal fruiting bodies)
Perovskia (Perowskia) for P.A. Perovski (c. 1840), provincial governor
of Orenburg, Russia
perpelis -is -e living on rocks which turn to clay
perpropinquus -a -um very closely related
perpusillus -a -um exceptionally small, very small, weak
perralderianus -a -um for Henri Réné le Tourneaux de la Perrauddière
Persea ancient Greek name for an oriental tree, Perseus hero of
Greek legend
persi-, persici-, persicoides peachPersicaria Peach-like (the leaves)
persicarius -a -um resembling peach (the leaves), an old name for
Polygonum hydropiper
persicus -a -um from Persia, Persian
persistens persistent
[225]
persolutus -a -um loose, lazy, free, rank
personatus -a -um with a two-lipped mouth, masked
perspicuus -a -um transparent, clear, bright
persutus -a -um perforate, with slits or holes
pertusus -a -um pierced through, perforated, dotted
Pertya for A.M. Perty (1800–1884), Professor of Natural History,
Berne, Switzerland
perulatus -a -um wallet-like, with conspicuous scales (e.g. on buds)
perutilis -is -e always ready
peruvianus -a -um from Peru, Peruvian
perviridis -is -e deep-green
pes-, -pes -stalk, -foot
pes-caprae (pes-capriae) nanny-goat’s foot (leaf shape of Oxalis
pes-caprae)
pes-tigridis tiger’s foot
-petalus -a -um -petalled
Petasites Wide-brimmed-hat (Dioscorides’ name, petasov, refers
to the large leaves)
petaso- wide-brimmed, parachute-likepetecticalis -is -e blemished with spots
petiolaris -is -e, petiolatus -a -um having a petiole, not sessile, distinctly
petiolate
petiolosus -a -um with conspicuous petioles
petr-, petra-, petro- rock-like-, rock-, petrov
petraeus -a -um rocky, of rocky places
petrodo- rock-strewn-areaPetrophila Rock-lover (habitat preference)
Petrophytum Rock-plant (the habitat)
Petroselinum Dioscorides’ name, petroselinon, for parsley
petroselinus -a -um parsley-like
Petunia from the Brazilian name, petun, for tobacco
Peucedanum a name, peukedanon, used by Theophrastus for hog
fennel
Peyrousea see Lapeirousia
[226]
pezizoideus -a -um cup-shaped, orange-coloured (as the fungus
Peziza aurantia)
Phacelia Bundle, jakelov
phaedr-, phaedro-, phaidro- gay-, jaidrov
Phaedranthus Gay-flower (the colourful flowers of the climber
P. buccinatorius)
phaen-, phaeno- shining-, apparent-, obvious- (jainw, anglicized to
phan-)
Phaenocoma Shining-hair (the large red flower-heads with spreading
purple bracts)
phaeo-, phaeus -a -um dark-, dusky-brown, jaiov
Phaeomeria Dark-(purple)-parts
phaio-, Phaius dark-coloured (jaiov)
Phalaenopsis Moth-like (flowers of the moth orchid), jalaina
Phalaris Helmet-ridge (Dioscorides’ name, jalariv, for a
plume-like grass)
phaleratus -a -um (phalleratus) shining-white, ornamental, decorated
(wearing medals), jalhrov
phalliferus -a -um bearing a crest, crested
phanero- conspicuous-, manifest-, visiblePhaseolus Dioscorides’ name for a kind of bean
Phegopteris Oak-fern (a name created by Linnaeus from jhgov, an
oak)
Phelipaea (Phelypaea) for Louis Phelipeaux, Count Ponchartrain,
patron of J.P. de Tournefort
Phellandrium (Phellandrion) a name in Pliny for an ivy-leaved plant
phello-, phellos corky-, cork (jellov)
Phellodendron Cork-tree (the thick bark of the type species)
phen- see phaenphil-, philo-, -philus -a -um loving-, liking-, -fond of (jilew)
philadelphicus -a -um from Philadelphia
Philadelphus Brotherly-love (jiladeljov)
philaeus -a -um ground-hugging, earth-loving
Philesia Loved-one
[227]
philippensis -is -e from the Philippines
philonotis -is -e moisture-loving (jilov–notiv)
Phillyrea from an ancient Greek name
-philus -a -um -loving (jilov, a friend)
phleb- vein- (jley-, jlebov)
phlebanthus -a -um with veined flowers
phleioides rush-like, resembling the grass Phleum
Phleum Copious (Greek name, jlewv, for a kind of dense-headed
rush)
-phloebius -a -um -veined
-phloem with veined flowers
-phloeus -a -um -barked, -bark
phlogi- flame-, Phlox-like, jlox, jlogov
Phlomis Flame, jlomiv (the hairy leaves were used as lamp wicks)
Phlox Flame (Theophrastus’ name, jlox, for a plant with
flame-coloured flowers)
phocaena seal or porpoise
phoeniceus -a -um scarlet, red with a little yellow (joinix, joinikov)
phoenicius -a -um from Tyre and Sidon (Phoenicia)
phoenicolasius -a -um red-purple-haired
Phoenix Phoenician (who introduced the date palm to the Greeks)
Pholiurus Scale-tail (joliv–oura)
Phoradendron Thief-tree (the parasitic habit)
Phormium Basket (the leaf-fibres were used for weaving), jormion
-phorus -a -um -bearing, -carrying (joreo to carry)
Photinia Shining-one (joteinov), from the lustrous foliage
phoxinus minnow
phragma-, -phragma fence-, enclosure- (jragma)
Phragmites Hedge-dweller (common habitat)
phrygius -a -um from Phrygia, Asia Minor
phu foul-smelling
Phuopsis Valerian-like, resembling Valeriana phu
-phyceae, phyco- sea-weedPhygelius Fugitive, jugav
[228]
Phyla derivation uncertain, julh tribe
Phylica Leafy (a name, julikh, in Theophrastus for a plant with
copious foliage)
phylicifolius -a -um with leaves like those of Phylica
phyll-, phylla-, phyllo- leaf-, jullon
Phyllanthus Leaf-flower (some flower from edges of leaf-like
phyllodes)
Phyllitis Dioscorides’ name, jullitiv, refers to the simple leaf-like
frond
phyllo- leaf- (jullon)
phyllobolus -a -um leaf-shedding, throwing off leaves
Phyllocladus (os) Leaf-branch (the flattened leaf-like cladodes)
Phyllodoce the name of a sea nymph
phyllomaniacus -a -um excessively leafy, a riot of foliage
Phyllostachys Leafy-spike (the leafy inflorescence)
-phyllus -a -um -leaved
Phymatodes Verrucosed (the sori are in depressions)
phymatodeus -a -um warted, verrucose
physa-, physo- bladder-, inflated-, bellows-, jusa
Physalis Bellows (the inflated fruiting calyx resembles a bellows)
Physocarpus Bladder-fruit
physodes puffed out, inflated-looking
Physospermum Inflated-seed (fruit of bladder seed)
phyt-, -phyta, phyto- plant-, juton
Phyteuma a name, juteuma, used by Dioscorides
Phytolacca Plant-dye (the sap of the fruit)
pica magpie
Picea Pitch (the ancient Latin name, pix, refers to the resinous
product)
piceus -a -um pitch-black, blackening
pichtus black (mis-spelling for pictus?)
Picrasma Bitterness (the bitter-tasting bark)
picridis -is -e ox-tongue-like, of Picris
Picris Bitter (Theophrastus’, pikriv, name for a bitter potherb)
[229]
picro-, -picron bitter-, -bitter, pikria, pikrov
picturatus -a -um variegated, picture-like
pictus -a -um brightly marked, painted, ornamental
Pieris from a name, pieridev, for the Muses of Greek mythology
pilaris -is -e pilose
Pilea Cap, pileus
pileatus -a -um capped, having a cap (pileus)
pileo- capPileostegia Cap-covered
piliferus, pilifer -era -erum bearing hairs (pili), with short soft hairs,
ending in a long fine hair
pilo- felted with long soft hairs, pilov
Pilosella Slightly soft-haired (Rufinus’ name for Hieracium pilosella)
piloselloides hawkweed-like, Pilosella-like
pilosellus -a -um tomentose, finely felted with soft hairs
pilosiusculus -a -um hairy-ish, with sparse, very fine hairs
pilosus -a -um covered with soft distinct hairs, pilose
Pilularia Small-balls (pilula, a small ball), the shape of the sporocarps
pilularis -is -e, pilulifer -era -erum bearing small balls, glands or
globular structures
Pimelea Fat (pimelh), the oily seeds
Pimenta the Spanish name, pimento, for allspice, Pimenta officinalis
pimentoides allspice-like, Pimenta-like
Pimpinella a medieval name of uncertain meaning, from medieval
French, pimprinele
pimpinellifolius -a -um Pimpinella-leaved
pinaster Pliny’s name for Pinus sylvestris
pindicola, pindicus -a -um from the Pindus Mountains of N Greece
pinetorum of pine woods
pineus -a -um cone-producing, of pines, resembling a pine
pingui- fatPinguicula Rich (pinguis), the fatty appearance of the leaves
pini- pine-like, pine-
[230]
pinnati-, pinnatus -a -um set in two opposite ranks, winged,
feathered, pinnate (see Fig. 5(c))
pinnatifidus -a -um pinnately divided
pinsapo from the Spanish name, pinapares, for Abies pinsapo
Pinus the ancient Latin name for a pine
Piper from the Indian name for pepper
piperascens pepper-like, resembling Piper
piperatus -a -um, piperitus -a -um with a hot biting taste, peppered,
pepper-like (the taste)
piperinus -a -um peppery (-scented)
Piptanthus Falling-flower (piptw to fall), quickly deciduous floral
parts
Piptostigma Falling-stigma (the stigma falls off after flowering)
piri- pearpiriformis -is -e pear-shaped
Pirola Small-pear (similarity of foliage)
Pirus the Latin name for a pear tree
piscinalis -is -e of ponds or pools, piscena
pisi-, piso- pea-like-, peapisifer -era -erum bearing peas
pissardii (pissardi, pissarti) for M. Pissard who introduced Prunus
cerasifera ‘Pissardii’
Pistacia the Greek name, pistake, used by Nicander in 200 BC
Pistia Watery (habitat of the water lettuce) pistov, derived from
the Persian, foustag
Pisum the Latin name for the pea
pitanga a South American Indian name for Eugenia pitanga
pithece-, pitheco- ape-, monkeyPithecellobium Monkey-ears (the shape of the fruit)
Pittosporum Pitch-seed (the resinous coating of the seed)
pitui- mucus-, phlegm, pituita
pityophyllus -a -um with pine-like foliage
pityro- husk-, scurf-, pitura
[231]
Pityrogramma Scurf-covered (lower surface of fronds becomes
obscured by rod-like scaly secretions)
-pitys, pityoides pine-like
Pixidanthera Box-anthers (they dehisce with a lid, see pyxidatus)
placatus -a -um quiet, calm, gentle
placenti- placenta-, flat-cakeplaco- flat-, plax
Placodiscus Flat-disc (the floral disc)
plagi-, plag io- oblique- (plagiov)
Plagiomnium Oblique-Mnium
Plagiostyles Oblique-styled (the short, fat stigma is to one side of the
ovary)
-planatus -a -um -sided
Planera for J.J. Planer (1743–1789), Professor of Medicine at Erfurt,
Germany
planeta, planetes not stationary, planet-like, wandering
plani- flat-, evenplaniusculus -a -um flattish, somewhat flat
plantagineus -a -um (plentig ineus) ribwort-like, plantain-like
Plantago Foot-sole (ancient Latin, the way the leaves of some lie flat
on the ground)
planus -a -um flat-, smooth
plasmo-, plasmodio- cytoplasmplat-, platy- broad-, wide-, flat- (platuv)
platanoides plane-tree-like, Platanus-like
Platanthera Flat-anthers
Platanus Flat-leaf, Flat-crown (the Greek name, platanov, for
Platanus orientalis)
platy- broad- (platuv)
Platycarya Broad-nut (the compressed nutlet)
platycentrus -a -um wide-eyed, broad-centred
Platycerium Broad-horned (the stag’s horn-like, dichotomous lobing
of the fertile fronds)
Platycodon Wide-bell (the flower form)
[232]
Platycrater Wide-bowl (the broad calyx of the sterile flowers)
plebio-, plebius -a -um common, inferior
pleco- plaited- (plekw)
plecto-, plectus -a -um woven-, twisted- (plektov)
Plectranthus Spurred-flower
plectro-, plectrus -a -um spur-, spurred
pleni-, plenus -a -um double, full
pleniflorus -a -um double-flowered
plenissimus -a -um very full or double-flowered
pleio-, pleo- many-, several-, full-, large-, thick-, more- (pleiov)
Pleione mother of the Pleiades in Greek mythology
pleiospermus -a -um thick-seeded
Pleiospilos Many-spotted (the leaves)
plesio- near to-, close by- (plhsiov)
pleura-, pleuri-, pleuro- ribs-, edge-, side-, of the veins- (pleura)
plexi-, -plexus -a -um knitted-, -braided, -network (plexi)
plicati-, plicatus -a -um folded-together-, -doubled, -folded ( plico to
fold)
plici- pleated, folded lengthwise, plicate
ploco- chapletted- (e.g. a whorl of follicles – plococarpus)
plococarpus with whorled fruits
plumarius -a -um, plumatus -a -um feathery, plumed, plumose
Plumbago Leaden, plumbus (Pliny’s name refers to the flower colour)
plumbeus -a -um lead-coloured
Plumeria for Charles Plumier (1646–1704), French botanist
plumosus -a -um feathery, plumed
plur-, pluri- many-, severalpluridens many-toothed
pluriflorus -a -um many-flowered
pluvialis -is -e, pluviatilis -is -e announcing rain, growing in rainy
places
pneuma-, pneumato- air-, respiratory- (pneumwn)
pneumonanthe (us) lung-flower (the former use of marsh gentian,
Gentiana pneumonanthe for respiratory disorders)
[233]
Poa Pasturage (the Greek name, poa, for a fodder grass)
pocophorus -a -um fleece-bearing
poculiformis -is -e goblet-shaped (with upright limbs of the corolla)
pod-, podo-, -opus, -podius -a -um foot-, stalk, -foot (podov)
podagrarius -a -um, podagricus -a -um snare, of gout (used to treat
gout)
Podalyra for Podalyrius, son of Aesculapius
podalyriaefolius -a -um with leaves resembling those of Podalyra
podeti- stalk-podioides -foot-like
-podius -a -um, podo-, -podus -a -um foot, stalk, podov
Podocarpus Foot-fruit (the characteristic shape of the fleshy
fruit-stalks of some)
poecilo-, poikilo- variable-, variegated-, variously- (poikiov)
poetarum, poeticus -a -um of poets (Greek gardens included games
areas and theatres)
Poga from a vernacular name from Gabon, West Africa
pogon-, -pogon bearded-, -haired, -bearded, pwgwn
poikilo- variable-, variegated-, spottedpoissonii for M. Poisson (c. 1881), French botanist
polaris -is -e from the North polar region, of the North Pole
Polemonium for King Polemon of Pontus (the name used by Pliny)
poli-, polio- grey- (poliov)
Polianthes Grey-flowered
polifolius -a -um grey-leaved, Teucrium-leaved
Poliothyrsis Greyish-panicle (the colour of the inflorescence)
politus -a -um elegant, polished
polius -a -um greyish-white (foliage)
pollacanthus -a -um flowering repeatedly
pollicaris -is -e as long as the end joint of the thumb (pollex), about
one inch
pollinosus -a -um as though dusted with fine flour (pollen)
polonicus -a -um from Poland, Polish
poly- many- (poluv)
[234]
polyacanthus -a -um many-spined
Polyalthia Many-healing (the supposed properties of the flowers)
polyanthemos, polyanthus -a -um many-flowered
Polycarpon Many-fruited (a name, polukarpov, used by
Hippocrates)
Polyceratocarpus Many-horned-fruits
polyedrus -a -um many-sided
Polygala Much-milk (Dioscorides’ name, polugalon, refers to the
improved lactation in cattle fed on milkworts)
polygamus -a -um the flowers having various combinations of the
reproductive structures
Polygonatum Many-knees (the structure of the rhizome)
Polygonum Many-joints (the swollen stem nodes)
polygyrus -a -um twining
polymorphus -a -um variable, of many forms
polypodioides resembling Polypodium
Polypodium Many-feet (poluv), possibly from the rhizome growth
pattern
Polypogon Many-bearded
Polyporus Many-pored
Polyscias Many-umbelled
Polystichum Many-rows (the arrangement of the sori on the
fronds)
polystomus -a -um with many suckers or haustoria (stoma, mouth)
Polytrichum Many-hairs, the surface covering of the calyptra
pomaceus -a -um pome-bearing, apple-like (pomum, apple)
pomeridians, pomeridianus -a -um of the afternoon, p.m.
(afternoon-flowering)
pomi- apple-likepomifer -era -erum apple-bearing, pome-bearing
pomponius -a -um of great splendour, pompous, having a top-knot or
pompon
Poncirus from the French name, poncire, for a kind of Citrus
ponderosus -a -um heavy, large, ponderous
[235]
Pontederia for Guillo Pontedera (1688–1757), Professor of Botany at
Padua
ponticus -a -um of the Black Sea’s southern area, Pontica
pontophilus -a -um living in the deep sea
poophilus -a -um meadow-loving
populeus -a -um blackish-green (colour of leaves of Populus nigra)
populifolius -a -um poplar-leaved
populneus -a -um (populnaeus) poplar-like, related to Populus
Populus the ancient name for poplar, arbor populi ‘tree of the people’
por- passage-, poreporcatus -a -um ridged
porcinus -a -um of pigs
porophilus -a -um loving soft stony ground
porophyllus -a -um having (or appearing to have) holes in the leaves
porosus -a -um with holes or pores
porphyreus -a -um, porphyrion warm-reddish-purple (porjureov)
porra-, porri- leek-like-, leek-, porrum-likeporrectus -a -um spreading, long, protracted
porrifolius -a -um leek-leaved
porrigens spreading (porrigo to spread)
porrigentiformis -is -e porrigens-like (the leaf-margin teeth point
outwards and forwards)
porrum a Latin name used for various Allium species
porulus -a -um somewhat porous
poscharskyanus -a -um for Gustav Adolf Poscharsky, one time garden
inspector in Laubegast, Dresden
postmeridianus -a -um of the afternoon
Portenschlagia, portenschlag ianus -a -um for Franz Elder von
Portenschlag-Ledermeyer (1772–1822), Austrian botanist
portensis -is -e from Oporto, Portugal
portlandicus -a -um from the Portland area
portoricensis -is -e from Puerto Rico, West Indies
portula abbreviated form of Portulaca
Portulaca Milk-carrier (a name in Pliny)
[236]
portulaceus -a -um Portulaca-like
post- behind-, after-, laterposticus -a -um turned outwards from the axis, extrorse
potam-, potamo- watercourse-, of watercourses-, river- (potamov)
Potamogeton Watercourse-neighbour, potamov–geitwn (the
habitat)
potamophilus -a -um river-loving
potaninii for Grigori Nicholaevich Potanin (1835–1920), Russian
explorer
potatorum of drinkers (used for fermentation)
Potentilla Quite-powerful (as a medicinal herb)
Poterium Drinking-cup (Dioscorides’ name, potirrion, for another
plant)
poukhanensis -is -e from Pouk Han, Korea
-pous -foot, -stalk, -stalked, pouv, podov
prae-, pre- before-, in frontpraealtus -a -um very tall or high, outstanding
praecox earlier than most of its genus, early developing, precocious
praegeri for the wife of Robert Praeger (1865), Dublin librarian and
writer on Sedum and Sempervivum, etc.
praegnans full, swollen, pregnant (-looking)
praemorsus -a -um as if nibbled at the tip
praepinguis -is -e very rich
praerosus -a -um appearing to have been gnawed off
praeruptorum of rough places (living on screes)
praestans pre-eminent, excelling
praeteritus -a -um of the past
praetermissus -a -um overlooked, omitted
praetextus -a -um bordered
praeustus -a -um appearing to have been scorched
praevernus -a -um before spring, early, prevernal
prasinus -a -um, prasus -a -um leek-green, leek-like (for various Allium
species)
pratensis -is -e of the meadows
[237]
pratericolus -a -um, praticolus -a -um of meadows, living in grassy
places
pravissimus -a -um very crooked
precatorius -a -um relating to prayer, of petitions (Abrus precatorius
rosary beads)
prehensilis -is -e grasping (flowers pollinated by insects that grasp the
style or stamens)
prenans drooping
Prenanthes Drooping-flower (the nodding flowers)
preptus -a -um eminent
primitivus -a -um typical (in contrast to hybrids and varieties)
Primula Little-firstling (spring-flowering)
primulinus -a -um primrose-coloured, Primula-like
primuloides resembling Primula
princeps, principis -is -e most distinguished, first, princely
Prinsepia for James Prinsep (1778–1840), meteorologist of the
Asiatic Society of Benghal
prio-, priono- serrated-, saw-toothed-, priwn
priochilus -a -um saw-lipped
Prionium Saw (prionion), the leaf-margins
prismati-, prismaticus -a -um prism-, prism-likepro- forwards-, for-, instead of-, beforeproboscidius -a -um trunk-like (the spadix of the mouse plant
Arisarum proboscidium)
Proboscoidea Trunk-like (proboskiv, for obtaining food)
proboscoides, proboscoideus -a -um snout-like, trunk-like
procerus -a -um very tall
procumbens lying flat on the ground, creeping forwards, procumbent
procurrens spreading below ground, running forwards
prodigiosus -a -um wonderful, marvellous, prodigious
productus -a -um stretched out, extended, produced
profusus -a -um very abundant, profuse
prolepticus -a -um developing early, precocious
[238]
prolifer -era -erum producing offsets or young plantlets or bunched
growth, proliferous
prolificus -a -um very fruitful
prominens outstanding
pronatus -a -um, pronus -a -um lying flat, with a forward tilt
propaguliferus -a -um prolific, multiplying by vegetative propagules
propendens, propensus -a -um hanging down
propinquus -a -um closely allied, of near relationship, related
pros- near-, in addition-, alsoproso-, prostho- towards-, to the front-, beforeProstanthera Appendaged-anther
prostratus -a -um lying flat but not rooting, prostrate
Protea for Proteus (the sea god’s versatility in changing form)
proter-, protero-, proto- firstProtomegabaria Former-Megabarya (relationship to the genus
Megabarya)
protruberans bulging out
protrusus -a -um protruding
provincialis -is -e from Provence, France
pruhonicus -a -um from Pruhonice, former Czechoslovakia
pruinatus -a -um, pruinosus -a -um powdered, with a hoary bloom as
though frosted over
Prunella (Brunella) from the German name, die Braune, for quinsy
for which it was used as a cure
pruni- plum-like, plum-, PrunusPrunus the ancient Latin name for a plum tree
pruriens irritant, stinging, itch-causing (hairs on the fruits of
Mucuna pruriens)
przewalskii for Nicholas Przewalski
psamma-, psammo- sandPsamma Strand-dweller (an old generic name for marram grass
refers to its habitat)
pseud-, pseudo- sham-, false- (yeudo-)
[239]
pseudacacia false Acacia (the similar appearance of Robinia
pseudacacia)
Pseudagrostistachys False-grasslike-spike (refers to the short axillary
racemes)
Pseuderanthemum False-Eranthemum
Pseudolarix False-Larix
Pseudopanax False-Panax
pseudosecalinus -a -um false Bromus secalinus
Pseudotsuga False-Tsuga
Psidium a Greek name, yidion, formerly for the pomegranate
(similarity of the fruits)
psilo- slender-, smooth-, bare- (yilov)
psilostemon with slender- or naked-stamens
Psilotum Hairless
psittacinus -a -um parrot-like (contrasted colouration)
psittacorum of parrots
Psoralea Manged (the dot-marked vegetative parts)
Psyche Love (one of the Dryad nymphs, yukhe)
psychodes, psycodes butterfly-like, Psyche was a Dryad nymph
married to Cupid
Psylliostachys Bare-spike (yilov)
psyllium of fleas (from a Greek name, refers to the resemblance of
the seed to a flea, yulla)
ptarmicoides ptarmica-like, resembling Achillea ptarmica
ptarmica causing sneezes (an old, onomatopoeic, generic name
ptarmikh)
Ptelea the ancient Greek name, ptelea, for elm (transferred for the
similarity of the fruit)
Pteleopsis Ptelea-like (resembling the hop-tree)
pteno- deciduous- (pthno-)
ptera-, ptero-, -pteris -is -e, ptery- with a wing- (pteron), wingedpteranthus -a -um with winged flowers
Pteridium Small-fern, pteridion
Pteris Feathery (the Greek name, pteriv, for a fern)
[240]
Pterocarya Winged-nut (the winged fruits of most)
Pterocephalus Winged-head (appearance of the senescent
flower-heads)
Pterostyrax Winged-Styrax (one species has winged fruits)
-pterus -a -um -winged
-pterygius -a -um -winged (pterugion)
Pterygota Winged (the Acer-fruit-like seed)
ptilo- feathery- (ptilon)
ptycho- folded- (ptux,)
Ptychopyxis Folded-capsule
puberulus -a -um downy
pubens full-grown, pubescent, juicy
pubescens softly hairy, covered with down, downy, pubescent
pubi-, pubigenus -a -um, pubigerus -a -um hairy
pubibundus -a -um with much downy hair
Pubilaria Hairy (the clothing of fibrous leaf remains on the rhizome)
Puccinellia for B. Puccinelli (1808–1850), Italian botanist of Lucca
puddum from a Hindi name for a cherry
puderosus -a -um very bashful
pudicus -a -um retiring, modest, bashful
Puelia, puellii for Timothee Puel (1812–1890), French botanist of
Paris
Pueraria for M.N. Puerari (1765–1845), Swiss Professor of Botany
at Copenhagen
pugioniformis -is -e (us) dagger-shaped
pulchellus -a -um beautiful, pretty
pulcher -ra -rum beautiful, handsome, fair
pulcherrimus -a -um most beautiful, most handsome
Pulegium Flea-dispeller (a Latin plant name)
Pulicaria Fleabane; Latin name for a plant which wards off fleas
(pulicis)
pulicaris -is -e of fleas (e.g. the shape of the fruits)
pullatus -a -um clothed in black, sad-looking
pullus -a -um raven-black, almost dead-black
[241]
Pulmonaria Lung-wort (the signature of the spotted leaves as
indicative of efficacy in the treatment of respiratory disorders)
pulposus -a -um fleshy, pulpy
Pulsatilla Quiverer (Brunfels’ name for the movement of the flowers
in the wind)
pulverulentus -a -um covered with powder, powdery, dusty (pulvis
dust)
pulviger -era -erum dusted, powdered
pulvinatus -a -um cushion-like, cushion-shaped, with pulivini
pumilus -a -um low, small, dwarf
punctati-, puncti-, punctatus -a -um with a pock-marked surface,
spotted, punctate
puncticulatus -a -um, puncticulosus -a -um minutely spotted
punctilobulus -a -um dotted-lobed
pungens ending in a sharp point, pricking
Punica Carthaginian (from a name, malum punicum, in Pliny)
puniceus -a -um crimson, carmine-red
punici- pomegranate-like, Punicapurga purgative (the officinal root, Jalap, of Ipomoea purga)
purgans, purgus -a -um purgative
purpurascens, purpurescens becoming purple
purpuratus -a -um empurpled, purplish
purpureus -a -um reddish-purple
purpurinus -a -um somewhat purplish
purpusii for either of the brothers J.A. and C.A. Purpus of Darmstadt
Purshia for F.T. Pursch (1774–1820), author of Flora Americae
septentrionalis
purus -a -um clear, spotless, pure
-pus -foot
Puschkinia for Count Graffen Apollos Apollosovitsch
Mussin-Puschkin (d. 1805), Russian phytochemist and plant
collector in the Caucasus
pusillus -a -um insignificant, minute, very small, slender, weak
pustulatus -a -um as though covered with blisters
[242]
pustulosus -a -um pustuled, pimpled
puteorum of the pits
putens foetid, stinking
pycn-, pycno- close-, densely-, compact-, dense- (puknov)
Pycnanthus, pycnanthus -a -um Densely-flowered
pycnostachyus -a -um close-spiked
pygmaeus -a -um, pygmeus -a -um dwarf
Pyracantha Fire-thorn
pyracanthus -a -um fire-thorned (persistent irritation caused by the
thorns)
pyramidalis -is -e, pyramidatus -a -um conical, pyramidal
pyraster an old generic name, pear-flowered
pyren-, pyreno- kernel-, stonepyrenaeus -a -um, pyrenaicus -a -um from the Pyrenees Mountains
Pyrethrum Fire (medicinal use in treating fevers)
pyri- pearpyriformis -is -e pear-shaped
pyro-, pyrro, pyrrho- fire-, pur, purrov
Pyrola Pear-like (compares the leaves with those of Pyrus)
pyropaeus -a -um flame-coloured
pyrophilus -a -um growing on burnt earth
Pyrularia Little-pear (allusion to shape of the fruit)
-pyrum -wheat
Pyrus from the ancient Latin name, pirus, for a pear tree
pyxidatus -a -um small-box-like, pyxis, with a lid (e.g. some stamens)
quad-, quadri- fourquadrangularis -is -e, quadrangulatus -a -um with four angles,
quadrangular
quadratus -a -um four-sided, square-stemmed
quadriauritus -a -um four-lobed, four-eared
quadrifidus -a -um divided into four, cut into four
quadrijugatus -a -um with four pairs of leaflets
quadriquetrus -a -um square-sided, four-sided
[243]
quamash from the North American Indian vernacular name for
Camassia bulbs used as food
Quamoclit from the Mexican vernacular name for Ipomaea quamoclit,
Indian Pink
quaquaversus -a -um growing in all directions
quarter- having fourQuassia for the Surinamese slave, Quassi, who discovered the
medicinal properties of Quassia amara, in 1730
quassioides resembling Quassia
quaternarius -a -um, quaternatus -a -um structures arranged in fours
quaternellus -a -um with four divisions, four-partite
querci-, quercinus -a -um oak-, oak-like, resembling Quercus
Quercus the old Latin name for an oak
-quetrus -a -um -angled, -acutely-angled, sidedquichiotis chimerical, quixotic
quin-, quini-, quinque- fivequinatus -a -um five-partite, divided into five (lobes), in fives
quincuncialis -is -e arranged like the spots on the five-side of a dice
(quincunx) or aestivated with two members internal, two
members external and the fifth half external and half internal, in
five ranks
quinquangularis -is -e five-cornered, five-angled
quinquelocularis -is -e five-celled, five-locular (the ovary)
quinquevulnerus -a -um with five marks (e.g. on the corolla),
five-wounded
Quisqualis Who? What? (from a Malay name ‘udani’ which
Rumphius transliterated as Dutch ‘hoedanig’ for How? What?
quitensis -is -e from Quito, Ecuador
quintupli- fivequintuplex in multiples of five
rabdo- see rhabdo- (rabdov)
racem-, racemi- raceme-
[244]
racemi-, racemosus -a -um with flowers arranged in a raceme (see
Fig. 2(b))
racemosus -a -um having racemose inflorescences
rache-, -rachi rachis-, -rachis, raciv, backbone
rachimorphus -a -um backbone-like, with a zig-zag central axis (as in
Rottboellia)
raddeanus -a -um for Gustav Ferdinand Richard Radde
radens rasping, scraping (the rough surface)
radialis -is -e radial, actinomorphic
radians, radiatus -a -um radiating outwards
radiatiformis -is -e with the ligulate florets increasing in length
towards the outside of the capitulum
radicalis -is -e arising from a root or a crown
radicans with rooting stems
radicatus -a -um, radicosus -a -um with large, conspicuous or
numerous roots
radiiflorus -a -um with radiating flowers or perianth segments
radinus -a -um slender
Radiola Radiating (the branches)
radiosus -a -um having many rays
radulus -a -um rough, rasping, like a rasp
ragusinus -a -um from Dubrovnik (Ragusa), former Yugoslavia
raffia, roffia see Raphia
rafflesianus -a -um for Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles (1781–1826),
diplomat, naturalist and a founder of London Zoo
rakaiensis -is -e from the Rakai Valley, Canterbury, New Zealand
ramentaceus -a -um covered with scales (ramenta)
-rameus -a -um -branched
rami- branches-, of branches-, branchingramiflorus -a -um with flowers on the branches
Ramischia for F.X. Ramisch (1798–1859), Bohemian botanist
Ramonda for Louis François Elisabeth Ramond de Carbonnières
(d. 1827), French botanist
[245]
ramosissimus -a -um greatly branched
ramosus -a -um branched
ramulosus -a -um twiggy
ranunculoides Ranunculus-like
Ranunculus Little-frog (the amphibious habit of many)
Raoulia for Edouard F.A. Raoul (1815–1852), French surgeon and
writer on New Zealand plants
rapa an old Latin name for a turnip
rapaceus -a -um of turnips, Rapa-like
raphani- radish-, radish-likeRaphanus the Latin name for a radish
Raphia from the Malagasy name for the fibres from Raphia
pedunculata, or Needle (the sharply pointed fruit)
Raphiolepis Needle-scale (the subulate bracts)
Rapistrum Rape-flower (implies inferiority of wild mustard)
rapum-genistae rape-of-broom (parasite of Sarothamnus)
rapunculoides resembling Rapunculus, rampion-like
Rapunculus Little-turnip (the swollen roots)
rari- thin-, scattered-, looserariflorus -a -um having scattered flowers
rarus -a -um uncommon, scattered, distinguished
Ravenala from the Madagascan name for the travellers’ tree
ravidus -a -um, ravus -a -um tawny-grey-coloured
re- back-, again-, against-, repeatedrecedens retiring, disappearing
reclinatus -a -um drooping to the ground, reflexed, bent back,
reclined
reclusus -a -um see inclusus
recognitus -a -um authentic, the true one
reconditus -a -um hidden, not conspicuous, concealed
rect-, recti- straightrectangularis -is -e rectangular
rectinervis -is -e, rectinervius -a -um straight-veined
rectus -a -um straight, upright, erect
[246]
recurvatus -a -um, recurvi-, recurvus -a -um curved backwards, recurved
recutitus -a -um skinned, circumcised (the appearance caused by the
reflexed ray florets of the flower head)
redactus -a -um reduced, rendered fruitless
redivivus -a -um coming back to life, renewed (perennial habit or
reviving after drought)
reductus -a -um drawn back, reduced
reflexus -a -um bent back upon itself, reflexed
refractus -a -um abruptly bent backwards, broken(-looking)
regalis -is -e outstanding, kingly, royal, regal
regerminans regenerating
regerminatus -a -um re-sprouting
regina, reginae queen, of the queen
regis-jubae King-Juba, who was a king of Numidia
regius -a -um splendid, royal, kingly
regma- fractureregmacarpius -a -um with a schizocarp breaking into cocci
regularis -is -e uniform, actinomorphic
regulus goldcrest
rehderi either for Jacob Heinrich Rehder (1790–1852), of Moscow;
or for Alfred Rehder (1863–1949), see below
Rehderodendron for Alfred Rehder of the Arnold Arboretum, author
of the standard work, Manual of Cultivated Trees and Shrubs
religiosus -a -um sacred, venerated, of religious rites (the Buddha is
reputed to have received enlightenment beneath the bo tree, Ficus
relig iosa)
remotus -a -um scattered (e.g. the flowers on the stalk)
renarius -a -um, reniformis -is -e kidney-shaped, reniform
repandens, repandus -a -um with a slightly wavy margin, repand
repens creeping (stoloniferous)
replicatus -a -um double-pleated, doubled down
reptans creeping
reptatrix creeping-rooted
resectus -a -um shredded, cut off
[247]
resedi- ResedaReseda Soother (the name, resedo, in Pliny refers to its use in
treating bruises)
resinifer -era -erum, resinosus -a -um producing resin, resinous
restibilis -is -e perennial
resupinatus -a -um inverted (e.g. those orchids with twisted ovaries),
resupine
ret-, reti- netretatus -a -um netted, net-like
reticulatus -a -um netted, conspicuously net-veined, reticulate
retortus -a -um twisted back
retractus -a -um drawn backwards
retro- back-, behind-, backwardsretroflexus -a -um, retrofractus -a -um turned backwards or downwards
retrorsus -a -um curved backwards and downwards
retusus -a -um blunt with a shallow notch at the tip (e.g. leaves, see
Fig.7(f)), retuse
reversus -a -um reversed
revolutus -a -um rolled back, rolled out and under (e.g. leaf margin),
revolute
rex king
rhabdo- rod-like, rod-, rabdov
Rhabdothamnus Rod-bush (much branched)
rhabdotus -a -um striped
rhache-, -rhachis -is -e rachis-, -rachis (raciv, backbone)
rhaeticus -a -um from the Rhaetian Alps of the Swiss/Austrian
border
rhaga-, -rhag ius -a -um -torn, -rent (ragav a fissure)
Rhamnella Little-Rhamnus
Rhamnus an ancient name, ramnov, for various prickly shrubs
rhaphi-, rhaphio- needle-like-, needle- (rajiv)
Raphiolepis Needle-scaled
rhaponticus -a -um rhubarb from the Black Sea area (ra of
Dioscorides, with pontus)
[248]
rhapto- stitched- (raptov)
Rhaptopetalum Seamed-petals (the valvate corolla)
Rheum from a Persian name, rha, for rhubarb
rhin-, rhino- nose- (riv, rinov)
Rhinanthus Nose-flower
rhipi- fan-shaped- (riy, ripiv)
Rhipsalis Wickerwork-like (the slender twining stems)
rhiz-, rhizo- root- (riza)
Rhizanthemum Root-flower (Malaysian parasitic plant)
rhizophyllus -a -um root-leaved (the leaves form roots)
Rhizophora Root-carrier (the long-arched prop-roots)
-rhizus -a -um -rooted, -root (riza)
rhod-, rhodo- rose-, rosy-, red- (rodon)
Rhodanthemum Red-flower (Chrysanthemum)
rhodantherus -a -um with red stamens
rhodanthus -a -um rose-flowered
rhodensis -is -e, rhodius -a -um from the Aegean Island of Rhodes
Rhodochiton Red-cloak (the large calyx)
Rhododendron (um) Rose-tree (an ancient Greek name, rododendron,
used for Nerium oleander)
rhodopaeus -a -um, rhodopensis -is -e from Rhodope Mountains,
Bulgaria
rhodophthalmus -a -um red-eyed
Rhodothamnus Rose-shrub (the flower colours)
Rhodotypos (-us) Rose-pattern (floral resemblance)
-rhoea -flowing (the sap or an exudate)
rhoeas the old generic name of the field poppy
Rhoeo Flowing (etymology uncertain but could refer to the
mucilaginous sap)
Rhoicissus Pomegranate-ivy (roia)
rhombi-, rhombicus -a -um, rhomboidalis -is -e, rhomboidosus -a -um
diamond-shaped, rhombic
Rhombiphyllum Rhomboid-leaf (R. rhomboideum tells one little
more!)
[249]
rhopalo- club-, cudgel- (ropalon)
rhumicus -a -um from the River Rhume area, W Germany
Rhus from an ancient Greek name for a sumach
rhynch-, rhyncho- beak- (rugcov)
Rhynchanthus Beak-flower (the protruding, keeled filament)
Rhynchelytrum (on) Beaked-sheath (the shape of the glumes)
Rhynchosia Beak (the shape of the keel petals)
Rhynchosinapis Beaked-Sinapis
Rhynchospora Beaked-seed
rhyti-, rhytido- wrinkled-, rutidov
rhytidophyllus -a -um with wrinkled leaves
rhyzo-, -rhyzus -a -um root-, -rooted
Ribes from the Persian, ribas, for an acid-tasting Rheum
Ricinodendron Ricinus-like-tree (a similarity of the foliage)
Ricinus Tick (the appearance of the seeds)
rigens stiffening, rigid
rigensis -is -e from Riga (Latvia), on the Baltic
rigescens of a stiff texture
rigidus -a -um stiff, inflexible
rimosus -a -um with a cracked surface, furrowed
ringens with a two-lipped mouth, gaping
ringo from the Japanese vernacular name for Malus ringo
Rinorea from a Guyanese vernacular name
riparius -a -um of the banks of streams and rivers
ritro a southern European name for Echinops ritro
rivalis -is -e of brooksides and streamlets
Rivina, riviniana for August Quirinus Rivinus (1652–1722), former
Professor of Botany at Leipzig
rivularis -is -e waterside, of the rivers
rivulosus -a -um with sinuate marking or grooves
robbiae for Mary Anne Robb (1829–1912), who reputedly
smuggled Euphorbia amygdaloides ssp. robbiae, Mrs Robb’s hat, from
Turkey, in a hatbox
robertianus -a -um of Robert (which Robert is uncertain)
[250]
Robinia for Jean Robin (1550–1629) and Vesparian Robin
(1579–1600), herbalists and gardeners to Henry VI of France
robur oak timber, strong, hard
robustus -a -um strong-growing, robust
Rodgersia for Rear Admiral John Rodgers (1812–1882), expedition
commander of the US Navy
Roemeria for Johann Jacob Römer (1763–1819), Swiss botanist
romanus -a -um of Rome, Roman
Romneya for Rev. T. Romney Robinson (1792–1882), Irish
astronomer
Romulea for Romulus, founder of Rome
roribaccus -a -um dewberry
roridus -a -um with apparently minute blisters all over the surface,
bedewed
Rorippa from an old Saxon name
rorulentus -a -um dewy
Rosa the Latin name for various roses
rosaceus -a -um looking or coloured like a rose
rosae-, rosi-, roseus -a -um rose-like, rose-coloured
Roscoea for William Roscoe (1753–1831), founder of the Liverpool
Botanic Garden
roseolus -a -um pink or pinkish
rosmarini- RosemarinusRosmarinus Sea-dew (an ancient Latin name)
rostellatus -a -um with a small beak, beaked
rostratus -a -um with a long straight hard point, beaked, rostrate
rostri-, rostris -is -e, rostrus -a -um nose-, beak-like
Rosularia Little-rose (the leaf rosettes)
rosularis -is -e, rosulatus -a -um with leaf rosettes
rotatus -a -um flat and circular, wheel-shaped
rotundi-, rotundus -a -um rounded in outline or at the apex, spherical
Roystonia for General Roy Stone (1836–1905), American soldier
-rrhizus -a -um -rooted
rubellinus -a -um, rubellus -a -um reddish
[251]
rubens blushed with red, ruddy
ruber, rubra, rubrum, rubri-, rubro- red
rubescens, rubidus -a -um turning red, reddening
Rubia a name in Pliny for madder
rubicundus -a -um ruddy, reddened
rubiginosus -a -um, rubrus -a -um rusty-red
Rubus the ancient Latin name for brambles
Rudbeckia for Linnaeus’ mentor Olof O. Rudbeck (1660–1740) and
his son J.O. Rudbeck (1711–1790)
rudentus -a -um cabled, rope-like
ruderalis -is -e of waste places, of rubbish tips
rudis -is -e untilled, rough, wild
rudiusculus -a -um wildish
rufescens, rufidus -a -um becoming reddish, turning red
rufi- red-, reddishrufinus -a -um red
rufus -a -um, -rufus rusty (-haired), pale- or reddish-brown, red (in
general)
rugosus -a -um wrinkled, rugose (e.g. leaf surfaces)
rugulosus -a -um somewhat wrinkled, with small wrinkles
Rumex a name in Pliny for sorrel
rumici- dock-likeruminatus -a -um thoroughly mingled, as if chewed
runcinatus -a -um with sharp retrorse teeth (leaf margins),
saw-toothed with the fine tips pointing to the base, runcinate
rupester -tris -tre, rupicola of rock, of rocky places
rupi-, rupri- of rocks-, of rocky placesrupifragus -a -um growing in rock crevices, rock-cracking
Ruppia (Ruppa) for H.B. Ruppius (1688–1719), German botanist
rupti- interrupted-, brokenruralis -is -e of country places, rural
rurivagus -a -um of country roads, country wandering
Ruschia for E. Rusch, South African farmer
rusci- box holly-like, butcher’s broom-like, resembling Ruscus
[252]
Ruscus an old name for a prickly plant
russatus -a -um reddened, russet
Russelia for Dr Alexander Russel, author of Natural History of Aleppo
(1775)
russotinctus -a -um red-tinged
rusticanus -a -um, rusticus -a -um of wild places, of the countryside,
rustic
Ruta the ancient Latin name for rue
ruta-baga from a Swedish name
ruta-muraria rue-of-the-wall, a name used in Brunfels
ruthenicus -a -um from Ruthenia, Carpathian Russia
rutilans, rutilus -a -um deep bright glowing red, orange, or yellow
rytidi-, rytido- wrinkled- (rutiv, rutidov)
rytidocarpus -a -um wrinkled-fruit
sabatius -a -um from Capo di Noli, Riviera di Ponente, Italy
sabaudus -a -um from Savoy (Sabaudia), SE France
Sabbatia for L. Sabbati (c.1745), Italian botanist
sabbatius -a -um from Savona, NW Italy
sabdariffa from a West Indian name
Sabia from its Benghali name, sabja-lat
sabina from the Latin name, herba sabina, for Savin, Juniperus sabina
sabinianus -a -um for Joseph Sabine (1770–1837), founder of the
Horticultural Society of London
sabrinae from the River Severn (Sabrina)
sabulicolus -a -um, sabulus -a -um living in sandy places, sand-dweller
sabulosus -a -um full of sand, of sandy ground
sacc- sac-, pouch- (sakkov)
saccatus -a -um bag-shaped, pouched, saccate
saccharatus -a -um with a scattered white coating, sugared,
sweet-tasting
sacchariferus -a -um sugar-producing, bearing sugar (sakcaron)
saccharinus -a -um, saccharus -a -um sweet, sugary
Saccharum Sugar (from the Latin name)
[253]
saccifer -era -erum having a hollowed part, pouch-bearing,
bag-bearing
sachalinensis -is -e from Sakhalin Island, E Siberia
Sacoglottis Pouch-tongue (the anthers dehisce through basal
pouch-like extensions)
sacrorum of sacred places, of temples, sacred (former ritual use)
saepium of hedges
Sagina Fodder (the virtue of a former included species, spurrey)
sagittalis -is -e, sag ittatus -a -um, sag itti- (sagg itatus) arrow-shaped,
sagittate (see Fig. 6(c))
Sagittaria Arrowhead, sag itta (the shape of the leaf-blades
re-emphasized in Sag ittaria sag ittifolia)
sago yielding the large starch grains, from Malay, sagu
Saintpaulia for Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire (1860–1910),
who discovered S. ionantha
Salaxis an unexplained name by Salisbury
salebrosus -a -um rough
salicarius -a -um, salicinus -a -um willow-like, resembling Salix
salice-, salici- willow-like, willowsalicetorum of willow thickets
Salicornia Salt-horn (refers to the habitat and the form of the shoots)
saliens projecting forward
salignus -a -um of willow-like appearance, willowy, resembling Salix
salinus -a -um of saline habitats, halophytic
salisburgensis -is -e from Salzburg, Austria
Salix the Latin name for willows
salmoneus -a -um salmon-coloured, pink with a touch of yellow (in
mythology, the son of Aeolus, punished for imitating lightning)
salpi- trumpet-, salpigx
Salpichroa Tube-of-skin (the flower), crwv, skin
Salpiglossis Trumpet-tongue (the shape of the style)
salsuginosus -a -um of habitats inundated by salt-water, of
salt-marshes
Salsola Salt (the taste and the habitat)
[254]
salsus -a -um living in saline habitats
saltatorius -a -um dancing
saltitans jumping (heat-sensitive larvae of Cydia saltitans in seed of
the Mexican jumping bean Sebastiana cause it to jump)
saltuum of glades, woodlands or ravines
salutaris -is -e healing, beneficial
salvi-, salvii- sage-like-, resembling Salvia
Salvia Healer (the old Latin name for sage with medicinal
properties)
Salvinia for Professor Antonio Maria Salvini (1633–1722), Italian
botanist and Greek scholar
salviodorus -a -um sage-scented
saman, Samanea from a South American name for Pithecolobium
saman
samaroideus -a -um with samara-like fruits
sambac from the Arabic name for Jasminum sambac
sambuci-, sambucinus -a -um elder-like, resembling Sambucus
Sambucus from the Latin name for the elder tree
samius -a -um from the Isle of Samos, Greece
Samolus from a Celtic Druidic name
sanctus -a -um holy, sacred, chaste
sanderianus -a -um from the Sander Nursery
Sandersonia for John Sanderson (d. 1881), secretary of the
Horticultural Society of Natal
sanguinalis -is -e, sanguineus -a -um, sanguineolentus -a -um bloodred, bloody
Sanguisorba Blood-stauncher (has styptic property)
Sanicula Little-healer (its medicinal property)
Sanseveria for Prince Raimond de Sansgrio of Sanseviero
(1710–1771)
santalinus -a -um sandal-wood
Santalum from the Persian name, shandal, for sandalwood
Santolina Holy-flax
Sanvitalia for the San Vitali family of Parma
[255]
sap-, sapon- sap-, sweet-tasting-, soapy- (sapa, plant-juice; sapo,
soap)
sapidus -a -um pleasant-tasted, flavoursome, savoury
sapientium of the wise, of man (implies superiority compared with
troglodytarum)
Sapindus Indian-soap (contraction of sapo indicus, from its use)
Sapium Soapy (refers to the sticky sap)
saponaceus -a -um, saponarius -a -um lather-forming, soapy
Saponaria Soap-like (lather-forming)
sapota from the Mexican name, cochil-zapotl, for chicle-tree; see
also zapota
sappan from a Malayan vernacular name
sapphirinus -a -um sapphire-blue
saprio-, sapro- rottenSaraca from an Indian vernacular name
saracenicus -a -um, sarracenicus -a -um of the Saracens
Saracha for Isidore Saracha (1733–1803), a Benedictine monk who
sent plants to the Madrid Royal Gardens
sarachoides resembling Saracha
sarc-, sarco- fleshy- (sarx, sarkov)
Sarcobatus Fleshy-spiny-shrub
Sarcocephalus Fleshy-head (the head of fruits)
Sarcococca Fleshy-berry
sarcodes flesh-like (sarkwdhv)
sardensis -is -e from Sart (Sardis), Smyrna, Asia Minor
sardosus -a -um, sardous -a -um from Sardinia, Sardinian
Sargentodoxa Sargent’s-glory, for Charles Sprague Sargent
(1841–1927), Founder and Director of Arnold Arboretum, USA
sarmaticus -a -um from Sarmatia on the Russo-Polish border
sarmentaceus -a -um, sarmentosus -a -um with long slender stolons or
runners
sarmentus -a -um twiggy
sarniensis -is -e from Guernsey (Sarnia), Channel Islands
saro- broom-like[256]
Sarothamnus Broom-shrub
Sarracenia for Michel Sarrazan (d. 1734), who introduced
S. purpurea from Quebec
sarrachoides from a Brazilian name for Solanum sarrachoides
sartorii for Andria del Sarto (1486–1531), of tailors
Sasa the Japanese name for certain small bamboos
sasanqua from the Japanese name for the tea-oil producing Camellia
Sassafras from the Spanish name, salsafras, for a saxifrage with
medicinal properties
sathro- humus-, decayed- (saqro)
sativus -a -um planted, cultivated, sown, not wild
saturativirens full-deep-green
Satureia, Satureja the Latin name in Pliny for a culinary herb, savory
saur-, sauro- lizard-like-, lizard- (saura)
Sauromatum Lizard (saurov), the figuring on the inner surface of
the spathe
Saussurea for the Swiss philosopher Horace Benedict de Saussure
(1740–1799)
savannarum of savannas
saxatilis -is -e living in rocky places, of the rocks
Saxegothaea for Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, consort of
Queen Victoria
saxicolus -a -um rock-dwelling
Saxifraga Stone-breaker (lives in rock cracks and had a medicinal
use for gallstones)
saxosus -a -um of rocky or stony places
scaber -ra -rum coarse, rough, scabrid (like sandpaper)
scaberulus -a -um roughish, somewhat rough
Scabiosa Scabies (former medicinal use as a treatment for the
disease)
scabri- rough-, scabridscabriusculus -a -um somewhat scabrid
scabrosus -a -um rather rough
scalariformis -is -e with ladder-like markings, ladder-like
[257]
(b)
(a)
(d)
(c)
(e)
Fig. 6. More leaf shapes which provide specific epithets.
(a) Hastate (e.g. Scutellaria hastifolia L.) with auricled leaf-base;
(b) spathulate (e.g. Sedum spathulifolium Hook.);
(c) sagittate (e.g. Sag ittaria sag ittifolia L.) with pointed and divergent
auricles;
(d) amplexicaul (e.g. Polygonum amplexicaule D.Don) with the basal lobes
of the leaf clasping the stem;
(e) cordate (e.g. Tilia cordata Mill.) heart-shaped.
[258]
scalaris -is -e ladder-like
scalpellatus -a -um knife-like, cutting
scalpturatus -a -um engraved
scandens climbing
scandicus -a -um from Scandia, Scandinavian
Scandix ancient name, skandix, for shepherd’s needle
scaphi-, scapho-, scaphy- boat-shaped-, bowl-shaped- (skajh)
Scaphopetalum Boat-shaped-petal
scapi-, scapio-, -scapus -a -um clear-stemmed-, scapose-, scapus
scapiger -era -erum scape-bearing
scaposus -a -um with scapes or leafless flowering stems
-scapus -a -um -peduncled, -stalked, -scaped, -scapose
scardicus -a -um from Sar Planina (Scardia), former Yugoslavia
scariola (serriola) endive-like, of salads
scariosus -a -um shrivelled, thin, not green, membranous, scarious
scarlatinus -a -um bright-red
sceleratus -a -um of vile places, vicious, wicked (causes ulceration)
sceptrus -a -um of a sceptre
schafta a Caspian area vernacular name for Silene schafta
Schefflera for J.C. Scheffler of Danzig
Scheuchzeria for the brothers Jakob J. (1672–1733) and
J. Scheuchzer (1684–1738), Professors of Botany at Zurich
schinseng from the Chinese name
Schinus from the Greek name for another mastic-producing plant
(Pistacia)
Schisandra Divided-man (the cleft anthers of the type species)
schist-, schismo- divided-, cut-, cleft- (scistov)
schist-, schisto- stone-, schistos
schistaceus -a -um slate-coloured
schistosus -a -um slaty-coloured
schiz-, schizo- cut-, divided-, split- (scizw)
Schizaea Cut (the incised fan-shaped fronds)
Schizanthus Divided-flower (the lobes of the corolla in the poor
man’s orchid)
[259]
schizomerus -a -um splitting into parts
Schizophragma Cleft-wall (the opening of the capsule)
-schizus -a -um -cut, -divided
Schkuhria for Christian Schkuhr (1741–1811), German botanist
Schlumbergera for Federick Schlumberg, a field botanist
schoen-, schoeno- rush-like, resembling Schoenus
Schoenoplectus Rush-plait (scoinov–plektov)
schoenoprasus -a -um rush-like leek (the leaves)
Schoenus the old name for rush-like plants
scholaris -is -e of the school, restful
Schwenkia for J.T. Schwenk (1619–1671), Professor of Medicine at
Jena
scia-, scio- shaded-, shade- (skia)
sciadi-, sciado- canopy-, umbelled- (skiadov)
sciaphilus -a -um shade-loving
Sciadopitys Umbrella-pine (the leaves are crowded at the branch
ends)
Scilla the ancient Greek name, skilla, for the squill Urg inea
maritima
scilloides squill-like, resembling Scilla
Scindapsus an ancient Greek name for an ivy-like plant
scintillans sparkling, gleaming
sciophilus -a -um shade-loving
scipionum wand-like
scirpoideus -a -um rush-like, Scirpus-like
Scirpus the old name for a rush-like plant
scissilis -is -e splitting easily
scitulus -a -um neat, pretty
scitus -a -um fine
sciuroides curved and bushy, squirrel-tail-like (skiourov a squirrel)
sclarea clear (an old generic name for a Salvia, clary, used for eye
lotions)
Scleranthus Hard-flower (texture of the perianth)
sclero- hard- (sklhrov)
[260]
Scleranthus Hard-flower (the calyx)
Scleropoa Hard-pasturage
scobi-, scobiformis -is -e resembling sawdust or shavings (scobis
sawdust)
scobinatus -a -um rough as though rasped (scobina a rasp)
scole-, scolo- vermiform-, worm- (skwlhx)
scolio- curved-, bent- (skoliov)
scolopax of the woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)
Scolopendrium Dioscorides’ name for the hart’s tongue fern
compares the numerous sori to the legs of a millipede
(scolopendra)
Scolymus the ancient Greek name, skolumov, for the artichoke,
Scolymus hispanicus, and its edible root
scolytus elm-bark beetle
scopa- twining-, twigged
scoparius -a -um, scopellatus -a -um broom-like (use for making
besoms)
scopulinus -a -um twiggy
scopulorum of cliffs and rock faces
scorbiculatus -a -um with a scurfy texture (scorbutus scurvy)
Scordium Dioscorides’ name, skordion, for a plant with the smell of
garlic
scorodonia an old generic name, scorodon, for garlic
scorodoprasum (scordoprasum) a name, skordoprason, used by
Dioscorides for a garlic-like leek (has intermediate features)
scorpioidalis -is -e, scorpioideus -a -um coiled like the tail of a scorpion
(e.g. the axis of an inflorescence)
scorpioides (scorpoides) curved like a scorpion’s tail (see Fig. 3(c)),
scorpion-like
Scorpiurus Dioscorides’ name for the coiled fruit of Scorpiurus sulcata
scorteus -a -um leathery
Scorzonera derivation uncertain but generally thought to refer to use
as an antifebrile in snakebite (Italian, scorzone)
scot-, scoto- of the dark-, darkness- (skotov)
[261]
scoticus -a -um from Scotland, Scottish
scotinus -a -um dusky, dark
scotophilus -a -um dark-loving (e.g. subterraneous chemotrophic
organisms)
Scottellia for G.F. Scott-Elliot, boundary commissioner and plant
collector in Sierra Leone
scottianus -a -um for Munro B. Scott or Robert Scott (1757–1808),
of Dublin
scrinaceus -a -um with lidded cup-like fruits (as in Lecythis)
scriptus -a -um marked with lines which suggest writing
scrobiculatus -a -um with small depressions or grooves, pitted (scrobis
a ditch)
Scrophularia Scrophula (signature of the glands on the corolla),
many plants were used to treat the ‘King’s disease’
scrotiformis -is -e shaped like a small double bag, pouch-shaped
sculptus -a -um carved
scutatus -a -um like a small round shield or buckler
Scutellaria Dish (the depression of the fruiting calyx)
scutellaris -is -e, scutellatus -a -um shield-shaped, platter-like
scutiformis -is -e buckler-shaped
scypho-, -scyphus -a -um cup-, beaker-, gobletScyphocephalium Goblet-headed (the inflorescences contain up to
three heads each of numerous flowers)
scyt-, scyto- leatheryScytanthus Leathery-flowered (part of the adaptation to attract
coprozoic pollinators)
Scytonema Thong-like (leathery filaments)
scytophyllus -a -um leathery-leaved
se- apart-, without-, outsebaceus -a -um, sebifer -era -erum tallow-bearing, producing wax
sebosus -a -um full of wax
Secale the Latin name for a grain like rye
secalinus -a -um rye-like, resembling Secale
sechellarus -a -um from the Seychelles, Indian Ocean
[262]
seclusus -a -um hidden, secluded
sectilis -is -e as though cut into portions
sectus -a -um, -sect, -sectus -a -um cut to the base, -divided, -partite
secundi-, secundus -a -um turned-, one-sided (as when flowers are all
to one side of an inflorescence), secund
secundiflorus -a -um with the flowers all facing one direction,
secund-flowered
Securidaca Axe (from the shape of the fruits)
securiger -era -erum axe-bearing (the shape of some organ)
Securinega Axe-refuser (the hardness of the timber of some species)
sedi-, sedoides (sedioides) stonecrop-like, resembling Sedum
Sedum a name, sedo, in Pliny (refers to the plant’s ‘sitting’ on rocks,
etc. in the case of cushion species)
segetalis -is -e, segetus -a -um of the cornfields, growing amongst crops
segregatus -a -um a component separated from a superspecies
seiro- rope-like, rope, seira
sejugus -a -um with six leaflets
Selaginella a diminutive of selago (see below)
selaginoides clubmoss-like, resembling Selag inella
selago the name in Pliny for Lycopodium, from the Celtic name for a
Druidic plant, Juniperus sabina
seleni-, seleno- moonSelinum the name in Homer for a celery-like plant with lustrous
petals (relates etymologically with Silaum and Silaus)
sellaeformis -is -e, selliformis -is -e saddle-shaped, with both sides
hanging down (e.g. of leaves)
selligerus -a -um saddled, saddle-bearing
selloi, sellovianus -a -um, sellowii, seloanus -a -um for Friedrich Sellow
(Sello) (1789–1831), German botanist
semestris -is -e half-yearly, of a half year
semi- halfsemidecandrus -a -um with (about) five stamens (Tibouchina
semidecandra has ten stamens but five have yellow anthers and the
other five form a self-coloured platform for visiting pollinators)
[263]
semilunatus -a -um half-moon-shaped
semipersistens half-persistent
semiteres half-cylindrical
semper- always-, eversemperflorens ever-flowering, with a long flowering season
sempervirens always green
sempervivoides, sempervivus -a -um houseleek-like, resembling
Sempervivum
Sempervivum Always-alive, never-die
senanensis -is -e from Senan, China
senarius -a -um six-partite
Senecio Old-man (the name in Pliny refers to the grey hairiness as
soon as fruiting commences)
senecioides (senecoides) groundsel-like, Seneciosenescens ageing, turning hoary with whitish hairs
seni- six-, six-eachsenifolius -a -um six-leafleted
senilis -is -e aged, grey-haired
Senna from the Arabic name
sensibilis -is -e, sensitivus -a -um sensitive to a stimulus, irritable
senticosus -a -um thorny, full of thorns
sepal-, -sepalus -a -um sepal-, -sepalled (skeph)
sepiaceus -a -um dark-clear-brown, sepia-coloured (sepia, cuttlefish)
sepiarius -a -um, sepius -a -um growing in hedges, of hedges
sepincola hedge-dweller, inhabitant of hedges (sepes, a hedge)
sept-, septem- sevenseptalis -is -e of September (flowering or fruiting)
septi-, septatus -a -um having partitions, septate
septemfidus -a -um with seven divisions, seven-cut
septentrionalis -is -e of the north, northern
septifragus -a -um having a capsule whose valves break away from the
partitions
septupli- sevensepulchralis -is -e of tombs, of graveyards
[264]
sepultus -a -um buried
Sequoia for the North American Indian, Sequoiah (1770–1843),
who invented the Cherokee alphabet
Sequoiadendron Sequoia-tree (resemblance in size)
serapias an ancient name, serapiav, for an orchid
seri-, serici-, sericans, sericeus -a -um silky-hairy (sometimes implying
Chinese)
serialis -is -e, seriatus -a -um with transverse or longitudinal rows
sericatus -a -um silken, shrikov
sericifer -era -erum, sericofer -era -erum silk-bearing
sericus -a -um from China (Seres)
-seris -potherb (seriv, seridov)
serissimus -a -um very late
serotinus -a -um of late season, autumnal (flowering or fruiting)
serpens, serpentarius -a -um, serpentinus -a -um creeping, serpentine
serpentini of (growing on) serpentine rocks
serpyllum from an ancient name, erpullov, for thyme
serpyllifolius -a -um thyme-leaved
serra-, -serras saw-, saw-like-, serrateSerrafalcus for the Duke of Serrafalco, archaeologist
serratifolius -a -um with markedly serrate leaves
Serratula Saw-tooth (the name in Pliny for betony)
serratus -a -um edged with forward-pointing teeth, serrate (see
Fig. 4(c))
serriolus -a -um in ranks, of salad (from an old name for chicory)
serrulatus -a -um edged with small teeth, finely serrate, serrulate
Sesamum Hippocrates’ name from the Semitic name
Sesbania from the Arabic name for Sesbania sesban
Seseli the ancient Greek name, seseli, seseliv
Sesleria for Leonardo Sesler of Venice (d. 1785)
sesqui- one-and-one-halfsesquipedalis -is -e about 18 inches long, the length of a foot and a
half
sesseli-, sessilis -is -e attached without a distinct stalk, sessile
[265]
sessilifolius -a -um leaves without petioles, sessile-leaved
seta-, setaceus -a -um, seti- with bristles or stiff hairs, bristly
Setaria Bristly (the hairs subtending the spikelets)
Setcreasea derivation obscure
seti-, setifer -era -erum, setiger -era -erum bearing bristles, bristly, saetasetispinus -a -um bristle-spined
setosus -a -um covered with bristles or stiff hairs
setuliformis -is -e thread-like
setulosus -a -um with fine bristles
-setus -a -um -bristled
sex- sixsexangularis -is -e, sexangulus -a -um six-angled (stems)
sextupli- six-foldshallon from a Chinook North American Indian name
Shepherdia for John Shepherd (1764–1836), curator of Liverpool
University Botanic Garden
Sherardia for William (1659–1728) or James Sherard
Shortia for Dr Charles W. Short (1794–1863), botanist of Kentucky,
USA
siameus -a -um from Thailand (Siam)
Sibbaldia for Prof. Robert Sibbald (1643–1720) of Edinburgh
sibiraea, sibiricus -a -um from Siberia, Siberian
Sibthorpia for John Sibthorp (1758–1796), English botanist, and his
son Humphrey
siccus -a -um dry
siculi- dagger-shapedsiculus -a -um from Sicily, Sicilian
Sida from a Greek name for a water-lily
Sidalcea Like-Sida-and-Alcea
sidereus -a -um iron-hard
Sideritis the Greek name for plants used on wounds caused by iron
weapons
Sideroxylon Iron-wood (the hard timber of the miraculous berry)
[266]
sieboldiana, sieboldii for Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796–1866),
German physician and plant collector in Japan
Sieglingia for Prof. Siegling of Erfurt
Sigesbeckia (Siegesbeckia, Sigesbekia) for John George Sigesbeck
(1686–1755), physician and botanist of Leipzig, director of the
St Petersburg Botanic Garden
sigillatus -a -um with the surface marked with seal-like impressions
sigma-, sigmato- S-shaped (sigma, sigmatov)
sigmoideus -a -um S-shaped (sigma)
signatus -a -um well-marked, designated, signed
sikkimensis -is -e from Sikkim, Himalayas
silaifolia with narrow leaves as in pepper saxifrage, Silaum silaus
Silaum meaning uncertain, from Sila forest area of S Italy? (see
Selinum)
silaus an old generic name in Pliny used for pepper saxifrage
Silene Theophrastus’ name for Viscaria, another catchfly; Silenos was
Bacchus’ companion
sileni- Silene-like
siliceus -a -um growing on sand
silicicolus -a -um growing on siliceous soils
siliculosus -a -um having broad pods or capsules from which the two
valves fall and leave a false membrane (replum) with the seeds
(silicula)
siliquastrum (siliquastris) from the old Latin name for a pod-bearing
tree, cylindric-podded
siliquosus -a -um having elongate pods or capsules as the last
(siliqua)
-siliquus -a -um, siliqui- -podded
sillamontanus -a -um from Cerro de La Silla, South America
silvaticus -a -um, silvester -tris -tre of woodlands, wild, of the woods
Silybum Dioscorides’ name, silubon, for a thistle-like plant
Simarouba (Simaruba) from the Carib (South America) name for
bitter damson
[267]
simensis -is -e from Arabia, Simenia, Middle Eastern
Simethis after the Oreadean nymph Simaethis
simia of the ape or monkey (flower-shape or implying inferiority)
simili-, similis -is -e resembling other species, like, the same, similar
similiflorus -a -um having the flowers all alike (e.g. in an umbel)
simplex undivided, entire, single
simplice-, simplici- undivided, simple
simulans, simulatus -a -um resembling, imitating, similar
Sinapis the old name, sinapi, used by Theophrastus for mustard
sinensis -is -e (chinensis -is -e) from China, Chinese
singularis -is -e unusual, singular
sinicus -a -um, sino- of China, Chinese
sinistrorsus -a -um turned to the left, twining clockwise upwards (as
seen from outside)
Sinningia for Wilhelm Sinning (1794–1874), head gardener at
Bonn University
sino- ChineseSinofranchetia for Adrien Franchet (1834–1900), French botanist
who described many Chinese plants
Sinomenium Chinese-moonseed (the curved stone of the fruit)
Sinowilsonia for E.H. Wilson (1876–1930), introducer of Chinese
plants
sinuatus -a -um, sinuosus -a -um, sinuus -a -um waved, with a wavy
margin (see Fig. 4(e)), sinuate
siphiliticus -a -um see syphiliticus
sipho-, -siphon tubular-, -pipe, -tube (sijon)
sipyleus flour or meal
sisalanus -a -um from Sisal, Yucatan, Mexico
sisara Dioscorides’ name for a plant with an edible root
Sison a name, sison, used by Dioscorides
Sisymbrium ancient Greek name, sisumbrion, for various plants
Sisyrinchium Theophrastus’ name, sisurigcion, for an iris
sitchensis -is -e from Sitka Island, Alaska
Sium an old Greek name, sion, for water plants
[268]
skapho- see scaphoSkimmia from a Japanese name, Miyami shikimi
skio- see scia-, scio- (skia)
skolio- see scolio- (skoliov)
skoto- see scoto- (skotov)
smaragdinus of emerald, emerald-green (smaragdov)
Smeathmannia for Henry Smeathmann, who collected plants in
Sierra Leone in 1771–1772
smilaci- SmilaxSmilacina diminutive of Smilax
Smilax from an ancient Greek name
Smithia for James Edward Smith (1759–1828), writer on the Greek
flora and founder of the Linnean Society
Smyrnium Myrrh-like (the fragrance), smurna myrrh
soboliferus -a -um bearing soboles, producing vigorous shoots from
the stem at ground level
socialis -is -e growing in colonies, in pure stands, dominant
soda alkaline (the calcined ash of Salsola)
sodomeus -a -um from the Dead Sea area (Sodom)
sol-, solis -is -e sun-, of the sun
solan-, solani- potato-, Solanum-likeSolanum Comforter (an ancient Latin name in Pliny)
solaris -is -e of the sun, of sunny habitats
Soldanella Coin-shaped (the leaves) from the Italin, soldo, for a
small coin
soleae- sandal-, solea
Soleirolia for Lieut. Henri Augustine Soleirol (b. 1792), collector of
Corsican plants
solen-, soleno- box-, tube-, swlhn
Solenostemon Tube-stamens (their united filaments)
-solens -tubed
Solidago Uniter (used as a healing medicine)
solidifolius -a -um entire-leaved
solidus -a -um a coin, complete, entire, solid, dense, not hollow
[269]
solitarius -a -um the only species (of a monotypic genus), with
individuals growing in extreme isolation
Sollya for Richard Horsman Solly (1778–1858), plant anatomist
solstitialis -is -e of mid-summer (flowering-time)
soma-, -somus -a -um- -bodied (swma)
somnians asleep, sleeping
somnifer -era -erum sleep-inducing, sleep-bearing
sonchi- Sonchus-likeSonchus the Greek name, sogcov, for a thistle
sonorus -a -um loud, resonant
sophia wisdom, sojia, (the use of flixweed in healing)
Sophora from an Arabic name for a pea-flowered tree
soporificus -a -um sleep-bringing, soporific
Sorbaria Mountain-ash-like (from the form of the leaves)
Sorbus the ancient Latin name for the service tree
sordidus -a -um neglected, dirty-looking
sorediiferus -a -um bearing soredia (swrov); on lichens
soriferus -a -um bearing sori (swrov); on ferns
Sorghum from the Italian name
sororius -a -um very closely related, sisterly
soulangiana, soulangii for Etienne Soulange-Bodin (1774–1846),
French horticulturalist
spadiceus -a -um chestnut-brown, date-coloured, having a spadix
(spadix)
spananthus -a -um having few flowers, sparsely-flowered (spaniov)
Sparaxis Tear (sparasso), the torn bracts
Sparganium Dioscorides’ name, sparganion, for bur-reed
Sparrmannia for Dr Andreas Sparrmann (1748–1820), of Cook’s
second voyage
sparsi-, sparsus -a -um scattered
Spartina old name for various plants used to make ropes
Spartium Binding or Broom (former uses for binding and sweeping)
spath-, spathi-, spatho-, spathus -a -um spatulate-, spathe- (as in
arums)
[270]
spathaceus -a -um with a spathe-like structure (bracts or calyx)
Spathiphyllum Leafy-spathe
Spathodea Spathe-like (the calyx)
spathulatus -a -um, spathuli- shaped like a spoon (see Fig. 6(b))
spatiosus -a -um spacious, wide, large
spatulae-, -spatulatus spoon-, -spatulate
speciosus -a -um showy, handsome, semblance (specere, to look)
spectabilis -is -e admirable, spectacular, good-looking
specularius -a -um, speculum shining, mirror-like (speculum, a
mirror)
speculatus -a -um shining, as if with mirrors
speir- twistedspeiranthus -a -um with twisted flowers
speluncae, speluncarum (spelunchae) of caves, cave-dwelling
speluncatus -a -um, speluncosus -a -um cavitied, full of holes
Spergula Scatterer (l’Obel’s name refers to the discharge of the seeds)
Spergularia Resembling-Spergula
sperm-, spermato-, -spermus -a -um seed- (sperma), -seed, -seeded
Spermatophtyta Seed-plants
sphacelatus -a -um necrotic, scorched, gangrened (sjakelov)
sphaer-, sphaero- globular-, spherical-, ball- (sjaira)
Sphaeralcea Spherical-Alcea (the shape of the fruit)
sphaerocephalon, sphaerocephalus -a -um round-headed
Sphagnum latinized from the Greek, sjagnov, for a moss
sphegodes resembling wasps, sjhx, sjhkov (flower shape)
spheno- wedge- (sjenov)
Sphenopteris Wedge-fern
sphondilius -a -um rounded
spica, spicati-, spicatus -a -um, spicifer -era -erum with an elongate
inflorescence of sessile flowers, spiked, spicate (see Fig. 2(a))
spicant from the ancient German name, tufted (spikenard, spike,
ear)
spica-venti ear of the wind, tuft of the wind
spiculi- spicule-, small-thorn[271]
Spigelia for Adrian van der Spiegel of Padua (1578–1625)
Spilanthes Stained-flower (receptacular marks of some species)
spilo- stained- (spilov)
spilofolius -a -um spotted-leaved (rose-hip fly = Spilographa alternata)
spina-christi Christ’s thorn
spinescens, spinifer -era -erum, spinifex, spinosus -a -um spiny, with
spines
spinulifer -era -erum, spinulosus -a -um with small spines
spir- twisted-, coiled- (speira)
Spiraea Theophrastus’ name, speiraia, for a plant used for making
garlands
spiralis -is -e, spiratus -a -um twisted, spiral
Spiranthes Twisted (the inflorescence)
spirellus -a -um small-coiled
spiro- twisted-, coiledsplendens, splendidus -a -um gleaming, striking
spodo- ash-grey (spodov)
spodochrus -a -um greyish-coloured, ashen
Spondias Theophrastus’ name refers to the plum-like fruit
Spondianthus Spondias-flowered
spongiosus -a -um spongy
sponhemicus -a -um from Sponheim, Rhine
sporadicus -a -um scattered, widely dispersed (sporav)
sporo-, sporo- spore-, seedSporobolus Seed-caster
-sporus -a -um -seed, -seeded
sprengeri for Carl L. Sprenger (1846–1917), German nurseryman,
Naples
spretus -a -um (sprettus) despised, spurned
spumarius -a -um foamy, frothing
spumescens becoming frothy, of frothy appearance
spumosus -a -um frothy
spurcatus -a -um fouled, nasty, filthy
spurius -a -um false, bastard, spurious
[272]
squalens, squalidus -a -um untidy, dingy, squalid
squamarius -a -um, squamosus -a -um scale-clad, covered with scales
squamatus -a -um with small scale-like leaves or bracts (squamae),
squamate
squamigerus -era -erum scale-bearing
squarrosus -a -um rough (when leaves have protruding tips or sharp
edges)
squillus -a -um shrimp-like, squill-like
stabilis -is -e firm, lasting, not changeable
stachy- spike-like-, resembling Stachys
Stachys Spike (the Greek name, stacuv, used by Dioscorides for
several dead-nettles)
-stachyon , -stachys, stachyus -a -um -spiked, -panicled
Stachytarpheta Thick-spike
Stachyurus Spiked-tail (the shape of the inflorescence)
stagnalis -is -e of pools
stagninus -a -um of swampy or boggy ground
stamineus -a -um with prominent stamens (stamen, a filament)
staminosus -a -um the stamens being a marked feature of the flowers
Stanhopea for Philip Henry, 4th Earl of Stanhope (1781–1855),
President of the Medico-botanical Society
stans upright, erect, standing, self-supporting
Stapelia by Linnaeus for Johannes B. von Stapel, Dutch physician of
Amsterdam
Staphylea Cluster, stajulh (a name in Pliny, refers to the bunched
flowers)
-staphylos -bunch (as of grapes)
stasophilus -a -um living in stagnant water, loving stagnant waters
Statice Astringent (Dioscorides’ name, statikh, for the Limonium
of gardeners)
Stauntonia for Sir George C. Staunton (1737–1801), Irish traveller
in China
stauro- cross-shaped-, crosswise-, cruciformstegano-, stego- covered-over-, roofed- (stegh)
[273]
steiro- barren- (steirov)
Stellaria Star (the appearance of stitchwort flowers)
stellaris -is -e, stellatus -a -um star-like, with spreading rays, stellate
stelliger -era -erum star-bearing
stellipilus -a -um with stellate hairs
stellulatus -a -um small-starred, with small star-like flowers
-stemon -stamened (sthmwn)
sten-, steno- short-, narrow- (stenov)
Stenanthera Narrow-anthers
Stenocarpus Narrow-fruit (the flattened folicular fruits)
Stenochlaena Narrow-cloak (sporangia cover entire surface of the
linear fertile pinnae)
Stenoloma Narrow-hem, loma (the narrow indusium)
stenopetalus -a -um narrow-petalled
Stenotaphrum Narrow-trench, tajrov (the florets are recessed into
cavities in the rachis)
stephan-, stephano- crowned-, crown-, wreathed-, stejanh
Stephanandra Male-crown (the arrangement of the persistent
stamens)
Stephania for Frederick Stephan of Moscow (d. 1817)
Stephanotis Crowned-ear (the auricled staminal crown) also used by
the Greeks for plants used for making chaplets or crowns
-stephanus -a -um -crowned
stepposus -a -um of the Steppes
Sterculia Dung (the evil-smelling flowers of some species)
stereo- solidsterilis -is -e infertile, barren, sterile
Sternbergia for Count Kaspar Moritz von Sternberg of Prague
(1761–1838)
sternianus -a -um for Col. Sir Frederick Stern (1884–1967),
horticultural pioneer of Highdown, Worthing [cultivarietal names
‘Highdown’ and highdownensis]
Stewartia for John Stewart, 3rd Earl of Bute (1713–1792), patron of
botany
[274]
-stichus -a -um -ranked, -rowed (sticov)
stict-, sticto- ,-stictus -a -um punctured-, -spotted (stiktov)
stictocarpus -a -um with spotted fruits
stigma- spot-, stigma- (stigma)
stigmaticus -a -um, -stigmus -a -um spotted, dotted, marked
stigmosus -a -um spotted, marked
Stilbe Shining
Stipa Tow (Greek use of the feathery inflorescences, like hemp, for
caulking and plugging)
stipellatus -a -um with stipels (in addition to stipules)
stipitatus -a -um with a stipe or stalk
stipulaceus -a -um, stipularis -is -e, stipulatus -a -um, stipulosus -a -um
with conspicuous stipules
stoechas Dioscorides’ name for a lavender grown on the Iles
d’Hyères, Toulon, which were called ‘Stoichades’
Stokesia for Dr Jonathan Stokes (1755–1831), who worked with
Withering on his arrangement of plants
stolonifer -era -erum spreading by stolons, with creeping stems which
root at the nodes
-stomus -a -um -mouthed, stoma
Storax see Styrax
stragulatus -a -um, stragulus -a -um carpeting, mat-forming,
covering
stramine-, stramineus -a -um straw-coloured
stramonii- Stramonium-likestramonium a name used by Theophrastus for the thorn apple,
Datura stramonium
strangulatus -a -um constricting, strangling, with irregular
constrictions
Stranvaesia for William Thomas Horner Fox-Strangways, Earl of
Ilchester (1795–1865), botanist
strateumaticus -a -um forming an army, forming groups
Stratiotes Soldier (Dioscorides’ name, stratiwthv, for an Egyptian
water plant with sword-shaped leaves)
[275]
Strelitzia for Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of
George III
strepens rustling, rattling
Strephonema Twisted-threads (the stamens)
strepsi-, strept-, strepto- twisted-, coiledStreptocarpus Twisted-fruit (streptov), the fruits contort as they
mature
Streptosolen Twisted-tube (the corolla tube is spirally twisted below
the expanded part)
striatellus -a -um, striatulus -a -um somewhat marked with parallel
lines, grooves or ridges
striatus -a -um ridged, striped, furrowed
stricti-, stricto-, strictus -a -um straight, erect, close, stiff, strict
Striga Swathe
strigatus -a -um straight, rigid, Striga-like
strigilosus -a -um with short rigid bristles (strig ilis, a currycomb)
strigosus -a -um thin, lank, with rigid hairs or bristles, strigose
strigulosus -a -um somewhat strigose
striolatus -a -um faintly striped, finely lined
strobilaceus -a -um cone-like, cone-shaped (in fruit) (strobilov)
strobil-, strobili-, strobilifer -era -erum cone-bearing
strobus an ancient name for an incense-bearing tree (Pinus strobus
has large seed-cones, strobilov)
Strobylanthes Cone-flower
Stromanthe Mattress-flower (strwma), the form of the
inflorescence
strombuli- snail-shell-likestrombuliferus -a -um bearing spirals, snail-like (as with the fruits of
some Medicago species)
strongyl-, strongylo- round-, roundedStrophanthus Twisted-flower (the elongate lobes of the corolla)
strophio- turned-over, turning- (strojo)
strumarius -a -um, strumosus -a -um cushion-like, swollen (signature
for use in treatment of swollen necks)
[276]
strumi- cushion-like-swelling-, wen-, goitre-likestrupi- strappedStruthiopteris Ostrich-feather (the fertile fronds)
Strychnos Linnaeus reapplied Theophrastus’ name for poisonous
solanaceous plants
stupeus -a -um, stuppeus -a -um woolly
stuposus -a -um, stuposus -a -um shaggy with matted tufts of long
hairs, tousled, tow-like
stygia of the underworld, Stygean (Globularia stygia spreads by
subterranean stolons), growing in foul water
stylo-, -stylus -a -um style-, -styled (stulov)
stylosus -a -um with a prominent style
stypticus -a -um astringent, styptic (stuptikov)
styracifluus -a -um flowing with gum
Styrax ancient Greek name for storax gum tree, Styrax officinalis
styrido- cruciform- (staurov)
Suaeda from the Arabic name
suaveolens sweet-scented
suavis -is -e sweet, agreeable
suavissimus -a -um very sweet-scented
sub-, suc-, suf-, sug- below-, under-, approaching-, nearly-, just-, less
than-, usuallysubacaulis -is -e almost without a stem
subbiflorus -a -um resembling biflorus (a comparative relationship)
subcaeruleus -a -um slightly blue
subdiaphenus -a -um semi-transparent
suber corky (the ancient Latin name for the cork oak, Quercus suber)
suberectus -a -um growing at an angle, not quite upright
suberosus -a -um slightly bitten (sub-erosus), corky
sublustris -is -e glimmering, almost shining
submersus -a -um under-water, submerged
suboliferus -a -um bearing offspring (see soboliferus)
subsessilis -is -e very short stalked, almost-sessile
subterraneus -a -um below ground, underground
[277]
subtilis -is -e fine
Subularia awl (the leaf shape)
subulatus -a -um awl-shaped, needle-like, subulate
subuli- awl-shapedsubulosus -a -um somewhat awl-shaped
succiferus -a -um producing sap, sappy
succiruber -era -erum with red sap
Succisa cut-off (the rhizome of S. pratensis)
succisus -a -um (succisus) cut off from below, abruptly ended
succosus -a -um full of sap, sappy
succotrinus -a -um from Socotra, Indian Ocean
Succowia for Georg Adolph Suckow (1751–1813) of Heidelberg
succubus -a -um lying upon (when a lower distichous leaf is overlain
by the next uppermost leaf on the same side of the stem); Latin for
a female nocturnal demon
succulentus -a -um fleshy, soft, juicy, succulent
sucidus -a -um, sucosus -a -um sappy, juicy
sudanensis -is -e from the Sudan, Sudanese
sudeticus -a -um from the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia and Poland
suecicus -a -um from Sweden (Swabia), Swedish
Suaeda from the Arabic, suwed-mullah, for Sueda baccata
suffocatus -a -um suffocating (the flower heads of Trifolium suffocatum
turn to the ground)
suffruticosus -a -um somewhat shrubby at the base, soft-wooded and
growing yearly from ground level
suffultus -a -um supported, propped-up
suionum of the Swedes (Sviones)
sulcatus -a -um furrowed, grooved, sulcate
sulfureus -a -um, sulphureus -a -um pale-yellow, sulphur-yellow
sultani for the Sultan of Zanzibar
sumatranus -a -um from Sumatra, Indonesia
super-, supra- above-, oversuperbus -a -um magnificent, proud, superb
superciliaris -is -e eyebrow-like, with eyebrows, with hairs above
[278]
superfluus -a -um overflowing
supernatans living on the surface of water
supinus -a -um lying flat, extended, supine
supra- above-, on-the-surface-ofsuprafolius -a -um growing on a leaf
supranubius -a -um of very high mountains, from above the clouds
surattensis -is -e from Surat on the west coast of India
surculosus -a -um shooting, suckering, freely producing young
shoots
surrectus -a -um not quite upright or erect, leaning (sub-rectus)
sursum- forwards-and-upwardssusianus -a -um from Susa, Iran
suspendus -a -um, suspensus -a -um lax, hanging down, pendent,
suspended
sutchuensis -is -e from Szechwan, China
Sutherlandia for James Sutherland (d. 1719), Superintendant of
Edinburgh Botanic Garden and botanical writer
sy-, syl-, sym-, syn-, syr-, sys- with-, together with-, united-, joinedsycamorus fig-fruited, of the fig (Ficus sycamorus)
sychno- many-times-, frequent- (sucnov)
syco-, sycon- fig-like-fruit-, fig- (sukon)
Sycopsis Fig-resembler (sukon) looks like some shrubby Ficus
sylvaticus -a -um, sylvester -tris -tre wild, of woods or forests, sylvan
sylvicolus -a -um inhabiting woods
sympho-, symphy- growing-together- (sumjutov)
Symphonia Grown-together-stamens (they are united with five
groups of three linear anthers alternating with the stigmatic
lobes)
Symphoricarpos (us) Clustered-fruits, sumjerw–karpov (the
conspicuous berries)
Symphytum Grow-together-plant (Dioscorides’ name for healing
plants, including comfrey, conferva of Pliny)
Symplocos United (the united stamens)
syn- together[279]
synciccus -a -um with flowers of different sexes in the same
inflorescence
syphiliticus -a -um of syphilis, after a character in a 16th century
Latin poem on pox (Lobelia syphilitica used to treat the disease)
syriacus -a -um from Syria, Syrian
Syringa Pipe (formerly for Philadelphus but re-applied by Dodoens,
use of the hollow stems to make flutes)
syringanthus -a -um lilac-flowered, Syringa-flowered
syzigachne with scissor-like glumes
Syzygium Paired (from the form of branching and opposite leaves.
Formerly applied to Calyptranthus)
tabacicomus -a -um with a tobacco-coloured head
tabacinus -a -um tobacco-like
tabacum (tabaccum) from the Mexican vernacular name for the pipe
used for smoking the leaves of Solanum
Tabebuia from a Brazilian vernacular name
tabernaemontanus -a -um for J.T. Bergzabern of Heidelberg (d. 1590),
physician and herbalist (his latinization of Bergzabern)
tabescens wasting-away
tabulaeformis -is -e, tabuliformis -is -e flat and circular, plate-like
tabularis -is -e, tabuli- table-flat, flattened
tabulatus -a -um layer upon layer
tacamahacca from an Aztec vernacular name for the resin from
Populus tacamahaca
tacazzeanus -a -um from the Takazze River, Ethiopia
Tacca from a Malayan name, taka, for arrowroot
Taccarum Tacca-arum (implies intermediate looks but not hybridity)
taccifolius -a -um with leaves like Tacca
tactilis -is -e sensitive to touch
taeda an ancient name for resinous pine trees
taediger -era -erum torch-bearing
taediosus -a -um loathsome
taegetus -a -um from Mt Taygetos, Greece
[280]
taenianus -a -um shaped (segmented) like a tapeworm, Taenia-like
Taeniopteris Ribbon-fern
taeniosus -a -um ribbon-like, banded (leaves)
Tagetes for Tages, Etruscan god and grandson of Jupiter
tagliabuana for the brothers Tagliabe
taipeicus -a -um from Taipei Shan, Shensi, China
taiwanensis -is -e from Formosa (Taiwan), Formosan
tamarici-, tamarisci- Tamarix-liketamarindi- tamarind-like
Tamarindus Indian-date (from the Arabic, tamr)
Tamarix the ancient Latin name, for the Spanish area of the River
Tambo (Tamaris)
tamnifolius -a -um bryony-leaved, with leaves like Tamus (Tamnus of
Pliny)
Tamus from the name in Pliny for a kind of vine
tanacet-, tanaciti- tansy-like-, TanacetumTanacetum Immortality (tansy was placed amongst the winding
sheets of the dead to repel vermin)
tanaiticus -a -um from the region of the River Tanais (Don) in
Sarmatia
Tanakaea for Yoshio Tanaka, Japanese botanist
tanguticus -a -um of the Tangut tribe of Gansu, NE Tibet, Tibetan
tapein-, tapeino- humble-, modestTapeinanthus Low-flower; refers to the small stature
Tapeinochilus Modest-lip; refers to the small labellum
tapesi- carpet-, taphv
tapeti- carpet-liketaphro- ditch- (tajrov)
Tapiscia an anagram of Pistacia
Tapura from the vernacular name in Guiana
taraxaci- dandelion-like-, TaraxacumTaraxacum Disturber (from the Persian name for a bitter herb)
tardi-, tardus -a -um slow, reluctant, late
tardiflorus -a -um late-flowering
[281]
tardivus -a -um slow-growing
tartareus -a -um, tartrus -a -um of the underworld, with a loose
crumbling surface
tartaricus -a -um, tataricus -a -um from Tartary, Central Asia
tasmanicus -a -um from Tasmania
tatsiensis -is -e from Tatsienlu, China
tatula from an old name for a Datura
tauricus -a -um from the Crimea (Tauria)
taurinus -a -um from Turin, Italy, or of bulls
tax-, taxi-, taxo- orderly-, order- (taxiv)
taxi- yew-like-, resembling Taxus
taxodioides resembling Taxodium
Taxodium Yew-like, resembling Taxus
taxoides resembling yew
taxonomy orderly law, classification
Taxus the ancient Latin name for the yew
taygeteus -a -um from Mt Taygetos, Greece
tazetta little cup (the corona of Narcissus tazetta)
technicus -a -um special, technical
Tecoma, Tecomaria from the Mexican name of the former
Tectaria Roofed (the complete indusium)
Tectona from the Tamil name, tekka, for teak
tectorum of rooftops, growing on rooftops, of the tiles
tectus -a -um with a thin covering, hidden, tectate
Teesdalia for Robert Teesdale, Yorkshire botanist
tef the Arabic name for Eragrostis abyssinica (tef grass)
tegens, tegetus -a -um mat-like
tegumentus -a -um covered (e.g. indusiate)
tel-, tele- far-, far-off-, afar- (thle)
telephioides resembling Sedum telephium
Telephium Distant-lover. A Greek name,thlejion, for a plant
thought to be capable of indicating reciprocated love
teleuto-, telio- terminal-, completion-, an end- (teleuth)
Tellima an anagram of Mitella
[282]
telmataia, telmateius -a -um of marshes, of muddy water (telma,
telmatov)
telonensis -is -e from Toulon (Telenium), France
Telopea Seen-at-a-distance (telopav), the conspicuous crimson
flowers
temenius -a -um of sacred precincts or holy places
temulentus -a -um drunken, intoxicating (toxic seed of ryegrass)
temulus -a -um synonymous with temulentus (the rich fragrance of
rough chervil)
tenax gripping, stubborn, firm, persistent, tenacious
tenebrosus -a -um somewhat tender, of shade, dark, gloomy
tenens enduring, persisting
tenellus -a -um delicate, tenderish
teneri-, tenerus -era -erum soft, tender, delicate
tentaculosus -a -um with sensitive glandular hairs
tenui-, tenuis -is -e slender, thin, fine
tenuifolius -a -um slender-leaved
tenuior more slender
tephro-, tephrus -a -um ash-grey-, ashen (tejra)
Tephrosia Ashen (the leaf colour)
ter- three-times, triple-, thriceterato- prodigious-, monstrous- (terav)
terebinthi- Pistacia-like-, turpentineterebinthifolius -a -um with leaves like those of Pistacia terebinthus
terebinthinus a former name for Chian turpentine tree, Pistacia
terebinthus
teres -etis -ete, tereti- quill-like, cylindrical, terete
tereticornis -is -e with cylindrical horns
teretiusculus -a -um somewhat smoothly rounded
tergeminus -a -um three-paired
tergi- at the backTerminalia Terminal (the leaves are frequently crowded at the ends
of the branches)
terminalis -is -e terminal (the flower on the stem)
[283]
ternateus -a -um from the Ternate Islands, Moluccas
ternatus -a -um, ternati-, terni- with parts in threes, ternate
(see Fig. 5(e))
Ternstroemia for Christopher Ternstroem (d. 1754), Swedish
naturalist in China
terrestris -is -e growing on the ground, not epiphytic or aquatic
tersi- neattertio- thirdtesquicolus -a -um of waste land, of desert land
tessellatus -a -um (tesselatus) chequered, mosaic-like, tessellated
testaceus -a -um brownish-yellow, terracotta, brick-coloured
testicularis -is -e, testiculatus -a -um tubercled, having some
testicle-shaped structure (e.g. a tuber or fruit)
testudinarium resembling tortoise shells
teter -era -erum having a foul smell
tetra- square-, four- (tetra)
Tetracentron Four-spurs (the spur-like appendages of the fruit)
Tetracme Four-points (the shape of the fruit)
Tetradymia Fourfold (the groups of flowers and their involucral
bracts)
Tetragonolobus Quadrangular-pod (the fruit)
tetragonus -a -um four-angled, square
tetrahit four-times (tetraploid), foetid
tetralix a name, tetralix, used by Theophrastus for the
cross-leaved state when the leaves are arranged in whorls of four
tetrandrus -a -um with four stamens, four-anthered
tetraplus -a -um fourfold (e.g. ranks of leaves)
tetraquetrus -a -um sharply four-angled (Arenaria tetrequetra)
Tetraspis Four-shields
Tetrastigma Four-stigmas (the four-lobed stigma)
Teucrium Dioscorides’ name, teukrion, perhaps for Teucer, hero
and first King of Troy
texanus -a -um, texensis -is -e from Texas, USA, Texan
textilis -is -e used for weaving
[284]
thalami- bedchamber-, qalamov, receptaclethalassicus -a -um, thalassinus -a -um sea-green, growing in the sea
thalidi-, thallo thallus- (a vegetative body without differentiation
into stem and leaves)
Thalia, thalianus -a -um for Johann Thal, German botanist
(1542–1583). Thalia was also one of the three Graces
Thalictrum a name, qaliktron, used by Dioscorides for another
plant
thamn-, thamno-, -thamnus -a -um -shrub-like, -shrubby (qamnov)
Thapsia ancient Greek name, qayov, used by Theophrastus
thapsus from the Island of Thapsos (old generic name, qayov, for
Cotinus coggygria)
Thea the latinized Chinese name, T’e
thebaicus -a -um from Thebes, Greece
-theca, theco-, -thecus -a -um box-, -chambered, -cased (qhkh)
Thecacoris Split-cells (the anthers)
-thecius -a -um -cased, qhkh, -chambered
theifer -era -erum tea-bearing
theio- smokytheioglossus -a -um smoke-tongued
thele-, thelo-, thely- female-, nipple- (qhluv)
thelephorus -a -um covered in nipple-like prominences
Thelycrania the name, qhlukraneia, used by Theophrastus
Thelygonum Girl-begetter (claimed by Pliny to cause girl offspring)
Thelypteris (Thelipteris) Female-fern (qhluv–pteriv) Theophrastus’
name for a fern
Themeda from an Arabic name
Theobroma God’s-food
theoides resembling tea-plant, Thea-like
theriacus -a -um (theriophonus, for theriophobus?) antidote (theriacs are
antidotes to poisons and bites of wild beasts, qhr)
thermalis -is -e of warm springs (qermh)
Thermopsis Lupin-like (qermov)
thero- summer- (qerov)
[285]
Thesium a name, qhseion, in Pliny for a bulbous plant
Thespesia Divine (commonly cultured round temples)
thessalonicus -a -um, thessalus -a -um from Thessaly
Thevetia for Andre Thevet (1502–1592), French traveller in Brazil
and Guiana
thibeticus -a -um from Tibet
thigmo- touch-, qigganw
thino- sandthirsi- panicledThladiantha Eunuch-flower (female flowers have aborted stamens)
Thlaspi the name, qlaspiv, used by Dioscorides for cress
thora of corruption, of ruination (a medieval name for a poisonous
buttercup)
Thrinax, -thrinax Fan, -fanned, -trident
-thrix -hair, -haired (qrix, tricov)
Thuidium Thuja-like
Thuja, Thuya Theophrastus’ name, quia, for a resinous
fragrant-wooded tree
Thujopsis, Thuyopsis Resembling-Thuja
Thunbergia for Karl Pehr Thunberg (1743–1822), of Uppsala
thurifer -era -erum, turifer -era -erum incense-bearing,
frankinsense-producing
thuringiacus -a -um from mid-Germany (Thuringia)
thuyioides, thyoides Thuja-like
thymbra an ancient Greek name for a savory thyme-like plant
Thymelaea Thyme-olive (the leaves and fruit)
Thymus Theophrastus’ name, qumov, for a plant used in sacrifices
thyrs-, thyrsi- contracted-panicle-, qursov baccic staff
thyrsoideus -a -um with a pyramidal panicle-, thyrsoid (see Fig. 3(d))
thysano-, thysanoto- fringedTiarella Little-diadem (tiara), the capsules
tibeticus -a -um from Tibet
tibicinis piper’s or flute-player’s
tibicinus -a -um hollow-reed-like, flute-like
[286]
Tibouchina from a Guianese name
Tigridia Tiger (the markings of the perianth)
tigrinus -a -um striped, spotted, tiger-toothed
tigurinus -a -um from Zurich (Turicum)
Tilia Wing (the ancient Latin name for the lime tree)
tiliae-, tiliaceus -a -um lime-like, resembling Tilia
tillaea from a former generic name, Tillaea, for a Crassula
Tillandsia for Elias Tillands, Swedish botanist and Professor of
Medicine
tinctorius -a -um used for dyeing
tinctorum of the dyers
tinctus -a -um coloured
tingens stained, dyed, staining
tingitanus -a -um from Tangiers, Morocco
tini- Tinus-like (Viburnum-like)
tinus the old Latin name for Laurustinus (Viburnum)
tipuliformis -is -e resembling a Tipulid (cranefly)
tirolensis -is -e from the Tyrol, Tyrolean
titano- chalk-, limetitanum, titanus -a -um of the Titans, gigantic, very large
Tithonia after Tithonus from Greek mythology, brother of Priam
tithymaloides spurge-like
Tithymalus an ancient name, tiqumallov, used in Pliny for plants
with latex, spurges (Tithymallus)
-tmemus -a -um -free
toco- offspringTodea for H.J. Tode (1733–1797), German mycologist
tofaceus -a -um tufa-coloured, gritty
Tofieldia for Thomas Tofield (1730–1779), Yorkshire naturalist
togatus -a -um robed, gowned
Tolmiea for Dr William F. Tolmie of the Hudson’s Bay Company
Tolpis a name of uncertain derivation
toluiferus -a -um producing balsam of tolu (Myroxylon toluifera)
tomentellus -a -um somewhat hairy
[287]
tomentosus -a -um thickly matted with hairs
tomi-, -tomus -a -um cutting-, -cut, -incised
tonsus -a -um shaven, sheared, shorn
tophaceus -a -um see tofaceus
Tordylium the name, tordulion, used by Dioscorides
Torenia for Rev. Olof Torén (1718–1753), chaplain to the Swedish
East India Company in India, Surat and China
torfosus -a -um growing in bogs
Torilis a meaningless name by Adanson
toringoides toringo-like (Japanese name for a Malus)
torminalis -is -e of colic (used medicinally to relieve colic)
torminosus -a -um causing colic
torosus -a -um cylindrical with regular constrictions
torquatus -a -um with a (chain-like) collar, necklaced
Torreya for Dr John Torrey (1796–1873), American botanist,
contributor to the Flora of North America
torridus -a -um of very hot places
torti-, tortilis -is -e, tortus -a -um twisted
tortuosus -a -um meandering (irregularly twisted stems)
Tortula Twisted (the 32 spirally twisted teeth of the peristome)
torulosus -a -um swollen or thickened at intervals
torvus -a -um fierce, harsh, sharp
tovarensis -is -e from Tovar, Venezuela
Townsendia for David Townsend (c. 1840), Pennsylvanian botanist,
USA
toxi-, toxicarius -a -um, toxicus -a -um toxic, containing a poisonous
principle (toxicum)
toxifera -a -um poison-bearing, poisonous
Toxicodendron (um) Poison-tree
toza from a South African native name
trabeculatus -a -um cross-barred
trachelium neck (old name for a plant used for throat infections)
trachelo- neckTrachelospermum Necked-seed
[288]
trachy- shaggy-, rough- (tracuv)
Trachycarpus Rough-fruit
trachyodon short-toothed, rough-toothed
Trachystemon Rough-stamen
Tradescantia for John Tradescant (d. 1638) (son of Old John
Tradescant), gardener to Charles I
tragacantha yielding gum-tragacanth (from a Greek plant name –
goat-thorn, Astragalus tragacantha)
trago- goat- (tragov)
tragoctanus -a -um goat’s-bane
Tragopogon Goat-beard (the pappus of the fruit)
Tragus Goat
trajectilis -is -e, trajectus -a -um passing over (separation of anther
loculi by connective)
trans- through-, beyond-, acrosstransalpinus -a -um crossing the Alps
transiens intermediate, passing-over
translucens almost transparent
transversus -a -um athwart, across, collateral
transwallianus -a -um from Pembroke, South Wales (beyond Wales)
transylvanicus -a -um from Romania (Transylvania)
Trapa from calcitrapa, a four-spiked weapon used in battle to maim
cavalry horses’ hooves
trapesioides lozenge-shaped, shaped like a deformed square,
tapeziod, trapezion
Tremella Quiverer
tremuloides aspen-like, resembling Populus tremula
tremulus -a -um trembling, shaking, quivering
trepidus -a -um restless, trembling
tri- three- (treiv)
triacanthos, triacanthus -a -um three-spined
triandrus -a -um three-stamened
triangulari-, triangularis -is -e, triangulatus -a -um three-angled,
triangular
[289]
tricamarus -a -um three-chambered
trich-, tricho-, -trichus -a -um hair-like-, -hairy (qrix, tricov)
trichoides hair-like
Trichomanes Hair-madness (trico-manev) Theophrastus’ name for
maidenhair spleenwort
Trichophorum Hair-carrier (perianth bristles)
Trichosanthes Hair-flower (the fringed corolla lobes)
trichospermus -a -um hairy-seeded
trichotomus -a -um three-forked, triple-branched
tricoccus -a -um three-seeded, three-berried
tricolor three-coloured
tricornis -is -e, tricornutus -a -um with three horns
Tricyrtis Three-domes (treiv–kurtov), the form of the bases of the
three outer petals
tridactylites three-fingered, treisdaktulon
Tridax Three-toothed (Theophrastus’ name, qridax, for a lettuce,
ligulate florets are 3-fid)
triduus -a -um lasting for three days
triennialis -is -e, triennis -is -e lasting for three years
trientalis -is -e a third of a foot in length, about four inches tall
trifasciatus -a -um three-banded
trifidus -a -um divided into three, three-cleft
Trifolium Trefoil (the name in Pliny for trifoliate plants)
trifurcatus -a -um three-forked
triglans three-nutted-fruits, containing three nuts
Triglochin Three-barbed, glwciv (the fruits)
Trigonella Triangle (the flower of fenugreek seen from the front)
trigonus -a -um three-angled, with three flat faces and angles
between them
Trillium In-threes (the parts are conspicuously in threes, lily-like)
trimestris of three months, maturing in three months (Lavatera
trimestris)
trimus -a -um lasting three years
[290]
trinervius -a -um three-nerved (three-veined leaves)
trineus -a -um, trinus -a -um in threes
Trinia for K.B. Trinius (1778–1844), Russian botanist
trionus -a -um three-coloured
tripartitus -a -um divided into three segments
Tripetaleia Three-petals (the tripartite floral arrangement)
triphyllos three-leaved, with three leaflets
Tripleurospermum Three-ribbed-seed
tripli-, triplo- triple-, threefold-, triplus
Triplochiton Three-coverings (the flowers have a series of petaloid
staminodes within the staminal ring, forming the third layer)
Tripterygium Three-wings (the three-winged fruits)
triqueter, triquetrus -a -um three-cornered, three-edged, three-angled
(stems)
Trisetum Three-awns
tristis -is -e bitter, sad, gloomy, dull-coloured
trisulcus -a -um three-grooved
Triteleia Triplicate (the flower parts are in threes)
triternatus -a -um three times in threes (division of the leaves)
Triticum the classical name for wheat
tritifolius -a -um with polished leaves
Tritonia Weathercock (triton) the disposition of the stamens
tritus -a -um in common use
triumphans exultant, triumphal
triumvirati of three men (like mayoral regalia)
trivialis -is -e common, ordinary, wayside, of crossroads
trixago Trixis-like
Trixis Triple (three-angled fruits)
Trochetia for R.I.G. du Trochet (1771–1847), French plant
physiologist
Trochetiopsis Trochetia-like
trocho- wheel-like-, hooped-, wheel- (trocov)
Trochodendron Wheel-tree (the radiately spreading stamens)
[291]
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Fig. 7. Leaf-apex shapes which provide specific epithets.
(a) Caudate (e.g. Ornithogalum caudatum Jacq.) with a tail;
(b) mucronate (e.g. Erigeron mucronatus DC.) with a hard tooth;
(c) acuminate (e.g. Magnolia acuminata L.) pointed abruptly;
(d) truncate (e.g. Zygocactus truncatus K.Schum.) bluntly foreshortened;
(e) apiculate (e.g. Braunsia apiculata Schw.) with a short broad point;
(f) retuse (e.g. Daphne retusa Hemsl.) shallowly indented;
(g) aristate (e.g. Berberis aristata DC.) with a hair-like tip, not always
restricted to describing the leaf-apex;
(h) emarginate (e.g. Limonium emarg inatum (Willd.) O.Kuntze) with a
deep mid-line indentation.
[292]
troglodites wren, of caves
troglodytarum of cave-dwellers, apes or monkeys (cf. sapientium.
Implies inferiority or unsuitability for man)
Trollius Closed-in-flower (flos trollius, from the Swiss-German name,
trollblume, for the globe flower)
Tropaeolum Trophy (tropaion) the gardener’s Nasturtium was
likened by Linnaeus to the losers’ shields and helmets displayed by
the Greeks after victories in battle
-trophus -a -um -nourished (trojiv)
-tropis -keeled (tropiv)
-tropus -a -um -turning (troph)
tropicus -a -um of the tropics, tropical
trulliferus -a -um with leaves shaped like a scoop or trowel
trullis -is -e ladle-shaped, scoop-shaped
truncatulus -a -um, truncatus -a -um blunt-ended (the apex of a leaf
(see Fig. 7(d)), truncate
truncicolus -a -um tree-trunk-dweller
tsintauensis -is -e from Tsingtau, Kwangsi Chuan, China
Tsuga from the Japanese vernacular name for the hemlock cedar
tsu-shimense from Tsu-shima, Japan
Tsusiophyllum Tsusia-leaved (from the Japanese, tsutsutsi, a
subgeneric group of Rhododendron)
tubaeflorus -a -um with trumpet-shaped flowers
tubatus -a -um trumpet-shaped
Tuberaria Tuber (rootstock of Tuberaria vulgaris)
tuberculatus -a -um, tuberculosus -a -um knobbly, warted, warty,
tuberculate (the surface texture)
tubergenianus -a -um, tubergenii for the van Tubergen bulb-growers of
Holland
tuberosus -a -um swollen, tuberous
tuberiferus -a -um bearing tubers
tubi- tube-, pipetubifer -era -erum, tubulosus -a -um tubular, bearing tubular
structures
[293]
tubiflorus -a -um with trumpet-shaped flowers
tubiformis -is -e tube-shaped, tubular
tubulosus -a -um large-tubular
tucumaniensis -is -e from Argentina, Argentinian
tuitans guarding (of leaves that adopt a sleep-position)
tul- wartedTulbaghia for Rijk Tulbagh (1699–1771), one time Governor of the
Cape of Good Hope
Tulipa from the Persian name, dulband, for a turban
tulipi- tulip-, Tulipa-liketulipiferus -a -um tulip-bearing, having tulip-like flowers
tumescens inflated, puffed-out, tumescent
tumidi-, tumidus -a -um swollen, tumid
tumulorum of burial mounds, of tumuli
tunbrigensis -is -e from Tonbridge Wells
Tunica Undergarment (the bracts below the calyx)
tunicatus -a -um coated, having a covering or tunic, tunicate
tuolumnensis -is -e from Tuolumne river and county, California, USA
tupi-, tupis- mallet-liketurbinatus -a -um, turbiniformis -is -e top-shaped, turbinate
turcicus -a -um from Turkey, Turkish
turcomanicus -a -um from Turkestan
turcumaniensis -is -e from Turku, Finland
turfaceus -a -um, turfosus -a -um growing in bogs
turgescens becoming distended, becoming turgid
turgidus -a -um inflated, turgid
turgiphalliformis -is -e erect-phallus-shaped
turio- sucker-, scaly-shootTurnera for William Turner (1508–1568), Tudor botanist of Wells,
author of A New Herbal
turpis -is -e ugly, deformed
Turraea for Georgio della Turra (1607–1688), Professor of Botany
at Padua
Turrita, Turritis Tower
[294]
turritus -a -um turreted
Tussilago Coughwort (medicinal use of leaves for treatment of
coughs)
tycho- by chancetylicolor dark-grey, coloured like a woodlouse
tylo- knob-, callus-, swellingtympani- drumTypha a Greek name, tujh, used by Theophrastus for various plants
typhinus -a -um, typhoides bulrush-like, resembling Typha, relating to
fever
typicus -a -um the type, typical
tyrianthinus -a -um purple-coloured (Tyrian purple)
Uapaca from the Madagascar vernacular name
uber -is -e luxuriant, full, fruitful
ucranicus -a -um from the Ukraine, Ukrainian
udensis -is -e from the River Uda or the Uden district of Siberia
uduensis -is -e from Udu, New Guinea
ugandae, ugandensis -is -e from Uganda, East Africa
ugni from a Chilean name for Ugni molinae (Myrtus ugni)
-ugo -having (a feminine suffix in generic names)
ugoensis -is -e from Mt Ugo, Luzon, Philippines
ulcerosus -a -um knotty, lumpy
-ulentus -a -um -abundant, -full
Ulex an ancient Latin name in Pliny
ulicinus -a -um, ulicoides resembling Ulex
uliginosus -a -um marshy, of swamps or marshes
-ullus -a -um -smaller, -lesser
Ulmaria Elm-like (Gesner’s name refers to the appearance of the
leaves)
ulmi-, ulmoides elm-like, resembling Ulmus
Ulmus the ancient Latin name for elms
ulo- shaggy- (oulov)
-ulosus -a -um minutely-, somewhat[295]
Ulothrix Shaggy-hair (the coarse filaments of this green alga)
ultonius -a -um from Ulster
ultra- beyond-, more than-ulus -a -um -tending to, -having somewhat
ulvaceus -a -um resembling the green alga Ulva, sea-lettuce
umbellatus -a -um with the branches of the inflorescence all rising
from the same point, umbellate (see Fig. 2(e))
umbelli- umbel- (umbella, a sunshade)
Umbellularia Little-umbel (the inflorescences)
umbilicatus -a -um, umbilicus -a -um navelled, with a navel
Umbilicus Navel (e.g. the depression in the leaf surface above the
insertion of the petiole)
umbo- knob-likeumbonatus -a -um with a raised central boss or knob
umbracul- umbrella-likeumbraculiferus -a -um shade-giving, umbrella-bearing (e.g. large
leaves)
umbrosus -a -um growing in shade, shade-loving
umidus -a -um moist
un- one-, single-, notUncaria Hooked, crooked, with hooked tips (hooked leaf tips)
uncatus -a -um, uncus with hooks, hook-like, hooked (uncatus)
unci- hook-, uncatus hooked
Uncifera hook-bearer
uncinatus -a -um with many hooks, barbed
Uncinia Much-hooked (the bur-like fruiting heads)
unctuosus -a -um with a smooth shiny surface, greasy
undatus -a -um, undosus -a -um not flat, billowy, waved, undulate
undulatus -a -um wavy
unedo the Latin name for the Arbutus tree and its fruit meaning ‘I eat
one’
ungui- clawedunguicularis -is -e, unguiculatus -a -um with a small claw or stalk (e.g.
the petals)
[296]
ungulatus -a -um clawed
unguilobus -a -um with claw-like lobes (the leaf margins)
uni-, unio- one-, singleuniflorus -a -um one-flowered
unilateralis -is -e one-sided, unilateral
unilocularis -is -e with a one-chambered ovary
unioloides resembling Uniola (American sea oats)
unitus -a -um joined, united
uplandicus -a -um from Uppland, Sweden
uporo Fijian vernacular name of cannibal tomato (Solanum
anthropophagorum)
uragogus -a -um diuretic
uralensis -is -e from the Ural Mountains, Russia
uralum from vernacular name, urala swa, for Hypericum uralum
uranthus -a -um with tailed flowers
urbanii for Ignaz Urban (1848–1931), of Berlin Botanical Museum
urbanus -a -um, urbicus -a -um of the town, urban
urceolaris -is -e, urceolatus -a -um pitcher-shaped, urn-shaped
Urciolena Small-pitcher (the flower shape)
Uredo Blight (from the scorched appearance of infected host plants)
Urena from the Malabar name
urens acrid, stinging, burning, uro to burn
Urera Burning (cow itch)
Urginea from the Algerian type locality, the area of the tribe Beni
Urgin
urnigerus -a -um urn-bearing
uro-, -urus -a -um tail-, -tailed (oura)
urophyllus -a -um tail-leaved
urseolatus -a -um crowded, urgeo to throng
Ursinia for Johannes Ursinus (1608–1666), author of Arboretum
Biblicum
ursinus -a -um bear-like (the smell), northern (under the Ursa major
constellation)
urtic-, urticae- nettle-, Urtica[297]
Urtica Sting (the Latin name)
-urus -a -um -tailed
Urvillea see Durvillaea
-usculus -a -um -ish (a diminutive ending)
usitatissimus -a -um most useful
usitatus -a -um everyday, ordinary, useful
Usnea a name of uncertain meaning by Adanson
usneoides resembling Usnea, hanging in long threads
ustulatus -a -um scorched-looking
utilis -is -e useful
Utricularia Little-bottle (utriculus), the underwater traps of the
bladderwort
utricularis -is -e, utriculatus -a -um with utricles, bladder-like
utriculosus -a -um bladder-like, inflated
utriger -era -erum bearing bladders
-utus -a -um -having
uva-crispa curly-bunch (derivation doubtful)
uvaria from an old generic name, clustered (uva, a bunch of grapes)
Uvariodendron Uvaria-like-tree
Uvariopsis Like-Uvaria
uva-ursi bear’s-berry (Latin equivalent of the name Arctostaphylos)
uva-vulpis fox’s-berry
uvidus -a -um damp, moist
uvifer -era -erum fruiting in clusters, grape-bearing
uviformis -is -e in a clustered mass, like a cluster of swarming bees
Uvularia Palate (uvula), either from the hanging flowers or the fruits
Vaccaria Cow-fodder (an old generic name from vacca, a cow)
vaccini-, vaccinii-, vaccinioides bilberry-like, resembling Vaccinium
vaccinifolius -a -um with Vaccinium-like leaves
vacciniiflorus -a -um with Vaccinium-like flowers
Vaccinium a Latin name of great antiquity (like Hyacinthus) with no
clear meaning
vaccinus -a -um the colour of a red cow, of cows
[298]
vacillans variable, swinging, versatile
vagans of wide distribution, wandering
vagensis -is -e from the River Wye (Vaga)
vaginans, vag inatus -a -um having a sheath, sheathed (as the stems of
grasses by the leaf-sheaths)
vaginervis -is -e with veins arranged in no apparent order
vagus -a -um uncertain, wandering, varying, inconstant
vaillantii, valantia for S. Vaillant (Valantius) (1669–1722), French
botanist
valdivianus -a -um, valdiviensis -is -e from Valdivia, Chile
valentinus -a -um from Valencia, Spain
Valeriana Health (valere), from a medieval name for its medicinal use
Valerianella diminutive of the name Valeriana
valesiacus -a -um see vallesiacus
validus -a -um, validi- well-developed, strong
valerandi for Dourez Valerand, 16th century botanist
vallerandii for Eugene Vallerand
vallesiacus -a -um, vallesianus -a -um from Valais (Wallis), Switzerland
vallicolus -a -um living in valleys
Vallisneria for Antonio Vallisneri de Vallisnera (1661–1730),
Professor at Padua
Vallota for Pierre Vallot (1594–1671), French botanist and garden
writer
valverdensis -is -e from Valverde, Hierro, Canary Isles
valvulatus -a -um articulated, jointed
Vancouveria for Capt. George Vancouver (1757–1798), on the
Discovery’s exploration of NW coastal America
Vanda from the Sanskrit name
vandasii for Dr Carl Vandas (1861–1923), Professor of Botany at
Brno
Vangueria from the Madagascan vernacular name,voa-vanguer
Vanieria for J. de Vanier (1664–1739), French Jesuit and author of
Praedum Rusticum
Vanilla Little-sheath (from the Spanish name describing the fruit)
[299]
vari-, varii- differing, changing, diverse, varying
variabilis -is -e, varians variable, not constant
variatus -a -um several, various
varicosus -a -um with dilated veins or filaments, varicose
variegatus -a -um irregularly coloured, blotched, variegated
variifolius -a -um variable-leaved
variolaris -is -e, variolatus -a -um pock-marked, pitted
variolosus -a -um very pock-marked, with large dimples
varius -a -um variable, changing, variegated
vas-, vasi- duct- (tube), vessel- (container)
vasconicus -a -um from the Basque country
vascularis -is -e possessing vessels (of the conductive tissue)
vasculosus -a -um shaped like a large dish or pitcher
vasculum a small vessel (container used by field botanists)
vastus -a -um vary large, vast
vectensis -is -e from the Isle of Wight (Vectis)
vegetus -a -um growing strongly or quickly, vigorous
Veitchia, veitchii for John Veitch (1725–1839) and his successors of
Exeter and Chelsea
veitchianus -a -um, veitchiorum see Veitchia
velaris -is -e, velatus -a -um veiling, veiled
vellereus -a -um densely long-haired, fleecy (vellus, a fleece)
velox rapid-growing
Veltheimia for August Ferdinand Graf von Veltheim (1741–1808),
German patron of botany
veluti- down-likevelutinosus -a -um, velutinus -a -um with a soft silky down-like
covering, velvety
venator of the hunter (the flowers of Rhododendron venator are
‘hunting-pink’)
venenatus -a -um poisonous
venenosus -a -um very poisonous
venetus -a -um of Venice, Venetian
Venidium Veined (the decurrent leaf base on the stem)
[300]
venosus -a -um conspicuously veined
Ventenata for Etienne Pierre Ventenat (1757–1808), French botanist
ventilator flabellate, fan-shaped, winnower-like
ventri- bellyventricosus -a -um bellied out below, distended to one side,
expanded, ventricose
ventriculosus -a -um slightly bellied
venulosus -a -um finely-veined
venustus -a -um graceful, beautiful, charming
Veratrum False-hellebore
verbanensis -is -e from the area of Lake Maggiore (Lacus Verbanus)
verbasci- Mullein-like, resembling Verbascum
Verbascum a name in Pliny
Verbena the Latin name for the leafy twigs used in wreaths for ritual
use and medicine (used by Virgil and Pliny for Verbena officinalis)
verbenaca, verbeni- from a name in Pliny, vervain-like
verbeniflos Verbena-flowered
Verbesina Verbena-like (resembles some species)
verecundus -a -um modest
veris of Spring (flowering time), genuine, true, standard
verlotiorum for Verloti, who introduced Artemesia verlotiorum from
China
vermi- worm-like-, wormvermicularis -is -e, vermiculatus -a -um worm-like
vernalis -is -e of Spring (flowering time), vernal
verniciferus -era -erum producing varnish
vernicifluus -a -um from which flows a varnish
vernicosus -a -um glossy, varnished
vernix varnish
Vernonia for William Vernon (d. 1711), English botanist
vernonoides Vernonia-like
vernus -a -um of the Spring
veronic-, veronici- Veronica-like
Veronica for St Veronica, who wiped the sweat from Christ’s face
[301]
verrucosus -a -um with a warty surface, warted, verrucose
versi- several-, changingversicolor varying or changeable in colour
verticill-, verticilli- with whorls of-, whorledverticillaris -is -e, verticillatus -a -um having whorls (several leaves or
flowers all arising at the same level on the stem), verticillate
verticillaster with whorls of flowers
verticillatus -a -um arranged in whorls, verticillate
veruculatus -a -um cylindric and somewhat pointed, like a small pike
veruculosus -a -um somewhat warty
verucund shy, modest
verus -a -um true, genuine
verutus -a -um shaped like a javelin, armed with javelin-like structures
vescus -a -um small, feeble, undernourished; edible
vesicarius -a -um inflated, bladder-like
vesicatorius -a -um blistering (sap causing a local allergic reaction)
vesiculosus -a -um inflated, composed of little blisters
vespertilionis -is -e, vespertilis -is -e bat-like, vespertilio (with two large
lobes)
vespertinus -a -um of the evening (evening-flowering)
vestae for Vesta, a Roman goddess of the household (Vestal Virgins)
vestalis -is -e white, chaste
vestia for L.C. de Vest (1776–1840), Professor at Graz
vestitus -a -um covered, clothed (with hairs)
Vetiveria Latinized English version of southern Indian name for
khus-khus grass
Vetrix Osier
vetulus -a -um old, wizened
vexans annoying, wounding
vexillaris -is -e with a standard (as the large ‘sail’ petal of a
pea-flower)
vialis -is -e, viarum ruderal, of the wayside
viaticus -a -um from the road-side
viatoris is -e of the road-ways, of travellers
[302]
viburnoides Viburnum-like
Viburnum the Latin name for the wayfaring tree, Viburnum lantana
Vicia the Latin name for a vetch
viciae-, vicii-, vicioides vetch-like-, resembling Vicia
vicinus -a -um neighbouring
Victoria, victoriae for Queen Victoria (1819–1901)
Victoriae-Mariae for Queen Mary (Victoria Mary Augusta Louise
Olga Pauline Caludine Agnes of Teck), wife of George V
victorialis -is -e victorious (protecting)
Vigna for Dominico Vigna (d. 1647), Professor of Botany at Pisa
vilis -is -e common, of little value
Villarsia for Dominique Villars (1745–1814), Professor at Grenoble,
France
villicaulis -is -e with a shaggy stem
villiferus -ero -erum carrying shaggy hairs, clad in a shaggy coat
villipes with a long-haired stalk
villosipes with a very hairy stalk
villosulus -a -um slightly hairy, finely villous
villosus -a -um with long rough hairs, shaggy, villous
vilmorinianus -a -um, vilmorinii for the French nurserymen
Vilmorin–Andrieux
viminalis -is -e, vimineus -a -um with long slender shoots suitable for
wicker or basketwork, of osiers, osier-like
vinaceus -a -um of the vine, wine-coloured
Vinca Binder (the ancient Latin name refers to its use in wreaths)
Vincetoxicum Poison-beater (the supposed antidotal property of
Vincetoxicum officinale to snakebite)
vinci-, vincoides periwinkle-like, resembling Vinca
vinculans binding, fettering
vindobonensis -is -e from Vienna (Vindobona), Viennese
vinealis -is -e of vines and the vinyard, growing in vineyards
vinicolor wine-red
vinifer -era -erum wine-bearing
vinosus -a -um wine-red, wine-like
[303]
Viola the Latin name applied to several fragrant plants
violaceus -a -um violet-coloured
violescens turning violet
violoides Viola-like
viorna road ornament, from the French name for traveller’s joy,
Clematis vitalba
viperatus -a -um viper-like (markings)
viperinus -a -um snake’s, serpent’s
virens, -virens green, -vigorous
virescens light-green, turning green
virgatus -a -um with straight slender twigs, twiggy
virgaurea, virga-aurea rod-of-gold, golden-rod
virginalis -is -e, virg ineus -a -um maidenly, purest white, virginal
virginianus -a -um, virg iniensis -is -e from Virginia, USA, Virginian
virginicus -a -um from the Virgin Islands (West Indies), Virginian
virgulatus -a -um twiggy, striped
virgultorum of thickets
viridescens becoming green, turning green
viridi-, viridis -is -e, viridus -a -um youthful, fresh-green
viridior more green, greener
viridulus -a -um greenish
virmiculatus -a -um vermillion
virosus -a -um slimy, rank, poisonous, with an unpleasant smell
Viscaria Bird-lime (the sticky stems of German catchfly)
viscatus -a -um clammy
viscidi-, viscidus -a -um sticky, clammy, viscid
viscidulus -a -um slightly sticky, somewhat viscid
viscosus -a -um sticky, viscid
Viscum the ancient Latin name for mistletoe or the birdlime from its
berries
vistulensis -is -e from the environs of the River Vistula
vitaceus -a -um vine-like, resembling Vitis
vitalba vine-of-white (old generic name for the appearance of
fruiting Clematis vitalba)
[304]
Vitaliana, vitalianus -a -um for Vitaliano Donati (1717–1762),
Professor at Turin
vitellinus -a -um dull reddish-yellow, egg-yolk-yellow
Vitex an ancient name used in Pliny for Chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus
viti-, vitoides vine-like, resembling Vitis
viticella small vine
viticenus -a -um, viticoides Vitex-like
Viticola, viticolus -a -um Vine-parasite, inhabiting the vine
viticulosus -a -um sarmentose; producing tendrils
vitiensis -is -e from the Fijian Islands (Viti Levu)
vitigineus -a -um growing as a vine
Vitis the Latin name for the grapevine
vitis-idaea Theophrastus’ name for a vine (ampelov para Idhv, vine
from Mt Ida, Greece)
vitreus -a -um, vitricus -a -um glassy
vittae- banded-, filleted-, ribbonedVittaria Ribbon
vittarioides Vittaria-like
vittatus -a -um striped lengthwise, banded longitudinally
vittiformis -is -e band-like
vittiger -era -erum bearing lengthwise stripes
vivax long-lived (flowering for a long time)
viviparus -a -um producing plantlets (often in place of flowers or as
precocious germination on the parent plant), viviparous
vivus -a -um enlivened, long-lasting
vix- hardlyVoandzeia from the Madagascan name for the underground bean
Vogelia, vogelii for J.R.T. Vogel (1812–1841) of the 1841 Niger
expedition
volgaricus -a -um from the river Volga, Russia
volubilis -is -e entwining, enveloping
volutaris -is -e, volutus -a -um with rolled leaves, rolled
vomeformis -is -e, vomiformis -is -e shaped like ploughshares
vomerculus -a -um like a small ploughshare
[305]
vomerensis -is -e from Vomero, Naples
vomitorius -a -um causing regurgitation, emetic
Vriesia for Willem H. deVries (1806–1862), Dutch botanist
vulcanicus -a -um fiery, of volcanoes or volcanic soils
vulgaris -is -e, vulgatus -a -um usual, of the crowd, common, vulgar
vulnerarius -a -um, vulnerum of wounds (wound healing property)
vulnerus -a -um marked, wounded (vulnus a wound)
vulparia fox-bane (vulpes fox)
Vulpia for Johann Samuel Vulpius (1760–1846), German botanist
vulpinus -a -um fox-like, of the fox (colouration, shape of an
inflorescence, inferiority)
vulvaria cleft, with two ridges, of the vulva (the smell of
Chenopodium vulvaria)
Wahlenbergia for Georg Wahlenberg (1780–1851), Swedish
botanist
Waldsteinia for Count Franz Adam Waldstein-Wartenberg
(1759–1823), Austrian botanist and writer
wallichianus -a -um, wallichii for Nathaniel Wallich (1786–1854),
Danish botanist and author
wardii for Frank Kingdon-Ward (1885–1958), collector of E Asian
plants, and for Dr Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward (1791–1868),
inventor of the Wardian Case
warleyensis -is -e of Warley Place, Essex, home of Miss Ellen Ann
Willmott (1858–1934), who developed the garden without
regard to financial cost and produced many new cultivars there
Washingtonia for George Washington (1732–1799), American
President
watereri for the Waterer Nursery
watermaliensis -is -e from Watermal, Belgium
Watsonia, watsonianus -a -um, watsonium for Sir William Watson
(1715–1787), student of sciences
watsonii for William Watson (1858–1925), Curator of Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew
[306]
weddellianus -a -um, weddellii for Dr Hugh Algernon Weddell
(1819–1877), botanist and traveller
Wedelia for George Wolfgang Wedel (1645–1721), Professor at Jena
Weigela for Christian Ehrenfried von Weigel (1748–1831),
Professor at Griefswald
whipplei for Lieut. Amiel Weeks Whipple (1818–1863), pioneer on
the transcontinental American railway
wichuraianus -a -um for Max E. Wichura (1817–1866), German
botanist
Widdringtonia for Capt. Widdrington, botanist explorer
Williamsii for a number of plant collectors, plant introducers,
breeders and gardeners of whom Benjamin Samuel Williams
(1824–1890) was an orchidologist (author of The Orchid-grower’s
Manual), Percival Dacre Williams (1865–1935) created the garden
at Lanarth in Cornwall and his cousin J.C. Williams of Caerhays
Castle
willmottiae, willmottianus -a -um for Miss Ellen Anne Willmott
(1858–1934), rose specialist and plant introducer
wilsonii for several including Dr Ernest Henry Wilson (1876–1931)
who collected in the east for Veitch and the Arnold Arboretum and
George Fergusson Wilson (1822–1902), founder of the Wisley
Wild Garden
wilsoniae for Mrs Ernest H. Wilson
Winteri for Capt. Winter who sailed in Drake’s ship (Drimys winteri)
wintonensis -is -e from Winchester, Venta
Wisteria for Caspar Wister (1761–1818), anatomist of Pennsylvania
University
wittrockianus -a -um for Prof. Veit Brecher Wittrock (1839–1914), of
Stockholm, Director of Hortus Bergianus and writer on pansies
Wolffia for J.F. Wolff (1778–1806), German doctor, or Herman
Wolff (1866–1929), veterinary surgeon and botanist
wolfianus -a -um, wolffii for Ferdinand Otto Wolf (1838–1906),
Professor of Botany at Sitten; and for Franz Theodor Wolf
(b. 1841), German geologist and botanist
[307]
wolgaricus -a -um from the region of the River Volga, Russia
Woodsia for Joseph Woods (1776–1864), English botanist
Woodwardia for Thomas Jenkinson Woodward of Suffolk
(1745–1820), British botanist
Wulfenia for Franz Xavier Freiherr von Wulfen (1728–1805),
Austrian botanical writer
xalapensis -is -e from Xalapa, Mexico; see jalapa
xanth-, xanthi-, xantho- yellow- (xanqov)
xanthacanthus -a -um yellow-thorned
Xantheranthemum Yellow-Eranthemum (or Lovely-yellow-flower)
xanthinus -a -um yellow
Xanthium Dioscorides’ name, xanqion, for cocklebur, from which a
yellow hair dye was made
Xanthoceras Yellow-horn (the processes on the disc)
Xanthorhiza Yellow-root
xanthospilus -a -um yellow-spotted
xanthostephanus -a -um with a yellow crown
xanthoxylum (on) yellow-wooded
xeno- foreign-, unnatural-, strange- (xenov)
xer-, xero- dry- (xhrov)
Xeranthemum Dry-flower (Immortelle)
xerophilus -a -um drought-loving, living in dry places
Xerophyllum Dry-leaf (Xerophyllum × tenax Elk grass)
xestophyllus -a -um having polished leaves
xiphioides Xiphium-like
xiphium (on) Sword, xijov (old generic name from the Greek name
for a Gladiolus)
xiphochilus -a -um with a sword-shaped lip
xiphoides sword-like, shaped like a sword
Xiphopteris Sword-fern
xiphophyllus -a -um with sword-shaped leaves
Xolisma an uncertain name for a genus containing species with such
vernacular names as ‘maleberry’, ‘fetterbush’ and ‘staggerbush’
[308]
xylo-, -xylon, -xylum wood-, xulon, woody-, -wooded, -timbered
xylocanthus -a -um woody-thorned
xylophilus -a -um wood-loving (of wood-attacking fungi)
Xylopia Bitter-wood (the Greek for such wood)
xylopicron bitter-wooded, zulopicrov
xylosteum hard-wooded (xulovteon wood-bone)
Xyris Greek name used by Dioscorides for Iris foetidissima
Xysmalobium Fragmented-lobes (of the corona)
yakusimanus -a -um from Yakushima, Japan
yedoensis -is -e from Tokyo (Yedo), Japan
yemensis -is -e from the Yemen, Arabia
yosemitensis -is -e from the Yosemite Valley, California, USA
youngianus -a -um for the Youngs, nurserymen on the Milford estate,
Epsom until 1862
Yucca from a Carib name for cassava (Manihot), for its enlarged roots
yuccifolius -a -um with Yucca-like leaves
yulan from the Chinese name for Magnolia denudata
yunnanensis -is -e from Yunnan, China
za- much-, many-, veryzaleucus -a -um very white
zalil from an Afghan vernacular name for Delphinium zalil
Zaluzianskya for Adam Zalusiansky von Zalusian (1558–1613), of
Prague, author of Methodus Herbariae
zaman as saman, from a South American vernacular name
zambac as sambac, from an Arabic vernacular name
Zamia Loss, a name in Pliny refers to the sterile appearance of the
staminiferous cones
zamii- resembling Zamia
Zannichellia for Zannichelli, Italian botanist
Zantedeschia for Giovani Zantedeschi (1773–1846), Italian doctor
and botanist
zantho- yellow (xanqov)
[309]
Zanthorhiza (Zanthorrhiza) Yellow-root
Zanthoxylum Yellow-wood
zanzibarensis -is -e, zanzibaricus -a -um from Zanzibar, East Africa
zapota from the Mexican name, cochil-zapotl, for the chicle tree,
Achras sapota
Zauschneria for Johann Baptist Joseph Zauschner (1737–1799),
Professor at Prague
zazil (zalil) from an Afghan name for a Delphinium
Zea from the Greek name for another grass, possibly spelt
zebrinus -a -um from the Portuguese, meaning striped with different
colours, zebra-striped
Zelkova from the Caucasian name, tselkwa, for Zelkova carpinifolia
Zenobia an ancient Greek name, Zenobia was Queen of Palmyra
Zephyranthes West-wind-flower (zejurov)
zephyrius -a -um western, flowering or fruiting during the monsoon
season (for Indonesian plants)
Zerna a Greek name, zerna (for the Cyperus-like spikelets)
zetlandicus -a -um from the Shetland Isles
zeylanicus -a -um from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Singhalese
zibethinus -a -um of the civet (the foul-smelling fruits of Durio
zibethina are used to trap the Asiatic civet (Vivera zibetha)
Zigadenus Yoked-glands (paired glands at the perianth base)
zigomeris -is -e see zygomeris
zimapani from Zimapan, Mexico
Zingiber from a pre-Greek name, possibly from Indian or oriental
source, inchi (a root)
Zinnia for Johann Gottfried Zinn (1727–1759), Professor of Botany
at Göttingen
Zizania an ancient Greek name, zizanion, for a wild plant
zizanoides resembling Zizania (Canadian wild rice)
Zizyphus ancient Greek name, zizujov, for Ziziphus jujuba (the
Arabic for Z. lotus is zizouf )
zoysii for Karl von Zoys
zonalis -is -e girdled with distinct bands or concentric zones
[310]
zonatus -a -um with zones of colour markings
zooctonus -a -um poisonous, zwo-ktonov, life killing
zoster- girdleZostera Ribbon (Theophrastus’ name, zwsthr, for a marine plant)
zygis yoke-like (paired flowers)
Zygnema Paired-thread (at conjugation)
zygo- paired-, balanced-, yoked- (zugov)
Zygocactus Jointed-stem-cactus
zygomeris -is -e with twinned parts
zygomorphus -a -um bilateral, of balanced form
Zygophyllum Yoked-leaves (some have conspicuously paired leaves)
[311]
Addendum to glossary
aberans differing, deviating from the norm
acalycinus -a -um lacking a calyx
achypodus -a -um scaly-stemmed, chaffy-stemmed, acu-podov
chaff
acpunctus -a -um spotted above, with spots towards the apex
acraeus -a -um useless, weak, acreiov
adroseus -a -um near roseus -a -um
aequinoctiianthus -a -um flowering about the time of the equinox
agapetus -a -um desirable, love, agaph
agnatus -a -um related, offspring of the father
agrippinus -a -um for Marcus Vispanius Agrippa (63–12 BC), Roman
General
akakus -a -um harmless, innocent, akakov
alienus -a -um of others, strange, alien
allantophyllus -a -um with sausage, allav, or variable, allag-,
-shaped leaves
alpigenus -a -um born of the mountains
altis -is -e above, on high, from afar
alticolus -a -um inhabiting high places
amarissimus -a -um most bitter
amblyanthus -a -um feeble flowering, blunt-flowered, amblu-anthov
ananassus -a -um pineapple-like (the fruiting receptacle)
anastreptus -a -um twisted backwards, curved upwards,
ana-streptov
anatinus -a -um healthy, rewarding, ana-tinw
anchoriferus -a -um with flanges, bearing anchors
anguifugus -a -um snake-refuge
anthiodorus -a -um fragrant-flowered
[312]
anticarius -a -um from the area of Caria
aperantus -a -um open-flowered
aratophyllus -a -um with plough-like leaves, arantor a ploughman
arcanus -a -um of coffins, of boxes, of cages (use in basketry)
aretioides resembling Aretia (Androsace)
argolicus -a -um from the area of Argos, S Greece
argun sharp
arifolius -a -um Arum-leaved
arpadianus -a -um sickle-like, arph (leaves)
aspalathoides like a thorny shrub, aspalaqov
assoanus -a -um from Aswan, Egypt
atomarus -a -um unmoved, indivisible
auct. used by a writer to indicate that the name he cites is used by
other authors not in the sense he supports
avellanidens with tearing teeth
azedarach from a Himalayan vernacular name for the bead tree
barystachys heavily-branched
basjoo Japanese name for the fibre of Musa basjoo
bathyphyllus -a -um thick-leaved, baqu-jullon
biseptus -a -um cleft in two, deeply divided into two
boldus -a -um from Araucarian vernacular name, voldo, for the fruit
of Peumus boldo
bombicis -is -e of silk (silk-worms feed on Morus bombicis)
diaprepes distinguished, conspicuous, excellent, diaprepw
dichlamydius -a -um two-cloaked, di-clamudov (double spathe)
dilatatopetiolaris -is -e with inflated petioles
dimitrus -a -um two-turbanned
doliiformis -is -e tubby, wine-jar-shaped (dolium)
dracocephalus -a -um dragon-headed
dracophyllus -a -um dragon-leaved (markings)
drumonius -a -um of woodlands, drumov
duratus -a -um hardy
[313]
egregius -a -um outstanding, exciting
eldorado golden-one
encliandrus -a -um enclosed-flower
enneaphyllus -a -um nine-leaved
ensete from the Abyssinian vernacular name for Musa ensete
epipremnus -a -um of tree-stumps, growing on tree-trunks,
epi-premnon
episcopalis -is -e worthy of attention, of bishops
euchrous -a -um well-coloured
eucrosioides resembling Eucrosia (Amaryllidaceae)
eutriphyllus -a -um three-leaved throughout
evenosus -a -um without conspicuous veins
explanatus -a -um distinct
exserens thrusting out, revealing
exsul foreigner, exile
fabri skilfully produced, for building (timber of Abies fabri and Acer
fabri)
falcinellus -a -um little-scythe-like (pinnae)
fascinator magic, very interesting, bundled
faucius -a -um throated (corolla)
figo fixed, pierced
firmipes strong-stemmed, stout-stemmed
flaccospermus -a -um with flacca-like seeds (Carex)
flandrius -a -um from Flanders, France, Flandrian
flavonutans yellow-drooping
forniculatus -a -um slightly arched
frutetorus -a -um of scrubland
funiferus -a -um cord-bearing
fusculus -a -um husky, blackish
galeritus -a -um of rustic places
geminiflorus -a -um with paired flowers
gibbiflorus -a -um convex-flowered (reflexed petals)
[314]
ginseng from the Chinese name for the drug
glebarius -a -um lump, clod, sod, soil
gnomus -a -um dwarfish
granatus -a -um pale-scarlet
gryllus -a -um of the cricket, (haunt or scabrid surface)
guttulatus -a -um slightly glandular
gypsicolus -a -um gypsum-loving, calcium-loving, gupsov
habrotrichus -a -um softly-hairy, soft-haired
hamabo from Hama, N Syria
hamadae together, neighbours, binding (the uses of rattan)
hamosus -a -um hooked
haspan from a Ceylonese vernacular name
hectori, hectorii, hectoris -is -e for Hector, son of Priam of Troy
heptapeta a misnomer by Buc’hoz to describe Lassonia heptepeta
from a picture showing only five erect tepals (petals)
hesperidus -a -um Citrus-fruited (of the guardians of the golden apple
tree, of Spain)
homonymus -a -um of the same name, omo-onoma, omonumov
horridulus -a -um somewhat thorny, prickly
hymenaeus -a -um for the God of marriage, of weddings
idomenaeus -a -um for Idomeneus, King of Crete
ignavus -a -um igniting (autumn tints)
insanus -a -um outrageous, frantic
insolitus -a -um unusual (solitus normal)
intaminatus -a -um chaste, unsullied
iocastus -a -um for Jocasta, mother and wife of Oedipus
iodes violet-coloured (ion a violet)
irroratus -a -um dewy (irroro to bedew)
ischnopus -a -um thin-stalked, with slender stems
jaburan from the Japanese name for Ophiopogon jaburan
jujuyensis -is -e from Jujuy province of NW Argentina
[315]
kapelus -a -um of the retailer or innkeeper, kaphlov
karroo from the name, Karoo, of the S African semi-desert
plateau
karooensis -is -e, karooicus -a -um from the S African Karoo
kurroo from the Gahrwain vernacular for Gentiana kurroo
lagenicaulis -is -e with flask-shaped stems
lahue from the Lahu region of SW China
lapidicolus -a -um living in stony places
lapidosus -a -um of stony places
leiomerus -a -um with smooth parts, smooth
leptolepis -is -e with slender scales
lobularis -is -e with small lobes
lotifolius -a -um Lotus-leaved
luna of the moon, crescent-shaped, of a month
lysolepis -is -e with loose scales, liv, lissov
macrorrhabdos large-stemmed, heavily branched
magenteus -a -um from Magenta, N Italy
majusculus -a -um somewhat larger
malortianus -a -um of the preferred
manniferus -a -um manna-bearing, manna
masoniorus -a -um of the Masons
megathurus -a -um large-tailed
mirus -a -um wonderful, strange
miserus -era -erum wretched, poor, pitiful
moschus -a -um fragranced, musk-like
myrobalanus -a -um perfumed-nut, perfumed acorn, muro-balanov
naso a name used by Ovid
nativo created, native, natural
neurolobus -a -um with veined lobes
nigercors with a black centre, black-hearted
[316]
nigramargus -a -um with black edges
nitrariaceus -a -um of alkaline soils
oedogonatus -a -um with swollen nodes, oidhma gonimov (compares
with the swollen reproductive organs on filamentous alga
Oedogonium)
oistophyllus -a -um with sagittate leaves, with arrow-shaped leaves,
oisto-qullon
oligodon few-toothed, feebly-toothed
onychinus -a -um onyx-like (layers of colour)
ophianthus -a -um long-flowered, serpentine-flowered, oji-anqov
opiparus -a -um sumptuous
orbus -a -um orphaned, of grooves
ornans embellished, like manna-ash
orphanidis -is -e destitute, of the bereaved, orjanov
oscularis -is -e kissing (the touching leaf margins)
otocarpus -a -um with ear-like fruits, with shell-like fruits
otolepis -is -e with ear-shaped scales, with shell-like scales
pagophilus -a -um rural, village-loving
palibinianus -a -um from the Hawaiian for cliffs, of cliffs
panteumorphus -a -um well formed all round
parilicus -a -um equal
pavius -a -um from Pavia, Italy
pavimentatus -a -um pavement, paving (mode of growth)
peculiaris -is -e special
penna-marina sea-feather
perado from a vernacular name on the Canary Isles
perdulce very sweet, pleasant throughout
peregrinans wandering, spreading
peuce an ancient Greek name for Pinus
phaedropus -a -um of gay appearance, jolly-looking, jaidrowphv
phlogopappus -a -um bearing red down
[317]
pholidotus -a -um with scaly ears (bracts)
phycofolius -a -um seaweed-leaved, jukov + folius
phyctidocalyx with a deciduous calyx, juktodo-kalux
pilosulus -a -um somewhat hairy, loosely pilose
pinguifolius -a -um waxy-leaved, thick-leaved
pisacomensis -is -e from the Pisa area, Italy
planetus -a -um flat, with fully opening flowers
pleistranthus -a -um long-flowering, heavily-flowering,
pleistro-anqov
plumeus -a -um feathery
pocophorus -a -um woolly, fleece-bearing, poko-jora
polyepsis -is -e long-flowering, of many dawns, polu-eyov
praeflorens early-flowering
primavernus -a -um the first of Spring
primiveris -is -e the first of Spring
protistus -a -um number one, the first of the first, protov,
protistov
pterostoechas winged-stoechas
pugniformis -is -e fist-shaped (pugnus a fist)
pumilio very small
punctorius -a -um dotted, spotted, punctate
pyrami for Pyramus, Thisbe’s lover
quadrifarius -a -um four-partite, four-ranked
quilus -a -um tube-like
quinoa Andean vernacular name, kanua, for Chenopodium quinoa
quinquepeta a misnomer by Buc’hoz who misinterpreted a picture as
having only seven tepals. see heptepeta
rajah from the Hindi vernacular word for King
ramellosus -a -um like brushwood, twiggy
redolens promising, perfumed
rhombeus -a -um shaped like a rhombus, rombov
rifanus -a -um of the Rif, N African tribe
[318]
rigidulus -a -um quite stiff
rotang Indian vernacular name for rattan vine
rubis -is -e reddish
sancti-johannis Saint John’s (wort)
scotostictus -a -um with dark spots, dark-punctured,
skoto-stiktov
selensis -is -e moonshine
sentis -is -e briar-like, thorny
sericeovillosus -a -um silky-hairy
sexflorus -a -um six-flower, with six-flowered racemes
sicyoides from Sicyon, Peloponnese
sierrae of the Sierras, grassland
simorrhinus -a -um monkey-snouted (spathe)
simulatrix imitator (Salix being feminine)
sopherus -a -um Arabian name for a pea-flowered tree
sorediatus -a -um heaped, mounded (as lichen soridea)
sphacioticus -a -um damaged-looking, gangrened, sjakelov
spiculifolius -a -um with spicule-like leaves
spilotus -a -um stained-looking, spilov
squamosorodicosus -a -um with gnawed scales, irregular scales
staphisagrius -a -um wild-grape-like, stajuv-agriov
stauropetalus -a -um cruciform-petalled, petals forming a cross
stenaulus -a -um narrow-tubed, sten-aulon
stimulosus -a -um goad-like, pole, like
studiosorus -a -um of specialists
sublatus -a -um lofty
succirubrus -a -um with reddish-amber sap (succus)
sumulus -a -um excellent
surrepans sprawling, not quite creeping
syrticolus -a -um of sand-banks
talasicus -a -um winged, enduring, wretched
tananicus -a -um from the River Don, Tanais, Sarmatia
[319]
tapetodes carpeting
telopeus -a -um conspicuous, seen from afar
tenius -a -um persisting, tenacious
tetrastichus -a -um with four rows, four-ranked
thaumus -a -um marvellous, qauma to marvel
thea from the Chinese name, T’e
theezans tea-like, resembling Thea
thusculus -a -um from Tusculum, incense
tibae of flutes, from Tuvoli Tibur
ticus -a -um fecund, fruitful
tmoleus -a -um from the Tmolus Mountian, Lydia
tolminsis -is -e from Tolmin, former Yugoslavia
toona a former generic name
topiarius -a -um of ornamental gardens
tormentillus -a -um an ancient Latin name, anguish, torment
torus -a -um mounded, knotted, ornamental
totarus -a -um from the New Zealand Maori vernacular name, totara
tranquillans calming
transens latticed, intertwined
transitorius -a -um between, intermediate, transitory
triornithophorus -a -um bearing three birds, the flower-heads
tristaniicarpus -a -um with Tristania-like fruits
trojanus -a -um from Troy, Trojan
truliifolius -a -um with leaves shaped like trowels or pans
truncorus -a -um growing on tree trunks, of tree stumps
tuguriorus -a -um of hut-dwellers
tumidissinodus -a -um with very tumid nodes
turbith untidy, crowded, turbh
tutelatus -a -um protected
ulophyllus -a -um shaggy-leaved
unguis-cati cat’s-clawed, with recurved thorns
uratus -a -um tailed, oura
[320]
venustulus -a -um quite charming
vicarius -a -um proxy, substitute
vigilis -is -e awake, watching
visnagus -a -um withering, old Norse, visna
vivax inflammable, long-lived
vulcanicolus -a -um living on volcanic soils
[321]
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