List of plant genus names with etymologies (L–P)

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]

""
Margyricarpus, derived from the Greek for "pearl fruit"

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

Lachnanthes[a]
Lactuca sap
Lagarosiphon
Lagenaria
Lagurus
Lamium
Lampranthus
Illustration of Lathraea
Leonotis
Illustration of Leontodon
Leontopodium
Leonurus
Leptotes
Leucadendron
Leucaena
Leucanthemum and a butterfly
Leucheria
Ligularia
Limnanthes
Limnobium in an aquarium
Limnocharis
Limonium
Liparis
Liquidambar
Lithops
Lithospermum seeds
Lonchocarpus
Lophophora
Loropetalum
Lunaria
Mammillaria
Manulea
Maxillaria
Melocactus
Menispermum seeds
Micranthemum
Mitraria
Molopospermum
Momordica
Moneses
Monstera in a clothing shop window
Mormodes
Myoporum
Myosurus
Myriocephalus
Nemophila
Nertera
Nidularium
Niphaea
Nolana
Omphalodes
Orbea
Illustration of Orchis
Ormosia-seed necklaces
Oxypetalum
Pachycereus
Potted Pachyphytum
Pachyrhizus root
Pachystachys
Paphiopedilum
Paris
Pediocactus
Pelargonium
Peniocereus
Pennisetum
Pentas
Periploca
Peristeria
Petrorhagia
Phaius


Genera
Genus[b]Meaning or derivationFamily[4]Order[4]RefG
LablabArabic name[c]FabaceaeFabalesBaG
LaburnumLatin nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
LacaenaHelen of Troy[d]OrchidaceaeAsparagalesBu
Lachnantheswoolly flowersHaemodoraceaeCommelinalesSt
LactucaLatin: milky (the sap)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Lagarosiphonnarrow tubesHydrocharitaceaeAlismatalesStG
Lagarostrobosloose or narrow conesPodocarpaceaePinalesBaG
Lagenandraflask-like male parts (the anthers)AraceaeAlismatalesSt
Lagenariaflask-like (the fruits)CucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesStG
Lagotisrabbit earsPlantaginaceaeLamialesStG
Lagurusrabbit tail (the inflorescences)PoaceaePoalesStG
LamiumOpen mouth (the flowers). Latin name.[4]LamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Lampranthusshining flowersAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Lamprocapnosbright smokePapaveraceaeRanunculalesBa
LantanaMedieval Latin nameVerbenaceaeLamialesCSG
LapsanaGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
LarixLatin namePinaceaePinalesCSG
LaserpitiumLatin nameApiaceaeApialesStG
Latanianame from MauritiusArecaceaeArecalesStG
Lathraeahidden (the parasitic underground stems)OrobanchaceaeLamialesStG
LathyrusGreek nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
LaureliaLatinised Spanish nameAthero­spermataceaeLauralesStG
LaureliopsisLaurelia-likeMonimiaceaeLauralesBa
LaurusLatin name[4]LauraceaeLauralesCSG
LavandulaLatin: washing (used in soap)LamiaceaeLamialesCSG
LemnaGreek nameAraceaeAlismatalesStG
LensLatin nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
Leonotislion ears (the flowers)LamiaceaeLamialesCSG
LeonticeGreek nameBerberidaceaeRanunculalesBaG
Leontodonlion teeth (the leaf edges)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Leontopodiumlion feetAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Leonuruslion tails (the inflorescences)LamiaceaeLamialesStG
LepidiumGreek and Latin nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
Lepidozamiascaly ZamiaZamiaceaeCycadalesBaG
Lepismiumscales (around the areoles)CactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
LeptinellaslenderAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
Leptodermisthin skin (the bracteoles)RubiaceaeGentianalesStG
Leptopyrumslender grain (the fruits)RanunculaceaeRanunculalesSt
Leptospermumslender seedsMyrtaceaeMyrtalesCSG
Leptotesdelicacy (the thin, terete leaves)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
LethiaLethe, a mythological riverIridaceaeAsparagalesBu
Leucadendronwhite tree (the leaves)ProteaceaeProtealesStG
Leucaenawhite (the flowers)FabaceaeFabalesStG
Leucanthemumwhite flowersAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
LeucheriawhiteAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Leucocorynewhite club (the staminodes)AmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Leucocrinumwhite CrinumAsparagaceaeAsparagalesStG
Leucogeneswhite + (perhaps) nobilityAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
Leucojumwhite and violetAmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Leucopogonwhite beardEricaceaeEricalesBaG
Leucosceptrumwhite scepterLamiaceaeLamialesBaG
Leucospermumwhite seedsProteaceaeProtealesBaG
LeucothoeGreek mythological nameEricaceaeEricalesCSG
LevisticumLatin: (medicinal) reliefApiaceaeApialesCSG
Leymusanagram of the related ElymusPoaceaePoalesBaG
Liatrisuncertain; possibly booty or bald[8]AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Libocedrusteardrop Cedrus (cedar resin)CupressaceaePinalesStG
LicualaMoluccan nameArecaceaeArecalesStG
LigulariaLatin: strap (the ray florets)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
LigusticumGreek nameApiaceaeApialesCSG
LigustrumLatin nameOleaceaeLamialesCSG
LiliumLatin name[4]LiliaceaeLilialesCSG
Limnanthesmarsh flowers[4]LimnanthaceaeBrassicalesStG
Limnobiummarsh lifeHydrocharitaceaeAlismatalesSt
Limnocharismarsh beautyAlismataceaeAlismatalesStG
LimoniumMeadow. Greek name.[7][8]PlumbaginaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
LinanthusLinum (flax) flowersPolemoniaceaeEricalesStG
LinariaLinum-likePlantaginaceaeLamialesCSG
LinumLatin nameLinaceaeMalpighialesCSG
Liparisoily (the leaves)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
LiquidambarLatin: liquid amber (the resin)AltingiaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Liriodendronlily treeMagnoliaceaeMagnolialesCSG
LiriopeGreek mythological nameAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
LitchiChinese nameSapindaceaeSapindalesStG
Lithocarpusstone fruit (the nuts)FagaceaeFagalesCSG
Lithodorastone gift (rocky habitat)BoraginaceaeBoraginalesCSG
Lithophragmastone wall. Possibly an error,[9] but some species do grow in stone walls.[8]SaxifragaceaeSaxifragalesStG
Lithopsstony appearanceAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
Lithospermumstone seeds. Latin name.BoraginaceaeBoraginalesStG
LithraeaChilean nameAnacardiaceaeSapindalesSt
LitseaChinese nameLauraceaeLauralesStG
Loasaprobably a South American name[4]LoasaceaeCornalesStG
LobulariaGreek and Latin: little podsBrassicaceaeBrassicalesCSG
LoliumLatin namePoaceaePoalesStG
Lomandrafringed male partsAsparagaceaeAsparagalesBaG
Lomatiawith borders (the seed margins)ApiaceaeApialesCSG
LomatiumfringeApiaceaeApialesBaG
Lonas(unknown)AsteraceaeAsteralesSt
Lonchocarpuslance fruitFabaceaeFabalesStG
Lophomyrtuscrested MyrtusMyrtaceaeMyrtalesBaG
Lophophoracrest-bearing (the tufts)CactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Lophospermumcrested seedsPlantaginaceaeLamialesBaG
LordhoweaOntong Java Atoll, formerly the Lord Howe Atoll, in the Solomon IslandsAsteraceaeAsteralesBuG
Loropetalumstrap petalsHamamelidaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
LotusGreek nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
LuculiaNepalese nameRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
Ludisia(unknown)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesBa
LuffaArabic nameCucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesStG
LumaMapuche nameMyrtaceaeMyrtalesBaG
LunariaLatin: moon-like (the seed pods)BrassicaceaeBrassicalesCSG
LupinusLatin nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
Luzulapossibly Latin: small light (from the dewy sparkle), or yellowish, or Italian for a bioluminescent insectJuncaceaePoalesCSG
Lycaste(unclear)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
LycianthesLycium + flowerSolanaceaeSolanalesBa
LyciumGreek and Latin name for a shrub from LyciaSolanaceaeSolanalesCSG
Lycopuswolf foot (the leaves)LamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Lysichitondissolving cloak (the spathes)AraceaeAlismatalesCSG
Lysionotusreleasing in the back (the capsule suture)GesneriaceaeLamialesStG
Lythrumbloody (the flowers)[4]LythraceaeMyrtalesCSG
Machaerantherasword anthersAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
MachaoniaMachaon, a mythological heroRubiaceaeGentianalesBu
Macradenialong gland (pollen stalks)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Macrozamialarge ZamiaZamiaceaeCycadalesStG
MadhucaSanskrit nameSapotaceaeEricalesSt
MadiaChilean nameAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
MaesaArabic namePrimulaceaeEricalesStG
MagdalenaeaSanta Maria Madalena, Rio de Janeiro, in BrazilOrobanchaceaeLamialesBu
MaianthemumMay flowersAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
MaihueniaMapuche nameCactaceaeCaryophyllalesBa
MalachraMalvaMalvaceaeMalvalesSt
MallotuswoollyEuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesStG
MalopeLatin nameMalvaceaeMalvalesStG
MalusGreek and Latin nameRosaceaeRosalesCSG
MalvaLatin name[4]MalvaceaeMalvalesCSG
MalvastrumLatin: mallow-likeMalvaceaeMalvalesStG
MalvaviscusLatin: mallow stickinessMalvaceaeMalvalesStG
MammeaWest Indian nameCalophyllaceaeMalpighialesStG
MammillariaLatin: nippledCactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
MandragoraGreek and Latin nameSolanaceaeSolanalesStG
MangiferaIndian nameAnacardiaceaeSapindalesStG
ManihotBrazilian nameEuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesStG
ManilkaraSouth Indian nameSapotaceaeEricalesSt
ManuleaLatin: hand, from the finger-like petalsScrophulariaceaeLamialesSt
Margyricarpuspearl fruitRosaceaeRosalesStG
MarrubiumLatin nameLamiaceaeLamialesStG
MascarenhasiaMascarene IslandsApocynaceaeGentianalesStG
MatricariaLatin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
MauritiaSurinamese nameArecaceaeArecalesSt
Maxillariaresembling an insect maxillaOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
MayacaFrench Guianese name[4]MayacaceaePoalesStG
MaytenusChilean nameCelastraceaeCelastralesCSG
Mazusteat, for swellings on the lower lip of the flowers[4]MazaceaeLamialesCSG
Meconopsispoppy-likePapaveraceaeRanunculalesCSG
MedeolaMedea of mythologyLiliaceaeLilialesStG
MedicagoGreek and Latin nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
MedusagyneMedusa (a mythological monster) + female partsOchnaceaeMalpighialesBu
MedusandraMedusa (a mythological monster) + male partsPeridiscaceaeSaxifragalesBu
MedusanthaMedusa (a mythological monster) + flowersLamiaceaeLamialesBu
MedusantheraMedusa (a mythological monster) + flowersStemonuraceaeAquifolialesBu
MegahertziaRoaring Meg falls, or their waterway, in Queensland, AustraliaProteaceaeProtealesBu
Megaskepasmalarge covering (the bracts)AcanthaceaeLamialesSt
Melaleucablack and whiteMyrtaceaeMyrtalesStG
MelampodiumMelampus, a legendary oracleAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
Melanthiumdark flowers[4]MelanthiaceaeLilialesSt
Melasphaerulablack small bulbsIridaceaeAsparagalesStG
Melastomablack mouth. (The berries stain the mouth when eaten.)[4]MelastomataceaeMyrtalesStG
MeliaGreek name[4]MeliaceaeSapindalesCSG
Melianthushoney flowers, for its nectarFrancoaceaeGeranialesCSG
Melicahoney, for its sweet sapPoaceaePoalesCSG
Melicoccushoney berries. Previously Melicocca.SapindaceaeSapindalesStG
Melicopehoney cuttingRutaceaeSapindalesBaG
Melicytushoney jarViolaceaeMalpighialesStG
Melilotushoney lotus or honey cloverFabaceaeFabalesStG
Melinishoney or blackishPoaceaePoalesBaG
Meliosmahoney-scentedSabiaceaeProtealesStG
Melissahoney beeLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Melittishoney-bearing or honey beeLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Melliodendronhoney treeStyracaceaeEricalesBa
MelocactusLatin: melon cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
MelothriaGreek and Latin nameCucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesStG
Menispermummoon seeds[4]MenispermaceaeRanunculalesStG
MenthaMinthe of mythologyLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Menyanthessmall flowers[4] or moon flowersMenyanthaceaeAsteralesCSG
MercurialisMercury of mythologyEuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesStG
MeropeMerope, one of the mythological PleiadesRutaceaeSapindalesBu
Merytabunching (the male flower heads)AraliaceaeApialesStG
Mesembryanthemummiddle embryo flower (the ovaries)AizoaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Metrosideroscore of ironMyrtaceaeMyrtalesStG
MeumGreek and Latin nameApiaceaeApialesCSG
Micranthemumsmall flowersLinderniaceaeLamialesSt
Microbiotasmall Biota (now Platycladus)CupressaceaePinalesBaG
Microcachryssmall conesPodocarpaceaePinalesBaG
Microglossasmall tongue (the ray florets)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
MiliumLatin namePoaceaePoalesBaG
Mimosamimic (the leaves)FabaceaeFabalesCSG
MimulusLatin: little mimic (the flowers)PhrymaceaeLamialesCSG
Mimusopsmonkey-faceSapotaceaeEricalesStG
MirabellaMirabela, BrazilCactaceaeCaryophyllalesBu
MirabilisLatin: wonderfulNyctaginaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
Miscanthusstalk-flower (the small flower spikes)PoaceaePoalesCSG
Mitellasmall caps (the fruit)SaxifragaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Mitrariacap or turban (the fruit or inflorescences)GesneriaceaeLamialesCSG
Molopospermumstriped seedsApiaceaeApialesStG
MoluccellaMolucca (unknown connection)LamiaceaeLamialesCSG
MomordicaLatin: bitten (appearance of the seeds)CucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesStG
Monanthessingle-flowered (the type specimen)CrassulaceaeSaxifragalesSt
Monesessingle (flowered)EricaceaeEricalesStG
MonsteraLatin: monstrous (the leaves)AraceaeAlismatalesCSG
MorindaLatin name + IndianRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
MoringaLatinised Tamil name[4]MoringaceaeBrassicalesStG
Mormodeshobgoblin (the odd flowers)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
MorusGreek and Latin nameMoraceaeRosalesCSG
MoschariamuskAsteraceaeAsteralesSt
MucunaBrazilian nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
MukdeniaMukden (now Shenyang), ChinaSaxifragaceaeSaxifragalesBa
MulgediumLatin: milking (from the sap)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
MusaLatinised Arabic name;[4] also Antonius Musa (63 BC – 14)[6]MusaceaeZingiberalesStG
MuscariTurkish nameAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
MussaendaLatinised Sinhalese nameRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
Myoporumclosed pore (spots on the leaves)ScrophulariaceaeLamialesStG
Myosotidiumderived from MyosotisBoraginaceaeBoraginalesCSG
Myosotismouse ear (the leaves)BoraginaceaeBoraginalesCSG
Myosurusmouse tail (the flower stalks)RanunculaceaeRanunculalesStG
MyricaGreek and Latin name[4]MyricaceaeFagalesCSG
MyricariaMyrica-likeTamaricaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Myriocephalusmyriad heads (from the compound flower heads)AsteraceaeAsteralesSt
Myriophyllummyriad leavesHaloragaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Myristicafragrant ointment[4]MyristicaceaeMagnolialesStG
Myrmecodiaant-placeRubiaceaeGentianalesBa
Myroxylonfragrant-oil woodFabaceaeFabalesSt
MyrrhisGreek nameApiaceaeApialesCSG
MyrsineGreek namePrimulaceaeEricalesStG
Myrtillocactusmyrtle cactus (for the myrtle-like fruit)CactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
MyrtusGreek and Latin nameMyrtaceaeMyrtalesCSG
Mystacidiummustache (the fringes)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
NajasnaiadHydrocharitaceaeAlismatalesStG
NandinaJapanese nameBerberidaceaeRanunculalesCSG
Nannorrhopsdwarf bushArecaceaeArecalesStG
NapaeaNapaeae, nymphs of the woodsMalvaceaeMalvalesBu
NapeanthusNapaeae (nymphs of the woods) + flowersGesneriaceaeLamialesBu
NarcissusNarcissus of mythologyAmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesCSG
NartheciumGreek name[4]NartheciaceaeDioscorealesStG
NassellaLatin: narrow-necked wicker basketPoaceaePoalesBa
Nasturtiumtwisted noseBrassicaceaeBrassicalesBaG
Naucleaship, possiblyRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
Nautilocalyxnautilus-calyx, possiblyGesneriaceaeLamialesSt
NelumboSinhalese name[4]NelumbonaceaeProtealesStG
Nemastylisthread column (the styles)IridaceaeAsparagalesStG
Nematanthusthread flower (the flower stalks)RestionaceaePoalesStG
NemesiaGreek nameScrophulariaceaeLamialesCSG
Nemophilaclearing-lovingHydrophyllaceaeBoraginalesCSG
Neolitseanew LitseaLauraceaeLauralesBaG
Nepenthesantidepressant[4]NepenthaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
NepetaLatin nameLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
NephthytisNephthys of mythologyAraceaeAlismatalesStG
NeptuniaNeptune of mythology (for its habitat)FabaceaeFabalesStG
Nerinea sea nymphAmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesCSG
NeriumGreek and Latin nameApocynaceaeGentianalesCSG
Nerteralow (to the ground)RubiaceaeGentianalesCSG
NidulariumLatin: little nestBromeliaceaePoalesStG
NigellaLatin nameRanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
Niphaeasnowy (the flowers)GesneriaceaeLamialesStG
NipponanthemumJapan flowerAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
NolanaLatin: small bell (the flowers)SolanaceaeSolanalesStG
Nothofagusfalse Fagus[4]NothofagaceaeFagalesCSG
Notholirionfalse lilyLiliaceaeLilialesStG
Notholithocarpusfalse LithocarpusFagaceaeFagalesBa
Nothoscordumfalse garlicLiliaceaeLilialesStG
Notyliaback-bumps (on the stigmas)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
NupharArabic or Persian nameNymphaeaceaeNymphaealesStG
Nyctanthesnight-floweringOleaceaeLamialesStG
Nymphaeawater nymphs[4]NymphaeaceaeNymphaealesCSG
NymphoidesNymphaea-likeMenyanthaceaeAsteralesStG
NyssaNysa, a water nymph[4]NyssaceaeCornalesCSG
OberoniaOberon, a fairy kingOrchidaceaeAsparagalesBu
OberonioidesOberon, a fairy kingOrchidaceaeAsparagalesBu
OchnaGreek name[4]OchnaceaeMalpighialesStG
OcimumGreek and Latin nameFrankeniaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
OcoteaFrench Guyanese nameLauraceaeLauralesSt
Octomeriaeight-part (the pollinia)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
Odontadeniatooth gland (the pistils)ApocynaceaeGentianalesSt
Odysseaodyssey or long voyage, a reference to the many genera to which the plant has been assignedPoaceaePoalesBu
OenantheGreek nameApiaceaeApialesStG
Oenocarpuswine fruitArecaceaeArecalesStG
OenotheraGreek and Latin nameOnagraceaeMyrtalesCSG
OleaLatin name[4]OleaceaeLamialesCSG
Olsyniumlittle joined (stamens)IridaceaeAsparagalesBa
OmphaleaOmphale, a mythological queenEuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesBu
Omphalodesnavel-like (the seeds)BoraginaceaeBoraginalesCSG
Omphalogrammanavel-marked (the seeds)PrimulaceaeEricalesStG
Oncidiumlittle swelling (on the lips)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
OncobaArabic nameSalicaceaeMalpighialesStG
Onobrychis(unclear)FabaceaeFabalesStG
OnonisGreek and Latin nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
OnopordumGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
OnosmaGreek and Latin nameBoraginaceaeBoraginalesStG
OphiopogonGreek for a Japanese nameAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
OphrysGreek and Latin nameOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Oplismenusweapons (the appearance of the spikelets)PoaceaePoalesStG
Oplopanaxarmed Panax (the spines)AraliaceaeApialesStG
Opopanaxsap panaceaApiaceaeApialesStG
OpuntiaOpus, Greece. Latin name.CactaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
OrbeaLatin: discsApocynaceaeGentianalesSt
Orchistesticle (the root tubers)[4]OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Oreocereusmountain CereusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesBa
Oreopanaxmountain PanaxAraliaceaeApialesStG
OrestiasOrestes, a mythological heroOrchidaceaeAsparagalesBu
OriganumGreek and Latin nameLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Orixafrom a Japanese nameRutaceaeSapindalesStG
Ormosianecklace (one use of the seeds)FabaceaeFabalesStG
Ornithogalumbird's milk (the flowers or bulbs)AsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
OrobancheGreek and Latin name[4]OrobanchaceaeLamialesStG
OrontiumGreek nameAraceaeAlismatalesCSG
Orostachysmountain spikeCrassulaceaeSaxifragalesBaG
Oroxylummountain wood (one of its habitats). Previously Oroxylon.BignoniaceaeLamialesSt
OroyaLa Oroya, PeruCactaceaeCaryophyllalesBa
OrphiumOrpheus, a mythological prophetGentianaceaeGentianalesBuG
OrthaeaOrthaea, one of the mythological HyacinthidesEricaceaeEricalesBu
Orthocarpusupright fruitOrobanchaceaeLamialesStG
Orthophytumstraight plantBromeliaceaePoalesBa
OrthosiaOrthrus, a mythological monsterApocynaceaeGentianalesBu
Orthrosanthusmorning flowersIridaceaeAsparagalesStG
Orychophragmusdug-up partition (the pitted septa)BrassicaceaeBrassicalesSt
OryzaLatin and Greek namePoaceaePoalesStG
Osmanthusscented flowersOleaceaeLamialesCSG
Osteomelesbone apple (the nutlets)RosaceaeRosalesStG
Osteospermumbone seedAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
OstryaGreek and Latin nameBetulaceaeFagalesCSG
OstryopsisOstrya-likeBetulaceaeFagalesBaG
OsyrisLatin nameSantalaceaeSantalalesBuG
OtateaMexican namePoaceaePoalesSt
OthonnaGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Otteliafrom a Malabar nameHydrocharitaceaeAlismatalesStG
OxalisGreek and Latin name[4]OxalidaceaeOxalidalesCSG
Oxeraacid or acrid (the taste of the sap)LamiaceaeLamialesSt
Oxydendrumsharp tree (the taste of the leaves)EricaceaeEricalesCSG
Oxylobiumsharp small podsFabaceaeFabalesStG
Oxypetalumsharp petalsApocynaceaeGentianalesStG
Oxyriasharp (the taste)PolygonaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Oxytropissharp keels (on the flowers)FabaceaeFabalesStG
OziroeOziroe, a nymphAsparagaceaeAsparagalesBu
Ozothamnusstrong-smelling shrubAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
PachiraGuyanese nameMalvaceaeMalvalesStG
Pachycereusthick cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
Pachycormusthick, stripped trunkAnacardiaceaeSapindalesBa
Pachyphragmathick walls (the septa)BrassicaceaeBrassicalesCSG
Pachyphytumthick plantCrassulaceaeSaxifragalesStG
Pachypodiumthick footApocynaceaeGentianalesBaG
Pachyrhizusthick rootsFabaceaeFabalesStG
Pachysandrathick male parts (the stamens)BuxaceaeBuxalesCSG
Pachystachysthick spikesAcanthaceaeLamialesCSG
Pachystegiathick coverAsteraceaeAsteralesBa
PaederiaLatin: stinkyRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
PaeoniaGreek and Latin name[4]PaeoniaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
PalaquiumPhilippine nameSapotaceaeEricalesStG
Paliavanapossibly the palace of the Children of Palhavã in PortugalGesneriaceaeLamialesBu
PaliurusGreek and Latin nameRhamnaceaeRosalesStG
PanaxLatin nameAraliaceaeApialesStG
PancratiumGreek and Latin nameAmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesStG
PandanusMalay name[4]PandanaceaePandanalesStG
PandoreaPandora of mythologyBignoniaceaeLamialesCSG
PanicumLatin namePoaceaePoalesCSG
PapaverLatin name[4]PapaveraceaeRanunculalesCSG
Paphiaepithet of the goddess Aphrodite of PaphosEricaceaeEricalesBu
PaphiniaAphrodite of mythologyOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
PaphiopedilumAphrodite's slipper (the flower lips)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Paraquilegiasimilar to Aquilegia. Previously Paraquilega.RanunculaceaeRanunculalesStG
Paraserianthesalmost SerianthesFabaceaeFabalesBaG
ParietariaLatin: of walls (one habitat)UrticaceaeRosalesStG
ParisLatin: equal (the leaves)MelanthiaceaeLilialesCSG
ParnassiaMount Parnassus, GreeceCelastraceaeCelastralesStG
Parochetusnear rivulets (the habitat)FabaceaeFabalesStG
Paronychiaparonychia (a disease that these herbs were said to remedy)CaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
PartheniceLatin name; also an epithet of the goddess ArtemisAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
PartheniumGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Parthenocissusvirgin ivy, derived from the common nameVitaceaeVitalesCSG
PasitheaPasithea, a goddessAsphodelaceaeAsparagalesBuG
PaspalumGreek namePoaceaePoalesStG
PassifloraLatin: passion flowers[4]PassifloraceaeMalpighialesCSG
PastinacaLatin nameApiaceaeApialesCSG
PavettaSinhalese nameRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
Paxistimathick stigmasCelastraceaeCelastralesBaG
PedicularisLatin: louse (from folklore about the plant)OrobanchaceaeLamialesStG
Pediocactusplains cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
Pelargoniumstork (the beak-shaped fruit)GeraniaceaeGeranialesCSG
Pelecyphorahatchet-bearing (the tubercles)CactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
Peltandrashield-stamensAraceaeAlismatalesStG
Peltariashield-like (the leaves)BrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
Peltoboykiniasmall-shield BoykiniaSaxifragaceaeSaxifragalesBa
Peltophorumshield-bearing (the stigma)FabaceaeFabalesStG
PenelopeiaPenelope, a legendary heroineCucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesBu
Peniocereusfilament cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
Pennisetumfeather-bristle (the flower spikes)PoaceaePoalesCSG
Penstemonfive stamensPlantaginaceaeLamialesCSG
Pentaglottisfive tongues (on the corolla)BoraginaceaeBoraginalesStG
Pentasfives (the flower parts)RubiaceaeGentianalesStG
Peperomiapepper-likePiperaceaePiperalesCSG
Pericallisvery beautifulAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
Perillapossibly Latin: little bag (the calyx)LamiaceaeLamialesStG
Periplocaentwining (the corolla tubes)ApocynaceaeGentianalesStG
Peristeriadove-like (the orchid columns)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
Peristrophearound-twisting (the corolla tubes)AcanthaceaeLamialesStG
PerseaGreek nameLauraceaeLauralesCSG
Persicarialeaves like Persica (peach)PolygonaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
Petasitessun-hats (the leaves). Greek name.AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Petrocallisrock beauty (the habitat)BrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
Petrocosmearock ornamentGesneriaceaeLamialesBaG
PetromarulaCretan nameCampanulaceaeAsteralesSt
Petrophilerock lover. Previously Petrophila.ProteaceaeProtealesStG
Petrophytumrock plant. Previously Petrophyton.RosaceaeRosalesStG
Petrorhagiarock-breakingCaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
PetroselinumGreek and Latin nameApiaceaeApialesCSG
PetuniaTupi–Guarani nameSolanaceaeSolanalesCSG
PeucedanumGreek and Latin nameApiaceaeApialesCSG
PeumusChilean nameMonimiaceaeLauralesStG
Phaceliabundles (the flowers)HydrophyllaceaeBoraginalesCSG
Phaedranassabright queen (the flowers)AmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Phaiustwilight (the dark flowers)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Phalaenopsismoth-likeOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
PhalarisGreek and Latin namePoaceaePoalesCSG
PhaseolusLatin name, from a Greek nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
Phebaliumpossibly a Greek nameRutaceaeSapindalesStG
Phellodendroncork treeRutaceaeSapindalesCSG
Philesialoving[4]PhilesiaceaeLilialesStG
PhillyreaGreek nameOleaceaeLamialesCSG
Philodendrontree-loving (they are epiphytes)AraceaeAlismatalesCSG
Philothecaloving boxRutaceaeSapindalesBa
PhilyraGreek name; also from Philyra, a nymphEuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesBu
PhleumGreek namePoaceaePoalesStG
Phlomisflame (a use of the leaves)LamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Phloxflame (the flowers)PolemoniaceaeEricalesCSG
Phoebanthusbright (an epithet of the god Apollo) + flowerAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
PhoebePhoebe, a goddessLauraceaeLauralesBu
PhoenixGreek nameArecaceaeArecalesCSG
PholidotascalyOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Phormiumbasket or mat (uses of the leaf fibres)AsphodelaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Photiniashining (the foliage)RosaceaeRosalesCSG
Phragmipediumpartition slipper (the slipper-shaped lips)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
Phragmitesfence or hedge reedsPoaceaePoalesCSG
PhuopsisValeriana-likeRubiaceaeGentianalesCSG
Phygeliusfleeing the sun (they prefer shade)ScrophulariaceaeLamialesCSG
Phylatribes (probably the flower clusters)VerbenaceaeLamialesStG
PhylicaleafyRhamnaceaeRosalesStG
Phyllagathisleafy ball of thread (the bracts)MelastomataceaeMyrtalesSt
Phyllanthusleaf-flowers (the source of some flowers)[4]PhyllanthaceaeMalpighialesStG
PhyllisLatin name; also from Phyllis, a mythological princessRubiaceaeGentianalesBu
Phyllocladusleaf-branch (the flattened branches)PodocarpaceaePinalesStG
PhyllodoceNereid of mythologyEricaceaeEricalesStG
Phyllostachysleaf spike (the inflorescences)PoaceaePoalesCSG
Physalisbladders (the appearance of the fruit)SolanaceaeSolanalesCSG
Physariabladder-likeBrassicaceaeBrassicalesBaG
Physocarpusbladder fruitRanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
Physochlainabladder covering (the inflated calyx)SolanaceaeSolanalesCSG
Physoplexisbladder weaving (the corolla)CampanulaceaeAsteralesStG
Physostegiabladder roofing (the inflated calyx)LamiaceaeLamialesStG
Phytelephasplant-elephant (for the ivory-like nut)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
PhyteumaGreek and Latin nameCampanulaceaeAsteralesStG
Phytolaccaplant lac[4]PhytolaccaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
PiceaLatin namePinaceaePinalesCSG
PicrasmabitternessSimaroubaceaeSapindalesBaG
PierisPieria, the home of the mythological MusesEricaceaeEricalesCSG
PileaLatin: caps (the shape of the calyx)UrticaceaeRosalesCSG
Pilosellahairy + littleAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
Pilosocereushairy CereusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesBa
Pimeleafat or lard (its oils)ThymelaeaceaeMalvalesStG
PimentaSpanish nameMyrtaceaeMyrtalesStG
Pimpinellafrom a Medieval Latin nameApiaceaeApialesStG
PinangaMalayan nameArecaceaeArecalesSt
Pinguiculafatty (the leaves)LentibulariaceaeLamialesStG
PinusLatin name[4]PinaceaePinalesCSG
PiperLatin name, from Sanskrit and Greek names[4]PiperaceaePiperalesStG
Piptadeniafalling glands (of the stamens)FabaceaeFabalesStG
Piptanthusfalling flowers (all parts fall at the same time)FabaceaeFabalesCSG
PiscidiaLatin: fish-killing (a use of the plant)FabaceaeFabalesStG
PistaciaGreek and Latin nameAnacardiaceaeSapindalesCSG
PistiawaterAraceaeAlismatalesCSG
PisumGreek and Latin nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
PithecellobiumGreek rendering of a Brazilian name for "monkey's earring" (the fruit)FabaceaeFabalesStG
Pittosporumtar seeds[4]PittosporaceaeApialesCSG
Plagianthusasymmetrical flowersPoaceaePoalesStG
Plagiobothrysoblique scars (on the nutlets)BoraginaceaeBoraginalesSt
PlantagoLatin namePlantaginaceaeLamialesCSG
PlatanusGreek and Latin name[4]PlatanaceaeProtealesCSG
Platycaryabroad nutsJuglandaceaeFagalesStG
Platycladusbroad branchesCupressaceaePinalesBaG
Platycodonbroad bell (the flowers)CampanulaceaeAsteralesCSG
Platystemonbroad stamensPapaveraceaeRanunculalesSt
Plectranthusspur-flowersLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Pleioblastusmany budsPoaceaePoalesCSG
PleionePleione of mythologyOrchidaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Pleiospilosmany spots (on the leaves)AizoaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Pleurothallisside or rib branches (perhaps the inflorescences or stems)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
PlumbagoLatin name[4]PlumbaginaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
PoaGreek name[4]PoaceaePoalesCSG
Podachaeniumstalked achenesAsteraceaeAsteralesSt
PodalyriaPodalirius of mythologyFabaceaeFabalesStG
Podocarpusstalked fruit[4]PodocarpaceaePinalesCSG
Podolepisfoot of scales (the pedicels)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Podophyllumfoot-leaves (for the resemblance to duck's feet)BerberidaceaeRanunculalesCSG
Podraneaanagram of the related PandoreaBignoniaceaeLamialesStG
Pogonatherumbearded awn (the glumes)PoaceaePoalesStG
Pogoniabearded (the fringed lips)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
Pogostemonbearded stamensLamiaceaeLamialesSt
PolemoniumGreek and Latin name[4]PolemoniaceaeEricalesCSG
Poliothyrsisgrey paniclesSalicaceaeMalpighialesStG
PolygalaGreek and Latin name[4]PolygalaceaeFabalesCSG
PolygonatumGreek and Latin nameAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
PolygonumGreek and Latin name[4]PolygonaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Polylepismany scalesRosaceaeRosalesBaG
PolymniaPolyhymnia, a MuseAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
Polysciasmany sun-shades (the umbels)AraliaceaeApialesStG
Polysporamany seedsTheaceaeEricalesBa
Polystachyamany spikes (on the inflorescences)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Pomaderrislid of skin (on the capsules)RhamnaceaeRosalesStG
PopulusLatin nameSalicaceaeMalpighialesCSG
Poranapossibly from a Marathi nameConvolvulaceaeSolanalesStG
PortulacaLatin name[4]PortulacaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
PortulacariaPortulaca-likeDidiereaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
PosidoniaPoseidon, a godPosidoniaceaeAlismatalesBuG
PosoqueriaGuianan nameRubiaceaeGentianalesSt
PotamogetonGreek and Latin name[4]Potamo­getonaceaeAlismatalesStG
PotentillaLatin: potent (medicinally)RosaceaeRosalesCSG
PothosSinhalese nameAraceaeAlismatalesStG
PouteriaCarib nameSapotaceaeEricalesSt
PremnastumpLamiaceaeLamialesStG
Prenanthesdownward-facing flowersAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
PrimulaMedieval Latin name[4]PrimulaceaeEricalesCSG
PrimulinaPrimula-likeGesneriaceaeLamialesBaG
Proboscidea(elephant) trunks (the fruit)MartyniaceaeLamialesStG
ProcrisProcris, a mythological princessUrticaceaeRosalesBu
PromenaeaPromenaea, a Greek priestess of DodonaOrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
PrometheumPrometheus, a godCrassulaceaeSaxifragalesBu
ProsartesappendageLiliaceaeLilialesBa
ProserpinacaLatin nameHaloragaceaeSaxifragalesStG
ProsopisGreek nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
ProsperoProspero of William Shakespeare's The TempestAsparagaceaeAsparagalesBu
Prostantheraaddition to the anther (the spurs)LamiaceaeLamialesCSG
ProteaProteus of mythology[4]ProteaceaeProtealesStG
Prumnopityshindmost pinePodocarpaceaePinalesBaG
Prunellafrom a German nameLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
PrunusLatin nameRosaceaeRosalesCSG
PsammophorasandyAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
Pseuderanthemumfalse EranthemumAcanthaceaeLamialesStG
Pseudocydoniafalse CydoniaRosaceaeRosalesBaG
Pseudofumariafalse FumariaPapaveraceaeRanunculalesCS
Pseudogynoxysfalse GynoxisAsteraceaeAsteralesBa
Pseudolarixfalse LarixPinaceaePinalesCSG
Pseudopanaxfalse PanaxAraliaceaeApialesCSG
Pseudophoenixfalse PhoenixArecaceaeArecalesStG
Pseudosasafalse SasaPoaceaePoalesCSG
Pseudotsugafalse TsugaPinaceaePinalesCSG
Pseudowinterafalse Wintera (Drimys)WinteraceaeCanellalesCSG
PsidiumLatin name, from a Greek nameMyrtaceaeMyrtalesStG
Psophocarpusnoisy fruit (the exploding capsules)FabaceaeFabalesSt
PsoraleascabbyFabaceaeFabalesStG
Psychotriafrom a Greek nameRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
PteleaGreek nameRutaceaeSapindalesCSG
Pteridophyllumfern leavesPapaveraceaeRanunculalesStG
Pterocaryawinged nutsJuglandaceaeFagalesCSG
Pteroceltiswinged CeltisCannabaceaeRosalesBaG
Pterocephaluswinged head (the feathery fruiting heads)CaprifoliaceaeDipsacalesStG
Pterospermumwinged seedsMalvaceaeMalvalesSt
Pterostyraxwinged StyraxStyracaceaeEricalesCSG
Ptychospermafolded seedsArecaceaeArecalesStG
PulicariaLatin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
PulmonariaLatin: lungs, from the supposed resemblance to diseased lungsBoraginaceaeBoraginalesCSG
Pulsatilla(unclear)RanunculaceaeRanunculalesStG
PunicaLatin nameLythraceaeMyrtalesCSG
PuyaChilean name of Puya chilensisBromeliaceaePoalesCSG
Pycnanthemumdense flowersLamiaceaeLamialesStG
Pycnostachysdense spikesLamiaceaeLamialesStG
Pyracanthafire thornsRosaceaeRosalesCSG
Pyroladiminutive of PyrusEricaceaeEricalesStG
Pyrostegiafire roofs, from the upper lipBignoniaceaeLamialesStG
PyrusLatin nameRosaceaeRosalesCSG
Pyxidantheraboxed anthers (with lids)DiapensiaceaeEricalesStG

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.
  • Quattrocchi, Umberto (2019) [2000]. CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names, Volume III, M–Q. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. ISBN 978-0-367-44751-9.