List of descriptive plant species epithets (A–H)

Since the first printing of Carl Linnaeus's Species Plantarum in 1753, plants have been assigned one epithet or name for their species and one name for their genus, a grouping of related species.[1] These scientific names have been catalogued in a variety of works, including Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. William Stearn (1911–2001) was one of the pre-eminent British botanists of the 20th century: a Librarian of the Royal Horticultural Society, a president of the Linnean Society and the original drafter of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants.[2][3]

a flower
Stapelia hirsuta, the "hairy" starfish flower

The first column below lists seed-bearing species epithets from Stearn's Dictionary, Latin for Gardeners[4] by Lorraine Harrison, The A to Z of Plant Names by Allen Coombes, The Gardener's Botanical[5] by Ross Bayton, and the glossary of Stearn's Botanical Latin.[6] Epithets from proper nouns, proper adjectives, and two or more nouns are excluded, along with epithets used only in species names that are no longer widely accepted. Classical and modern meanings are provided in the third column, along with citations to Charlton T. Lewis's An Elementary Latin Dictionary.[7][a]

Key

LG = language: (L)atin or (G)reek
L = derived from Latin, or both Classical Latin and Greek (unless otherwise noted)
G = derived from Greek
H = listed by Harrison, and (except as noted) by Bayton
D = listed in Stearn's Dictionary
S = listed in Stearn's Botanical Latin
DS = listed in Stearn's Dictionary, with the word or root word listed in Botanical Latin
C = listed by Coombes

Epithets

Silene acaulis[b]
Orites acicularis
Banksia aculeata
Musa acuminata
Juncus acutus
Piper aduncum
Eucalyptus aggregata
Melilotus albus and a honeybee
Echium albicans
Ailanthus altissima
Primula amethystina
Eucalyptus ammophila
Persicaria amphibia on land ...
... and in the water
Hakea amplexicaulis
Opuntia anacantha
Eucalyptus annulata
Euphorbia aphylla
The bee-mimicking flowers of Ophrys apifera
Ipomoea aquatica
Anacampseros arachnoides
Ceanothus arboreus
Stream in Kamchatka with Salix arctica
Ammophila arenaria
Coccothrinax argentata
Phacelia argillacea
Rubus argutus
Banksia armata
Genoplesium arrectum
Juncus articulatus
Phalaris arundinacea
Cirsium arvense
Banksia aurantia
Salvia azurea
Taxus baccata
Erythranthe bicolor
Yellow bracts on Xerochrysum bracteatum
Lonicera caerulea
Eucalyptus caesia
Cypripedium calceolus
Phacelia campanularia
Euphorbia candelabrum
Cypripedium candidum
Artemisia cana
Carex capillacea
Bignonia capreolata
Lobelia cardinalis
Metrosideros carminea
Hoya carnosa
Scadoxus cinnabarinus
Haworthiopsis coarctata
Banksia coccinea
Erysimum collinum
Triticum compactum
Pinus contorta
Tilia cordata
Eucalyptus cornuta
Coccothrinax crinita
Amaranthus cruentus
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
Adenanthos cuneatus
Erythranthe cuprea
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera)
Pedicularis dasyantha
Mentzelia decapetala
The deciduous coniferous European larch, Larix decidua
Geoffroea decorticans
Ceratophyllum demersum
Eremophila demissa
Agave deserti
Verticordia dichroma
Gasteria disticha
Passiflora edulis
Oxalis enneaphylla
Aloe erinacea
Cirsium eriophorum
Fraxinus excelsior
Datura ferox
Caladenia filamentosa
Eremaea fimbriata
Allium fistulosum
Alloxylon flammeum
Glaucium flavum
Cornus florida
Illustration of Iris furcata
Billardiera fusiformis
Rhododendron galactinum
Myrtillocactus geometrizans
Utricularia gibba
Lepidosperma gladiatum
Campanula glomerata
Salvia glutinosa
Cautleya gracilis
Tuberaria guttata
Ferocactus haematacanthus
Thelocactus hastifer
Illustration of Cistus heterophyllus
Stapelia hirsuta
Acalypha hispida
Banksia horrida
Opuntia humifusa
Epithets
Epithets[8][9][c]LG [10]Meanings and derivationsExample species[d]HDSC
abbreviatusLshortenedCaladenia abbreviataHDS
aberransLaberrant, from aberro, to deviate[7]Acronychia aberransDS
abortivusLabortive[7]Ranunculus abortivusHDS
abruptusLcut off[7]Acacia abruptaDS
abscissusLcut off, from abscindo[7]Narcissus abscissusDS
abundiflorusLflowering abundantlyAlpinia abundiflora*D
acaulisL(apparently) stemless, from a- + caulis[7]Silene acaulisHDSC[11]
acephalusGheadlessSyngonanthus acephalus*D
acerLsharp-tasting or (per Stearn) sharp to the touch.[7] Bayton lists only the genus Acer.Pimelea acra*HD
acrisLsharp-tasting or (per Stearn) sharp to the touch.[7]Ranunculus acrisHDC[12]
acerbusLharsh; bitter[7]Hovenia acerbaDS
acerosusLsharp; needle-shapedVerticordia acerosaHDSC[13]
acetosusLvinegary, from acetum;[7] sourRumex acetosaHDSC[14]
acicularisLneedle-shaped, from acus, needle;[7] acicularOrites acicularisHDSC[15]
aciculiferD
acidusLsour[7]Phyllanthus acidusDS
acidosusD
acidissimusD
acinaceusLscimitarAcacia acinaceaHD
aciniformisDS
acraeusLhigh-dwellingRanunculus acraeusH
aculeatusLstinging or sharp;[7] aculeateBanksia aculeataHDSC[16]
aculeolatusHD
aculeatissimusLsharpestSolanum aculeatissimumD
acuminatusLtapering; acuminateMusa acuminataHDSC[17]
acutusLpointed; acuteJuncus acutusHDSC[18]
acutangulusDS
acutissimusLmost acuteQuercus acutissimaHDC[19]
adenophorusGgland-bearingAgeratina adenophoraHDS
admirabilisLadmirable[7]Drosera admirabilisHD
adnatusLjoined (organs), from agnascor, to be late-born;[7][10] adnateNepenthes adnataHDS
adpressusLpressed close together, from apprimo;[7] appressed. (Also appressus.)Muehlenbeckia adpressaHDSC[20]
adscendensLascending, from ascendo[7]Melicope adscendensHDS
adscitusLadopted[7]Rubus adscitus*D
adsurgensLrising, from adsurgo[7]Acacia adsurgensHD
aduncusLhooked[7]Piper aduncumHDS
adustusLsunburnt; brown[7]Carex adustaDS
advenusLstranger, from advena[7]Nuphar advenaDS
aemulusLemulating.[7] (Also aemulans.)[4][5]Banksia aemulaHDS
aeneusLbronze[7]Begonia aenea*DS
aequalisLequal[7]Diuris aequalisHDSC[21]
aequinoctialisLequatorial, from aequinoctium, equinox[7]Aneilema aequinoctialeHD
aeriusLaerial[7]Crocus aeriusHDS
aeruginosusLverdigris, from aerugo[7]Pimelea aeruginosaDS
aestivusLsummer[7]Leucojum aestivumDSC[22]
aestivalisDSC[23]
affinisLrelated, from adfinis, adjoining[7][10]Stachys affinisDSC[24]
aganniphusGsnow-covered. Stearn's spelling is agannifus.Rhododendron aganniphumD
agastusGcharmingRhododendron agastum*HD
agglutinatusLglued, from agglutino, to stick on[7]Echites agglutinatus*DS
aggregatusLclustered, from aggrego, to bring together[7]Eucalyptus aggregataHDSC[25]
agrariusLof the land[7]Fumaria agrariaHDS
agrestisLuncultivated; growing in fields[7]Rosa agrestisHDS
agrifoliusLrough-leavedQuercus agrifoliaHD
alatusLwinged;[7] alateMimulus alatusHDSC[26]
albusLwhiteMelilotus albusHDSC[27]
albidusLoff-white. (Also albulus.)[5]Sassafras albidum, Echium albicansHDSC[28]
albescensHDS
albicansHDC[29]
algidusLcold[7]Boronia algidaDS
alienusLalien;[7] introducedQuercus alienaDS
alpestrisLof mountains[10]Prasophyllum alpestreHDC[30]
alpinusLalpine; of mountains[7]Potamogeton alpinusHDSC[31]
alpicolaHDC[32]
alpigenusHD
alternusLalternating;[7] alternatePhysocarpus alternansDS
alternansHDS
altusLtall; high[7]Coccothrinax altaHDS
altissimusLtallest; highestAilanthus altissimaHDC[33]
alticolaLgrowing in high places[10]Genoplesium alticolaD
alulatusLnarrow-winged[10]Boronia alulataD
alutaceusLleathery,[10] from aluta,[7] soft leatherShorea alutaceaDS
amabilisLlovely.[7] Previously ama-bilis (Stearn).Phalaenopsis amabilisHDSC[34]
amarusLbitter[7]Simarouba amaraHDS
amarellusHD
ambiguusLambiguous[7]Kunzea ambiguaHDS
amblyanthusGblunt-floweredBulbophyllum amblyanthumHS
ambrosiacusLambrosia[7]Achillea ambrosiaca*D
amethystinusLviolet; purple[7]Primula amethystinaHDSC[35]
ammophilusGsand-loving[10]Eucalyptus ammophilaHDS
amoenusLpleasant[7]Felicia amoenaHDSC[36]
amphibiusGgrowing both on land and in water[10]Persicaria amphibiaHDS
amplexicaulisLstem-embracing, from amplexor, to embrace;[7] amplexicaulHakea amplexicaulisHDSC[37]
amplusLample;[7] largeCallicarpa amplaHDS
amplissimusLmost ampleFicus amplissimaD
ampliatusLenlarged, from amplio[7]Acacia ampliataDS
ampullaceusLflask-shaped, from ampulla[7]Senecio ampullaceusDS
amygdalinusLalmond, from amygdalum[7]Eucalyptus amygdalinaHDS
amygdaliformisHD
amygdaloidesHDC[26]
anacanthusGthornless;[10] spinelessOpuntia anacanthaDS
ancepsLtwo-headed; two-sided; uncertain[7]Epidendrum ancepsHDSC[38]
androgynusLandrogyne;[7] androgynousSauropus androgynusHDS
anfractuosusLrecurving, from anfractus[7]Acacia anfractuosaDS
anguinusLserpentine[7]Smilax anguina*D
angulatusLangular[7]Cycas angulataHDS
angularisHDS
angulosusHDS
anguligerLhookedDisocactus anguligerD
angustatusLnarrowedProtea angustataDS
anisophyllusGwith unequal leaves[10]Artocarpus anisophyllusHDS
annularisLring-shaped;[10] with an annulusEucalyptus annulataDS
annulatusHDS
annuusLlasting a year[7]Helianthus annuusHDSC[23]
anomalusGanomalous[10]Hydrangea anomalaHDSC[39]
anosmusGodorless[10]Dendrobium anosmumHD
anserinusLof a goose, anser[7]Argentina anserinaDS
anthelmiusLanti-wormSpigelia anthelmiaD
anthopogonGbearded flowers[10]Rhododendron anthopogonD
antiquorumLancient[7][e]Euphorbia antiquorumHD
antiquusHDS
apertusLuncovered; open[7]Caladenia apertaHDS
apetalusGwithout petals[10]Pomaderris apetalaHDS
aphyllusGleafless[10]Euphorbia aphyllaHDS
apiatusLbee-like, from apis[7]Gentiana apiata*D
apiculatusLpointed, from apicula, a small bee;[10] apiculateDarwinia apiculataHDC[40]
apiferL(apparently) bearing a bee, from apis[7][f]Ophrys apiferaHD
apodusLfootless; stalkless[10]Bulbophyllum apodumHDS
appendiculatusLwith appendages, from appendicula[7]Salix appendiculataHDS
applanatusLflattened[10]Acacia applanataHDS
appressusLpressed close together, from apprimo;[7] appressed. (Also adpressus.)Eremophila appressaHDS
apricusLsun-exposed; sun-loving[7]Eriogonum apricumHDS
apterusGwingless[10]Zizia apteraHD
apusGstalkless.[10] Feminine and neuter apus.Gigantochloa apus*D
aquaticusLin water;[7] aquaticIpomoea aquaticaHDSC[41]
aquatilisHDS
aquilinusLeagle-like, from aquila[7]Eucalyptus aquilinaHD
arachnoidesGspider; cobwebbed;[10] arachnoidAnacampseros arachnoidesHD
arachnoideusHDSC[42]
araiophyllusGslender-leaved[10]Bulbophyllum araiophyllum*D
araneosusLspider-webbed[7]Acacia araneosaDS
arboreusLtree-like;[7] arborescentCeanothus arboreusHDSC[23]
arborescensHDSC[43]
arboricolaLtree-dwellingLilium arboricolaHS
arbusculusLshrubby.[10] Diminutive of arbor.[7][g]Euphorbia arbusculaHDS
arcticusGfar northern[10]Salix arcticaHDS
arcuatusLbowed[7]Calothamnus arcuatusHDS
ardensLglowing[7]Urtica ardens*D
arenariusLsand-dwelling[10]Ammophila arenariaHDSC[45]
arenicolaHD
arenosusLsandy; gritty[10]Arabidopsis arenosaHDS
areolatusLareolate; having areoles[10]Pterostylis areolataHDS
argentatusLsilvery[7]Coccothrinax argentataHDC[46]
argenteusHDSC[47]
argillaceusLwhite-clayPhacelia argillaceaDS
argophyllusLsilvery-leavedEriogonum argophyllumHDS
argutusLnotchedRubus argutusHDSC[48]
argyraeusLsilvery. (Also argyreus.)[49]Acacia argyraeaHDSC[50]
aridusLdry[7]Acacia aridaHDS
arietinusLlike a ram, from aries[7]Cicer arietinumHD
aristatusLawned;[10] aristatePinus aristataHDSC[43]
aristosusD
arizelusGconspicuous[10]Lupinus arizelus*D
armatusLarmed (with spines or thorns)[7]Banksia armataHDS
armigerDS
armillatusLwith bracelets or collars[7]Eucalyptus armillataD
armillarisHD
aromaticusGaromatic[10]Syzygium aromaticumDSC[51]
arrectusLerect, from adrectus[7]Genoplesium arrectumDS
articulatusLjointed, from artus;[7] articulateJuncus articulatusHDSC[52]
arundinaceusLreedy, from arundo[7]Phalaris arundinaceaHD
arvensisLof plowed fields, from arvum,[7] ploughed landCirsium arvenseHDSC[53]
ascendensLascendant,[10] from ascensus;[7] ascendingTaxodium ascendensHDS
asperLrough[7]Corymbia asperaHDSC[39]
asperatusHDS
asperrimusLroughestBartsia asperrima*HD
assimilisLresembling[10]Sauropus assimilisHD
assurgensLascending[10]Leptocereus assurgens*DS
aterLdead-black;[7] dark. Feminine atra, neuter atrum.Neololeba atraDS
atratusLblackened[7]Microtis atrataDSC[54]
attenuatusLtapering[7]Banksia attenuataHDSC[55]
aucupariusLbird-catching, from aucupium[7]Sorbus aucupariaH
augustusLmajestic[7]Rhopaloblaste augustaHD
aurantiacusLorangish[10]Banksia aurantiaHDSC[56]
aurantiusHD
aureusLgolden[7]Ficus aureaHDSC[31]
auratusHDS
auriculatusLeared, from auricula;[7] with auricles. (Also auriculus.)[32]Roscoea auriculataHDSC[57]
auritusHDS
australisLsouthern[7]Cordyline australisHDSC[55]
austrinusHD
autumnalisLof autumn[7]Mandragora autumnalisDSC[31]
avicularisLof small birds, from avis[7]Polygonum aviculareD
aviumLof birds, from avis[7]Prunus aviumHDC[58]
axillarisLaxillary[10]Pseudowintera axillarisHDSC[22]
azureusLsky-blue[10]Salvia azureaHDSC[59]
baccatusLberry, from baca[7]Taxus baccataDSC[60]
baccansDS
bacciferDS
bacillarisLrod-like, from bacillum[7]Senna bacillaris*HDS
badiusLnut brownSymplocos badiaHS
barbarusLforeign[7]Lycium barbarumHDC[61]
barbatusLbearded[7]Dianthus barbatusHDSC[62]
barbigerHD
barbatulusHD
barbulatusHD
barystachysGheavy-spikedLysimachia barystachysDS
basilarisLbasal[7]Opuntia basilarisHDS
basilicusGroyalOcimum basilicumHDC[63]
bellusLbeautiful[7]Corymbia bellaHDC[64]
benedictusLblessedCnicus benedictusHD
bicolorLtwo-coloredErythranthe bicolorHDSC[65]
bicornisLtwo-hornedAiphanes bicornisHDS
bicornutusHD
bidentatusLtwo-toothedManilkara bidentataDS
biennisLbiennial[7]Oenothera biennisHDSC[63]
bifidusLdivided in two[7]Trifolium bifidumHD
biflorusLtwo-floweredDarwinia bifloraHDSC[66]
bifurcatusLtwo-forkedAmyema bifurcataHDS
bijugusLdouble-yokedIntsia bijugaHDS
binervatusLtwo-veinedCarex binervisD
binervisDS
binervosusD
bipinnatusLbipinnateSanicula bipinnataHDSC[20]
bisectusLbisected, from sectus[7]Zingiber bisectum*D
biserratusLdoubly serrated, from serratus[7]Eremophila biserrataHDS
biternatusLtwice-ternate; biternateEnemion biternatumHDS
bituminosusLtarry, from bitumen[7]Moraea bituminosaHD
bivalvisLbivalved, from valvae;[7] with two valvesPeristrophe bivalvisHDS
blandusLflattering;[7] alluringAnemonoides blandaDC[67]
blepharocalyxGfringed-calyxAlpinia blepharocalyx*DS
bombycinusLsilky[7]Cymbopogon bombycinusDS
borealisLnorthern, from boreas[7]Banksia borealisHDS
botryoidesGclustered, like grapesEucalyptus botryoidesHDC[68]
brachiatusLwith arm-like branches, from brachium[7]Buddleja brachiataHDS
brachyanthusGshort-floweredOryza brachyanthaD
bracteatusLwith bractsXerochrysum bracteatumHDSC[69]
brevisLshort[7]Conophytum breveHDS
bronchialisGof or for the lungsSaxifraga bronchialisHD
brumalisLwintry[7]Diuris brumalisDS
brunneusLbrownBanksia brunneaHDSC[70]
bryoidesGmossySaxifraga bryoidesHD
buccinatusLtrumpet-shaped, from buccina[7]Hemigenia buccinata*D
buccinatoriusD
bulbiferGbulbCicuta bulbiferaHDSC[53]
bulbiformisDS
bulbosusHDS
bullatusLwith bubbles, from bulla;[7] bullateAnnona bullataHDSC[20]
cadmicusLmetallicSalvia cadmica*HD
caerulescensLbecoming blueThlaspi caerulescensHDS
caeruleusLazure[7]Lonicera caeruleaHDSC[71]
caesiusLbluish-gray; lavender blue; cutting[7]Eucalyptus caesiaHDSC[72]
caespitosusLcaespitose, from caespes,[7] turf. (Also caespititius.)[73]Pilosella caespitosaHDS
calcaratusLspurred, from calcar;[7] calcarateStylidium calcaratumHDS
calcareusLlime; calcareousMitrephora calcareaHDSC[42]
calcicolaD
calceolusLshoeCypripedium calceolusDC[74]
callistusGvery beautifulEriogonum callistumD
callosusLcallous or hard-skinned;[7] calloseStrobilanthes callosaHDS
calophyllusGwith beautiful leavesGonystylus calophyllusHDS
calvusLbald[7]Gunniopsis calvaHDS
calycinusGlike a calyx; with a prominent calyxHypericum calycinumHDSC[75]
calyptratusGwith a calyptra, a cap-like coverCalandrinia calyptrataHDS
campanulariusLbell; campanulatePhacelia campanulariaHDC[76]
campanulatusHDSC[56]
campestrisLeven; flat; of plains. From campester.[7]Acer campestreHDSC[77]
campylocarpusLcurved-fruitIsatis campylocarpa*HD
canaliculatusLgrooved, from canalis;[7] canaliculateProtea canaliculataHDS
cancellatusLlatticed, from cancelli[7]Ceropegia cancellata*HDS
candelabrumLcandelabrum[7]Euphorbia candelabrumHDC[78]
candidusLshining white[7]Cypripedium candidumHDSC[74]
candicansHDSC[79]
candidissimusLwhitest, from candor[7]Arisaema candidissimumDC[80]
canusLgrey- or white-haired;[7] canescentArtemisia canaHDSC[81]
canescensHDSC[53]
caninusLcanine[7]Rosa caninaHDS
caperatusLwrinkled.[6][50] Possibly, goat.[7][10]Anthurium caperatum*DSC[50]
capillaceusLhair-like, from capillus[7]Carex capillaceaDS
capillarisHDS
capilliformisHDS
capillatusLhairy;[7] with fine hairsCaladenia capillataHD
capitatusLhaving dense-headed growth; capitateRoscoea capitataHDSC[82]
capitellatusLsmall-headed, from capitulum[7]Mimetes capitulatusHD
capitellusHD
capitulatusHD
capreolatusLwith tendrils; supported. From capreolus,[7] props or stays.Bignonia capreolataHDC[83]
capreusLgoat[7]Salix capreaHDC[84]
capsularisLcapsule-producing, from capsula[7]Corchorus capsularisHDS
cardinalisLscarletLobelia cardinalisHDSC[85]
carinatusLkeeled, from carina;[7] having a keelZephyranthes carinataHDSC[71]
carmineusLcarmine. From Arabic and Latin.Metrosideros carmineaHDS
carnosusLfleshy, from carnis;[7] carnoseHoya carnosaHDSC[86]
carneusHDSC[59]
carnosulusHDS
cartilagineusLcartilage-like; cartilaginousOceaniopteris cartilagineaHDS
castusLpure[7]Mimosa casta*D
catacosmusGadornedRhododendron catacosmum*D
catariaLof catsNepeta catariaHDC[87]
catarractaeGof waterfallsVeronica catarractaeHDSC[29]
catharticusGcatharticRhamnus catharticaHDC[71]
caudatusLtailed, from cauda;[7] caudateEntandrophragma caudatumHDSC[45]
caulescensLstemmed, from caulis;[7] caulescentMandragora caulescensHDC[56]
causticusGcausticLithraea causticaHD
cauticolaLcliff-dwelling, from cautes[7]Sedum cauticolaHDC[88]
cavusLhollow[7]Corydalis cavaHDSC[89]
centifoliusLmany-leaved, from centum,[7] one hundredBerberis centifolia*HDS
centralisLcentralRubus centralisHDS
cephalotesGsmall-headedLeucas cephalotesHD
ceraceusLwaxy, from cera;[7] ceraceousEucalyptus ceraceaHDS
cerasiferLcherry, from cerasus[7]Eucalyptus cerasiformisHD
cerasiformisHD
cerasinusLcherry-redCorybas cerasinusHDS
cerealisLagricultural[7]Secale cerealeHD
cereusLwaxy[7]Ribes cereumHDSC[51]
ceriferHDC[90]
cerinusHDS
cernuusLnodding;[7] cernuousAllium cernuumHDSC[71]
charianthusGelegantly floweredCeratostema charianthum*HD
chasmanthusGgape-floweredAconitum chasmanthum*D
cheiriGhand, possiblyBulbophyllum cheiriH
chimaeraLmonstrous; chimericBulbophyllum chimaeraDS
chloodesGgrass-greenCentaurium chloodes*DS
chloracanthusLgreen-spinedHaworthia chloracanthaDS
chryseusGgoldenNephelium chryseumHDS
ciliarisLfringedCenchrus ciliarisHD
ciliatusHDSC[53]
ciliosusHDC[52]
cinctusLwith a girdle; girding[7]Dacrycarpus cinctusHDS
cinereusLash-gray, from cinis,[7] ashesJuglans cinereaHDSC[91]
cinerascensHDS
cinnabarinusGcinnabar-redScadoxus cinnabarinusHDSC[92]
circinalisLcurled, from circino, to round;[7] circinateCycas circinalisHDSC[93]
circinatusDSC[77]
cirratusGwith tendrils; cirrhose. (Also cirrhatus, cirrosus.)Fritillaria cirrhosaHDS
cirrhosusHDSC[94]
clandestinusLconcealed[7]Pennisetum clandestinumHDS
claususLclosed; reserved[7]Pinus clausaHDS
clavatusLclub, from clava[7]Lycopodium clavatumHDS
clavellatusD
clivorumLof the hills, from clivus[7]Hymenocallis clivorumDS
clypeatusLshield-shaped, from clipeus[7]Nepenthes clipeataHDS
clypeolatusHD
coarctatusLcrowded; pressed together. From coarto.[7]Haworthiopsis coarctataHDS
cocciferLbearing berriesEucalyptus cocciferaHDC[95]
coccineusLscarlet, from coccum[7]Banksia coccineaHDSC[96]
cochlearisLspoon-shapedAcacia cochlearisHDS
cochleatusLtwisted like a snail shell, from cochlea,[7] snailProsthechea cochleataHDS
coelestinusLsky-blue, celestial[7]Conoclinium coelestinumHDC[13]
coelestisHDS
coelicusLheavenly, from caelum[7]Rhododendron coelicum*D
coeruleusLblue[7]Aquilegia coeruleaHDSC[54]
coerulescensLbecoming blueBoronia coerulescensDS
cognatusLrelated[7]Acacia cognataHDS
collinusLof the hills, from collis[7]Erysimum collinumHDS
coloratusLcoloured[7]Potamogeton coloratusHDSC[97]
colubrinusLsnaky, from coluber[7]Anadenanthera colubrinaHDS
columbariusLdove-blue; dove-like. From columba,[7] dove.Impatiens columbaria*HDC[98]
columnarisLcolumned, from columna, pillar[7]Araucaria columnarisHDSC[99]
columellarisHD
comatusLtufted, long-haired;[7] with comas. (Also comans.)[59]Hesperostipa comataHD
comosusDSC[59]
commixtusLmingled together[7]Aloiampelos commixtaHDSC[100]
communisLcommon[7]Commelina communisHDSC[101]
commutatusLchanged[7]Pterostylis commutataHDC[33]
compactusLdense; joined together[7]Triticum compactumHDSC[102]
complanatusLflattened out, from complano,[7] to levelEremophila complanataHDS
complexusLcomplex; clasped[7]Muehlenbeckia complexaHDSC[68]
complicatusLcomplicated; folded. From complico.[7]Indigofera complicata*HDS
compositusLwell-ordered[7]Oplismenus compositusDS
compressusLpressed together[7]Potamogeton compressusHDS
comptusLadorned[7]Micropholis comptaD
concavusLconcave[7]Pterostylis concavaHDS
concinnusLneat; pretty[7]Acacia concinnaHDS
concolorLconsistently coloured[7]Abies concolorHDSC[27]
condensusLcrowded together; dense[7]Nothaphoebe condensaHD
condensatusHDS
confertusLcrowded[7]Caladenia confertaHDS
conformisLsymmetrical, from conformatio[7]Dipterocarpus conformisDS
confususLconfused[7]Iris confusaHDSC[25]
congestusLcongested; heaped[7]Senecio congestusHDSC[103]
conglomeratusLcrowded; rolled up. From conglobo.[7]Eremophila conglomerataHDS
conjugalisLjoined[7]Dipteris conjugataD
conjugatusDS
conjunctusLconnected[7]Bidens conjunctaHD
connatusLtwin; connateAlectryon connatusHDS
conoideusGconicalPandanus conoideusHDS
conopseusGgnat-likeGymnadenia conopseaHD
consanguineusLkindredColumnea consanguineaHD
consolidusLstable, from solidus,[7] completeXyris consolida*D
conspersusLsprinkled[7]Acacia conspersaHDS
conspicuusLconspicuous[7]Eucalyptus conspicuaHDSC[103]
constrictusLconstricted, from constringo[7]Prasophyllum constrictumHDS
contaminatusLcontaminated[7]Lachenalia contaminataHS
contiguusLcontiguous[7]Lomaridium contiguumDS
continentalisLcontinentalLeptospermum continentaleHDS
contortusLtwisted[7]Pinus contortaDSC[104]
contractusLcontracted[7]Festuca contractaHDS
controversusLdisputed[7]Cornus controversaHDC[82]
copallinusLgummy. Originally from Nahuatl.Rhus copallinumHDC[51]
corallinusGcoral-redAloe corallinaHDS
cordatusLheart-shaped; cordateTilia cordataHDSC[105]
cordiformisHDSC[106]
coriaceusLleathery, from corium[7]Leptospermum coriaceumHDS
coriariusHD
corneusLhorn-textured; corneousLithocarpus corneus*DS
corniculatusLhorned[7]Eucalyptus cornutaHDSC[40]
corniferHD
cornigerHDC[107]
cornutusHDSC[26]
cornucopiaeLhorn of plenty[7]Melaleuca cornucopiaeHD
corollatusLwith or like corollas, from corolla, little crown[7]Euphorbia corollataHDS
coronansLwreathed, from corona, garland or crown;[7] with a coronaEucalyptus coronataHDS
coronatusHDS
coronariusLused for garlands; forming a crown[7]Anemone coronariaHDSC[67]
corrugatusLwrinkled, from corrugo[7]Eucalyptus corrugataHDS
coruscansLshaking, from corusco[7]Millettia coruscans*D
corymbosusLclustered, from corymbus;[7] corymboseIpomoea corymbosaHDSC[33]
corynephorusGclubCaladenia corynephoraDS
coryphaeusLleader[7]Sphagnum coryphaeum*DS
costatusLribbed, from costa[7]Planchonella costataHDS
cotyledonGsmall cupSaxifraga cotyledonH
crassusLthick[7]Leavenworthia crassaHDS
crassiusculusHDS
creberLcrowded; clustered; frequent.[7] Feminine crebra, neuter crebrum.Eucalyptus crebraDS
crenatusLscalloped; crenateMairia crenataHDSC[108]
crenulatusHDS
crepidatusLslipper-like; wearing sandals[7]Dendrobium crepidatumHD
crepitansLcreaking; rustling; rattling. From crepito.[7]Hura crepitansHD
cretaceusLchalky, from creta[7]Caladenia cretaceaHDS
crinitusLlong-hairedCoccothrinax crinitaHDSC[70]
crinigerD
crispusLcurled;[7] crispedRumex crispusHDSC[57]
crispatusHDS
cristatusLcrested; tufted[7]Agropyron cristatumHDSC[23]
croceusLsaffron-yellow[7]Iris croceaHDS
crocatusHD
cruciatusLcruciform; tortured[7]Gentiana cruciataHDS
cruciferD
cruentusLbloodstained[7]Amaranthus cruentusHDSC[45]
crustatusLencrusted or hard-surfaced, from crusta;[7] crustoseSaxifraga crustataHDS
crystallinusLglistening, from crystallus,[7] crystalMesembryanthemum crystallinumHDS
ctenoidesGcomb-likeMelaleuca ctenoidesDS
cucullarisLhooded, from cucullus;[7] cucullatePsittacanthus cucullarisDC[62]
cucullatusHDS
cultratusLblade-shaped, from culter,[7] knifeCrassula cultrataHDS
cultriformisHDSC[109]
cuneatusLwedge-shaped;[7] cuneateAdenanthos cuneatus, Banksia cuneataHDSC[110]
cuneiformisHDS
cupreusLcopperyErythranthe cupreaHDS
cupreatusHD
curtusLshortened[7]Pterostylis curtaHDS
curvatusLcurved, from curvus[7]Ribes curvatumHDS
cuspidatusLpointed, from cuspis, blade;[7] cuspidateTaxus cuspidataHDSC[111]
cyaneusGblueCommelina cyaneaHDSC[71]
cyclopsGround-eyedAcacia cyclopsD
cylindraceusLcylindrical, from cylindrus[7]Imperata cylindricaHDSC[112]
cylindricusHDSC[59]
cymbiformisGboat-shapedPhilotheca cymbiformisHDS
cymosusGhaving cymesDichapetalum cymosumHD
dactyliferLfinger-bearing; finger-like. From dactyl, finger.[7]Phoenix dactyliferaHDSC[21]
dactyloidesHDS
dasyanthusGwith thickly hairy flowers. (Also dasycarpus, thick-fruited.)[113]Pedicularis dasyanthaHDS
dealbatusLcoated with white powder; whitened. From dealbo.[7]Melaleuca dealbataHDSC[109]
debilisLfeeble[7]Helianthus debilisHDS
decandrusGten-stamenedCeriops decandraHDS
decapetalusGten-petalledMentzelia decapetalaHDSC[114]
decaphyllusGten-leavedOxalis decaphylla*DS
deciduusLdeciduous, from decido, to fall off[7]Larix deciduaHDSC[115]
decipiensLdeceptive, from decipio[7]Agave decipiensHDSC[116]
declinatusLbending away or down, from declino;[7] declinateYucca declinataHDS
decoloransLfaded or discoloured, from decolor[7]Achillea decolorans*DS
decompositusLdivided, from de + composito[7]Lastreopsis decompositaHD
decorusLdecorated; decorous[7]Rhododendron decorumHDC[79]
decoratusHDS
decorticansLstripping bark, from de + cortex[7]Geoffroea decorticansDS
decumanusLvery large; of the tenth part[7]Canarium decumanumHD
decumbensLreclining; decumbent. From decumbo.[7]Viola decumbensHDS
decurrensLdecurrent, from decurro[7]Calocedrus decurrensHDSC[117]
deflexusLbent (downward), from deflecto[7]Eucalyptus deflexaHDS
deformisLdisfigured, from deformo[7]Pheladenia deformisHDS
dehiscensLsplit, from dehisco;[7] dehiscentPentachondra dehiscens*DS
dejectusLlow-lying or debased, from deiectus[7]Crassula dejecta*HDS
delectusLbeloved, from dilectus[7]Rubus delectus*DS
delicatusLdelicate; delightful[7]Eucalyptus delicataHDS
delicatissimusLmost delightfulPlectranthus delicatissimus*D
deliciosusLdelicious, from deliciae,[7] delightMonstera deliciosaHDSC[48]
deltoidesGtriangular; deltoidPopulus deltoidesHDC[62]
deltoideusHDSC[118]
demersusLsubmerged, from demergo[7]Ceratophyllum demersumHDSC[119]
deminutusLsmall, from deminutio[7]Bulbophyllum deminutumHS
demissusLsunken; lowly[7]Eremophila demissaHDS
dendricolaGtree-dwelling; tree-lovingLomaridium dendrophilumD
dendrophilusHDS
dendroideusGtree-like. (Also dendromorphus, tree-shaped.)[120]Dendrolycopodium dendroideumHDS
densusLdenseStenanthium densumHDS
densatusHD
dentatusLtoothed;[7] dentateBanksia dentataHDSC[121]
dentiferD
dentosusD
denticulatusHDSC[122]
denudatusLdenuded, from denudo[7]Magnolia denudataHDSC[123]
depauperatusLpoorly formed, from de + pauper,[7] poorTrifolium depauperatumHDS
dependensLhanging, from dependeo,[7] to hang fromBulbophyllum dependensHDS
depressusLdepressed; sunken; low[7]Gaultheria depressaHDS
desertiLof deserts, from desertus[7]Agave desertiHDSC[55]
desertorumHDS
detersusLwiped clean, from detergeo,[7] to wipe awayConnarus detersus*DS
detonsusLsheared, from detondeo[7]Hazardia detonsaHD
deustusLscorched, from deuro[7]Penstemon deustusHDS
diabolicusGtwo-horned; with a devilish appearanceAcer diabolicumHD
diacanthusGdouble-thorned; double-spinedRibes diacanthumHD
diacritusGseparatedHieracium diacritum*D
diademusGcrown-like. Stearn and Harrison list diadema.Stylidium diademum*HD
diandrusGtwo-stamenedBromus diandrusHDS
diaphanusGtransparentCystopteris diaphanaHDS
dichotomusGsplit in two; dichotomousJuncus dichotomusHDSC[124]
dichromusGtwo-colouredVerticordia dichromaHD
dichrousHD
dicoccusGtwo-berriedMyriophyllum dicoccum*D
dictyotusGnettedLepidium dictyotumD
didymusGtwinnedLepidium didymumHD
difformisLirregular; unusualCyperus difformisHDC[125]
diffususLspreadingTurnera diffusaHDC[85]
digitatusLdigitate (like an open hand), from digitus,[7] fingerDiphasiastrum digitatumHDSC[124]
dilatusLscattered; expanded. From differo.[7]Viburnum dilatatumD
dilatatusHDSC[24]
dilutusLdiluted[7]Centaurea dilutaHS
dimidiatusLhalved;[7] divided unequallyApodytes dimidiataHDS
dimorphusGwith two different formsCaladenia dimorphaHDS
diodonGtwo-toothedValerianella diodon*D
dioicusGdioeciousAruncus dioicusHDSC[126]
dipetalusGtwo-petalledFraxinus dipetalaHDS
diphyllusGtwo-leavedCardamine diphyllaHDC[127]
diplotrichusGhaving two kinds of hairsPolypodium diplotrichum*D
dipterusGdouble-wingedEucalyptus dipteraHDC[75]
dipyrenusGtwo-fruitedIlex dipyrena*HDS
disciformisGarranged like a discQuercus disciformisHDS
discoideusGdisc-shaped; lacking rays; discoidMargaritaria discoideaHDS
discolorLof different colours;[7] discolorousDiospyros discolorHDC[83]
disparLunequal;[7] unusual in the genusBoechera disparHDS
dispersusLscattered, from dispergo[7]Mentzelia dispersaHDS
dissectusLsegmented. (Also dissaepio.)[7]Lactuca dissectaHDS
dissimilisLdifferent[7] (from the rest of the genus)Acacia dissimilisHDS
dissitusLspaced, from dissero,[7] to plant here and thereCarex dissitaDS
distachyusGtwo-branched; double-spikedEphedra distachyaHDS
distansLfar apart[7]Hibiscadelphus distansHDS
distichusGalternately opposed; in two ranksGasteria distichaHDSC[27]
distortusLdistorted[7]Astragalus distortusHDS
distylusGtwo-styledAllocasuarina distylaHDS
diurnusLday-blooming; by day[7]Cestrum diurnumHDS
divaricatusLspreading wide, from divarico, to stretch apart;[7] divaricateTabernaemontana divaricataHDSC[106]
divergensLspreading out, from di + vergo,[7] to bend or turnAcacia divergensHDS
diversiformisLdiverseRomulea diversiformis*HDS
divisusLdivided, from divido[7]Gunniopsis divisaHDS
dodecandrusGwith twelve stamensCordia dodecandraHDS
dolabratusGaxe-shapedHypericum dolabriformeHDSC[73]
dolabriformisHDS
dolichostemonGhaving long stamensEpimedium dolichostemon*DS
dolosusLdeceptiveArtemisia dolosa*HDS
domesticusLdomestic; domesticated; of the house[7]Prunus domesticaHDSC[25]
dracoLdragon.[7] (Also dracunculus, little dragon.)[81]Dracaena dracoHDS
drupaceusGstone-fruited; with drupesJuniperus drupaceaHDS
drupiferHDS
dubiusLdoubtful; moving two ways[7]Nepenthes dubiaHDSC[127]
dulcisLsweet[7]Eleocharis dulcisHDSC[107]
dumetorumLof thickets or hedges, from dumus[7]Dioscorea dumetorumHDS
dumosusLbushy[7]Ambrosia dumosaHDSC[128]
dunensisLof sand dunes. From Old English and Latin.Epipactis dunensisDS
duplexLdouble[7]Thryptomene duplicataDS
duplicatusHDS
durabilisLlasting[7]Acacia durabilisDS
durusLhard[7]Sporobolus durusHDS
duriusculusDS
dysentericusGfor dysenteryEugenia dysentericaDS
ebenusLebony. (Also ebeneus.)[7][4][6]Diospyros ebenum, Alangium ebenaceum*HD
ebenaceusD
ebracteatusLwithout bracts, from bractea, metal foil[7]Eremaea ebracteataHDS
eburneusLivory[7] (the colour)Diuris eburneaHDSC[129]
echinatusLhedgehog, from echinus[6]Ceratophyllum echinatumHDS
eclecteusGselect. (Also eclectus.)[10]Rhododendron eclecteum*D
ecornutusLhornless, from cornu, horn,[7] and cornutus[10]Impatiens ecornutaHDS
edulisLedible[7]Passiflora edulisHDSC[85]
effususLunrestrained[7]Milium effusumHDSC[116]
elasticusGrubber; with latexCastilla elasticaHDSC[101]
elatiorLloftierPrimula elatiorHDC[32]
elatusLlofty[7]Cyrtanthus elatus, Leionema elatiusHDSC[99]
elegansLelegant[7]Zinnia elegansHDSC[54]
elegantulusHDS
elegantissimusLmost elegantPlerandra elegantissimaHDC[130]
elephantumLof elephants, from elephantus[7]Lithocarpus elephantum*D
ellipsoidalisGellipsoidQuercus ellipsoidalisHDS
ellipticusGellipticalAdenanthos ellipticusHDSC[82]
elongatusLelongated, from longus[7]Podocarpus elongatusHDSC[131]
emarginatusLnotched, from margo, a border;[7] emarginateLeptospermum emarginatumHDS
emeticusGemeticTrichilia emeticaDS
eminensLeminentSorbus eminensHDS
encliandrusGwith half-enclosed stamensFuchsia encliandra*H
enneaphyllusGnine-leavedEchinocereus enneacanthusHDSC[132]
ensatusLsword, from ensis;[7] ensiformStylidium ensatumHDSC[25]
ensiformisHDS
entomophilusGinsect-loving; entomophilousDioscorea entomophila*D
epigaeusGgroundCorallocarpus epigaeus*DS
epiphyllusG(flowers) on the leavesDavallia epiphylla*HS
epiphyticusG(growing) on a (different) plantDendrobium epiphyticumHS
epipsilusGsparseViola epipsilaD
episcopalisGepiscopalHeliconia episcopalisD
equestrisLequestrian[7]Leionema equestreHD
erectusLerect[7]Pterostylis erectaHDSC[69]
erinaceusLhedgehogAloe erinaceaHD
eriophorusGwool-bearingCirsium eriophorumDS
erosusLeroseEucalyptus erosaHDS
erraticusLerratic;[7] non-genericJacobaea erratica*DS
erubescensLblushing, from erubesco[7]Lophospermum erubescensHDS
erythrocarpusGred-fruitedGahnia erythrocarpaHDS
esculentusLedible[7]Abelmoschus esculentusHDSC[27]
estriatusLunstripedIlex estriata*DS
etuberosusLwithout tubers, from tuber, a swelling[7]Solanum etuberosumDS
euchlorusGfresh-greenPraecereus euchlorusHD
eudoxusGreputableRhododendron eudoxumDS
evectusLelevated[7]Angiopteris evectaD
evertusLoverturned, from everto[7]Alsophila evertaD
exaltatusLlofty, from altus[7]Nephrolepis exaltataHDSC[133]
exaratusLengraved, from exaro[7]Agrostis exarataHDS
exasperatusLrough, from exaspero, to roughen[7]Bulbophyllum exasperatumDS
excavatusLhollowed out, from excavo[7]Calochortus excavatusHDS
excellensLexcellent[7]Mimulopsis excellens*HD
excelsiorLloftier[7]Fraxinus excelsiorHD
excelsusLlofty[7]Alectryon excelsusHDS
excisusLexcised[7]Manilkara excisaHDS
excorticatusLpeeling or bare, from cortex, bark[7]Fuchsia excorticataHD
exiguusLpaltry[7]Acianthus exiguusHDSC[84]
eximiusLdistinguished[7]Protea eximiaHDSC[62]
exitiosusLtoxic[7]Tanaecium exitiosum*D
exoticusGexotic; introducedMusa exoticaDS
expansusLexpanded, from pando[7]Goniothalamus expansusHDS
explodensLexplodingRonnbergia explodens*DS
exsculptusLcarved, from exsculpo[7]Pronephrium exsculptum*DS
exsertusLprotruding;[7] exsertedAcianthus exsertusHDS
exsurgensLrising, from exsurgo[7]Galium exsurgens*DS
extensusLextended[7]Eucalyptus extensaHDS
exudansLexuding, from exudo[7] and exsudans[6]Acacia exudansDS
facetusLfine;[7] refinedRhododendron facetumH
falcatusLsickle[7]Sarcochilus falcatus, Cyrtanthus falcatus, Pterostylis falcataHDSC[74]
falciformisHDS
falcinellusHD
fallaxLfalse[7]Eremophila fallaxHDS
farinaceusLfarinaceous, from farina, flour[7]Salvia farinaceaHDS
farinosusHDS
fasciatusLbundled, from fascis;[7] fascicledEremophila fasciataHDSC[23]
fascicularisHD
fasciculatusHDS
fastigiatusLpointed;[7] fastigiateLeptospermum fastigiatum, Boronia fastigiata, Verticordia fastigiataHDS
fastuosusLproud[7]Aerangis fastuosaHDSC[108]
fatuusLfoolish;[7] insipidAvena fatuaHD
febrifugusLanti-fever, from febris, fever[7]Dichroa febrifugaHDC[49]
fecundusLfruitful[7]Prasophyllum fecundumHS
femineusLfeminine.[7] (Also femina.)[10]Restio femineus*DS
fenestralisLwindowed, from fenestra;[7] fenestrateBeccariophoenix fenestralisHDS
feraxLfruitful[7]Fargesia ferax*HDS
feroxLfierce[7]Aconitum ferox, Datura feroxHDSC[43]
ferreusLiron[7]Mesua ferreaHDS
ferrugineusLrusty, from ferrugo[7]Lasiopetalum ferrugineumHDSC[134]
fertilisLfertile[7]Sporobolus fertilisHDS
ferusLferal[7]noneDS
festivusLpretty;[7] festiveBegonia festivaHD
festalisHD
fibrosusLfibrous, from fibra[7]Dicksonia fibrosaHDS
fibrillosusHDS
fictusLfalse[7]Brachyotum fictumD
filamentosusLfilamented or filiform, from filum, filament[7]Caladenia filamentosaHDS
filiformisDSC[38]
filariusHD
filiferDC[55]
filicinusLfern, from filix.[7] (Also filiculoides.)[4][121]Azolla filiculoidesHDS
fimbriatusLfringed, from fimbriae, fringe[7]Corybas fimbriatus, Eremaea fimbriataHDS
fimbriatulusDC[135]
firmusLfirm[7]Aconitum firmumHDS
fissilisLfissured;[7] with fissuresMelaleuca fissurataHDS
fissuratusHDS
fissusHDS
fistulosusLhollow, from fistula, tube[7]Allium fistulosumHDSC[90]
flabellatusLfanned-out, from flabellum[7]Hymenophyllum flabellatum, Eremophila flabellataHDSC[54]
flabelliferHD
flabelliformisHDS
flaccidusLlimp, from flacceo;[7] flaccid. (Also flaccus.)[70]Yucca flaccida, Caladenia flaccidaHDSC[67]
flagellumLwhip.[7] (Also flagellifer.)[70]Rubus flagellarisDS
flagellarisHDS
flagelliformisHDS
flammulaLflame[7]Alloxylon flammeum, Melaleuca flammeaD
flammeusHDS
flavusLyellow[7]Glaucium flavumHDSC[23]
flavissimusLbright yellowZephyranthes flavissima*HD
flavescensLlight yellow, from flavesco[7]Diuris flavescensHDSC[136]
flavensHD
flaveolusHDS
flavidusHDS
flexilisLflexible[7]Pinus flexilisHDSC[104]
flexuosusLtwisted;[7] flexuousAgonis flexuosa, Thelymitra flexuosaHDSC[89]
floccosusLwoolly, from floccus, a lock of hair[7]Limnanthes floccosaHDS
flocculosusHD
floccigerHD
floribundusLflower-abundant, from abundo, to abound[7]Myoporum floribundumHDSC[137]
floridusLflowery[7]Cornus floridaHDSC[138]
floriferHDSC[42]
fluitansLfloating, from fluito[7]Glyceria fluitansHDS
fluviatilisLriver[7]Melaleuca fluviatilisHDSC[83]
fluvialisHD
foeminusLfeminineLysimachia foeminaDS
foetidusLfetid, from foedo[7]Passiflora foetidaHDSC[139]
foetidissimusLmost fetidIris foetidissimaHD
foliosusLleafy, from folium[7]Narcissus foliosus, Lepidium foliosumHDSC[140]
foliatusHDS
foliaceusHDS
foliolosusLleaflet, from folio;[10] with foliolesMelaleuca foliolosaHDS
foliolotusHD
follicularisLfollicled, from folliculus, a small bag[7]Cephalotus follicularisHDS
fontanusLfountain[7]Asplenium fontanum, Cerastium fontanumHDS
fontinalisDS
formosusLbeautiful[7]Calothamnus formosusHDSC[54]
foveolatusLdimpled, from fovea, a small pit;[7] foveolateCryptocarya foveolata, Chionanthus foveolatusHDS
fragilisLfragile[7]Opuntia fragilisHDSC[141]
fragransLfragrant[7]Myristica fragransHDSC[54]
fragrantissimusLmost fragrantLonicera fragrantissimaHDC[142]
frigidusLfrigid[7] (the habitat)Petasites frigidusHDSC[81]
frondosusLleafy;[7] with frondsBidens frondosaHDSC[143]
frumentaceusLgrain, from frumentum[7]Echinochloa frumentaceaD
fruticosusLshrubby[7]Phlomis fruticosaHDSC[53]
frutescensHDSC[108]
fruticansHDC[113]
fruticulosusHD
fruticicolaLshrubland. (Also fruticola.)[4]Bulbophyllum fruticicola, Henckelia fruticola*D
fucatusLpainted[7]Trifolium fucatumHDS
fugaxLfleeting;[7] fugaciousFontainea fugaxHDS
fulgensLshining[7]Fuchsia fulgensHDSC[23]
fulgidusHDSC[144]
fuliginosusLsooty[7]Caladenia fuliginosaHDS
fullonumLof fullersDipsacus fullonumD
fulvusLtawny[7]Iris fulva, Caladenia fulvaHDSC[139]
fulvidusLlight tawnyAustroderia fulvidaHDSC[145]
fulvescensHDS
fumidusLsmoky[7]Thismia fumida*DS
fumosusLsmokySenegalia fumosa*DS
funebrisLfunereal[7]Cupressus funebrisHD
fungosusLfungal, from fungus[7]Balanophora fungosaHDS
funiculatusLcord, from funiculus;[7] funicledArenaria funiculataDS
furcatusLforked, from furca;[7] furcateIris furcataHDS
furcansHD
furfuraceusLscaly, from furfures, bran[7]Zieria furfuraceaDSC[146]
furiensLmaddening, from furio[7]Cirsium furiens*D
fuscusLdark brown[7]Prasophyllum fuscumHDSC[60]
fuscatusHDS
fusiformisLspindle-shaped, from fusus[7]Billardiera fusiformisDS
futilisLuseless[7]Bulbophyllum futileHD
galactinusGmilkyRhododendron galactinumD
galanthusGmilky-floweredAllium galanthumHDS
galeatusLhelmeted[7]Verticordia galeataHDS
galericulatusHDS
gelidusLfrigid[7]Campanula gelidaHDS
geminatusLpaired, from geminus, twin-born[7]Quercus geminataDS
gemmatusLbudding, from gemma, bud[7]Caladenia gemmataHDS
gemmiferHDS
geniculatusLjointed;[7] bentGeum geniculatumHDS
geocarpusGburied-fruitMacrotyloma geocarpumDS
geometricusLgeometrical[7]Weinmannia geometrica*D
geometrizansGgeometricalMyrtillocactus geometrizansD
gibbusLgibbous;[7] humpedUtricularia gibbaHDS
gibberosusHD
gibbosusHDS
gigasLgiant[7]Goniothalamus giganteusDSC[71]
giganteusHDS
gilvusLlight yellow[7]Quercus gilvaHDS
glaberLsmooth[7] (feminine glabra, neuter glabrum)Calothamnus glaberHDSC[106]
glabellusHDS
glaberrimusLsmoothestMelaleuca glaberrimaDC[147]
glabrescensLbaldingAdenanthos glabrescens, Leptospermum glabrescens, Kunzea glabrescensHDSC[11]
glabriusculusLsemi-smoothAtriplex glabriusculaHDSC[100]
glabratusHDS
glacialisLglacial[7]Epacris glacialisHDS
gladiiformisLsword, from gladius[7]Lepidosperma gladiatumD
gladiatusHD
glandiformisLglandular. (Also glanduliger.)[148]Anopterus glandulosusDC[53]
glandulosusHDS
glanduliferHDS
glaphyrusGpolishedErica glaphyra*D
glaucusLglaucous[7]Casuarina glauca, Monotoca glauca, Cyathodes glaucaHDS
glaucoidesDC[91]
glaucescensLglaucescentIris glaucescensHDSC[149]
glischrusGstickyAgeratina glischra*D
globiferLglobe-bearing, from globus, globe[7]Melaleuca globiferaHDSC[127]
globuliferHDS
globosusLglobe.[7] (Also globulus.)[149]Physaria globosa, Gomphrena globosaHDSC[57]
globularisHDS
globulosusHDS
glomeratusLglobular, from glomero[7]Campanula glomerataHDS
glomerulatusDSC[59]
gloriosusLglorious[7]Wahlenbergia gloriosaHDC[38]
glumaceusLglumedConospermum glumaceumHDS
glutinosusLglutinous, from gluten, glue[7]Alnus glutinosa, Salvia glutinosaHDSC[105]
gongylodesGbulbousCissus gongylodes*HDS
goniocalyxGangled-calyxEucalyptus goniocalyxHDS
gracilisLslender[7]Marsippospermum gracile, Prasophyllum gracile, Cautleya gracilisHDSC[102]
gracilentusHD
graciliorLmore gracefulAfrocarpus graciliorD
gracillimusLmost gracefulCaladenia gracillimaD
gramineusLgrassy[7]Iris graminea, Pterostylis gramineaHDSC[150]
grammopetalusGstriped-petal, from grammo[10]Potentilla grammopetala*D
grandisLlarge[7]Banksia grandis, Micromyrtus grandisHDSC[151]
graniticusLgraniteCalothamnus graniticusHDS
granulatusLgranular, from granum[7]Zieria granulataHDS
granulosusHDS
gratusLgratifying[7]Encephalartos gratusHDS
gratissimusLmost gratifyingCroton gratissimusHD
graveolensLstrong-smelling[7]Durio graveolensHDSC[14]
griseusLgreyEucalyptus griseaHDSC[152]
grosseserratusLsaw-toothed, from serratus, serrated.[7] Stearn hyphenates grosse-serratus.Veronica grosseserrata*HDSC[114]
grossusLcoarse; largeBanksia grossa, Eucalyptus grossaHDS
gruinusLcrane, from grus[7]Erodium gruinum*D
gummiferLgummyCeratopetalum gummiferumHD
gummosusHDS
guttatusLspotted, from gutta[7]Tuberaria guttataHDSC[153]
gymnocarpusGnaked-fruitedRosa gymnocarpaHDS
gyransLcircling, from gyrus[7]Andropogon gyrans*DS
habrotrichusGsoft-hairedAlseodaphne habrotricha*D
haematodesGbloody. (Also haematacanthus.)[112]Ferocactus haematacanthus, Cymbidium haematodes*HD
halophilusGsalt-lovingIris halophilaHDS
hamatusLhooked[7]Nepenthes hamataHDS
hamosusHDS
hastatusLspear, from hastatus;[7] hastateSalix hastata, Caladenia hastataHDSC[84]
hastilisDS
hastulatusHD
hastiferLspear-bearingThelocactus hastiferDS
hebecarpusGfuzzy-fruitedSenna hebecarpaHDC[52]
helixGhelixHedera helixHD
helodesGmarshEchinochloa helodes*HD
helvolusLlight yellow-brownStrophostyles helvolaHD
hemisphaericusLhemispherical, from sphaera, sphere[7]Quercus hemisphaericaHDS
hemitrichotusGhalf-hairyRhododendron hemitrichotum*D
hepaticusGliver-colouredAnemone hepaticaHS
heptaphyllusGseven-leavedIpomoea heptaphyllaHDSC[148]
herbaceusLherbaceous, from herba, herb[7]Smilax herbaceaHDSC[95]
hesperusGwesternParietaria hesperaD
heterolepisGdiverse-scaledSporobolus heterolepisDC[154]
heterophyllusGdiverse-leavedCistus heterophyllusHDSC[99]
heterochromusGdiverse-colouredUtricularia heterochromaD
heterodoxusGnon-genericHeliamphora heterodoxaHD
heteromorphusGdiverse-formed; heteromorphicDypsis heteromorphaD
hexagonusGhexagonalIris hexagonaHDS
hexandrusGsix-stamenedLeersia hexandraHDSC[64]
hiansLwide-open, from hio, to gape[7]Salvia hiansHDS
hibernusLwinter[7]Austrocactus hibernus*DS
hiemalisLwinter.[7] (Also hyemalis.)[4][155]Caladenia hiemalisHDSC[138]
hieroglyphicusGhieroglyphicVriesea hieroglyphicaD
hircinusLgoat[7]Hypericum hircinumHDS
hirsutusLhairy;[7] hirsuteCalothamnus hirsutus, Stapelia hirsutaHDSC[77]
hirsutulusHD
hirsutissimusLhairiestLupinus hirsutissimusHDC[94]
hirtusLhairy[7]Mimetes hirtusHDSC[144]
hirtellusHD
hispidusLbristly;[7] hispid. (Also hispidulus.)[48]Acalypha hispidaHDSC[109]
holocarpusGwhole-carpelled; whole-fruitedAtriplex holocarpaDS
hololeucusGall-whiteArtemisia hololeuca*D
holosericeusGsilk-coveredMelaleuca holosericeaHD
homolepisGevenly scaledAbies homolepisDC[151]
horizontalisGhorizontalCotoneaster horizontalisHDSC[103]
horridusLprickly[7]Banksia horrida, Hakea horridaHDS
hortensisLgarden, from hortus.[7] (Also hortensius.)[156]Anemone hortensisHDSC[118]
hortorumHDS
hortulanusHDS
humifususLhumifuse; low-spreading, from humus, ground,[7] and fusus, spread out[7]Opuntia humifusa, Scaevola humifusa, Boronia humifusaHDSC[157]
humilisLlow[7]Jasminum humile, Rivina humilis, Allocasuarina humilisHDSC[43]
hyalinusLglass, from hyalus;[7] hyalineMelica hyalinaHDS
hybridusLhybrid, from hybrida, mongrel[7]Trifolium hybridumHDSC[158]
hylaeusGforestTheobroma hylaeum*HD
hylophilusGforest-lovingPiper hylophilumD
hymenodesGfilmyAlsophila hymenodesD
hyperboreusGfar northern[7]Bidens hyperboreaHDS
hypochon­driacusGmelancholyAmaranthus hypochondriacusHDC[45]
hypogaeusGundergroundArachis hypogaeaHDS
hypoglaucusGglaucous-backedCissus hypoglaucaHDS
hypokerinaGwaxy-backedBerberis hypokerinaD
hypophaeusGdark-backedQuercus hypophaeaDS
hypoleucusGwhite-backedLobelia hypoleucaHDS
hypophyllusGhypophyllousPhyllocladus hypophyllusHDS
hystrixGporcupineSchizolaena hystrixHDC[36]

See also

Notes

Citations

References

  • Bayton, Ross (2020). The Gardener's Botanical: An Encyclopedia of Latin Plant Names. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-20017-0.
  • Coombes, Allen (2012). The A to Z of Plant Names: A Quick Reference Guide to 4000 Garden Plants. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. ISBN 9781604691962.
  • Cullen, Katherine E. (2006). Biology: The People Behind the Science. New York, New York: Infobase Publishing. ISBN 9780816072217.
  • Gledhill, David (2008). The Names of Plants. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521866453.
  • Harrison, Lorraine (2012). Latin for Gardeners: Over 3,000 Plant Names Explained and Explored. Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press. ISBN 9780226009193.
  • Lewis, Charlton (1891). An Elementary Latin Dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199102051. Available online at the Perseus Digital Library.
  • The Linnean Society (August 1992). "Publications by William T. Stearn on bibliographical, botanical and horticultural subjects, 1977–1991; a chronological list". Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 109 (4): 443–451. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8339.1992.tb01443.x. ISSN 0024-4074.
  • POWO (2019). "Plants of the World Online". London: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Archived from the original on March 22, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2021. See terms of use.
  • Stearn, William (2004). Botanical Latin. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. ISBN 9780881926279.
  • Stearn, William (2002). Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. London: Cassell. ISBN 9780304364695.

Further reading

  • Brown, Roland (1956). Composition of Scientific Words. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 9781560988489.
  • Liddell, Henry George; Scott, Robert (2013). An Intermediate Greek–English Lexicon. Mansfield Centre, Connecticut: Martino Fine Books. ISBN 9781614273974. Reprint of the 1888/1889 edition. Available online at the Perseus Digital Library.