List of plant genus names with etymologies (Q–Z)

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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Tigridia (from Latin for "tiger")

The first column below contains seed-bearing genera from Stearn and other sources as listed, excluding names with missing derivations and 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

Ranunculus[a]
Raphia
Rhaphithamnus
Rhipsalis
Rhodochiton
Rhododendron
Rhodospatha
Rhodothamnus
Rhynchosia
Rotala
Rubia illustration
Sagittaria
Salpichroa
Salpiglossis
Salsola
Sarcococca
Saxifraga
Scadoxus
Schizanthus
Schizopetalon
Scleranthus
Sclerocactus
Sedum
Senecio
Serratula
Setaria
Siphocampylus
Sparganium
Spathiphyllum
Spathoglottis
Spiranthes
Stellaria
Stenocarpus
Stenoglottis
Stictocardia
Strophanthus
Symphoricarpos
Telopea
Thelocactus
Thysanotus
Trichodiadema
Trichosanthes
Tricyrtis
Trifolium
Trillium
Trochodendron
Tulipa
Umbilicus
Utricularia
Uvaria
Vicia
Xanthisma
Xanthoceras
Zygopetalum
Genera
Genus[b]Meaning or derivationFamily[4]Order[4]RefG
QuercusLatin name[c]FagaceaeFagalesCSG
QuillajaChilean name[4]QuillajaceaeFabalesStG
RanunculusLatin: little frog (some species are aquatic)[4]RanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
RaphanusGreek and Latin nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesCSG
Raphianeedle (the fruit)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
RavenalaMalagasy nameStrelitziaceaeZingiberalesStG
Renantherakidney anther (the kidney-shaped pollen-masses)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
ResedaLatin name[4]ResedaceaeBrassicalesStG
RestioLatin: rope-makerRestionaceaePoalesBaG
RetamaArabic nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
Rhabdothamnusrod (twiggy) bushGesneriaceaeLamialesStG
RhamnusGreek and Latin name[4]RhamnaceaeRosalesCSG
Rhaphidophoraneedle-bearing (the fruit)AraceaeAlismatalesStG
Rhaphiolepisneedle scale (the bracteoles). Previously Raphiolepis.RosaceaeRosalesCSG
Rhaphithamnusneedle bush (the spines)VerbenaceaeLamialesStG
Rhapidophyllumneedle leaf (the spines at the base)ArecaceaeArecalesSt
Rhapisneedle (the leaf segments)ArecaceaeArecalesCSG
RheumGreek namePolygonaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
RhexiaLatin nameMelastomataceaeMyrtalesStG
Rhinanthusnose flowersOrobanchaceaeLamialesBaG
RhipsaliswickerCactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Rhodantherose-red flowersAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
Rhodanthemumrose-red flowersAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
Rhodiolalittle roseCrassulaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Rhodochitonrose-red cloak (the red calyx)PlantaginaceaeLamialesCSG
Rhodocomarose-red hairRestionaceaePoalesBa
Rhododendronrose-red tree. Greek and Latin name.EricaceaeEricalesCSG
Rhodohypoxisrose-red HypoxisHypoxidaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Rhodomyrtusrose-red myrtleMyrtaceaeMyrtalesSt
Rhodospatharose-red spatheAraceaeAlismatalesSt
Rhodothamnusrose-red shrub (the flowers)EricaceaeEricalesStG
Rhodotyposrose-red type (the flowers)RosaceaeRosalesCSG
Rhoicissusfrom Latin and Greek namesVitaceaeVitalesStG
Rhombophyllumrhomboid leavesAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Rhopalostylisclub pillar (the spadix)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
RhusGreek and Latin nameAnacardiaceaeSapindalesCSG
Rhynchelytrumbeak husk (on the flowers)PoaceaePoalesStG
Rhyncholaeliasnout LaeliaOrchidaceaeAsparagalesBa
Rhynchosiabeak (the lower petals)FabaceaeFabalesStG
Rhynchostylisbeak pillar (the column of the flowers)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
RibesArabic: acidic (the fruit). Arabic name.GrossulariaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
RicinusLatin: tick (the seeds)EuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesCSG
Ripogonumwicker knees (the many joints on the tangled stalks). Previously Rhipogonum.[4]RipogonaceaeLilialesStG
RobinsoniaDaniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe[d]AsteraceaeAsteralesBu
RockinghamiaRockingham Bay in Queensland, AustraliaEuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesBu
RomuleaRomulus of mythologyIridaceaeAsparagalesStG
RorippaGerman nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
RosaLatin name[4]RosaceaeRosalesCSG
RosseliaRossel Island of Papua New GuineaBurseraceaeSapindalesBu
Rosularialittle rosettesCrassulaceaeSaxifragalesBaG
Rotalawheel-like (the whorls of leaves)LythraceaeMyrtalesSt
RoupalaGuyanese nameProteaceaeProtealesSt
RubiaLatin: red (the roots, used in dyeing)[4]RubiaceaeGentianalesStG
RubusLatin nameRosaceaeRosalesCSG
RumexLatin namePolygonaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
RuscusLatin nameAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
RutaLatin name[4]RutaceaeSapindalesCSG
SabalSouth American nameArecaceaeArecalesStG
Sabaziaepithet of the god DionysusAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
SaccharumsugarPoaceaePoalesCSG
Saccolabiumbaggy lipOrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
SaginaLatin: fodderCaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
Sagittariaarrow (the leaves)AlismataceaeAlismatalesCSG
SalaciaSalacia, a goddessCelastraceaeCelastralesBu
SalicorniaLatin: salt (-marsh) horn (the branches)AmaranthaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
SalixLatin name[4]SalicaceaeMalpighialesCSG
Salpichroatrumpet + colour (the flowers)SolanaceaeSolanalesStG
Salpiglossistrumpet tongue (the style)SolanaceaeSolanalesStG
SalsolaLatin: salt (the habitat)AmaranthaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
SalviaLatin nameLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
SamaneaSouth American nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
SambucusLatin nameAdoxaceaeDipsacalesCSG
SamolusLatin namePrimulaceaeEricalesStG
SanguinariaLatin: blood (the sap)PapaveraceaeRanunculalesCSG
SanguisorbaLatin: blood-absorbing (the styptic roots)RosaceaeRosalesCSG
SaniculaLatin: little healerApiaceaeApialesBaG
SantalumGreek and Latin name[4]SantalaceaeSantalalesStG
SantolinaLatin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
SapindusLatin: soap of IndiaSapindaceaeSapindalesStG
SapiumLatin nameEuphorbiaceaeMalpighialesStG
SaponariaLatin: soapCaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
SaracaEast Indian nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
Sarcocaulonfleshy stemsGeraniaceaeGeranialesSt
Sarcochilusfleshy lipsOrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
Sarcococcafleshy berriesBuxaceaeBuxalesCSG
Sarcostemmafleshy garlandApocynaceaeGentianalesStG
Sarumaanagram of AsarumAristolochiaceaePiperalesBa
SasaJapanese namePoaceaePoalesCSG
SassafrasSpanish nameLauraceaeLauralesStG
SaturejaLatin name, from ArabicLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Satyriasatyrs, mythological creaturesEricaceaeEricalesBu
SatyriumGreek name; also from satyrs, mythological creaturesOrchidaceaeAsparagalesBuG
SauromatumlizardAraceaeAlismatalesStG
Saururuslizard tail[4]SaururaceaePiperalesStG
SaxifragaLatin: stone-breaking[4]SaxifragaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
ScabiosaitchingCaprifoliaceaeDipsacalesCSG
Scadoxusumbel gloryAmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesStG
SchimashadeTheaceaeEricalesBaG
SchinusGreek and Latin nameAnacardiaceaeSapindalesStG
Schisandradivided male parts (the anthers)[4]SchisandraceaeAustrobaileyalesCSG
Schismatoglottisdivided tongue (the spathes)AraceaeAlismatalesSt
Schizachyriumsplit chaffPoaceaePoalesBaG
Schizanthusdivided flowersSolanaceaeSolanalesStG
Schizocodondivided bell (the corollas)DiapensiaceaeEricalesSt
Schizolobiumdivided lobe (the pods)FabaceaeFabalesStG
Schizopetalondivided petalsBrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
Schizophragmadivided wall (the septa in the fruit)HydrangeaceaeCornalesCSG
Sciadopitysumbel or parasol + pine or fir (the leaves)[4]SciadopityaceaePinalesCSG
ScillaGreek and Latin nameAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
ScindapsusGreek nameAraceaeAlismatalesStG
ScirpusLatin nameCyperaceaePoalesCSG
Scleranthushard flowersCaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Sclerocactusharsh cactus (the spines)CactaceaeCaryophyllalesSt
Scoliopusbent (the flower stalks)LiliaceaeLilialesStG
ScolopiathornSalicaceaeMalpighialesBu
ScolymusGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Scopelogenahigh cliffs (the habitat)AizoaceaeCaryophyllalesBu
Scorpiurusscorpion tail (the pods)FabaceaeFabalesStG
ScorzoneraOld French and Italian derivationAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
ScrophulariaLatin: scrofula[4]ScrophulariaceaeLamialesCSG
ScutellariaLatin: saucer (on the fruiting calyx)LamiaceaeLamialesCSG
ScuticariaLatin: whip (the leaves)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
Scyphanthusbeaker flowersLoasaceaeCornalesStG
Scyphostegiabeaker coverSalicaceaeMalpighialesSt
SecaleLatin namePoaceaePoalesStG
Sechiumfrom a West Indian nameCucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesStG
SecuridacaLatin: axe (on the end of the pods)PolygalaceaeFabalesStG
SecurigeraLatin: axe-bearing (the pods are axe-shaped)FabaceaeFabalesStG
SedumLatin: sitting (on rocks and walls). Latin name.CrassulaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
SelagoLatin nameScrophulariaceaeLamialesBaG
SeleniaSelene, a moon goddessBrassicaceaeBrassicalesBu
Selenicereusmoon (night-blooming) CereusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Selenipediummoon sandal (the lip of the flowers)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
SelinumGreek nameApiaceaeApialesBaG
SemeleSemele of mythologyAsparagaceaeAsparagalesStG
SemiaquilegiaLatin: half AquilegiaRanunculaceaeRanunculalesBaG
SemiarundinariaLatin: half ArundinariaPoaceaePoalesBaG
SempervivumLatin: ever-living. Latin name.CrassulaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
SenecioLatin: old man (the whitish hairs on the fruit)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
SennaArabic nameFabaceaeFabalesBaG
SerapiasSerapis of mythologyOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Sericocarpussilky fruitAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
SerissaEast Indian nameRubiaceaeGentianalesStG
SerratulaLatin: little saw (the leaf edges)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
SesamumGreek and Latin name, from a Semitic namePedaliaceaeLamialesStG
Sesbaniafrom an Arabic nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
SeseliGreek and Latin nameApiaceaeApialesStG
Setariabristles (on the spikelet)PoaceaePoalesCSG
SibiraeaSiberiaRosaceaeRosalesStG
Sicanafrom a Peruvian nameCucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesSt
SicyosGreek and Latin nameCucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesStG
SidaGreek nameMalvaceaeMalvalesStG
Sidalceafrom Sida and AlceaMalvaceaeMalvalesCSG
Siderasisrusty fur (the reddish hair)CommelinaceaeCommelinalesSt
SideritisGreek and Latin nameLamiaceaeLamialesStG
Sideroxyloniron woodSapotaceaeEricalesStG
SiegfriediaSiegfried, a legendary heroRhamnaceaeRosalesBu
SileneGreek nameCaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
SilphiumGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
SilybumGreek nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
SimethisSymaethis, one of the Naiads of Greek myth. Also Symethus.AsphodelaceaeAsparagalesStG
SinapisLatin nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
SinobambusaChinese BambusaPoaceaePoalesBaG
SinomeniumChinese moon (the curved fruit-stone)MenispermaceaeRanunculalesStG
Siphocampylustubes bending (the corollas)CampanulaceaeAsteralesStG
SisymbriumGreek and Latin nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
SisyrinchiumGreek nameIridaceaeAsparagalesCSG
SiumGreek nameApiaceaeApialesStG
Skimmiafrom a Japanese nameRutaceaeSapindalesCSG
SmilaxGreek and Latin name[4]SmilacaceaeLilialesCSG
Smyrniummyrrh-scentedApiaceaeApialesCSG
SolanumLatin name[4]SolanaceaeSolanalesCSG
Soldanellalittle coin, probably (the leaves)PrimulaceaeEricalesStG
SolidagoLatin: making whole (for supposed healing properties)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
SonchusGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
SonerilaMalabar nameMelastomataceaeMyrtalesSt
Sophorafrom an Arabic nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
SorbariaSorbus-likeRosaceaeRosalesCSG
SorbusLatin nameRosaceaeRosalesCSG
Sorghumfrom an Italian namePoaceaePoalesStG
Sparaxistorn (spathes)IridaceaeAsparagalesStG
Sparganiumribbon (the leaves). Greek and Latin name.TyphaceaePoalesCSG
SpartiumGreek nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
Spathiphyllumspathe leavesAraceaeAlismatalesCSG
Spathodeaspathe-like (calyx)BignoniaceaeLamialesStG
Spathoglottisspathe tongue (the lip)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
Speiranthaspiral flowersAsparagaceaeAsparagalesBaG
Sphaeralceaglobe (the fruit) + AlceaMalvaceaeMalvalesCSG
Spilanthesdotted flowers (dotted with pollen)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Spinaciafrom an Arabic and Persian nameAmaranthaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
SpiraeaGreek and Latin nameRosaceaeRosalesCSG
Spiranthesspiral flowersOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
SpondiasGreek nameAnacardiaceaeSapindalesStG
Spyridiumbasket-like (calyx)RhamnaceaeRosalesSt
StachysGreek and Latin nameLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Stachytarphetaspike thicketVerbenaceaeLamialesStG
Stachyurusspike tail (the inflorescences)[4]StachyuraceaeCrossosomatalesCSG
Staphyleaclusters (of flowers)[4]StaphyleaceaeCrossosomatalesCSG
StelisGreek nameOrchidaceaeAsparagalesSt
StellariaLatin: star (the flowers)CaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Stenandriumnarrow male parts (the stamens)AcanthaceaeLamialesSt
Stenanthiumnarrow flower (sepals and petals)MelanthiaceaeLilialesStG
Stenocactusnarrow cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesBa
Stenocarpusnarrow fruitProteaceaeProtealesStG
Stenocereusnarrow CereusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesBa
Stenoglottisnarrow (lip) tongueOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Stenospermationnarrow seedletAraceaeAlismatalesSt
Stenotaphrumnarrow trench (on the stalks)PoaceaePoalesStG
StephanotisGreek nameApocynaceaeGentianalesStG
SterculiaSterquilinus of mythologyMalvaceaeMalvalesStG
Stictocardiaspotted heart (-shaped leaves)ConvolvulaceaeSolanalesStG
Stigmaphyllonstigma leavesMalpighiaceaeMalpighialesStG
Stipacoarse fiber[e]PoaceaePoalesCSG
StomatiummouthAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
StratiotesGreek and Latin nameHydrocharitaceaeAlismatalesStG
Streptocarpustwisted fruitGesneriaceaeLamialesCSG
Streptopustwisted stalksLiliaceaeLilialesStG
Streptosolentwisted (corolla) tubesSolanaceaeSolanalesStG
Strobilanthescone of flowersAcanthaceaeLamialesCSG
Stromanthebed of flowers (the inflorescences)MarantaceaeZingiberalesStG
Strombocactusspinning-top cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Strongylodonrounded (calyx) teethFabaceaeFabalesSt
Strophanthuscord flowersApocynaceaeGentianalesStG
StrychnosGreek and Latin nameLoganiaceaeGentianalesStG
Stylidiumlittle pillar (the style and stamens form a column)[4]StylidiaceaeAsteralesStG
Stylophorumstyle-bearingPapaveraceaeRanunculalesStG
Styphnolobiumharsh podFabaceaeFabalesBaG
StyraxGreek and Latin name, from an Arabic name[4]StyracaceaeEricalesCSG
Succisatruncated (the rhizome)CaprifoliaceaeDipsacalesCSG
SwidaCzech nameCornaceaeCornalesSt
SyagrusLatin nameArecaceaeArecalesBaG
Sycopsisfig-like (the leaves)HamamelidaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Symphoricarposclusters bearing fruitCaprifoliaceaeDipsacalesCSG
Symphyotrichumjoined hairsAsteraceaeAsteralesBa
SymphytumGreek and Latin nameBoraginaceaeBoraginalesCSG
Symplocarpuscombination fruit (the ovaries grow together)AraceaeAlismatalesStG
Symplocoscombination (the unified stamens)[4]SymplocaceaeEricalesStG
Synechanthuscontinuous flowersArecaceaeArecalesSt
Syneilesisrolling upAsteraceaeAsteralesBaG
Syngoniumunited gonads (the ovaries)AraceaeAlismatalesStG
Syringapipe (the stems)OleaceaeLamialesCSG
SyzygiumjoinedMyrtaceaeMyrtalesStG
TabebuiaBrazilian nameBignoniaceaeLamialesStG
Taccafrom an Indonesian nameDioscoreaceaeDioscorealesStG
TagetesTages of mythologyAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
TaiwaniaTaiwanCupressaceaePinalesStG
Talinum(unclear)TalinaceaeCaryophyllalesBaG
Tamarindusfrom an Arabic nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
TamarixLatin name[4]TamaricaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
Tanacetumfrom a Medieval Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Tapeinochilosshort lipCostaceaeZingiberalesStG
Taraxacumfrom an Arabic and Persian nameAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
TaxodiumTaxus-likeCupressaceaePinalesCSG
TaxusLatin name[4]TaxaceaePinalesCSG
Tecomafrom a Nahuatl nameBignoniaceaeLamialesCSG
Tectonafrom a Tamil nameLamiaceaeLamialesStG
TelephiumLatin name; also from Telephus, a mythological kingMolluginaceaeCaryophyllalesBuG
Tellimaanagram of MitellaSaxifragaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Telopeadistant viewing (the flowers)ProteaceaeProtealesCSG
Telosmadistant scentApocynaceaeGentianalesStG
Tephrosiaashen (the leaves)FabaceaeFabalesStG
TerminaliaLatin: terminal (the leaves are at the end of the shoots)CombretaceaeMyrtalesStG
Tetracentronfour spurs (on the fruit)TrochodendraceaeTrochodendralesStG
Tetraclinisfour + bed (of leaves)CupressaceaePinalesStG
TetradiumfoursomeRutaceaeSapindalesBaG
Tetragoniafour-angled (fruit)AizoaceaeCaryophyllalesCSG
Tetragonolobusfour-angled podsFabaceaeFabalesStG
Tetranemafour threads (the stamens)PlantaginaceaeLamialesStG
Tetrapanaxfour (-petalled) PanaxAraliaceaeApialesCSG
Tetrastigmafour-part stigmaVitaceaeVitalesBaG
Tetrathecafour boxes (the anthers)ElaeocarpaceaeOxalidalesStG
TeucriumGreek and Latin nameLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
ThalassiaThalassa, a sea divinityHydrocharitaceaeAlismatalesBuG
ThalassodendronThalassa (a sea divinity) + treeCymodoceaceaeAlismatalesBuG
ThalictrumGreek and Latin nameRanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
Thamnocalamusshrubby reedPoaceaePoalesBaG
ThaumasianthesThaumas, a godLoranthaceaeSantalalesBuG
Thelespermanippled seedsAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Thelocactusnippled cactusCactaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Theobromagod foodMalvaceaeMalvalesStG
Thermopsislupin-likeFabaceaeFabalesCSG
ThesiumLatin nameSantalaceaeSantalalesBuG
ThespesiaholyMalvaceaeMalvalesStG
Thladianthaeunuch (staminode) flowersCucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesStG
ThlaspiGreek and Latin nameBrassicaceaeBrassicalesStG
ThrinaxtridentArecaceaeArecalesStG
ThujaGreek nameCupressaceaePinalesCSG
ThujopsisThuja-likeCupressaceaePinalesCSG
ThymusGreek and Latin nameLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
Thysanotusfringed (flowers)AsparagaceaeAsparagalesStG
Tiarellalittle crown (the fruit)SaxifragaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
Tibouchinafrom a Guianese nameMelastomataceaeMyrtalesStG
TigridiaLatin: tiger (flowers)IridaceaeAsparagalesCSG
TiliaLatin nameMalvaceaeMalvalesCSG
Tipuanafrom a South American nameFabaceaeFabalesStG
TitanopsisTitan (Helios) of mythologyAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
TithoniaTithonusAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
TococaGuyanese nameMelastomataceaeMyrtalesStG
TolumniaTolumnia, a nymphOrchidaceaeAsparagalesBuG
ToonaSanskrit nameMeliaceaeSapindalesBaG
TracheliumneckCampanulaceaeAsteralesStG
Trachelospermumneck (-shaped) seedsApocynaceaeGentianalesCSG
Trachycarpusrough fruitArecaceaeArecalesCSG
Trachymenerough membrane (on the fruits)ApiaceaeApialesStG
Trachystemonrough stamensBoraginaceaeBoraginalesCSG
Tragopogongoat beard (the silk)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
TrapaLatin: from caltrop (the four-pointed fruit)LythraceaeMyrtalesStG
Trichiliathree-part (ovary)MeliaceaeSapindalesStG
Trichodiademahairy crownsAizoaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Tricholaenahairy cloak (on the spikelets)PoaceaePoalesStG
Trichopiliahairy cap (on the anthers)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
Trichosantheshairy (fringed) flowersCucurbitaceaeCucurbitalesStG
Trichostemahair-like stamensLamiaceaeLamialesStG
Tricyrtisthree swellings (the red nectaries below the petals)LiliaceaeLilialesCSG
TridaxGreek and Latin nameAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Trifoliumthree leaflets. Latin name.FabaceaeFabalesCSG
Trigonellalittle three-cornered (flowers)FabaceaeFabalesStG
Trilisaanagram of LiatrisAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Trilliumthree (-leaved) LiliumMelanthiaceaeLilialesCSG
Triosteumthree bones (the hard seeds)CaprifoliaceaeDipsacalesStG
Triphasiatriple (the flower parts)RutaceaeSapindalesStG
Triplaristriple (the flower parts)PolygonaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
Tripleurospermumthree-ribbed seeds (the achenes)AsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Tripogandrathree bearded male parts (the longer stamens)CommelinaceaeCommelinalesStG
Tripterygiumthree wings (on the fruit)CelastraceaeCelastralesStG
Trisetumthree bristlesPoaceaePoalesStG
Tristagmathree drops (the nectaries)AmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Triteleiatriple-complete. Previously Tritelaia.AsparagaceaeAsparagalesBaG
Trithrinaxthree tridents (the leaves)ArecaceaeArecalesStG
TriticumLatin namePoaceaePoalesStG
TritoniaLatin: weather vane (a metaphor for the diverse stamens)IridaceaeAsparagalesCSG
TritoniopsisTritonia-likeIridaceaeAsparagalesBuG
Trochodendronwheel (appearance of the stamens) + tree[4]TrochodendraceaeTrochodendralesCSG
Trolliusfrom a Swiss German nameRanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
Tropaeolumtrophy[4]TropaeolaceaeBrassicalesCSG
Tsugafrom a Japanese namePinaceaePinalesCSG
Tuberariatuber-like (the thick roots)CistaceaeMalvalesStG
TulipaTurkish: turbanLiliaceaeLilialesCSG
Tussilago(remedy for) coughingAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
TyphaGreek and Latin name[4]TyphaceaePoalesCSG
TyphoniumTyphon, a mythological monsterAraceaeAlismatalesBuG
UgniMapuche nameMyrtaceaeMyrtalesBaG
UlexLatin nameFabaceaeFabalesCSG
UllucusPeruvian nameBasellaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
UlmusLatin name[4]UlmaceaeRosalesCSG
UmbellulariaLatin: little umbelsLauraceaeLauralesCSG
UmbilicusLatin: navels (in the leaves)CrassulaceaeSaxifragalesCSG
UniolaLatin namePoaceaePoalesStG
Unxiaepithet of the goddess JunoAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
UrceolinaLatin: little pitcher (the flowers)AmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesStG
UreraLatin: stingingUrticaceaeRosalesStG
UrticaLatin name[4]UrticaceaeRosalesStG
UtriculariaLatin: little bottles (that trap insects)LentibulariaceaeLamialesStG
UvariaLatin: like a bunch of grapesAnnonaceaeMagnolialesStG
UvulariaLatin: uvula (a metaphor for the hanging flowers)ColchicaceaeLilialesCSG
VaccariaLatin: cow, possiblyCaryophyllaceaeCaryophyllalesStG
VacciniumLatin nameEricaceaeEricalesCSG
ValerianaMedieval Latin nameCaprifoliaceaeDipsacalesCSG
ValerianellaLatin: little ValerianaCaprifoliaceaeDipsacalesStG
VallarisLatin: fence stakes (which they sometimes grow on)ApocynaceaeGentianalesStG
Vandafrom a Sanskrit nameOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
VandopsisVanda-likeOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
VanillaSpanish name, derived from Latin: vagina (sheath), for the podsOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
VeratrumLatin: true black (the roots)MelanthiaceaeLilialesCSG
VerbascumLatin nameScrophulariaceaeLamialesCSG
VerbenaLatin: ceremonial plant[4]VerbenaceaeLamialesCSG
VerbesinaLatin: like VerbenaAsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
VerticordiaLatin: turner of hearts (an epithet of Venus of mythology)MyrtaceaeMyrtalesStG
ViburnumLatin nameAdoxaceaeDipsacalesCSG
ViciaLatin: binding (the tendrils). Latin name.FabaceaeFabalesCSG
VincaLatin: winding around. Latin name.ApocynaceaeGentianalesCSG
VincetoxicumLatin: conquering poisonApocynaceaeGentianalesStG
ViolaLatin name[4]ViolaceaeMalpighialesCSG
ViscumLatin nameSantalaceaeSantalalesStG
VitexLatin nameLamiaceaeLamialesCSG
VitisLatin name[4]VitaceaeVitalesCSG
WollemiaWollemi National Park in AustraliaAraucariaceaePinalesBaG
Xantheranthemumyellow EranthemumAcanthaceaeLamialesStG
Xanthismayellow (flowers)AsteraceaeAsteralesCSG
Xanthocerasyellow horn (the glands between the petals)SapindaceaeSapindalesCSG
Xanthocyparisyellow cypressCupressaceaePinalesBaG
Xanthorhizayellow rootRanunculaceaeRanunculalesCSG
Xanthorrhoeayellow sapAsphodelaceaeAsparagalesStG
Xanthosomayellow bodyAraceaeAlismatalesStG
Xeranthemum(long-lasting) dry flowersAsteraceaeAsteralesStG
Xerochrysumdry goldAsteraceaeAsteralesBa
Xerophyllumdry leavesMelanthiaceaeLilialesCSG
Xylobiumwood-life (they are epiphytes)OrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG
YuccaCaribbean nameAsparagaceaeAsparagalesCSG
YushaniaYu ShanPoaceaePoalesCS
Zamiafrom a Latin name[4]ZamiaceaeCycadalesCSG
ZamioculcasZamia + Arabic nameAraceaeAlismatalesBaG
Zanthoxylumyellow woodRutaceaeSapindalesStG
ZeaGreek and Latin namePoaceaePoalesCSG
Zelkovafrom a Georgian nameUlmaceaeRosalesCSG
ZemisiaZemi, ancestral spirits of the TaínoAsteraceaeAsteralesBu
ZephyraZephyrus, a godTecophilaeaceaeAsparagalesBuG
Zephyrantheswestern flowerAmaryllidaceaeAsparagalesCSG
Zigadenusyoked glands (in pairs)MelanthiaceaeLilialesStG
ZingiberGreek and Latin name, from a Sanskrit name[4]ZingiberaceaeZingiberalesStG
ZizaniaGreek and Latin namePoaceaePoalesStG
ZiziphusGreek and Latin name, from a Persian nameRhamnaceaeRosalesStG
Zygopetalumyoked petalsOrchidaceaeAsparagalesStG

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 (2019) [2000]. CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names, Volume III, M–Q. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. ISBN 978-0-367-44751-9.
  • Quattrocchi, Umberto (2019) [2000]. CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names, Volume IV, R–Z. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. ISBN 978-0-367-44750-2.