List of plant genus names with etymologies (D–K)

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] Many of these plants are listed in 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]

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Discocactus

The first column below contains seed-bearing genera from Stearn and other sources as listed, excluding those names that no longer appear in more modern works, such as Plants of the World by Maarten J. M. Christenhusz (lead author), Michael F. Fay and Mark W. Chase.[4] Plants of the World is also used for the family and order classification for each genus. The second column gives a meaning or derivation of the word, such as a language of origin. The last two columns indicate additional citations.

Key

Latin: = derived from Latin (otherwise Greek, except as noted)
Ba = listed in Ross Bayton's The Gardener's Botanical[5]
Bu = listed in Lotte Burkhardt's Index of Eponymic Plant Names[6]
CS = listed in both Allen Coombes's The A to Z of Plant Names[7] and Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners
G = listed in David Gledhill's The Names of Plants[8]
St = listed in Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners

Genera

Deinanthe[a]
Delonix
Dendrobium
Dendrocalamus
Desmanthus
Desmodium
Dicentra
Dichroa
Dierama
Dipteronia
Disocactus
Diuris
Doryanthes
Dracocephalum
Dracula
Dracunculus
Eccremocarpus
Echinacea
Echinocactus
Edraianthus
Elaeocarpus
Empetrum
Epiphyllum
Eriocephalus
Erythrina
Euryops
Evolvulus
Faucaria
Fenestraria
Fritillaria cross-section
Galanthus
Gastrochilus flower
Geogenanthus
Geranium fruit
Gladiolus
Glaucium
Globularia
Glottiphyllum
Glyptostrobus
Grammatophyllum
Graptopetalum
Gymnocalycium
Haemanthus
Haematoxylum wood chips
Hedychium
Heliamphora
Helianthus
Helichrysum
Heliopsis
Heterocentron
Hippeastrum
Hydrocotyle
Indigofera
Iochroma
Ipomoea
Iresine
Iris
Genera
Genus[b]Meaning or derivationFamily[4]Order[4]RefG
Dacrydiumteardrop (the resin)PodocarpaceaePinalesCSG
Dactylicapnosfinger + smokePapaveraceaeRanunculalesBa
DactylisGreek and Latin name[c]PoaceaePoalesCSG
Dactylorhizafinger root (the tubers)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesCS
Daemonoropsdemon shrub (the sharp hooks)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
Daistorch (the flower heads)ThymelaeaceaeMalvalesStG
DamasoniumGreek nameAlismataceaeAlismatalesStG
DanaeDanaë of mythology[d]AsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
DanaisDanaïdes, or Danais, a nymphRubiaceaeGentianalesBu
DaphneDaphne of mythologyThymelaeaceaeMalvalesCSG
Daphniphyllumleaves like Daphne[4]DaphniphyllaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Dasiphorahair-bearingRosaceaeRosalesBa
Dasylirionthick lilyAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
DatiscaGreek and Latin name[4]DatiscaceaeCucurbitalesCSG
DaturaSanskrit and Arabic nameSolanaceaeSolanalesCSG
DaucusLatin nameApiaceaeApialesCSG
DecazyxDecatropidinae + Xanthoxyleae, two subtribes of RutaceaeRutaceaeSapindalesBu
Decodonten teeth (on the calyx)LythraceaeMyrtalesStG
Decumariaten (flower parts)HydrangeaceaeCornalesCSG
DeianiraDeianira, a mythological princessGentianaceaeGentianalesBu
DeidamiaDeidamia, a mythological princessPassifloraceaeMalpighialesBu
Deinantheamazing flowersHydrangeaceaeCornalesStG
Delonixprominent claw (on the petals)FabaceaeFabalesStG
Delospermavisible seeds (inside the capsule)AizoaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
Delostomavisible mouth (the open flowers)BignoniaceaeLamialesStG
DelphiniumGreek nameRanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
Dendrobiumtree life (growing on trees)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Dendrocalamustree reedPoaceaePoalesStG
Dendrochilumtree lipsOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Dendromecontree poppyPapaveraceaeRanunculalesCSG
Dendropanaxtree PanaxAraliaceaeApialesStG
Denmozaanagram of Mendoza, a province of ArgentinaCactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
Derrisleather covering (the seed pods)FabaceaeFabalesSt
Desmanthusbundled flower (the clusters)FabaceaeFabalesCSG
Desmodiumchain (the fruit)FabaceaeFabalesCSG
Desmoncuschain hook (the leaf tips)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
DeverraDeverra, a goddessApiaceaeApialesBu
DianellaDiana of mythology + littleAsphodelaceaeAsparagalesCSG
DianthusGreek nameCaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
DiapensiaGreek name[4]DiapensiaceaeEricalesStG
Diasciatwo sacs (on the flowers)ScrophulariaceaeLamialesCSG
Dicentratwo spurs (on the flowers)PapaveraceaeRanunculalesCSG
Dichelostemmasplit wreathAsparagaceaeAsparagalesBaG
Dichondratwo lumps (the capsules)ConvolvulaceaeSolanalesStG
Dichorisandratwo separate male parts (the two stamens that diverge)CommelinaceaeCommelinalesStG
Dichroatwo colours (the flowers)HydrangeaceaeCornalesCSG
Diclipteradouble-folding wings (within the capsules)AcanthaceaeLamialesCSG
Dicranostigmaforked stigmasPapaveraceaeRanunculalesStG
DictamnusGreek nameRutaceaeSapindalesCSG
Dictyospermanet seedsArecaceaeArecalesStG
Didymocarpusdouble fruit (the separable capsule)GesneriaceaeLamialesStG
DiegodendronDiego-Suarez (present-day Antsiranana in northern Madagascar) + treeBixaceaeMalvalesBu
Dieramafunnel (the flowers)IridaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Dietestwo years or two close relations (within Iridaceae)IridaceaeAsparagalesBaG
Digitalisderived from Latin: finger (the flowers)PlantaginaceaeLamialesCSG
DigitariaLatin: finger-likePoaceaePoalesBaG
Dimorphothecatwo shapes of containers (the achenes)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
DionaeaDione of mythologyDroseraceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
DionysiaDionysus, a godPrimulaceaeEricalesBuG
Dioontwo-egged (the pairs of seeds)ZamiaceaeCycadalesStG
Diosmadivine scentRutaceaeSapindalesStG
DiospyrosGreek nameEbenaceaeEricalesCSG
DipcadiTurkish nameAsparagaceaeAsparagalesStG
Diphylleiatwo leavesBerberidaceaeRanunculalesStG
Diplarrenatwo male parts (the fertile stamens). Previously Diplarrhena.IridaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Diploglottisdouble-tongued (petal scales)SapindaceaeSapindalesSt
Dipsacusthirst (some leaves collect water)CaprifoliaceaeDipsacalesCSG
Dipteroniatwo-winged (fruit)SapindaceaeSapindalesStG
Dircafountain of Dirce (the wet habitats)ThymelaeaceaeMalvalesStG
DisaDisa of legendOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Disanthuspaired flowersHamamelidaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Discariadisc (on the flowers)RhamnaceaeRosalesStG
Dischidiatwo divisionsApocynaceaeGentianalesBa
Discocactusdisc cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
Diselmatwo upper decksCupressaceaePinalesBa
Disocactusco-equal cactus (there are as many sepals as petals)CactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
DisporopsisDisporum-likeAsparagaceaeAsparagalesBaG
Disporumtwo seedsColchicaceaeLilialesCSG
Distyliumtwo stylesHamamelidaceaeSaxifragalesStG
Diuristwo tails (the two longest sepals)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Docyniaanagram of CydoniaRosaceaeRosalesStG
Dolichandralong male partsBignoniaceaeLamialesSt
DolichosGreek and Latin nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
DonaxGreek and Latin nameMarantaceaeZingiberalesStG
DoronicumArabic nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Doryanthesspear of flowers[4]DoryanthaceaeAsparagalesStG
Dovyalis(unclear)SalicaceaeMalpighialesSt
DrabaGreek nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
DracaenadragonAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Dracocephalumdragon head (the flowers)LamiaceaeLamialesStG
Dracophyllumdragon leavesEricaceaeEricalesBaG
Draculalittle dragonOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Dracunculuslittle dragon (the spathe). Latin name.AraceaeAlismatalesCSG
DrimiapungentAsparagaceaeAsparagalesStG
DrimiopsisDrimia-likeAsparagaceaeAsparagalesStG
DrimyspungentWinteraceaeCanellalesCSG
Drosanthemumdew flowersAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Droseradew (the secretions)[4]DroseraceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Dryadelladryads (tree nymphs)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesBu
DryasdryadRosaceaeRosalesCSG
DrypisGreek nameCaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
DurioMalayan nameMalvaceaeMalvalesStG
Dyschoristehard to separate, or hardly separatedAcanthaceaeLamialesStG
Dysosmabad smellBerberidaceaeRanunculalesCS
Dysoxylumbad wood (the smell)MeliaceaeSapindalesSt
EbenusGreek and Latin name[4]FabaceaeFabalesStG
Ecballiumejection (the ripe seeds are forcefully ejected)CucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesStG
Eccremocarpushanging fruitBignoniaceaeLamialesCSG
Echidnopsisviper-like (the stems)ApocynaceaeGentianalesSt
Echinaceahedgehog (the spiny scales)[e]AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Echinocactushedgehog cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Echinocereushedgehog Cereus (the spiny fruit)CactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Echinochloahedgehog grassPoaceaePoalesStG
Echinocystishedgehog bladder (the fruit)CucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesSt
Echinodorushedgehog bag or spearAlismataceaeAlismatalesStG
Echinopshedgehog-like (the thistle's flower heads)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Echinopsishedgehog-like (the round cactus)CactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
Echitesviper (the poisonous, entwining branches)ApocynaceaeGentianalesStG
EchiumGreek nameBoraginaceaeBoraginalesCSG
Edraianthussitting (sessile) flowersCampanulaceaeAsteralesStG
EidotheaEidothea, a mythological figureProteaceaeProtealesBu
ElaeagnusGreek name[4]ElaeagnaceaeRosalesCSG
Elaeisolive (oil)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
Elaeocarpusolive (oil) fruit[4]ElaeocarpaceaeOxalidalesStG
Elaeodendronolive treeCelastraceaeCelastralesSt
ElatineGreek and Latin name[4]ElatinaceaeMalpighialesStG
Elatostemaspringing male parts (the erect stamens)UrticaceaeRosalesStG
ElegiaelegyRestionaceaePoalesBa
ElettariaMalabar nameZingiberaceaeZingiberalesStG
EleusineEleusis (and its temple)PoaceaePoalesStG
Eleutherococcusunbound berriesAraliaceaeApialesBaG
ElleanthusHelle (a mythological princess) + flowerOrchidaceaeAsparagalesBu
ElodeamarshyHydrocharitaceaeAlismatalesStG
ElymusGreek namePoaceaePoalesCSG
Embothriumin a little pit (the anthers)ProteaceaeProtealesCSG
Emilia(unknown)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Emmenanthelasting flowersHydrophyllaceaeBoraginalesSt
Emmenopteryslasting wing (part of the calyx)RubiaceaeGentianalesStG
Empetrum(living) on rocks. Greek name.EricaceaeEricalesStG
Encelia(unclear)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Encephalartosin-head-bread (the mealy, edible tops of the trunks)ZamiaceaeCycadalesStG
EncycliaencirclingOrchidaceaeAsparagalesBa
Enkianthuspregnant flower (the first-named species of this genus has petal-like bracts surrounding the flowers)EricaceaeEricalesCSG
EnseteAmharic nameMusaceaeZingiberalesBaG
EntadaMalabar nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
Enteleacomplete (the fertile stamens)MalvaceaeMalvalesStG
EomeconGreek namePapaveraceaeRanunculalesCSG
Epacrissummit-dwellingEricaceaeEricalesStG
EphedraGreek and Latin name[4]EphedraceaeEphedralesStG
Epidendrumon treesOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Epigaeaon the earth (the branches)EricaceaeEricalesStG
Epilobiumon pods (the flowers)OnagraceaeMyrtalesCSG
EpimediumGreek nameBerberidaceaeRanunculalesCSG
EpipactisGreek and Latin nameOrchidaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Epiphyllumon leaves (the leaf-like flower stalks)CactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Epipremnum(growing) on tree trunksAraceaeAlismatalesBaG
Episciain the shadeGesneriaceaeLamialesStG
Epithelanthanipple-borne flowers (on tubercles)CactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Eragrostislove grass (the heart-shaped spikelets)PoaceaePoalesCSG
EranthemumGreek nameAcanthaceaeLamialesStG
Eranthisspringtime flowersRanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
EratoErato, a MuseAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
Eremaeasolitary (flowers)MyrtaceaeMyrtalesSt
Eremanthussolitary flowersAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Eremophiladesert-lovingScrophulariaceaeLamialesStG
Eremurusdesert tail (the large flower spikes)AsphodelaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Erepsiaroofed (the covered stamens)AizoaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
Eriawool (on the flowers)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
EricaGreek and Latin name[4]EricaceaeEricalesCSG
Erigeniaspringtime-bornApiaceaeApialesSt
ErigeronGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
ErinaceaLatin: hedgehogFabaceaeFabalesBaG
ErinusGreek namePlantaginaceaeLamialesCSG
Eriobotryawoolly bunch (the inflorescences)RosaceaeRosalesCSG
Eriocephaluswoolly headsAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Eriogonumwoolly nodesPolygonaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
EriopeEriopis, a mythological womanLamiaceaeLamialesBu
Eriophorumwool-bearing (the fruiting heads)CyperaceaePoalesCSG
Eriophyllumwoolly leavesAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Eriopidionwoolly leavesLamiaceaeLamialesBu
EriopsisEria-likeOrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
Eriostemonwoolly stamensRutaceaeSapindalesStG
Eritrichiumwoolly hairsBoraginaceaeBoraginalesStG
ErlangeaUniversity of Erlangen (now Erlangen–Nuremberg)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Erodiumheron (the long carpels or fruit)GeraniaceaeGeranialesCSG
ErucaLatin nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesCSG
ErycinaErykine, an epithet of the goddess VenusOrchidaceaeAsparagalesBu
EryngiumGreek nameApiaceaeApialesCSG
ErysimumGreek nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesCSG
ErythrinaredFabaceaeFabalesCSG
ErythroniumGreek nameLiliaceaeLilialesCSG
Erythroxylumred wood. Previously Erythroxylon.[4]ErythroxylaceaeMalpighialesStG
Eucalyptuswell-covered (the cap on the flower buds)MyrtaceaeMyrtalesCSG
Eucharischarming (the flowers)AmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Eucnidegood nettleLoasaceaeCornalesStG
Eucomisgood hair (the bracts above the inflorescences)AsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Eucommiagood gum[4]EucommiaceaeGarryalesStG
Eucryphiawell-hidden (by its sepals)CunoniaceaeOxalidalesCSG
Eulophiagood crests (on the lips)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Euodiagood fragranceRutaceaeSapindalesBaG
EuonymusGreek and Latin nameCelastraceaeCelastralesCSG
EupatoriumGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
EuphorbiaGreek and Latin name[4]EuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesCSG
EuphrasiadelightOrobanchaceaeLamialesStG
EuphrosyneEuphrosyne, a goddessAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
Eupteleagood elm[4]EupteleaceaeRanunculalesStG
EuryabroadPentaphylacaceaeEricalesStG
EuryaleEuryale of mythologyNymphaeaceaeNymphaealesStG
EurybiaEurybia, a goddessAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
Euryopslarge eye (the flower heads)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Eustomaidiom for a pretty face (the striking flowers)GentianaceaeGentianalesStG
Eustrephuswell-entwined (the climbing vines)AsparagaceaeAsparagalesStG
Eutaxiamodest or well-orderedFabaceaeFabalesSt
EuterpeEuterpe of mythologyArecaceaeArecalesStG
Euthamiawell-crowdedAsteraceaeAsteralesBa
Eutrochiumwell-wheeledAsteraceaeAsteralesBa
Evolvulusuntwisted (the vines)ConvolvulaceaeSolanalesStG
ExacumGallic and Latin nameGentianaceaeGentianalesStG
Exochordaexternal chord (on the ovary wall)RosaceaeRosalesCSG
Fagopyrumbeech wheatPolygonaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
FagusLatin name[4]FagaceaeFagalesCSG
FarfugiumLatin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
FasciculariaLatin: bundledBromeliaceaePoalesBaG
Fatsiaderived from a Japanese nameAraliaceaeApialesCSG
FaucariagulletAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Felicia(unclear)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
FenestrariaLatin: window (at the top of the leaves)AizoaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
FerocactusLatin: fierce + cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesCS
Feroniellalittle FeroniaRutaceaeSapindalesSt
FerulaLatin nameApiaceaeApialesCSG
FestucaLatin: straw or grass stalkPoaceaePoalesCSG
FicariaFicus-likeRanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
FicusLatin nameMoraceaeRosalesCSG
FilagoMedieval Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
FilipendulaLatin: thread-hanging (the tubers)RosaceaeRosalesCSG
FoeniculumLatin nameApiaceaeApialesCSG
FokieniaFujian, a province of ChinaCupressaceaePinalesBaG
Fragariafrom Latin: fraga (strawberry)RosaceaeRosalesCSG
FrangulaLatin: brittle. Medieval Latin name.RhamnaceaeRosalesBaG
FraxinusLatin nameOleaceaeLamialesCSG
FreyaFreyja, a goddessAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
FritillariaLatin: dice box (the checkered flowers)LiliaceaeLilialesCSG
FumariaMedieval Latin namePapaveraceaeRanunculalesStG
GaiadendronGaia (a goddess) + treeLoranthaceaeSantalalesBu
Galactitesmilky (the veins)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Galanthusmilky flowersAmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Galaxmilk (the flowers)DiapensiaceaeEricalesCSG
Galeandrahelmet (-capped) stamensOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Galegaderived from gala, milk; named gallica herba in LatinFabaceaeFabalesCSG
GaleopsisLatin nameLamiaceaeLamialesStG
GaliumGreek nameRubiaceaeGentianalesCSG
Gasteriabelly (the swollen flower base)AsphodelaceaeAsparagalesStG
Gastrochilusbelly (swollen) lipOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Geissorhizatiled rootsIridaceaeAsparagalesBaG
Geitonoplesiumnear-neighbourAsphodelaceaeAsparagalesStG
GelsemiumItalian name[4]GelsemiaceaeGentianalesCSG
GenipaGuyanese nameRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
GenistaLatin nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
Geogenanthusground-birth (low-growing) flowersCommelinaceaeCommelinalesStG
GeonomacolonistArecaceaeArecalesStG
Geraniumcrane (the fruit). Greek and Latin name.[4]GeraniaceaeGeranialesCSG
GeumLatin nameRosaceaeRosalesCSG
GevuinaChilean nameProteaceaeProtealesStG
GibbaeumLatin: humpedAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesBaG
GinkgoChinese and Japanese name[4]GinkgoaceaeGinkgoalesCSG
Gladioluslittle sword (the leaves)IridaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Glandoraglandular LithodoraBoraginaceaeBoraginalesBa
GlaucidiumGlaucium-likeRanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
Glauciumgreyish-blue-green (the leaves)PapaveraceaeRanunculalesCSG
GlebionisLatin: soilAsteraceaeAsteralesBa
GlechomaGreek nameLamiaceaeLamialesStG
GliricidiaLatin: dormouse-killing (derived from a Colombian name)FabaceaeFabalesStG
GlobbaIndonesian nameZingiberaceaeZingiberalesStG
Globularialittle globe (the flower heads)PlantaginaceaeLamialesCSG
GloriosaLatin: gloriousColchicaceaeLilialesCSG
Glottiphyllumtongue leavesAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Glumicalyxglume + calyxScrophulariaceaeLamialesBaG
Glyceriasweet (the seeds)PoaceaePoalesCSG
GlycinesweetFabaceaeFabalesCSG
Glycosmissweet scentRutaceaeSapindalesStG
Glycyrrhizasweet rootsFabaceaeFabalesCSG
Glyptostrobuscarved (pitted) conesCupressaceaePinalesStG
GnaphaliumGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
GnidiaKnidosThymelaeaceaeMalvalesStG
Gomphocarpusclub-shaped fruitApocynaceaeGentianalesBaG
Gompholobiumpeg-like podsFabaceaeFabalesStG
Gomphrenafrom a Latin nameAmaranthaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
Goniolimonangled LimoniumPlumbaginaceaeCaryophyllalesBaG
GossypiumLatin name, originally from ArabicMalvaceaeMalvalesStG
Grammatophyllummarked leavesOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Graptopetalumpainted petalsCrassulaceaeSaxifragalesStG
Graptophyllumpainted leavesAcanthaceaeLamialesStG
GratiolasatisfyingPlantaginaceaeLamialesStG
Gymnadenianaked glands (the stamens)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Gymnocalyciumnaked (flower) budsCactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Gymnocladusnaked branchesFabaceaeFabalesCSG
Gyneriumfemale wool (the woolly spikelets on the female plants)PoaceaePoalesStG
Gynurafemale tail (the long stigmas)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Gypsophilagypsum-lovingCaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
Habenariarein (the spurs and lips)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Habranthusgraceful flowersAmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Haemanthusblood flowersAmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Haematoxylumblood wood (yielding a red dye)FabaceaeFabalesStG
HakonechloaMount Hakone (Japan) grassPoaceaePoalesBaG
HalimiumseasideCistaceaeMalvalesCSG
Halimodendron(salt-tolerant) seaside treeFabaceaeFabalesCSG
Hamadryasdryads (tree nymphs)RanunculaceaeRanunculalesBuG
HamamelisGreek name[4]HamamelidaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Haplopappussingle pappusAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Harpephyllumsickle leavesAnacardiaceaeSapindalesStG
Hebanthepubescent flowerAmaranthaceaeCaryophyllalesBu
Hedeomafrom a Greek nameLamiaceaeLamialesStG
HederaLatin nameAraliaceaeApialesCSG
Hedychiumsweet snow (the scented white flowers)ZingiberaceaeZingiberalesCSG
Hedyotissweet earRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
HedysarumGreek nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
Hedyscepesweet covering (the flowers)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
HeleniumGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Heliamphoramarsh jar (a pitcher plant)SarraceniaceaeEricalesStG
Helianthellalittle HelianthusAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Helianthemumsunny flowers (the habitat)CistaceaeMalvalesCSG
Helianthussunflowers (the appearance)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Helichrysumsun of gold (the flowers)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Helicodicerostwo spiral horns (at the base of the leaves)AraceaeAlismatalesStG
HeliconiaLatin name, from Mount Helicon[4]HeliconiaceaeZingiberalesStG
Helictotrichontwisted hairPoaceaePoalesBaG
Heliophilasun-lovingBrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
Heliopsissun-like (the flowers)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Heliotropiumsun-facingBoraginaceaeBoraginalesCSG
HelleborusGreek nameRanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
Hellenocarum"Greek" + CarumApiaceaeApialesBu
HeloniasmarshMelanthiaceaeLilialesStG
HeloniopsisHelonias-likeMelanthiaceaeLilialesStG
Hemerocallisone-day beauty (the ephemeral flowers). Greek and Latin name.AsphodelaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Hemiandrahalf male-part (the reduced stamens)LamiaceaeLamialesStG
Hemigraphishalf-brush (the hairy filaments)AcanthaceaeLamialesStG
Hemipteleahalf elm (the half-winged fruit)UlmaceaeRosalesStG
Hepaticaliver (the leaves)RanunculaceaeRanunculalesStG
Heptacodiumseven-headed (poppy)CaprifoliaceaeDipsacalesBaG
HeracleumHeracles of mythologyApiaceaeApialesCSG
Herniaria(a remedy for) herniaCaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Herpolirioncreeping lilyAsphodelaceaeAsparagalesBaG
Hesperaloewestern AloeAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Hesperanthaevening flowersIridaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Hesperisevening (when the flower scent is strongest)BrassicaceaeBrassicalesCSG
Hesperocalliswestern beautyAsparagaceaeAsparagalesBaG
Heterantheradiverse anthers (one is larger than the others)PontederiaceaeCommelinalesStG
Heterocentrondiverse spursMelastomataceaeMyrtalesStG
Heteromelesdiverse applesRosaceaeRosalesStG
Heterospathediverse spathesArecaceaeArecalesStG
Heterothecadifferent (seed) boxesAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
HeveaGuyanan nameEuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesStG
HibiscusGreek and Latin nameMalvaceaeMalvalesCSG
HieraciumGreek nameAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Hierochloesacred grass (for its use in ceremonies)PoaceaePoalesCSG
HimalayacalamusHimalayan reedPoaceaePoalesBaG
Hippeastrumhorse or rider star (the flowers)AmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Hippobromahorse-rage (it is poisonous)CampanulaceaeAsteralesStG
Hippocrepishorse shoe (the seed pods)FabaceaeFabalesCSG
HippophaeGreek nameElaeagnaceaeRosalesCSG
Hippurishorse tailPlantaginaceaeLamialesBaG
HoheriaMaori nameMalvaceaeMalvalesCSG
HolcusGreek and Latin namePoaceaePoalesCSG
Holodiscusundivided disk (the flowers)RosaceaeRosalesCSG
Homalanthusflat flowersEuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesStG
Homalomenaflat moon; mistranslation of a Malayan nameAraceaeAlismatalesSt
HordeumLatin namePoaceaePoalesCSG
HorminumGreek and Latin nameLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
HoweaLord Howe Island (the habitat)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
HumulusGerman nameCannabaceaeRosalesCSG
HuraSouth American nameEuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesStG
HyacinthellaHyacinth, a mythological heroAsparagaceaeAsparagalesBuG
HyacinthoidesHyacinthus-likeAsparagaceaeAsparagalesBuG
HyacinthusHyacinth of mythology. Greek and Latin name.AsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Hydrangeawater container (the cup-shaped capsules)[4]HydrangeaceaeCornalesCSG
Hydrastiswater, by analogy with HydrophyllumRanunculaceaeRanunculalesStG
Hydriastelewater column (tree)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
Hydrillalittle water serpent, possiblyHydrocharitaceaeAlismatalesStG
Hydrochariswater grace[4]HydrocharitaceaeAlismatalesStG
Hydrocleyswater keyAlismataceaeAlismatalesCSG
Hydrocotylewater + shallow cup (the leaves)AraliaceaeApialesStG
Hydroleawater olive (the leaves)[4]HydroleaceaeSolanalesStG
Hydrophyllumwatery leavesRestionaceaePoalesStG
Hygrophilamoisture-lovingAcanthaceaeLamialesBaG
Hylocereusgrove cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Hylomecongrove poppyPapaveraceaeRanunculalesStG
Hylotelephiumforest TelephiumCrassulaceaeSaxifragalesBa
HymenaeaHymen of mythologyFabaceaeFabalesStG
Hymenocallismembrane beauty (on the stamens)AmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Hymenosporummembranous seedsPittosporaceaeApialesStG
Hymenoxysmembrane pointsAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
Hyophorbepig foodArecaceaeArecalesStG
Hyoscyamuspig (poor) beanSolanaceaeSolanalesStG
HypericumGreek and Latin name[4]ClusiaceaeMalpighialesCSG
Hyphaenemeshing (the fruit fibres)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
Hypocalymmabelow a veil (of sepals)MyrtaceaeMyrtalesStG
HypochaerisGreek and Latin name. Previously Hypochoeris.AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
HypoestesundercoverAcanthaceaeLamialesBaG
HypoxisGreek name[4]HypoxidaceaeAsparagalesStG
HyssopusGreek and Latin nameLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
IberisGreek nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesCSG
Ibicellalittle ibexMartyniaceaeLamialesStG
Ichtyoselmisfish + fishing line (the flowers)PapaveraceaeRanunculalesBa
IlexLatin nameAquifoliaceaeAquifolialesCSG
IlliciumLatin: enticementSchisandraceaeAustrobaileyalesCSG
ImpatiensLatin: impatient (the forcefully ejected fruit)BalsaminaceaeEricalesCSG
Indigoferaindigo-bearingFabaceaeFabalesCSG
IndocalamusLatin: East Indies + Greek: reedPoaceaePoalesBaG
IngaTupi–Guarani nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
InulaLatin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
IoIo, a mythological princessAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
Iochromaviolet colourSolanaceaeSolanalesStG
IogetonIo, a mythological princess, or rusty, or violetAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
Ionopsidiumviolet-likeBrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
IonopsisIo, a mythological princess, or violet-appearingOrchidaceaeAsparagalesBuG
Ipheionderived from a Greek name[8]AmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesStG
IphigeniaIphigenia, a mythological princessColchicaceaeLilialesBuG
Ipomoeaworm-like (the vines)ConvolvulaceaeSolanalesCSG
IpomopsisIpomoea-likePolemoniaceaeEricalesBaG
IrenepharsusEirene (a goddess) + divisionBrassicaceaeBrassicalesBu
Iresinewoolly branches, possiblyAmaranthaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
Irisrainbow (the flowers)IridaceaeAsparagalesCSG
IsatisGreek nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesCSG
IsmeneIsmene, a mythological princessAmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesBuG
Isolepisequal scalesCyperaceaePoalesBaG
Isopogonevenly bearded (the fruit)ProteaceaeProtealesStG
IsopyrumGreek and Latin nameRanunculaceaeRanunculalesStG
Isotomaequal sections (in the flowers)CampanulaceaeAsteralesStG
IteaGreek name[4]IteaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
IxiaGreek and Latin name[4]IridaceaeAsparagalesStG
IxiolirionIxia + lily[4]IxioliriaceaeAsparagalesStG
Ixoraderived from SanskritRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
JaborosaArabic nameSolanaceaeSolanalesBaG
JacarandaBrazilian nameBignoniaceaeLamialesStG
Jacmaiaanagram of JamaicaAsteraceaeAsteralesBuG
JanusiaJanus, a godMalpighiaceaeMalpighialesBu
JasioneGreek nameCampanulaceaeAsteralesStG
JasminumPersian nameOleaceaeLamialesCSG
Jatrophadoctor food (it is a purgative)EuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesStG
JuaniaJuan Fernández Islands in the Valparaíso Region of ChileArecaceaeArecalesBuG
JuglansLatin name[4]JuglandaceaeFagalesCSG
Juncusbinding. Latin name.[4]JuncaceaePoalesCSG
JuniperusLatin nameCupressaceaePinalesCSG
KadsuraJapanese nameSchisandraceaeAustrobaileyalesStG
Kalanchoederived from a Chinese nameCrassulaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Kalopanaxattractive PanaxAraliaceaeApialesCSG
KigeliaMozambique nameBignoniaceaeLamialesStG
KirengeshomaJapanese nameHydrangeaceaeCornalesCSG

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.
  • Burkhardt, Lotte (2018). Verzeichnis eponymischer Pflanzennamen – Erweiterte Edition [Index of Eponymic Plant Names – Extended Edition] (pdf) (in German). Berlin: Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum, Freie Universität Berlin. doi:10.3372/epolist2018. ISBN 978-3-946292-26-5. S2CID 187926901. Retrieved January 1, 2021. See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ for license.
  • Christenhusz, Maarten; Fay, Michael Francis; Chase, Mark Wayne (2017). Plants of the World: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Vascular Plants. Chicago, Illinois: Kew Publishing and The University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-52292-0.
  • Coombes, Allen (2012). The A to Z of Plant Names: A Quick Reference Guide to 4000 Garden Plants. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. ISBN 978-1-60469-196-2.
  • Cullen, Katherine E. (2006). Biology: The People Behind the Science. New York, New York: Infobase Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8160-7221-7.
  • Gledhill, David (2008). The Names of Plants. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-86645-3.
  • 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.
  • Stearn, William (2002). Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. London: Cassell. ISBN 978-0-304-36469-5.

Further reading

  • Brown, Roland (1956). Composition of Scientific Words. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 978-1-56098-848-9.
  • Lewis, Charlton (1891). An Elementary Latin Dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-910205-1. Available online at the Perseus Digital Library.
  • Liddell, Henry George; Scott, Robert (2013) [1888/1889]. An Intermediate Greek–English Lexicon. Mansfield Centre, Connecticut: Martino Fine Books. ISBN 978-1-61427-397-4. Available online at the Perseus Digital Library.
  • Quattrocchi, Umberto (2000). CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names, Volume II, D–L. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. ISBN 978-0-8493-2676-9.