List of descriptive plant species epithets (I–Z) explained

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. 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.

The first column below lists seed-bearing species epithets from Stearn's Dictionary, Latin for Gardeners by Lorraine Harrison, The A to Z of Plant Names by Allen Coombes, The Gardener's Botanical by Ross Bayton, and the glossary of Stearn's Botanical Latin. 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. __FORCETOC__

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

Epithets!width="1%" scope="col"
Meanings and derivationsExample species
ianthinusG bluish-purpleJusticia ianthinaD
icosandrusG twenty-stamenedPhytolacca icosandraH DS
idoneusLworthyLupinus idoneusDS
igneusL fiery redCuphea ignea, Heliconia ignescensHDS C
ignescensHDS
ignotusL(formerly) unknownTricalysia ignotaDS
illecebrosusL enticing, from illecebraTigridia illecebrosaHDS
illinitusL smeared, from lino, to smearEscallonia illinitaHDS
illustrisL lustrous, from lustro, to illuminateIlex illustrisHD C
imbecillusL feebleAgrostis imbecillaDS
imbecillisDS
imberbisL unbeardedCombretum imberbeHDS
imbricatusL overlapping, from imbrex, gutter tile; imbricate. (Also imbricans, imbricarius.)Cylindropuntia imbricataHDS C
immaculatusL immaculate, from macula, stainDicerandra immaculataHDS
immersusL immersedNavia immersaHDS
impeditusL impededTragia impeditaDS C
imperatorL war leader; emperorFritillaria imperialis, Epidendrum imperatorD
imperialisHD C
implexusL interwovenAcacia implexaHDS
impressusL engraved; creasedEpacris impressaHDS C
impudicusLimpudentHeliconia impudicaDS
inaequalisL unequalDryopteris inaequalisHDS
inapertusL closed, from apertusAgapanthus inapertusDS C
incanusL grey-hairedMatthiola incanaHDS C
incarnatusL peach-coloured, from caro, fleshAsclepias incarnataHDS C
incertusL uncertainPenstemon incertusHDS
incisusL cut deeply; incisedUrtica incisaHDS C
inclaudensL not closingEsterhuysenia inclaudensH
inclinatusL inclinedBulbophyllum inclinatumHDS
incomparabilisL incomparable, from comparabilisStapelia incomparabilisHDS
incomptusL unkemptBlakea incomptaHD
inconspicuusL inconspicuous, from conspicuusTrithuria inconspicuaHDS
incrassatusL stout, from crassus, thickEucalyptus incrassataHDS
incurvusL bowed; incurvedCorybas incurvus, Dacryodes incurvataHDS C
incurvatusHDS
indivisusL undivided, from dividoCordyline indivisaHDS
induratusL hardenedEucalyptus indurataHDS
inebriansL intoxicating, from inebrioLagochilus inebriansHD
inermisL unarmedNepenthes inermisHDS C
infaustusL unfortunateVangueria infaustaHD
infectoriusL tinted, from infector, dyerQuercus infectoriaHD
infestusL troublesomeAdolphia infestaHDS
inflatusL swollen; inflatedEriogonum inflatum, Utricularia inflataHDS C
inflexusLbowed; inflexedUtricularia inflexaDS
infortunatusL unfortunateClerodendrum infortunatumHD
infractusL bent, from frango, to fractureHypolobus infractusHDS
L funnel-shaped. (Also infundibulus.)Crossandra infundibuliformisHDS
ingensL hugeEuphorbia ingensHDS
innominatusLuncelebrated, from nominatus; namelessIris innominataDS
innoxiusLharmless. (Also inoxius.)Datura innoxiaDS
inodorusL unscented, from odorusTripleurospermum inodorumHDS
inopinusLunexpectedEncephalartos inopinusD
inornatusL plainBoronia inornataHD
inquinansL stained, from inquinoPelargonium inquinansHD
inscriptusLinscribedCalathea inscriptaD
insignisL significantNepenthes insignisHDS C
insipidusLinsipid, from sapioFicus insipidaDS
insititiusL grafted, from insitio, a graftingPrunus insititiaHDS
insulanusL islandAlsophila insulana, Digitaria insularisHD
insularisHDS
intactusLintactAnthurium intactumDS
intaminatusLuncontaminatedCyclamen intaminatumD
integerL undivided; entire. Feminine integra, neuter integrum.Artocarpus integer, Ochna integerrimaHDS C
integerrimusDS C
intermediusL intermediate, from medium, middleThinopyrum intermediumH DS C
interruptusL gappedSalvia interruptaHDS
intertextusL interwovenEucalyptus intertextaHD
intortusL contorted, from intorqueoAcacia intortaHDS
intricatusL entangledDipterocarpus intricatusHDS
introrsusLturned inwards; introrseEndiandra introrsaDS
intumescensL tumescent, from intumescoAcrocomia intumescensHDS
inundatusLinundated, from inundoLycopodiella inundataDS
inutilisLuselessAllium inutileD
inversusL invertedAstragalus inversusHDS
invisusLunseenSilene invisaD
involucratusL enveloped, from involucrum, wrapper; involucredDavidia involucrataHDS C
involutusL rolled up, from involvo; involuteBulbophyllum involutumHDS
involvensLwrapping-aroundUtricularia involvensDS
ionanthusG violet-coloured flowersStreptocarpus ionanthusH DS
iridescensL iridescent, from iris, rainbowCaladenia iridescensHD
irrasusL unshaven, from rasusGrevillea irrasaD
irregularisL not symmetric, from regula, rule; irregularPolygala irregularisHDS
irriguusL irrigated; wetStellaria irriguaHDS
irritansLirritating, from irritoTriodia irritansD
irroratusLbesprinkled,from irroroAcacia irrorataD
isophyllusG even-leavedCampanula isophyllaHDS C
ixocarpusG sticky-fruitedIndigofera ixocarpaHD
jejunusL meagre; smallSalix jejunaH
jubatusL crested; awnedHordeum jubatumHDS C
jucundusL joyful; pleasantConophytum jucundumHD C
jugalisL yokedMelicope jugosa, Psychotria jugalisHD
jugosusHD
julaceusL cylindrical, like some catkinsAnomobryum julaceumH S
junceusL made of rushes; rush-likePsathyrostachys junceaHDS C
juvenilisL youngCarex juvenilisH S
kermesinusL crimson, from Arabic and LatinPortea kermesinaHDS
labiatusL lipped, from labium, lipCattleya labiata, Zygosepalum labiosumHDS
labiosusHDS
labilisL labile, from labo, to totter or slipCeltis labilisHD
lacerusL jagged, from lacer, lacerated. Stearn's spelling is lacer.Spiranthes lacera, Calanthe lacerataHDS
laceratusDS
laciniatusL roughly segmentedSilphium laciniatum, Carya laciniosaH DS C
laciniosusDS C
lacrimansL weeping, from lacrimoEucalyptus lacrimansHD
lacteusL milkyIris lactea, Hieracium lactescensHDS C
lactescensD
lactiferL milk; with milky sapGymnema lactiferumHDS
lacunosusL full of hollowsIpomoea lacunosaHDS
lacustrisL lake, from lacusIris lacustrisHDS C
laetusL joyful; brightMyoporum laetumHDS
laevisL smoothHibiscus laevis, Echinacea laevigataHDS C
laevigatus HC
lamellatusL layered, from lamina, a thin sheet; lamellateLeptospermum lamellatumHDS
lanatusL woollyCitrullus lanatusHDS C
lanceusL lance, from lanceaSearsia lanceaHD
lanceolatusL lanceolatePersoonia lanceolataH DS C
lanigerL fleecyLeptospermum lanigerum, Myriopteris lanosa, Fraxinus lanuginosaHDS C
lanosusH DS C
lanuginosusH DS C
lappaL with burrs. (Also lappaceus.)Arctium lappaH DS
lasiocarpusG woolly-fruitedAbies lasiocarpaDS C
latebrosusL with lurking-holes; concealingVexatorella latebrosaD
lateralisL lateral, from latus, sideCalothamnus lateralisHDS
lateritiusL brick-red, from later, brickMelaleuca lateritiaHDS C
latifoliusL broad-leaved, from latus, broadIsopogon latifoliusHDS C
laudatusL laudibleRhododendron laudandumHD
laudandusD
laxusL relaxed; laxFreesia laxaHDS C
leiocarpusG smooth-fruitedAngophora leiocarpaHDS
lenticularisL lens; lenticularIsolepis lenticularis, Atriplex lentiformisDS
lentiformisDS C
lentiginosusL spottedAstragalus lentiginosusHDS
lentusL pliantBetula lentaHDS C
leonisL lion, from leo. Neuter leonis.Phacelia leonisHD
leopardinusG spottedBulbophyllum leopardinumHD
lepidotusG scalyAndesanthus lepidotusDS
lepidusL elegantLupinus lepidusHD
leptophyllusG slender-leavedBanksia leptophyllaHDS C
leucanthusG white-floweredStenomesson leucanthumHDS C
lignosusL woody, from lignumDipogon lignosusHDS
ligularisL shoe-strap, from ligula; liguledPassiflora ligularis, Schoenus ligulatusHD
ligulatusHDS
limbatusL bordered, from limbus, borderFissidens limbatusHDS
limosusL muddySchoenus limosusHDS
limnophilusG marsh-lovingMyriophyllum limnophilumDS
linearisL linearPersoonia linearisHDS C
lineatusL linedIris lineataHDS C
linguaL tonguePterostylis linguaHDS C
linguiformisHDS
lingulatusHDS
lissocarpusG smooth-fruitedSynostemon lissocarpusD
lithophilusG rock-lovingIsoetes lithophilaHDS
littoralisL littoral, from litus, shoreGriselinia littoralis, Acacia littoreaHDS C
littoreus HDS
lividusL lead-colouredHelleborus lividusHDS C
lobatusG lobedQuercus lobataHDS C
lobulatusHD
lochmiusG thicketRhododendron lochmiumD
longusL longCurcuma longaHDS C
longissimusL longestDasylirion longissimumHDS C
lophanthusG crested-flowerParaserianthes lophanthaHDS
lucensL shining; clear. From luceo.Potamogeton lucensHDS
lucidusHD C
lunatusL lunatePhaseolus lunatusHDS C
lunulatusHDS
luridusL greyish-yellowPelargonium luridumHDS
luteusL yellowGentiana luteaHDS C
luteolusL light yellowIris lutescensHDS
lutescensDS C
luxuriansL luxuriant, from luxurioAraucaria luxuriansHDS C
lyratusL lyre, from lyra; lyrateArabidopsis lyrataDS C
lysistemonG loose-stamenedErythrina lysistemonD
macilentusL gaunt, from maciesArchaeopteris macilentaH DS
macrophyllusG big-leavedFicus macrophyllaH DS C
maculosusL spottedFlindersia maculosaH DS C
maculatusH DS C
maculiferD
magnificusL magnificentCercidiphyllum magnificumH D C
magnusL bigCrateva magnaH DS
majorL bigger. Stearn also lists majus. From maior, neuter maius.Plantago majorH DS C
majalisL (flowering in) May, from MaiusConvallaria majalisH D C
majesticusLmajestic, from maiestasBrillantaisia majesticaD
malacoidesG softEremophila malacoidesH D
mammillarisL nippled, from mamillaMammillaria mammillaris, Erica mammosaH D
mammiformisDS
mammillatusH DS
mammosusH DS
manicatusL long-sleevedGunnera manicataH DS C
manipuliflorusLwith small bundles of flowers, from manipulus, a handfulErica manipulifloraDS
margaritaceusL pearly, from margaritaAnaphalis margaritaceaH DS C
margaritusH D
margaritiferH D
marginalisL bordered, from marginoBanksia marginataH DS C
marginatusH DS C
marginellusD
maritimusL maritimePancratium maritimumH DS C
marmoreusL marbleSempervivum marmoreum, Kalanchoe marmorataH DS C
marmoratusH DS
masL with masculine qualitiesCornus masH DS C
masculusH DS
matronalisL matronlyHesperis matronalisD C
maxillarisL jaw, from maxillaBulbophyllum maxillareH D
maximusL biggest. (Also max.)Heracleum maximumH DS C
medicusL medicinalCitrus medicaH DS C
mediusL medium or middleCampanula mediumH DS C
medullarisL pithy, from medulla, marrowSphaeropteris medullarisH D
medullus H D
megacarpusG with big fruitSchoenus megacarpusH DS
megalophyllusG with big leavesMuniria megalophyllaH DS C
megeratusG very lovelyRhododendron megeratumD
meiacanthusG little-spinedMammillaria meiacanthaDS
melancholicusL melancholyBesleria melancholicaDS
melanoxylonG with black woodAcacia melanoxylonH S
mellitusL honeyNavarretia mellitaH DS
melleusDS
melliferH D C
melliodorusL honey-scented. Stearn also lists meliodorus.Eucalyptus melliodoraH D
meloformisL melon-shapedEuphorbia meloformisH D
membranaceusL membranous, from membranaScadoxus membranaceusH DS
meniscifoliusL crescent-leavedSerpocaulon meniscifoliumH DS
meridianusL (flowering at) midday; southernCaladenia meridionalisH D
meridionalis H DS C
metallicusL metal, from metallumCalochilus metallicusH DS C
micansLsparklingShorea micansDS
micranthusG small-floweredEremophila micranthaH DS C
militarisL militaryOrchis militarisH D
millefoliusL thousand-leaved, from millePotentilla millefoliaH DS C
mimetesG mimicSenecio mimetesD
minaxL menacingBulbophyllum minaxD
miniatusL red-tingedAechmea miniataH DS C
minimusL smallestSalvinia minimaH DS C
minorL smaller. Stearn also lists minus. From minor, neuter minus.Vinca minorH DS C
minutusL minuteMarsilea minutaH DS
minutissimusL minutestBulbophyllum minutissimumH D
mirabilisL amazingNepenthes mirabilisH D C
mitisL gentleCaryota mitisH DS
mitratusL turbanedBlepharis mitrataH D
mitriformis H DS
mixtusL hybrid; mixedPassiflora mixtaH DS
modestusL modestCarpobrotus modestusH D C
mollisL softLeymus mollisH DS C
mollissimusL softestCastanea mollissimaH D C
moniliferL necklace, from monileAllocasuarina monilifera, Consolea moniliformisH D
moniliformis H DS
monogynusG single-ovariedCrataegus monogynaH DS C
monstrosusL monstrous, from monstruosusAegiphila monstrosaH DS
montanusL mountain. (Also montensis.)Asplenium montanum, Acacia monticolaH DS C
monticolaHD
montigenus H D
moschatusG muskyCucurbita moschataH DS C
mucosusL slimy, from mucus, mucusEuryops mucosusH DS
mucronatusL sharp-edged, from mucro, sword-point or edge; mucronateZiziphus mucronataH DS C
mucronulatusL short-pointedGrevillea mucronulataH D C
multifidusL divided into many partsLeucospora multifidaH DS C
mundulusL elegant, from mundusHackelia mundulaH D
muralisL wallCymbalaria muralisH DS C
musaicusL mosaic. Stearn also lists mosaicus.Guzmania musaicaH DS
muscitoxicusL toxic to fliesAmianthium muscitoxicumD
muscivorusL fly-eating, from voroHelicodiceros muscivorusH D
muscosusL mossyCrassula muscosaH DS
muscoides H D
mutabilisL mutableHibiscus mutabilisH DS C
mutatusL changedApoballis mutataH DS
mutilatusL mutilated; blunt. From mutilus.Cirsium muticumH DS
muticus H DS
myriophyllusG myriad-leavedPilea myriophyllaH DS
G ant-lovingHylaeaicum myrmecophilaH DS
nanusL dwarfBoronia nanaH DS C
nanellus H D
nasutusLlarge-nosed; scornfulErythranthe nasutaD
natansL floating, from natoTrapa natansH DS
nauseosusL disgusting, from nauseoDypsis nauseosaH DS
navicularisL boat-shaped, from navicula, a small boatMicromyrtus navicularisH DS C
nebulosusL cloudyEucalyptus nebulosaH DS
neglectusL neglectedStellaria neglectaH DS C
nemorosusL forestAnemonoides nemorosaH DS C
nemoralis H DS C
nervosusL veined, originally from nervusLiparis nervosaH DS C
nervatusD
nervis H DS
neurocarpusGveined-fruitAcacia neurocarpaD
nictitansL blinking; movingChamaecrista nictitansH D
nidusL nestAsplenium nidusH DS
nigerL black. Feminine nigra, neuter nigrum.Piper nigrumH DS C
nigrescensL blackish, from nigrescoPyrorchis nigricansHDS
nigricansHDS C
nigratusHD
nitidusL shiningCalochortus nitidusH DS C
nitens H DS
nivalisL snowGalanthus nivalisHDS C
niveus HDS C
nivosusHDS
nobilisL celebratedLaurus nobilisH D C
nocturnusL nightCestrum nocturnumH DS C
nodosusL knobbyFicinia nodosaH DS
nodulosus H DS
non-scriptusL unmarked, from scriptusHyacinthoides non-scriptaH D C
notatusL markedPaspalum notatumH DS
nothusGfalseIris nothaDS
nubigenusL high-altitude, from nubigena, cloud-bornPodocarpus nubigenusH D C
nubicolaHD
nuciferL nut-bearing, from nuxCocos nuciferaH DS
nudusL nakedGenoplesium nudumH DS C
nudatusH D
nummulariusL coin, from nummulusAtriplex nummulariaH D C
nutansL noddingSilene nutansH DS C
nyctagineusG night-born (night-blooming)Mirabilis nyctagineaH D
obconicusL inverted cone, from conusEucalyptus obconicaH DS
obesusL fatAdenium obesumH DS
oblatusL oblate (round and slightly flattened). From latus, wide.Syringa oblataH DS
obliquusL slanting; obliqueFicus obliquaH DS C
obliteratusLerased, from oblitero; imperceptibleNephrolepis obliterataDS
oblongusL oblongCydonia oblongaH DS C
oblongatusH D
obovatusL obovate (reversed ovate). From ovum, egg.Adenanthos obovatusH DS C
obscurusL obscure; darkDendrolycopodium obscurumH DS C
obsoletusLshabbyNarcissus obsoletusDS
obtectusL covered; protectedAcacia obtectaH S
obtususL obtuseGalium obtusumH DS C
obtusatus H DS
obvallatusL fortified; walledGeophila obvallataH DS
obvallaris D C
occidentalisL western, from occidensPlatanus occidentalisH DS C
occultusL hiddenDalbergia occultaH S
ocellatusL eyespot, from ocellus, little eyeViola ocellataH DS
ochraceusG ochreTabebuia ochraceaH DS C
octopetalusL eight-petalled, from octoDryas octopetalaH DS C
oculatusL eyespot, from oculus, eyeVerticordia oculataH D
odoratusL fragrantLathyrus odoratusHDS C
odoriferHDS
odorus HDS C
odoratissimusL most fragrantArtocarpus odoratissimusH D C
officinalisL medicinalZingiber officinaleH DS C
officinarumHD
oleiferL oil-bearing, from oleum, oilMoringa oleiferaH D C
oleraceusL kitchen-garden, from olusSonchus oleraceusH DS C
olitorius H DS
oligocarpusG with few fruitsAnnona oligocarpaH DS
olivaceusL green-brown, from oliva, oliveLithops olivaceaH DS
opacusL darkened; in the shadeIlex opacaH S
operculatusL lidded, from operculum, a coveringLuffa operculataH S
oporinusG autumnDiuris oporinaD
oppositifoliusL opposite-leaved, from oppositusMyoporum oppositifoliumH DS C
orbiculatusL circular, from orbis, ring; orbicularCelastrus orbiculatusH DS C
orbicularis H DS
oreophilusG mountainSarracenia oreophilaH DS C
oresbius H DS
orgyalisGfathom-longKalanchoe orgyalisDS
orientalisL eastern, from oriensPlatanus orientalisH DS C
ornatusL ornamented. (Also ornans.)Musa ornataH DS C
ornatissimusL most ornamentedDowningia ornatissimaH D
orthocarpusG straight-fruitedAcacia orthocarpaH DS
osmanthusG fragrant-floweredAttalea osmanthaH DS
ovatusL ovate, from ovum, eggTrillium ovatumH DS C
ovalisH DS
oviferL egg-bearing, from ovumPachyphytum oviferum, Pandanus ovigerD
ovigerD
ovinusL sheep, from ovisFestuca ovinaH DS C
oxyphyllusG sharp-leavedMelaleuca oxyphyllaH DS C
pabularisL fodder, from pabulumBarleria pabularisDS
pachycarpusG thick-fruitedCorymbia pachycarpaH DS C
paganusL of villagesRubus paganusH
pallidusL paleLycium pallidumHDS C
pallensHDS
pallescensHDS
palmarisL palm's-widthChromolaena palmarisH DS
palmatusL hand-shaped, from palma; palmateDiplocyclos palmatusH DS C
palustrisL marsh, from palusBanksia paludosaH DS C
paludosusH DS
panduratusL fiddle-shaped; pandurateIpomoea pandurataH DS
paniculatusL panicledToxicoscordion paniculatumH DS C
pannosusL tatteredCotoneaster pannosusH DS
papilioL butterflyBulbophyllum papilioH
papillosusL papillose, from papilla, nippleSphagnum papillosumDS
papilligerD
papyraceusL paper. (Also papyrus.)Narcissus papyraceusH DS C
papyriferH D C
paradisiacusG paradise; gardenCipura paradisiacaH D
paradisiH D
paradoxusG unusualDissocarpus paradoxusH D C
parasiticusL parasitic, from parasitusMacrosolen parasiticusH DS
pardalinusL leopard, from pardus. (Also pardinus.)Lilium pardalinumH D C
parmulatusL shield, from parmulaRhododendron parmulatumD
partitusL dividedKlattia partitaH DS
parvusL smallCamissonia parvulaH DS
parvulusD C
pastoralisL of shepherdsMeryta pastoralisDS
patellarisL dish, from patellaEucalyptus patellarisD
patelliformisDS
patensL spreading outPhyscomitrella patensH DS C
patulusH DS C
pauciflorusL sparse-flowered, from paucusStephanomeria paucifloraH DS C
pauperculusL poorAstragalus pauperculusH D
pavoninusL peacock blue, from pavo; eye-spottedAnemone pavoninaH DS C
pectinatusL comb, from pecten; pectinateEchinocereus pectinatusH DS C
pectiniferD
pectoralisL chest, from pectusJusticia pectoralisH D
peculiarisL peculiarTrachyandra peculiarisH S
pedalisL foot-longIndocalamus pedalisDS
pedatifidusL bird's-foot; pedate. From pes, foot.Viola pedatifida, Sidalcea pedataH D C
pedatus H DS C
pedunculosusL peduncledLotus pedunculatusHD C
peduncularisHDS
pedunculatusHDS
pellucidusL transparent, from perlucidus; pellucidTetraphis pellucidaH DS
peltatusL shield-bearing; peltatePelargonium peltatumH DS C
pelviformisL shallow, from pelvis, basinCampanula pelviformisH DS
pendulusL hangingBetula pendulaH DS C
pendulinusH DS C
penicillatusL paint-brush, from penicillus; penicillate. (Also penicillius.)Banksia penicillataH DS
peninsularisL peninsula, from peninsulaArgyrochosma peninsularisH DS
pennatusL feathered; pinnate. From pinnatus.Stipa pennataH DS
pennigerL feathered, from pennaVerticordia pennigeraH D
pensilisL hangingGlyptostrobus pensilisH D
pentaphyllusG five-leavedGynostemma pentaphyllumH DS C
peramoenusL very pleasantPlatanthera peramoenaD
perbellusL beautifulVeronica perbellaH D
percussusL perforatedGoniophlebium percussumD
peregrinusL foreignComptonia peregrinaH DS C
perennisL year-long; perennialMercurialis perennisH DS C
perennansDS
perfoliatusL perfoliateEupatorium perfoliatumH DS C
perfossusDS
perforatusL perforated, from perforoHypericum perforatumH DS C
pergracilisL very slender, from gracilisPsydrax pergracilisH D
permixtusL intermingledRubus permixtusD
persimilisL very similarCrataegus persimilisD C
persistensL persisting, from persistoCalochortus persistensH DS
perspicuusL transparentRubus perspicuusH DS
pertususL perforatedBothriochloa pertusaH DS
perulatusL perulateEnkianthus perulatusH DS C
perutilisL very usefulAniba perutilisDS
petaloideusG petal-likeGunnera petaloideaH DS
petiolarisL petiolateBanksia petiolarisH DS C
petiolatusH DS
petraeusL rock, from petra, rock or cliffQuercus petraeaH DS C
phaeusG dark brown or greyGeranium phaeumH DS C
G profusely leafyBegonia phyllomaniacaD
picturatusL embroideredFestuca picturataH D C
pictusL paintedDiplacus pictusH DS C
pileatusL skull-capped; pileateEucalyptus pileataH DS C
pilosusL hairy; pilose. (Also pilosulus.)Xanthosia pilosaH DS C
piliferH DS
pilularisG globular (the fruit), from pila, ballEucalyptus pilularisH D C
piluliferH D
pinguifoliusL with waxy or thick leaves, from pinguis, fatAcacia pinguifoliaH DS C
pinnatusL feathered; pinnateAlloxylon pinnatumH DS C
piperitusL peppery, from piperZanthoxylum piperitumH D C
planusL flatEleocharis planaH DS C
platyphyllusG broad-leaved. (Also platyphyllos.)Eucalyptus platyphyllaH DS C
plebeiusL plebeianVeronica plebeiaD
plenusL double; fullCorymbia plenaH DS
plenissimusH D
pleurostachysG side-spikedOrleanesia pleurostachysDS
plicatusL pleated, from plico; plicateThuja plicataH DS C
plumariusL plumed, from pluma; plumoseDianthus plumariusHD
plumatusD
plumosusHDS
plumbeusL leadenMerwilla plumbeaH DS
pluriflorusL many-flowered, from plurimus; pluriflorSannantha plurifloraH DS
pluvialisL rainy-dayCaladenia pluvialisH S
pocophorusG woollyRhododendron pocophorumH D
poculiformisG goblet-shapedEragrostis poculiformisDS
podagricusG gout, from podagra. (Also podagraria.)Jatropha podagricaD
poeticusL of poetsNarcissus poeticusH D C
poetarumD
pogonanthusG bearded-flowerAbronia pogonanthaDS
polarisL polar or far northernSalix polarisH S
polifoliusG Greek: grey + Latin: leafKalmia polifoliaH D
politusL polishedGasteria politaH DS
polycarpusG many-fruitedCorymbia polycarpaH DS C
pomeridianusL afternoonChlorogalum pomeridianumH DS
pomiferL fruit-bearing; pome-bearingMaclura pomiferaH D C
pomponiusL ostentatious, from pompa; tuftedLilium pomponiumH D
ponderosusL weightyPinus ponderosaH DS C
porophyllusG (apparently) porous-leavedSaxifraga porophyllaH D
porphyreusG purple; purple-redSedum porphyreumH DS
porrigensL spreading, from porrigoGalium porrigensH
potamophilusG riverSebastiania potamophilaHDS
potatorumL of drinkersAgave potatorumH D C
praealtusL very highCalochilus praealtusH D
praecoxL early-ripening, from coquoAgapanthus praecoxH DS C
praemorsusL (apparently) nibbled, from morsusAcacia praemorsaH DS
praeruptorumL (inhabitant) of rough places, from praeruptus, ruggedDicymbe praeruptorumH S
praestansL pre-eminentVaccinium praestansH D C
praeteritusL departed; overlookedCastilleja praeteritaDS
praetermissusL overlooked, from praetermittoEucalyptus praetermissaDS C
praetextusL bordered; disguisedCryptanthus praetextusH DS
praevernusL before the spring, from vernusRhododendron praevernumD
pratensisL meadowTrifolium pratenseH DS C
pravissimusL most crooked, from pravusAcacia pravissimaH D C
precatoriusL prayer, from precator, suppliantEuterpe precatoriaD
preptusG distinguishedRhododendron preptumD
princepsL foremostRoystonea princepsH D
prismaticusG prismIris prismaticaH DS
proboscideusG long-snoutedBulbophyllum proboscideumH DS C
procerusL tallAbies proceraH DS C
procumbensL near the ground, from procumbo; procumbentJuniperus procumbensH DS C
procurrensL extending, from procurroArabis procurrensH DS C
prodigiosusL prodigiousPhyllolobium prodigiosumH
productusL extended, from producoCostus productusH DS
proliferL proliferous, from proles, offshootIsolepis proliferaH DS C
prolificusL prolific; proliferousHypericum prolificumH DS C
pronusL tilted forwardDracophyllum pronumDS
propinquusL kindredEucalyptus propinquaH DS C
prostratusL on the ground; prostrateCeanothus prostratusH DS C
protistusG very firstRhododendron protistumH
protrususL protruding, from protrudoMelaleuca protrusaDS
pruinatusL (apparently) frosted, from pruina; pruinoseBegonia pruinataH DS
pruinosusH DS
pruriensL itchy, from prurioMucuna pruriensDS
psilostemonG smooth-stamenedGeranium psilostemonH DS C
psittacinusL parrot, from psittacusImpatiens psittacina, Heliconia psittacorumH DS
psittacorumHD
pteroneurusG winged-veinCnidoscolus pteroneurusH DS
pubescensL fuzzy, from pubesco; pubescentBetula pubescensHDS C
pubigerHD
pubensHDS
pudicusL shyMimosa pudicaH D C
puderosusD
pugioniformisL dagger-shaped, from pugioDendrobium pugioniformeH DS
pulcherL beautiful. Feminine pulchra, neuter pulchrum.Senecio pulcherH DS C
pulchellusH DS C
pullusL blackishPiaranthus pullusH DS C
pulverulentusL powdery, from pulvis; pulverulentEucalyptus pulverulentaH DS C
pulvinatusL cushiony, from pulvinus; pulvinateGrimmia pulvinataH DS C
pumilusL dwarf. (Also pumilio.)Ficus pumilaH DS C
punctatusL dotted, originally from punctum, point or puncture; punctateMonarda punctataH DS C
pungensL pricking, from pungo; pungentPicea pungensH DS C
purgansL purgative, from purgoSaurauia purgansD
purpureusL purplishCeratodon purpureusH DS C
purpuratusL royal; purplishEucalyptus purpurataH DS C
purpurascensL light purple, from purpurasco. (Also purpurellus.)Calamagrostis purpurascensH DS C
pusillusL tinyPotamogeton pusillusH DS
pustulatusL (apparently) blistered, from pustula, pustule; pustulateEremophila pustulataH DS
pycnanthusG densely floweringAcacia pycnanthaH S
pyramidalisL pyramidal, from pyramisAnacamptis pyramidalisH DS C
pyramidatusD
pyxidatusG lidded boxEugenia pyxidataDS
quadrifoliusL four-leaved, from quattuor, fourParis quadrifoliaH DS C
quinatusL five-part, from quinque, fiveAkebia quinataH DS C
racemosusL racemose, from racemus, clusterSambucus racemosaH DS C
radiatusL radiating; radiateLycoris radiataH DS C
radiansDS
radiosusH DS
radicansL rooting, originally from radix, rootToxicodendron radicansHDS C
radicatusHDS
radicosusHDS
radicumD
radulaL rasp, originally from rado, to scrapeEurybia radulaHDS
ramentaceusL very scalyDrosera ramentaceaH S
ramosusL branching, from ramus, branchBoronia ramosaH DS C
ramulosusH DS
ramosissimusL with many branchesJamesbrittenia ramosissimaH DS C
rarusL rareHymenophyllum rarumDS
rariflorusL sparse-floweredRhynchospora rarifloraH DS
ravusL grey, dull yellow or tawnyMiconia ravaDS
reclinatusL reclined, from reclinoPhoenix reclinataH DS
rectusL erectEucalyptus rectaH DS C
recurvusL curved back; recurvedEucalyptus recurvaH DS
recurvatusH DS C
recutitusL (apparently) skinned, from cutis, skinPedicularis recutitaDS
redivivusL revivingStyrax redivivusH DS C
reductusL reduced, from reducoBrocchinia reductaH DS C
reflexusL bent backwards, from reflecto; reflexedDracaena reflexaH DS C
refractusH DS
refulgensL reflecting, from refulgeoJusticia refulgensH D
regalisL royalRoystonea regia, Drosera regiaH D C
regius H D C
religiosusL sacredFicus religiosaH D
remotusL remote (in distribution)Pinus remotaH DS C
reniformisL kidney-shaped, from renes, kidneysUtricularia reniformisH DS
repandusL curling at the edgesBoronia repandaH DS C
repensL creepingTrifolium repensH DS C
reptansH DS C
replicatusL folded, from replicoLafoensia replicataH DS
resinosusL resinous, from resinaPinus resinosaH DS C
resiniferH DS
resupinatusL bent backward, from resupinoTrifolium resupinatumDS
reticulatusL net-like, from reticulum; reticulateHippeastrum reticulatumH DS C
retortusL twisted back, from retorqueoCerinthe retortaHDS
retroflexusHDS
retrofractusHD
retususL blunt; retuseRhynchostylis retusaH DS C
reversusL reversedAlocasia reversaH DS
revolutusL rolled inward, from revolvo; revoluteOrites revolutusH DS C
rexL king. (Also reginae, queen.)Cattleya rexHD
rhabdotusG stripedAllium rhabdotumD
rhodanthusG with rose-red flowersEucalyptus rhodanthaH DS
rhombicusG rhombicAcalypha rhomboideaDS
rhomboideusH DS
rhytidophyllusG wrinkled-leafViburnum rhytidophyllumH DS C
rigensL rigid. (Also rigescens.)Muhlenbergia rigensH DS C
rigidus H DS C
ringensL gaping, from ringorMelaleuca ringensH DS C
ripariusL riverside, from ripa, riverbankVitis ripariaH DS C
rivalisL brookCalyptronoma rivalisH DS C
rivularis H DS C
robustusL strong; solidMetrosideros robustaH DS C
rostratusL beaked; rostrateEremophila rostrataH DS C
rotatusL circular, from rota, wheel; rotateHymenocallis rotataH DS
rotundusL roundCyperus rotundusH DS
rotundatusH DS
ruberL red. Feminine rubra, neuter rubrum.Acer rubrumH DS C
rubensH DS
rubescensL pale red, from rubescoCalamagrostis rubescensH DS
rubellusH DS
rubiginosusL rusty-red, from rubigo, rustFicus rubiginosaH DS C
rudisL untilled; roughEucalyptus rudisH DS
rufusL reddishPterostylis rufaH DS
rufescensD
rugosusL wrinkled; rugoseRosa rugosaH DS C
runcinatusL saw-toothed; runcinateCrepis runcinataDS
rupestrisL rock or cliff, from rupes; rupicolousBrachychiton rupestrisH DS C
rupicolaHD
rupifragusL rock-cleavingSalix rupifragaH D C
russatusL russet, from russusBrachyotum russatumH D
rusticanusL countrysideArmoracia rusticanaH DS C
rusticus H D C
rutilansL reddish, from rutiloNidularium rutilansH DS
saccatusL bag, from saccus; saccatePersoonia saccata, Manicaria sacciferaH DS
sacciferH D
saccharatusG sugared (in flavour or appearance)Caladenia saccharataH DS
sacchariferG sugary. (Also saccharum.)Acer saccharinum, Vitis sacchariferaDS C
saccharinusH DS C
sagittalisL arrow, from sagitta; sagittate. (Also sagittatus.)Crotalaria sagittalisH DS
salinusL salt, from salDrosera salinaH DS
salsuginosusL salt marsh, from salsusCastilleja salsuginosaDS
sanctusL holyAnacamptis sanctaH D
sanguineusL bloodyBroughtonia sanguineaH DS C
sapidusL tasty, from sapio, to have a flavourLissanthe sapidaH DS
saponaceusL soapy. (Also saponarius.)Solanum saponaceumDS
sarcodesG fleshyOncidium sarcodesH D
sarmentosusL sarmentose, from sarmentum, twigPiper sarmentosumH DS C
sativusL cultivated, from seroCannabis sativaH DS C
saturatusL colour-saturatedTaraxacum saturatumDS
savannarumL savanna. Neo-Latin, from a 16th-century Taíno word.Iris savannarumDS
saxatilisL rock-dwelling, from saxum; saxicolous. (Also saxorum, rock, and saxifraga, rock-breaker.)Mimetes saxatilis, Acacia saxicola, Dudleya saxosaH DS C
saxicolaH DS
saxosusH DS
scaberL rough; scabrid. Feminine scabra, neuter scabrum. (Also scabiosus.)Boronia scabraH DS C
scalarisL ladder, from scalaeVriesea scalarisH DS C
scandensL climbing, from scando; scandentCobaea scandensH DS C
scapigerL scaped
scapose
Caltha scaposa, Isotoma scapigeraDS
scaposusH DS
scariosusL filmy; scariousCyperus scariosusH DS C
scarlatinusL scarletBromelia scarlatinaDS
sceleratusL toxicRanunculus sceleratusDS
sceptrumL sceptreBanksia sceptrumH D
schidigerusG Greek: splinter + Latin: bearingYucca schidigeraH
schistocalyxG with a split calyxRhododendron schistocalyxD
schizopetalusG split-petalledHibiscus schizopetalusH DS
scholarisL school, from schola, school or debateAlstonia scholarisDS
scintillansL shining, from scintilloSchizachyrium scintillans, Triodia scintillansD
sclerocarpusG hard-fruitedMetrosideros sclerocarpaD
scopariusL broom, from scopaeLeptospermum scoparium, Cytisus scopariusH DS C
scopulorumL cliff, from scopulusEucalyptus scopulorumH DS C
scorpioidesL scorpion, from scorpio; scorpioidMyosotis scorpioidesH DS
scrobiculatusL dimpled, from scrobis, ditch; scrobiculateEremophila scrobiculataDS
sculptusL carvedEpidendrum sculptumDS
scutatusL shield, from scutum. (Also scutellaris, scutellatus.)Rumex scutatusDS C
sebiferL fatty; oily. From sebum.Triadica sebifera, Geranium sebosumDS
sebosusDS
seclususL secludedAcacia seclusaD
secundusL second; secund. (Also secundatus.)Epidendrum secundumH DS C
securigerL axe-bearingTritonia securigeraD
segetumL grainfield, from segesGlebionis segetum, Nigella segetalisH DS C
segetalisH DS
semperflorensL ever-blooming, from semper, alwaysBulbophyllum semperflorensH DS
sempervirensL evergreenSequoia sempervirensH DS C
senescensL greying, from senescoAllium senescensH DS C
senilisL aged; white-hairedCephalocereus senilisH D C
sensitivusL sensitive, from sentio; sensitiveBiophytum sensitivum, Onoclea sensibilisH DS
sensibilisH DS
senticosusL thorny, from sentusEleutherococcus senticosusDS
sepiariusL hedge, from sepesCalystegia sepium, Drypetes sepiariaDS
sepiumH DS
septemfidusL cut into seven parts, from septem, seven.Gentiana septemfidaH DS C
L northernAsplenium septentrionaleH DS
sepulcralisL graveyard, from sepulcrumEucalyptus sepulcralisDS C
sepultusL buriedEuphorbia sepultaD
sericiferL silky, from sericus; sericeousAdenanthos sericeus, Araujia sericiferaD C
sericeusH DS C
serotinusL late-blooming, from sero, lateGagea serotinaH DS C
serpensL creepingEremophila serpensH DS
serpentinusL serpentineRauvolfia serpentina, Melaleuca serpentinaDS
serratusL toothed, from serra, saw; serrate. (Also serrula.)Banksia serrataH DS
serrulatusL fine-toothed; serrulate. (Also serrula.)Prunus serrulataH DS C
sesquipedalisL one-and-a-half-footAngraecum sesquipedaleH DS C
sessilisL sitting; stalklessBanksia sessilisH DS
setigerL bristly; setosePapaver setigerum, Eremophila setacea, Polystichum setiferum, Corymbia setosa, Prunus setulosaH D C
setaceusH DS C
setiferH DS C
setosusH DS C
setulosusH DS
sexangularisL hexagonal, from sex, sixSedum sexangulareH DS C
siculiformisL dagger-shaped, from siculaAcacia siculiformisD
siderophloiusG iron-barkedEucalyptus siderophloiaD
signatusL marked up, from signoAcacia signataH D
siliceusL sand, from silex, stoneCarex siliceaH DS
silvicolaL woodland, from silva. See sylv-, below.Weinmannia silvicola, Persoonia silvatica, Eucalyptus silvestrisDS
silvaticusH DS
silvestrisH DS
similisL similar; genericMelaleuca similisH DS C
simplexL simple; unbranched. (Also simplicissimus, simplest.)Ruellia simplexH DS C
simulansL imitativeEremophila simulansH DS
sinuatusL sinuous; sinuatePterostylis sinuataH DS C
smaragdinusL emerald-green, from smaragdus, a green gemEpidendrum smaragdinumDS
soboliferL shoot-bearing; basal-shoot-bearingStylidium soboliferumH DS
socialisL confederated; colony-formingLedebouria socialisH D
solarisL solarDrosera solarisD
solidusL denseCorydalis solidaH DS C
solstitialisL summer-solsticeCentaurea solstitialisDS
somniferL sedatingWithania somniferaH D C
sordidusL dirty (in appearance)Salvia sordidaH DS
sororiusL sisterlyViola sororiaD C
spadiceusL dark brownPrasophyllum spadiceumDS
sparsusL sparse, from spargo, to scatterBeaufortia sparsaDS
spathulatusL spatulate. (Also spathaceus, spathed, from spatha, blade.)Sarcochilus spathulatusH DS
speciosusL showyBanksia speciosaH DS C
spectabilisL remarkableTahina spectabilisH D C
speculatusL mirrored, from speculumRubus speculatusD
sphacelatusG witheredSetaria sphacelataDS
sphaericusG spherical. (Also sphaeroideus.)Corymbia sphaericaH D
sphaeroidesD
sphegodesG waspOphrys sphegodesD
sphenantherusG wedge-antheredSchisandra sphenantheraD
spiciferL spike, from spica; spicate. (Also spicatus.)Swintonia spicifera, Melaleuca spicigera, Micraira spiciformaDS
spicigerH D C
spiciformisH DS
spinescensL spiny, from spina; spinose. (Also spinulosus.)Acacia spinescens, Cenchrus spinifex, Prunus spinosaH DS
spiniferDS
spinifexH D
spinosusH DS C
spinuliferD
spinosissimusL spiniestMammillaria spinosissimaH D C
spiralisL coiled or twisted, from spira; spiralThelymitra spiralisH DS
spissusL crowdedPterostylis spissaDS
splendidusL splendidEremophila splendens, Boronia splendidaH DS C
splendensH D C
spuriusL spuriousEremophila spuriaH DS C
squalidusL squalidSenecio squalidusH DS C
squalensD
squamosusL scalyPterostylis squamata, Eucalyptus squamosaH DS C
squamatusH DS C
squarrosusL with extended tips; squarrose. Cognate to squamosus.Bromus squarrosusH DS C
stamineusL well-stamened, from stamen, threadTrillium stamineumH DS
stansL standing, from stoTecoma stansH DS C
stauracanthusG cross-spinedCryosophila stauracanthaD
stellarisL star, from stella; stellate. (Also stellulatus.)Hibbertia stellaris, Allium stellatumH DS
stellatusH DS C
stelligerD
stenocarpusG narrow-fruitedHakea stenocarpaH D
sterilisL infertile; sterileBromus sterilisH DS
stipulaceusL stipuled, from stipula, stalkDalbergia stipulacea, Palaquium stipulare, Rubus stipulatusH DS
stipularisH DS
stipulatusH D
stoloniferL stolon-bearing; stoloniferousDrosera stoloniferaH D C
stramineusL straw; straw-colouredParsonsia stramineaDS
strangulatusL constricted, from stranguloTrigonella strangulataDS
strepensL rattling, from strepoRuellia strepensD
G twisted-leafTillandsia streptophyllaH D
striatusL striped; striate. (Also striatulus.)Bletilla striata, Dendrobium striolatumH DS C
striolatusH DS
strictusL drawn tight; uprightOrthoceras strictumH DS C
strigosusL meagre; strigoseCaladenia strigosaH DS
strigillosusD
strobiliferL cone-bearingDeuterocohnia strobiliferaH D
G rounded-leafAcacia strongylophyllaD
strumosusL swollenHakea strumosaH DS C
strumariusD
stylosusL well-styledRhizophora stylosaH DS C
styracifluusL gummyLiquidambar styracifluaH D C
suaveolensL sweet-scentedBrugmansia suaveolensH DS C
suavisL sweetCymbidium suaveH DS
subacaulisL partly stemmedCalystegia subacaulisH D
subalpinusL subalpine, from alpinus; lower-mountainJacaranda subalpinaH DS
L partly eared, from auricula, earPseuderanthemum subauriculatumDS
subcaeruleusL light blue, from caeruleus, sky blueAcacia subcaeruleaDS
subcanusL partly grey, from canusPavetta subcanaDS
subcarnosusL partly fleshyAizoon subcarnosumD
subcordatusL almost heart-shapedAlisma subcordatumH DS C
subdentatusL partly toothed, from dentatusEpilobium subdentatumDS
L partly spreading, from divaricoErica subdivaricataD
subelongatusL partly elongated, from longusJasminum elongatumDS
suberectusL angled, from erectusAtriplex suberectaDS
suberosusL partly eroseBoronia suberosaH DS
subfalcatusL almost sickle-shaped, from falcatusLysiana subfalcataDS
subglaucusL partly glaucous, from glaucusJuncus subglaucusDS
subhirtellusL slightly hairy, from hirtusDrosera subhirtellaH DS C
submersusL submerged, from submergoCeratophyllum submersumH DS
subpetiolatusL partly petiolateNavia subpetiolataD
subscandensL likely to climb, from scandoSiparuna subscandensDS
subterraneusL undergroundTrifolium subterraneumH DS
subulatusL awl-shaped; subulatePhlox subulataH DS C
subvillosusL partly shaggy, from villosusAllium subvillosumH DS
succisusL severed belowRobiquetia succisaDS
succulentusL fleshy; succulentLupinus succulentusH DS C
suffrutescensL partly shrubby, from frutex, shrubPortulaca suffrutescens, Dillenia suffruticosaH DS C
suffruticosusH DS C
sulcatusL furrowed, from sulcus; sulcatePersoonia sulcataH DS C
sulphureusL sulphur-yellow. Stearn also lists sulfureus; (Also sulphureas.)Pimelea sulphurea, Siphocampylus sulfureusH DS C
superbusL proud; superb. (Also superbiens.)Calothamnus superbusH D C
superciliarisL eyebrow, from superciliumBegonia superciliarisD
supinusL supineAsperula supinaH DS
supranubiusL above the clouds, from nubes, cloudGenista supranubiaD
surculosusL shoot-bearing, from surculus, a shootMammillaria surculosaH DS
suspensusL suspendedForsythia suspensaH DS C
sylvaticusL woodland, from sylva. See silv-, above.Nyssa sylvatica, Angelica sylvestris, Caladenia sylvicola, Aruncus sylvesterH DS C
sylvesterHD
sylvestrisH DS C
sylvicolaHDS
tabuliformisL flat, from tabula, boardAeonium tabuliformeH DS C
taedigerL torch-bearing, from taeda, torch. (Also taeda.)Raphia taedigeraD
tanastylusG long-styledRhododendron tanastylumD
tapetiformisL woven (like tapestry or carpet), from tapesRhododendron tapetiformeD
tardusL tardy; late.Tulipa tarda, Allium tardiflorumH DS
tardivusD
tectorumL of roofs, from tectumSempervivum tectorumH DS C
tectusL coveredGenoplesium tectumDS
telmateiusG of soggy groundEquisetum telmateiaDS
temeniusG of sacred placesRhododendron temeniumD
temulentusL drunkLolium temulentumH DS
temulusD
tenaxL tenaciousSideroxylon tenaxH DS C
tenebrosusL gloomyCattleya tenebrosaH DS
tenellulusL tender; delicateFelicia tenellaD
tenellusH DS C
tenerL delicateSticherus tenerH
tentaculatusL tentacledCaladenia tentaculataH
tenuisL thin. (Also tenuissimus, thinnest.)Cystopteris tenuisH DS C
teresL rounded or circular; tereteDampiera teresH DS
terminalisL at the end, from terminus; terminalPersoonia terminalisH DS C
ternatusL triple, from ternus; ternateSedum ternatumH DS C
terrestrisL ground-dwelling; terrestrialLysimachia terrestrisH DS
tessellatusL tessellated, from tessella, a small cubeThamnocalamus tessellatusH DS C
testaceusL brick-coloured, from testa, brickCaladenia testaceaH DS C
testicularisL testicular, from testiculusAglaia testicularisH D
testiculatusDS
testudoL tortoiseDurio testudinariusD
testudinariusH D
tetracanthusG four-spinedBarleria tetracanthaD
tetragonusG four-angled; tetragonalDendrobium tetragonumH DS C
tetrandrusG four-antheredMyoporum tetrandrumH DS
tetranthusG four-floweredLactuca tetranthaD
tetraphyllusG with four leavesPolycarpon tetraphyllumH D
tetrapterusG four-wingedEucalyptus tetrapteraH DS C
textilisL wovenJuncus textilisH DS
thermalisL warm springs, from thermaeAzima tetracanthaDS
thuriferL incense-bearingAnisoptera thuriferaD
thyrsiflorusL thyrse-flowered, from thyrsus, stalk or vined staff. (Also thyrsoideus and thyrsoides.)Ceanothus thyrsiflorusH DS C
tigrinusL striped; spotted. From tigris, tiger.Cymbidium tigrinumH DS
tinctorumL of dyers, from tinctus, dyedIndigofera tinctoriaDS
tinctoriusH DS C
tinctusL dyedFuchsia tinctaDS
tingensL tingeing, from tingoMarsdenia tingensDS
titaniusG titanic. (Also titanus.)Amorphophallus titanumD
tomentosusL matted, from tomentum, cushion-filling; tomentoseAlectryon tomentosusH DS C
tonsusL shavedDischidia tonsaDS
torminalisL (for) colic, from torminaSorbus torminalisD C
torosusL muscular; cylindrical with constrictionsMandevilla torosaDS
torridusL parchedCoccothrinax torridaDS
tortilisL twisted. (Also tortuosus.)Prasophyllum tortilis, Corymbia tortaH DS
tortusH DS
toxicariusL toxic, from toxicum, poisonAntiaris toxicariaH DS
toxicusD
toxiferD
trachyspermusG rough-seededKewa trachyspermaH S
transitoriusL short-lived, originally from transeo, to pass through brieflyCaladenia transitoriaH S
translucensL translucent, from transluceoAcacia translucensDS
transparensL transparent, from trans + pareoPteris transparensD
trapeziformisL irregularly four-sided; trapeziformChiloglottis trapeziformisH DS
tremulusL shaking. (Also tremuloides.)Pteris tremulaH DS C
triacanthusL three-spined. (Also triacanthos.)Opuntia triacanthaD
triandrusG three-antheredSalix triandraH DS
triangularisL triangular, from triangulusPrasophyllum triangulareH DS C
triangulatusHD
tricaudatusL three-tailedAristolochia tricaudataD
tricephalusL three-headedCoussarea tricephalaD
trichophorusG hairyTriglochin trichophoraD
trichotomusG three-branchedClerodendrum trichotomumH D C
tricoccusG three-lobedAllium tricoccumDS
tricolorL three-coloured, from colorViola tricolorH DS C
tricornisL three-hornedDelphinium tricorneDS
tricuspidatusL three-pointed, from tricuspisParthenocissus tricuspidataH DS C
tridensL three-toothedLarrea tridentataD
tridentalusDS C
trifidusL split into three; trifidGalium trifidumH DS C
triflorusL three-floweredGeum triflorumH D C
trifoliusL with three leaflets; trifoliateCoptis trifoliaH D C
trifoliatusHD C
trifurcatusL three-forked, from furcaHakea trifurcataH DS
trifurcusDS
G with triangular leavesAcacia trigonophyllaH D
trilobatusL three-lobedMalus trilobataH DS C
trimestrisL three-month, from mensis, monthLavatera trimestrisH DS
trinervisL with three nerves (veins), originally from nervusConothamnus trinervisH DS
trinotatusL triple-markedPalmorchis trinotataD
tripetalusG three-petaledMagnolia tripetalaH DS C
triphyllusG three-leavedGladiolus triphyllusH D C
tripterusG three-winged. (Also tripteris.)Acacia tripteraH D C
trispermusG three-seededReutealis trispermaDS
tristachyusG three-spikedDiphasiastrum tristachyumD
tristisL sad; dullPterostylis tristisH DS C
triternatusL with three groups of leaflets in threes, from ternus, tripleLomatium triternatumHDS C
trivialisL commonAlisma trivialeH DS C
tropicusG tropicalAcacia tropicaDS
truncatusL truncated, from truncus, dismembered or deprived of branches; truncateLupinus truncatus, Telopea truncataH DS C
tubatusL trumpet, from tubaOxypetalum tubatumDS
tubaeformisDS
tuberculatusL bumpy; tuberculateDiospyros tuberculata, Eleocharis tuberculosaH DS
tuberculosusH D
tuberosusL swollen, from tuber, a swelling; tuberousThysanotus tuberosusH DS C
tubulosusL tubularLeichhardtia tubulosaH DS C
tubiferH D
tuguriorumL of hut-dwellers, from tugurium, hutCalystegia tuguriorumD
tumidusL tumidVerticordia tumidaDS
turbinatusL shaped like a top, from turbineus; turbinateStylidium turbinatumH DS
turgidusL swollen; turgidKali turgidumDS
typicusG typicalArthraxon typicusDS
tytthocarpusG small-fruitedCotoneaster tytthocarpusDS
uliginosusLof marshes; from uligo, dampnessSalvia uliginosaH DS C
umbellatusLumbelled, from umbella, umbrellaOrnithogalum umbellatumH DS C
umbonatusL with a central knob, from umbo, knob; umbonateCorymbia umbonataDS
umbraculiferL sunshade-bearing, from umbraculum, sunshadeCorypha umbraculiferaDS
umbrellaL umbrella, from umbra, shadeSoroseris umbrellaDS
umbrosusL shady; shade-tolerantScrophularia umbrosaH DS C
uncinatusL hooked; uncinateHemiphora uncinata, Chamelaucium uncinatumH DS C
undulatusLwavy, from unda; undulateNerine undulataH DS C
undatusH DS
unguiculatusLclawed, from unguisBulbophyllum unguiculatumH DS C
unguicularisH DS
uniflorusLone-floweredMonotropa uniflora, Ipheion uniflorumH D C
urbanusLtown. (Also urbius.)Geum urbanumH DS C
urbicusHD
urceolatusLflask, from urceolus; urceolateGastrodia urceolataH DS C
urensL burning, from uroCaryota urensHDS
urnigerL urn, from urnaPogonatum urnigerumDS
ursinusLbear, from ursusAllium ursinumH D C
usitatissimusLmost useful, from usitatusLinum usitatissimumDS C
ustulatusL (apparently) scorched, from uroNeotinea ustulataD
utilisLusefulBrosimum utileH DS C
utriculatusL bladder-like; with utriclesTillandsia utriculataHDS
utriculosusDS
vacillansL variable, from vacilloVaccinium vacillansDS
vagansLwidely distributed; wandering. From vagor, to wander.Erica vagansHDS C
vaginatusL sheathedCyperus vaginatusH DS
vaginalisHDS
vaginiferD
validusLstrong; well-developedYucca validaDS
vallicolaL valley-dwellerCarex vallicolaD
variabilisLvariable, from varioPseuderanthemum variabileH DS C
variansHDS
variatusHD
varicosusL with enlarged veins or vesselsOncidium varicosumH S
variegatusLvariegatedCodiaeum variegatumH DS C
variusL diverseHakea variaH DS
vegetusL vigorousAstragalus vegetusH DS
vellereusL fleecy, from vellus, fleeceBallota vellereaDS
veloxL quick; quick-growingRubus veloxD
velutinusLvelvety, from French and LatinMyoporum velutinumH DS C
venatorL hunterRhododendron venatorD
venenatusL poisonous, from venenumAlstonia venenataDS
venenosusL very poisonousToxicoscordion venenosumH DS
venosusL heavily veined, from venaHaworthiopsis venosaH DS
ventricosusLventricose (swollen, often on one side), from venter, bellyEnsete ventricosumH DS
venustusLprettyCalochortus venustusH DS C
verecundusLshyBoronia verecundaH D
vermiculatusL wormlike; having waving linesCaroxylon vermiculatumD
vermicularisDS
vernicosusLvarnishedEucalyptus vernicosaH DS C
vernixLvarnish. (Also vernicifluus.)Acacia vernicifluaD
vernusLof springFicaria verna, Leucojum vernumH DS C
vernalisHDS
verrucosusLwarty, from verruca; verrucoseSesuvium verrucosum, Berberis verruculosaH DS
verruculosusH DS C
versicolorLvariably colouredIris versicolorH DS C
verticillatusLwhorled, from vertex, a whorl; verticillateBanksia verticillataH DS C
verticillarisD
verusLtrueAloe veraH DS C
vescusLsmall; feeble; edibleFragaria vescaHD
vesicariusLbladder, from vesicaCarex vesicariaH DS C
vesiculosusLvesicle, from vesicula, seed vesicleAldrovanda vesiculosaH DS
vespertilionisL(wings) of a batChristia vespertilionisD
vespertinusL(flowering) in the eveningAsplenium vespertinumH DS
vestitusLcoveredLeucospermum vestitumH DS
vexansLtroublesome, from vexoBuddleja vexansH D
vexillarisLwith a flag, from vexillumPachycarpus vexillarisDS
viarumLby the side of the road or path, from via. (Also vialis.)Solanum viarumDS
victorialisLvictorious, from victoriaAllium victorialisD
vigilisL vigilant, from vigiloDiascia vigilisH
villosusLhairy; villousVicia villosaH DS C
vinealisL vineyard, from vineaAllium vinealeD
viniferLyielding wine, from vinumVitis viniferaH D
vinosusL wine-redSchefflera vinosaDS
violaceusLviolet-coloured, from viola, a violetBanksia violaceaH DS C
violascensLlight violet. (Also violescens.)Pitcairnia violascensD
virensLgreenRhus virensH DS
viridisLfresh-greenVeratrum virideH DS C
viridescensLlight greenFerocactus viridescens, Nassella viridulaH DS
viridulusH DS
viridissimusLgreenestForsythia viridissimaH D C
virgatusLtwiggyHomoranthus virgatus, Panicum virgatumH DS C
virginalisLvirginal; white. (Also virgineus.)Disa virginalisH D
virgultorumLhedge, from virgultaSolanum virgultorumD
viscidusLsticky; viscidPhacelia viscidaH DS
viscosusLstickyDittrichia viscosaH DS C
vitaceusLvine, from vitis. (Also viticella.)Piper vitaceumH DS
vitellinusLyolk-coloured, from vitellusXanthophyllum vitellinumH DS
vittatusLstriped, from vitta, a (worn) bandHakea vittataH DS
vittigerD
vivaxL long-livedPhyllostachys vivaxH
viviparusL viviparousBistorta viviparaH S
volubilisLcircling aroundComesperma volubileH DS
volutusL with rolled leaves, from volutoEpidendrum volutumDS
vomitoriusLcausing vomiting, from vomoIlex vomitoriaH D C
vulcanicusLof volcanosPeperomia vulcanicaDS
vulgarisLcommonMarrubium vulgareH DS C
vulpinusLof foxes, from vulpesVitis vulpinaD
xanthinusGyellowAcacia xanthinaH D C
xylonacanthusGwoody-spinedAgave xylonacanthaD
zaleucusGvery whiteRhododendron zaleucumD
zebrinusL zebra-striped, from Portuguese and Neo-LatinTradescantia zebrinaHDS
zibethinusL (stinking) like a civetDurio zibethinusH D
zonatusLbanded, from zona, belt; zonateCryptanthus zonatusH DS
zonalisHD

See also

References

Further reading