Download Botanic Scientific Terms

Botanical Names and Their Meanings
70
L
LA
labiatus - DSN. L. Lipped. See Orthosiphon l. - 1, 228; 16, 346h;18,428
labium – DSN. Labium, lower lip of corolla. Labious, large lipped, with well developed labium. - 14, 454
lablab – DSN. An Arabic name. - 16, 202k; 18,398
labrum - L. Lip or edge. See parvilabrum. - 1, 80; 16, 102c
laburnifolia - DSN.L. The leaves resemble that of Laburnum. See Crotalaria l. - 1, 124; 16, 186I; 18,262
laburnum - MGN. An ancient Latin name identifying a genus of three species, closely allied to the Cystus
family, Southern Europe and Western Asia. - 10, 200; 16 186i
lacca - From the Hindi name of a black dye, or a place in Italy. See Phytolacca. - 1, 104; 3, 78
lachenalioides – DGN. Resembling Lachenalia. See Drimiopsis l. – 18,344
lachne - G. Wool, down. See Pseudolachmostylis. - 16, 220b
laciniatus - DSN. Slashed or jagged. Narrowly cut leaves. - 10, 339; 12, 304; 13, 1223
lact – DSN. Milky. See genus Lactuca.- 18,338
lactuca – L. Latin word for lettuce. See genus Lactuca.- 18,338
lacustris - GSN. Of the lake. - 12, 303; 13, 1222
laelia - MGN. Dedicated to Laelia, one of the Vestal Virgins. - 28, 283
-laena - See chlaina, a cloak. laevigata – DSN. Smooth, slippery. See Habenaria l. – 18,518
laevigatum - DSN. Polished. See Leptospernum l.- 10, 205, 339
laevigatus – DSN. Smooth, slippery. See Abrus l., Cyperus l. – 18,464,504
laevis – DSN. L. Smooth, not rough. [Also spelt levis]. See Ceratiosicyos - 16, 372h; 18,540
lagaros - G. Thin, narrow, lanky. - 14, 275
lagena – DSN. Large flask. Lagenaria - 558
lageneria - DSN. L. From lagenos, a flask. - 16, 414d
lagenos - G. A flask, See Lagenaria. - 16, 414d
lagerstroemia - CSN. Magnus Lagerstroem. - 10, 201; 12, 300
laginerum - DSN. L. Woolly, See Cyphostemma l.- 16, 248c
lago - G. In compounds, hare-, mostly with reference to rough furriness like a hare's foot. - 14, 454
lagos - G. m. Hare. - 14, 275
lagunaea - CSN. Andres de Laguna Lagunaea. See genus Lagunaria. - 10, 202
lagunaria - DGN. For genus Lagunaria the name given as similar to Lagunaea an allied genus. - 10, 202
lagynias - DSN. Probably from the greek lagynion, a small flask. - 1, 260; 16, 406f
lagynion - G. A small flask. See Lagynias. - 1, 260; 16, 406f
lakha - Persian red dye. See Phytolacca.- 18,52
lalandii - CSN. Possibly named after Pierre-Antoine Delalande. See Hypericum l. - 1, 178; 16, 266f; 18,290
lambertia - CSN. Aylmer Bourke Lambert.- 10, 202; 12, 300
lamellatum - DSN. L. Arranged in layers. See Schizoglossum l., Aspidoglossum - 1, 206; 16,312a,b
lamprophylla - DSN. Lamprus-shining or radiant, phylla-leaves. Bonatea l. – 18,116
lampros – Bright, shining. Lampranthus.- 18,380
lana - G. Wool. See Lanium.- 28, 287
lanatus – DSN. Woolly or cottony. See Citrullus l. – 18,558
lancea - DSN. L. Spear-shaped In Rhus l. it alludes to the leaves.- 16, 232c
lanceolata - DSN. L. Lanceolate (shaped like a spearhead, tapered to an end). See Kalanchoe l., Azara l.,
Osyris l., Measa l., Tricalysia l., Crassula l., Crotalaria l.Coreopsis l., Plantago l. - !, 120; 10,42,339;
16, 126l 154c, 290e, 402g, 404a; 18,54,144,262,318,588
lanceolatum - DSN. L. Lanced shaped. In Oxygonum dregeanum subsp l. it alludes to the leaves. - 16,130c
lanceolatus – DSN. Sword/lancelike. See Rumex l. – 18,374
lanci - L. In compounds, lanceolate. - 14, 455
lanciflora - DSN. L. Lance-shaped. Having lance-shaped flowers. - 10, 339
lancifolia - DSN. L. Having lance-shaped leaves. See Hermannia l., Barleria l. Thunbergia l. has leaves
shaped like a spear-head. Aptenia l., Muraltia l., Barleria l.- 1, 174, 252; 5, pl 170; 16,134a,262b,390d;
18,406,488
lancifolius - DSN. L. Lance-shaped.- 10, 339
lancifolium - DSN. L. With lance-shaped leaves. See Argyrolobium l.- 16, 178d
landolphia - CSN. Captain Landolphe. - 1, 200; 16, 302b
lani - L. In compounds, woolly.- 14, 455
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
71
laniflora - DSN. L. From lana, wool and flora, flowers. See Kanahia l. - 16, 328a
lanium - DSN. G. From lana wool, probably referring to the ‘downy flowers’. - 28, 287
lannea - DSN. From linné, wool. Or Lanné the common name used in Senegambia for the species Lannea
edulis var e.- 1, 160; 2, 242; 16, 234a
lans - L. Wool. See laniflora.- 16, 328a
lantana - DGN. The name was originally applied to the European genus Viburnum, which this genus
resembles. See Viburnum, Lantana.- 1, 226; 5, pl 138; 10, 203, 325; 16 342e; 18,422
lapageria - CGN. Empress Josephine (nèe de la Pagerie).- 12, 300; 13, 1219
lapathifolia – DGN. Leaves like Dock Rumex. See Persicaria l. – 18,376
lapeirousia - CGN. Baron de la Peirouse.- 5, pl 42
lapidosa - DSN. L. Rocky. In Cyanotis l. it describes the habitat these plants live in. – 1,20; 16,32g-h
laportea – DSN. Named after Laporte. See genus Laportea.- 18,524
lappacea – DSN. Burrlike. See Pupalia l. – 18,376,528
laricinus - DSN. Larchlike. See Asparagus l. – 18,102
lasi- G. lasio-. In compounds, hairy, woolly.- 14, 455
lasianthum - DSN. With woolly flowers. See Erythrophleum l.- 2, 144
lasio - G. lasi-. In compounds, hairy, woolly.- 14, 455
lasiocarpa - DSN. Shaggy fruit. Grewia l.- 2, 308; 3, 207
lasiodiscus - DSN. Woolly disc.- 2, 302
lasios - G. Shaggy, woolly. - 14, 275
lateri - L. In compounds, at the side, lateral to. - 14, 455
lateripes - DSN. L. With a stalk on the side. Pelargonium l.- 1, 148; 16, 204f
lati - L. In compounds, broad, wide. - 14, 455
latibracteolata - DSN. L. With broad bracts. See Pearsonia grandifolia subsp l.- 16, 180f
latifolia - DSN. Broad-leaved. See Cryptocarya l., Pentanisia prunelloides subsp l., Watsonia l., Oxalis l.,
Kniphofia l.- 2, 98; 16, 404j; 18,46,402508
latifolium – DSN. Broad leaves. Dierama l., Chascanum l., Garuleum l.- 18,42,180,356,444
latifolius - DSN. Broad-leaved. Referring to the leaf in Podocarpus l., Oxyanthus l., Euonymus l., Plexipus,
l. var. l., Solenostemon l., Senecio l. - 2, 48, 464; 10, 152, 339; 12, 304; 13, 1223; 16,20b,340f, 356f,
442e; 18,324
latissima - DSN. Very broad. In Erythrina l. it refers to the size of the leaflets. - 2, 176; 16, 196
launaea – CSN. Named after J.M. de Launay, French lawyer, author and editor of horticultural works. See
genus Launaea.- 18,338
laureola - DSN. L. The smaller laurel. See Callilepis l. - 16, 454a; 18,216
laurus - MGN. The ancient Latin name for Laurel.. - 10, 204
lavandula - DSN. From lavare, to wash. OR. Perhaps from the medieval Latin livendula from lividus, blue
green. - 10, 204; 12, 302; 13, 1221
lavare – DSN. To wash. See genus Lavandula. - 13, 1221
lavender - DSN. L. From lavare, to wash, from its use by the romans to scent their baths - 20,151
laxa - DSN. L. Loose, not dense or open. Anomantheca l., painted-petals. Freesia l., Printzia l. –
1, 74; 3, 62; 5, pl 41; 16, 94b; 18,46,216
laxiflora – DSN. Loose flowers. Kniphofia l. - 18,28
laxiflorus - DSN. Loose, limp flowers. See Plectranthus l. – 18,186
laxus – DSN. Loose, limp. See Euryops l. – 18,330
LE
leachii - CSN. Leslie C Leach. See Eulophia l. - 16, 96c; 18,520
lebeckioides - DGN. Resembling the genus Lebeckia. See Dichilius l. - 16, 180b
lecanon - G. m. Lecanos. Wine-bowl. - 14, 275
lecanos - G. m. Lecanon. Wine-bowl. - 14, 275
lecythos - G.f. Oil-flask.- 14, 275
ledebouria - CSN. Carl Friedrich von Ledebour, German prof. of botany. - 1,30,32; 16,40b-d,52a-b;
18,344,452,512
leendertziae – CSN. Named after Reino Leendertz. See Stapelia l. – 18,584
lei- - G. lei-. In compounds, smooth. - 14, 457
leimon – GSN. A meadow. See genus Limonium. - 13, 1221
leio- - . leio-. In compounds, smooth. - 14, 457
leochilus - DSN. G. From leios smooth and cheilos lip, referring to the smooth surface of the lip. - 28, 287
leiophyllos - G. Smooth-leaved, from leios, smooth to the touch. - 14, 276
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
72
leiorhachis - DSN. G. From leios, smooth and rhachis, axis of the leaf above the petiole. See Acacia senegal
l. - !, 142; 16, 162e
leios - DSN. Smooth to the touch. See leiorhachis, leiophyllos, Leochilus - 1, 142; 14, 276; 28,287
leiostyla - DSN. G. From leios, smooth and stylos, with a prominent or well formed style.See Sebaea l. - 16,
300d
leon – DSN.m. Lion. See genus Leonotis - 1, 230; 3, 128; 10, 204; 14, 276; 16, 348e; 18,70
leonotis - DSN. G. From leon, a lion and otis an ear, and it refers to the fanciful likeness of the hairy corolla
to a lion's ear or to the hair fringed upper lip. - 1, 230; 3, 128; 5, pl 141; 10,204;20,154; 16, 348e;
18,70
leontoglossa - DSN. G. With a throat or tongue like a lion. See Eulophia l. - 16, 98b-c; 18,244
leonurus – DSN. Lion coloured. Leonotus l. - 18,70
lepida – DSN. Attractive or pleasing. See Watsonia l. – 18,360
lepido- - G. In compounds, scale-, scaly. - 14, 457
lepidos - G. f. Lepis, a scale (of fish), flake. - 14, 276
lepis - f. Lepidos, a scale (of fish), flake. See Raphiolepis, Cryptolepis, Platylepis, Synaptolepis, Alepidea,
Ascolepis,Isolepis. - 10, 276; 14, 276; 16, 310c; 18,84,124,158,160,166,300,566
lept- - lepto-. In compounds, slender, thin, narrow. - 14, 457
leptactina - DSN. G. Thin rays, referring to the radial corolla lobes of some species. - 5, pl 173
lepto- - G. lept-. In compounds, slender, thin, narrow. - 14, 457
leptobotrya - DSN. G Thin-clustered. See Aeschynomense rehmannii subsp l. - 16, 190 d
leptocalyx - DSN. Slender calyx. See Pavonia l. – 18,156
leptoclada - DSN. G. Slender-branched. See Salacia l. - 2, 280
leptocladus - DSN. L. Thin-branched. See Cyperus l. - 1, 16; 16, 26b-c
leptodictya - DSN. G. Delicately netted. In Rhus l. it refers to the fine network of veins in the leaves. –
1,160; 16, 234b
leptophylla - DSN. G. Thin-leaved. See Callilepis.l. - 1, 268; 16, 426g
leptophyllum - DSN. Slender or thin leaves. See Ciclospermum l. – 18,162
leptopus - DSN. With a thin foot. - 10, 339
leptotes - G. Delecateness. See Leptotes. - 28, 288
leptotes - DSN. G. From leptotes delicateness, referring to the delicate leaves of most of the species of this
genus.- 28, 288
leptos - G. Fine, thin, slender, weak. See genus Leptospermum or species leptocladus, leptorrhizos. – 1,16;
10, 205; 12, 301; 14, 276
leptorrhizos. - G. With thin delicate root, from leptos, thin and delicate. - 14, 276
leptospermum - DSN.From leptos, slender and sperma, a seed, and it alludes to the slender seeds. – 10,205;
12, 301
leptostachya - DSN. G. Slender-spiked. Peperomia blanda l. - 1, 98; 16, 120a
leschenaultia - CGN. L T Leschenault de la Tour. - 10, 208; 12, 300
lesliei - CSN. T N Leslie. See Lithops l. - 1, 106; 16, 134d
lespedeza - CSN. D Lespedez for genus Lespedeza - 10, 208
lessertia – CSN. Named after Jules de Lessert, French amateur botanist. See genus Lessertia.- 18,394
leuc- - G. leuco-. In compounds, white-. - 14, 457
leucadendron - From leukos, white and dendron, tree, an allusion to the best known species, L. argenteum,
the Silver Tree. - 10, 208
leucantha - DSN. G. From leukos white and anthos a flower, bearing white flowers.. See Tulbaghia l. 16,52g; 18,92
leucanthemon - G. White flower, from leucon, white colour. - 14, 276
leucanthes - G. White flowering, from leucon, white colour. - 14, 276
leucanthum - DSN. White flowers. See Pterygodium l. – 18,124
leucarpos - G. Yielding white fruit, from leucon, white colour. - 14, 276
leucas - DSN. G. From leukos, white, possibly alluding to the white flowers found in Southern African
species. - 16, 360d
leuco- - G. leuc-. In compounds, white-. - 14, 457
leucohyle - DSN. G. From leukos white and hyle wool or stuff, referring to the white woolly indumentum on
the stiff floral axis. - 28, 289
leucon - G. n. White colour. See leucanthemon, leucanthes, leucarpos - 14, 276
leucopharynx – DSN. White throat. See Harveya l. – 18,434
leucos – DSN. White. See genus Leucadendron, Leucospermum or species leucothrix. - 1, 10; 10,208,210;
12, 300, 301; 13, 1219; 16, 24h, 124e
leucosidea - DSN. G. With a white appearance. - 16, 158d
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
73
leucospermum - DSN. G. From leucos, white and sperma, seed, white seeds. It alludes to the white shining
seed nuts of some species. - 1, 100; 5, pl 61; 10, 210; 16, 124e
leucothrix - DSN. From leukos, white and thrix, hair. See Tristachya l. - 1, 2
leucothoe - MGN. Genus Leucothoe named after the daughter of Orchamus and beloved of Apollo. - 10,212
leucura - DSN. G. In Aerva l. it refers to the flower colour. - 16, 300g
leukos - G.White. See Leucohyle, Leucas. – 18,182; 28, 289
levis - DSN. L. Smooth, not rough. {often spelt laevis]. See Sutera l. - 16, 372h
leukos - G. White. See Melaleuca, leucothrix, Leucodendron, leucantha, Leucas - 1,12; 10,208, 226;
16,52h, 52g, 360d
LH
lhotzkya - CSN. Dr John Lhotzky. - 10, 212
LI
libanus - Incense. See genus Libocedrus - 10, 213
libocedrus - DGN. From libanus, incense and cedrus, Cedar, and it refers to the fragrant wood. - 10, 213
lichen - G. m. Tree-moss, lichen, liverwort. - 14, 276
lightfootia - CSN. Reverend John Lightfoot. - 1, 264; 16, 418g, 420c,d
lillium – DSN. Greek and Latin name for lily, common to almost all European languages. - 18,92
limbata - DSN. L. Bordered. In Persicaria l. the alluding is to the leaf-like ochrea. - 16, 130a
limeum - DSN. G. From limeum, pest, to the point of ruin. - 16, 132c-e
limi - L. Resembling a coarse file. See limifolia. -1, 36
limi-L. In compounds, pertaining to mud. - 14, 458
limifolia - DSN. L. With leaves resembling a coarse file. The transverse file-like ridges transversing the
leaves. See Haworthia l. - 1, 36; 16, 50b; 29, Mar 2003, pp35; 18,342
limn- - G. In compounds, pertaining to standing water, pools. - 14, 458
limnanthes - GSN. From limne, a marsh. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
limne - G. A swamp, marsh. See genus Limosella, Limnathes. - 1, 236; 13, 1221; 16, 366g
limon - G. m. Moist grassy place, meadow. - 14, 276
limonium - GSN. From leimon, a meadow. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
limosa – DSN. Full of mud. See Eleocharis l. – 18,566
limosella - GSN. G. From limne, a swamp and sella, a seat, referring to the habit of this genus. - 1,236;
16,366g
limosus – DSN. Muddy. See genus Limosella.- 18,192
lindernia - CSN. F.B. von Linden, botanist from Strasburg. See genus Lindernia. - 16, 366h; 18,194
lindleyana - CSN. Named after John Lindley. See Disperis l. – 18,122
lineare - DSN. Narrow, with sides nearly parallel. Refers to the long narrow leaf in Aptosiumum l.,
Delosperma l. – 5, pl 145; 16, 374e; 18,136
linearifolia - DSN. L. Linear-leafed, narrow leaves. See Kniphofia l., Clifforita l., Aloe l. - 16,44bc,158e;
18,30,228
linearis - DSN. L. Narrow, with sides neatly parallel. See Hermbstaedtia l., Ceropegia l., Zornia l. 16,300h; 18,174,270
lineata - DSN. Marked with lines. See Tritonia l. – 18,238
linifolia - DSN. L. Flax-leaved. See Aulojustica l., Siphonoglossa l. - 1, 250; 16, 388e
linifolius - DSN. L. Flax-leaved. See Evolvulus alsinoides var. l. - 1, 224; 16, 334k
linum – DSN. Flax. Sanctum linum Holy flax. See for genus Santolina. - 10, 203; 16, 208b
liparis - DSN. G. Oily or smooth, alluding to the glossy surface of the leaves. From liparos shiny or greasy,
referring to the smooth glossy sheen of the leaves of many species.- 16, 96d; 28,289
liparos - G. Shiny or greasy. See Liparis. - 28, 289
lippia - CSN. Named after French natural historian Augustin Lippi. See genus Lippia. - 1, 226; 10,214;
16,342c, 344g; 18,180
liriodendron - DGN. From lerion, lily and dendron, a tree, lily tree, and refers to its lily-like flowers. - 4,85;
10,214
lirion - G. White lily. See genus Apodolirion. - 14, 276; 18,106
listron - G. Spade. See Listrostachys - 28, 290
listrostachys - DSN. G. From listron spade and stachys ear, alluding to the compactly many-flowered and
distichous inflorescence of the type species. - 28, 290
litakun - Litakun is the old name for Kuruman, see Acacia litakunensis. - 11, 4
litakunensis - Named after the old name for Kuruman, see Acacia litakunensis. - 11, 4
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
74
litchi - DGN. Old Chinese name for L. sinensis. - 4, 86
lith- - G. litho-. In compounds, stone-. - 14, 458
litho- - G. lith-. In compounds, stone-. - 14, 458
lithophila – DSN. Stone loving. See Habenaria l. – 18,518
lithops - DSN. G. Stone-like. - 1, 106; 16, 134d
lithospermum - DSN. L. Having very hard, stone-like seeds.
lithos - G. Stone. See genus Lithospermum. - 14, 276; 18,180
littonia - CSN. Dr Samuel Litton. See Littonia. - 1, 24; 16, 36d; 18,26
littoralis - GSN. Of the shore. - 12, 303; 13, 1222
livendula - L. Old name for lavender. See genus Lavandula - 10, 204
livida - DSN. L. Lead-coloured, bluish grey. See Utricularia l. - 1, 248; 16, 386a; 18,486
lividus - L. Blue-green. See genus Lavandula. - 10, 204
LO
loba - L. Lobes. See acutiloba. - 1, 32
lobelia - CSN. Matthias de l' Obel.- 1, 264; 3, 160; 5, pl 178; 12, 300; 13, 1219; 16, 420f, 422d; 18,494
lobion - G. A pod. See Argyrolobium. - 1, 124, 220; 16, 180c
lobium - G. Fruit. See Pterolobium. - 16, 176a
lobos - G. Lobe of the ear, capsule or pod, flowers seems to grow on seed pods. See Epilobium, Otholobium,
Xysmalobium.- 14, 276; 16, 280a; 18,160,300,410,462,542,578
lockhartia - CSN. David Lockhart, 1818-1846. - 28, 290
loesenerana - CSN. Dr Edward Theodor Loesener. See Huernia l. - 1, 208; 16, 314a
-logia - G. In compounds, study of. - 14, 459
loma - G. n. Hem, fringe, border. See genus Astroloma. Or lomatos an edge for genus Lomatia - 10,34,215;
14,276
lomatia - DSN. From loma or lomatos, an edge, and it refers to the winged edge of the seeds. - 10,215
lomato- - G. In compounds, fringed, bordered. - 14, 459
lomatophyllus – DSN. Fringed leaves. See Juncus l. – 18,570
lomatos - Or loma, an edge. See genus Lomatia - 10, 215
lonche - L. Lance. See Lonchocarpus - 16, 174d
lonchocarpus - DSN. L. From lonche, lance and karpos,a fruit. The Latin word for lance-fruit, a reference to
the pods. - 11, 72; 16, 174d
lonchophylla - DSN. Spearlike leaves. See Oeceoclades l., - 18,126,246
longebarbata – DSN. Long bearded. See Indigofera l. – 18,390
longepedunculata - DSN. L. With a long peduncle (flower stalk). Securidaca l., Tricliceras l.,
Wormskioldia l. - 1, 152, 178; 5, pl 105; 16, 218h
longibracteatum - DSN. L. Having long bracts. See Ornithogalum l., Tricliceras l. var l. - 16,34d,266g
longicauda - DSN. L. Long-stemmed. Long-tailed. Satyrium l., Satyrium l. var jacottertianum.l., Satyrium l.
var l.. - 1, 82; 5, pl 55, p135; 16, 100b 104b; 18,118,362
longicollis or lingicaulis - DSN. L. Long-stalked. See Gladiolus l.[Looks wrong, collis is a hill, caulis is a
stem; longicaulis is long-stemmed] - 1, 72; 3, 58; 18,238
longicollus - DSN. L. Long-stalked. See Gladiolus l. - 16, 92b
longidens – DSN. Long tooth. See Orbea l. – 18,584
longiflora - DSN. L. Long-flowered, having long flowers. See Senecio l. - 1, 272; 16, 430
longiflorus - DSN. L. Long-flowered. See Senecio l. - 1, 272
longifolia - DSN. Long leaves. See Mentha l.,Limosella l.,Cyphia l. – 18,184,192,208
longifolius - DSN. With long leaves. - 10, 339
longipedicellata – DSN. Long, little foot. See Selago l. – 18,430
longipes - DSN. L. Long-stalked. See Tephrosia l. var. lurida., Tephrosia l. var. l. - 1, 140; 16,182h, 198c
longipetiolata - DSN. L. Having long petioles. See Hippocratea l. - 16, 236f
longisepala - DSN. Long sepals. See Eulophia l. – 18,244
longistrobus - DSN. L. Long coned. See Metarungia l. - 16, 394g
longistylum - DSN. L. Having a long style. See Anthericum l. - 16, 52c
longpedunculata - L. With a long peduncle. See Securidaca l. - 1, 152
longus – DSN. Long. See Cyperus l. – 18,560
lonicera - CSN. Adam Lonicer. - 10, 216; 12, 300; 13, 1219
lopholaena - DSN. G. From lophos a crest and chlaina, a cloak, referring to the involucre. - 1, 274; 16,434b,
444a
lophos - G. A crest or plume. See genus Eulophia, Lopholaena, Acrolophia. - 1, 80, 274; 3, 72; 14, 276;
16,96bc, 98b, 434b; 18,126,370,458,520,574; 28. 147
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
75
loranthus - DSN. Strap flower. - 5, pl 62
loron – DSN. A thong. See genus Loropetalum. - 10, 217
loropetalum - DSN. From loron, a thong and petalon, petal, referring to the long narrow petals of the
flowers. - 10, 217
lotoides - DGN. L. Resembling the genus lotus. For Crotolaria l., a member of the same family - 16,202a
lotononis - MGN. G. Combination of two generic names, Lotus and Ononis. Lotos refers to the legendary
fruit eaten to produce dreamy forgetfulness. See genus Lotononis. - 1, 124, 128, 140;
16,182d,186g,200a, 202d; 18,150,460
lotos - G. From the classical Greek for a number of plants, such as the clover, mellot, fenugreek. See Lotus 16, 202b; 18,150
lotus - G. Lotus plant. See Lotononis.DGN. G. From the classical Greek lotos for a number of plants, such as
the clover, mellot, fenugreek. - 1, 124; 16, 186g, 202b
louwalbbersii - CSN. Dr Louw Alberts. - 16, 344d
loxos - G. Slanting, oblique, cross-wise. - 14, 276
LU
lucens - DSN. Shiny. In Heywoofia l. it refers to the leaves., Raphionacme l. - 2, 208; 18,542
lucerne - (Alfalfa). From French luzerno, glow worm, referring to its shiny seeds. - Oxford Dict.
lucida - DSN. Bright, shining, clear. In Rhus l. forma l., and Rawsonia l. it refers to the leaves. See Halleria
l., Teedia - 1, 236; 2, 256, 326; 3, 218; 16, 264g, 366a, 372d
lucidus - DSN. Shining. - 10, 339
luculia - CSN. Lucili Swa. - 10, 217
ludisia - MGN. Origin unknown but may refer to a personal name. - 28, 291
luisia - CSN. G. Don Louis de Torres; Portuguese botanist of the 19 th century - 28, 292
ludwigiana – CSN. Named after Carl von Ludwig. See Tulbaghia l. – 18,510
ludwigii - CSN. Baron von Ludwig. See Rubus l. - 12, 303; 18,386
luederitzii - GSN. L. Pertaining to Luderitz in Namibia. See Acacia l. - 1, 142; 16, 162hlugardiae - CSN. Mrs Charlotte Eleanor Lugard. See Monadenium l., Sesamothamnus l. - 1, 154; 16,378h;
18,534
lugardii – CSN. Named after Charlotte E. Lugard. See Tapinanthus l. – 18,524
lugardii - CSN. Edward Lugard. See Sesamothamnus l., Monadenium l. - 1, 244;16, 228f
lupinifolia – DGN. Leaves like Lupin. See Tephrosia l. – 18,392
lurisa - DSN. L. Smoky-yellow. See Tephrosia longipes var. l - 1, 140
luridum - DSN. L. Smoky, dingy or drab yellow. Referring to the flower colour in Pelargonium l. - 1,146;
3,102; 5, pl 89; 16, 206d; 18,400
luridus - DSN. L. Smoky yellow. See Pterodiscus l. - 1, 244
lusitanicus - GSN. Portugal. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
lutea - DSN. L. Golden yellow. See Orbeopsis l., Orbeopsis l. subsp l. - 1, 216; 16, 322b; 18,302
luteo-album – DSN. Yellowish-white. See Pseudognaphalium l. – 18,310
luteola - DSN. Yellow. See Vigna l. – 18,274
luteoalbidum - DSN. Yellowish white. See Dierama l. – 18,110
luteolus - DSN. L. Yellowish. See Strophanthus l. - 1, 200; 16, 302d
luteus - DSN. Yellow. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
LY
lycaste - MGN. Lycaste was the beautiful daughter of King Priam of Troy. - 28, 293
lychnis – DSN. From lychnos, lamp, because its leaves were used as wicks. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
lychnos – DSN. Lamp. See genus Lychnis. - 13, 1221
lycioides - DGN. L. Resembling genus Lycium another member of the same family. See
Diospyros l. subsp l. - 1, 194; 16, 292g
lydenbergensis - GSN. L. From Lydenberg. Eulophia l., Senecio l., Euphorbia l. - 1, 156, 278;
16,226b,446f
lykion – GSN. Name of thorny bush from Lycia, Asia Minor. See genus Lycium.- 18,188
lyonia - CSN. John Lyon.- 10, 218
lysistemon - DSN. G. With a loose stamen. See Erythrina l. - 1, 126; 3, 202; 16, 194a
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
76
M
MA
-ma - Often indicates the result of an action, verb base. - 14, 307
maas – DSN. From Arabic name. See genus Maesa.- 18,162
macadamia - CSN. John Macadam. - 10, 218
mackenii - CSN. Named after Mark McKen. See Eriospermum m., Cyrtanthus m.,Peponium m., Berkheya
m., Oeceoclades m. – 18,226,232,336,372,520
macloughlinii - CSN. Named after Alfred McLoughlin. See Orbea m. – 18,586
macodes - DSN. G. From makos or makros long, alluding to the elongated midlobe of the lip.. - 28,295
macowania – CSN. Named after Peter MacOwen. See genus Macowania.- 18,316
macowanii - CSN. Named after Peter MacOwen, 1830-1909,botanist, teacher, lecturer. See
Asparagus m.,Crinum m.,Cyrtanthus m. – 5,pl.27; 16,76c; 18,102
macr- - G. macro-. In compounds, long, large, great. - 14, 460
macradenia - DGN. G. From macros long and aden gland, alluding to the long anther appendage. - 28,295
macrantha - DSN. G. With large flowers. Dregea m., Bauhinia m., Sutera m., Bauhinia petersiana subsp
m., Jamesbrittenia m. - 1, 218, 234; 5, pl 75; 16, 172b, 324c, 364c
macranthus – DSN. Long flowers. See Syncolostemon m. – 18,426
macro- - G. macr-. In compounds, long, large, great. - 14, 460
macrocarpa - DSN. G. A large fruit. See Trochomeria m., Trochomeria m. subsp m., Crotalaria m. –
1,262; 2, 412; 16, 412d; 18,264
macrocarpus – DSN. Large fruit. See Mariscus m. – 10,339; 18,504
macrocentra – DSN. Large spurs.Urginea m. - 18,94
macrocephala – DSN. Large head. See Berkheya m. – 18,334
macroceras – DSN. Large horns. See Brownleea m. – 18,364
macrochilus – DSN. Large lips, refers to the corona lobe structure. See Pachycarpus m. – 18,580
macroglossus – DSN. Large tongue. See Senecio m. – 18,326
macrophyllum – DSN. With large leaves. See Satyrium m.- 10, 339; 18,364
macropoda – DSN. Large foot or base. See Tephrosia m. – 18,392
macropus – DSN. Large foot, refers to large corona lobes. See Asclepias m. – 18,580
macrorhizus – DSN. Long, big roots. See Gerrardanthus m. – 18,558
macros - G. Large, long. See macrostegia. - 1, 248; 14, 276
macrospermus – DSN. Long seeds. See Senecio m. – 18,326
macrostegia - DSN. G. From macro, long and stege, a roof, referring to the bracts. See Barleria m - 1,248;
16,386e
macrotyloma - DSN. G. With large knobs or projections. - 1, 136; 16, 202l
maculata – DSN. L. Spotted or blotched. See Albomaculata, Cleome.m., Aloe m., Drimiopsis m. - 1,18,114;
16, 144; 18,34,512
maculatus - DSN. Spotted. - 10, 339
maculomarronina – DSN. Refers to maroon blotches at the base of lateral sepals. See Disa m. – 18,366
madagascariensis - GSN. L. From Madagascar. See Burmannia m., Stychons m., Plectranthus m.,
Plectranthus m. var ramosior. - 1, 78, 196, 228; 16, 298f, 346e
maerua - MGN. Arabic, from Meru, a fabled mountain rising to a great height, pertaining to the height or
alluding to the plant’s height.. - 1, 114; 16, 144f, 146a-e
maesa - MGN. From maas, the common name for one of the species of this genus. - 16,290e
magalismontana - GSN. L. Pertaining to the Magaliesberg mountain range. See Berkheya carlinopsis m. - 1,
266; 16, 424d
magalismontanum - GSN. L. Pertaining to the Magaliesberg mountain range. See Peucedanum m., Rhus m.,
Bequaertiodendron m. - 1, 190; 16, 232d, 286e, 294a
magna - DSN. Large. See Alberta m. - 10, 26, 339
magnolia - CSN. Pierre Magnol. - 10, 219; 12, 300; 13, 1219
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
77
magnum - DSN. L. Large strong. See Corycium m. In Pterygodium m. alluding to the plant’s robust habit. 1, 90; 16, 100a, 112e; 18,574
magnusiana – DSN. Great. See Ipomoea m. – 18,420
mahonia - CSN. Bernard Mc Mahon. - 10, 221; 13, 1219
maiten - Chillian common name for the genus Mattenus.- 16, 236b
majalis - DSN. Of May. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
major – DSN. L. Larger than the type. See Cyrtanthus stenanthus var. m., Plantago m. - 1, 50; 16,76f;
18,588
majubenensis - GSN. From Majuba. See Aristea angolensis var m. - 16, 88f
makos - G. Long. See Macodes - 28, 295
makros - G. Long. See Macrostegia, Macodes, Macradenia, Macrotyloma. - 1, 248; 18,152; 28,295
malacophylla – DSN. With soft leaves. See Habenaria m. – 18,518
malacos - G. Soft to the touch. - 14, 276
malaxis - DSN. G. From malaxis softening, referring to the soft texture of the leaves. - 28, 296
maleolens - DSN. L. Evil smelling. See Eulophia m. In Euphorbia m.alluding to the viscid secretion from
the glands. - 1, 154; 16, 228b
mallos - G. m. Flock of wool, fleece. See dasymallum, mallotos. - 1, 276; 14, 276
mallotos - G. Fleecy, lined with wool, from mallos, flock of wool, fleece. - 14, 276
malus - Original Roman name for both the crabs and the apples. - 4, 89; 10, 222
malva - Mallow. See genus Malvaviscus. - 10, 225
malvacea - DGN. Similar to the species Malva. See Satripomoea m., Astripomoea m. - 5, pl 129; 18,418
malvaviscus - DGN. From malva, mallow and viscus, glue, and it refers to the mucilage in which the various
species abound. - 10, 225
mange - Could mean mange, which looks like the dots. See Psoralea - 3, 92
mangifera - Latin and Hindustan. From fera, bear (L) and mangos, (Hindustan). - 4, 91
mannii - CSN. Gustav Mann. See Sopubia m. - 5, pl 151
manulea - DSN. L. From manus, hand, referring to the five finger-like divisions of the corolla or to the five
spreading flower lobes. - 16, 370d, 374i; 18,74
manus - L. A hand, refers to spreading flower lobes. See Manulea. - 16, 370d; 18,74,190
maprounea - L. A genus in the Euphorbiacae. See maprouneifolia. - 16, 220b
maprouneifolia - DGN. L Having leaves like Maprounea, another genus in the Euphorbiacae. See
Pseudolachnostylis m. var m. - 16, 220b
marcrotyloma - DSN. G. With large knobs or projections. - 16, 184g
marcum - DSN. L Long, large. See Indigastrum costatum subsp m. - 16, 188h
marginata - DSN. L. Marginate. See Sphenostylis m., Sphenostylis m.subsp m. - 1, 136; 16, 184f
marginatus – DSN. Edged, bordered. Tapinanthos rubromarginatus - 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,48
mariepscopicum - GSN. From Marieskop in the Drakensberg of Mpumalanga where this was first collected.
See Helichrysum m.. - 16, 442b
mariesii - CSN. Charles Maries. - 12, 303; 13, 1222
mariscus - DGN. Old name by Pliny for a rush. See genus Mariscus, Cladium m.- 1, 16; 16, 26h;
18,504,564,568
maritima - GSN. L. Growing by or in the sea. See Zaluzianskya m. - 1, 238; 3, 139; 16, 368a
maritimus - GSN. Of the sea. Of the seaside. - 10, 339; 1,2 303; 13, 1222
markhamia - CSN. Sir Clement Markham. - 11, 166
marlothia - CSN. Dr. Rudolph Marloth. - 12, 298
marlothii - CSN. Hermann Wilhelm Rudolph Marloth. See Zehneria m., Commiphora m., Dipcadi m. 1,262; 16,212a, 412a; 18,510
masdevallia - CSN. Dr Jose Masdevall an 18th Century Spanish physician and botanist. - 28, 296
masonae - CSN. E. Mason. See Indigofera m.- 16, 198b
masonorum - (1). Incorrect for Nerine masoniorum. This name would refer to one person and not two. CSN.
Nerine m. Refers to both brother and sister after whom the plant was named .
(3). CSN. Marianne Mason. See Crocosmia m. - 23, Dec 2000,169; 18,42
massonia - CSN. Francis Masson. - 12, 298
matthiola - CSN. Pierandra Matthioli. - 12, 300; 13, 1219
mauritiana – GSN. From Mauritius. See Ipomoea m. – 18,420
maxillaria - L. Jaw-bone. See Maxillaria. - 28, 303
maxillaria - DSN. L. From maxilla jaw-bone, alluding to the column and lip inside the ringent flowers of
some species which somewhat resemble the jaws of an insect. - 28, 303
maxima - DSN. L. Largest. See Drimiopsis m. - 16, 40a; 18,512
maximum - DSN. L. Largest. See Panicum m. - 1, 14; 16, 24d
maximus - DSN. Largest. - 10, 339
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
78
maytenus - DSN. From maiten the Chilean name for this plant. - 16, 236b-e
ME
mecon - G. f. Poppy. See also mekon. - 14, 276
meconopsis - DGN. From mekon, a poppy and opsis, similarity. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
medium - DSN. L. Middle. See Dierama m. - 1, 72; 16, 90f
medley-woodii – CSN. Named after J.M.Wood. See Senecio m. – 18,326
meeusei - CSN. Dr A D J Meeuse. See Hibiscus m. - 5, pl 100
mega- - G. megalo-. In compounds, big, great, large, many. - 14, 462
megalo- - G. mega-, megas. In compounds, big, great, large, many. - 14, 276, 462
megalobotrys - DSN. G. Having large flower clusters. See Croton m. - 16, 224e
megarrhizum - DSN. G. Big-rooted. See Argyrolobium.m. - 16, 178 c
megas - G. Megalo-. Big, large. - 14, 276
mei- - G. meio-. In compounds, less, smaller, fewer. - 14, 463
meiracyllium - DSN. G. From meirakyllion stripling or little fellow, probably referring to the low, creeping
habit. - 28,310
meirakylliom - G. Stripling or little fellow. See Meiracyllium. - 28,310
meio- - G. mei-. In compounds, less, smaller, fewer. - 14, 463
mekon - A poppy. See genus Meconopsis. See mecon. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
mel – DSN. Honey. - 14, 463
mel- G. melan-, melano-. In compounds, black, very dark. - 14, 463
melaleuca - DSN.From melas, black and leukos, white, and refers to the black trunks and white branches of
some species. - 10, 226; 12, 301
melan- - G. mel-, melano-. In compounds, black, very dark. - 14, 463
melanandenia - DSN. G. Having black glands. See Indigofera m. - 16, 188f
melano - DSN. Dark. - 2 page ?
melano- - G. mel-, melan-. In compounds, black, very dark. - 14, 463
melanospermum - DSN. G. From melas, black and sperma, a seed. - 16, 364i
melanophloes - DSN. G. Dark bark. For Rapanea m. a misleading description as, although the bark is often
dark brown in older trees, in young ones it is grey. - 16, 290c
melanostictos - G. Black-spotted, from melas, black. - 14, 276
melanoxylon - DSN. Blackwood. See Acacia m. - 10, 15, 339
melanthioides - DSN.G. From melas, black and anthos, a flower. See Androcymbium m. var. m. and
Androcymbium m. var. striatum. - 1, 22; 16, 54b
melas - G. Black, dark. Plants turn black on dying.See genus Melaleuca, Melanospermum, Melasma,
Melanthera or species melanthioides, melanostictos.- 1,22; 10, 226; 12, 301; 16,54b-c, 364I; 18,304
melasma - DSN. G. Blackening. - 1, 238; 16, 368b
meles - Apple. See genus Chamaecyparisis. - 10, 87
melhania - GSN. Named after Mount Melhan in Yemen where type species collected. - 5,pl104; 16,260f
meli G. n. Honey. See Melianthus - 14, 276; 18,64
melia - DGN. G. Ash, for the leaves resemble that of the Ash. - 10, 228
melianthus - DSN. From meli, honey and anthos, flower, and refers to the abundant nectar. - 18,64
melinus - L. With the colour of new honey. Genus M. - 16, 22d
meliodora - DSN. Honey-scented. See Asclepias m. - 10, 339; 18,170
melleri - CSN. Dr C J Meller. Gladiolus m. – 5, pl 38
mellifera - DSN. L. Honey-bearing . See Acacia m., Protea m. - 1, 142; 10, 264, 339
meloboium - DSN. G. A jointed pod. - 1, 128; 16, 200g
melon - G. n. Apple or other tree fruit. - 14, 276
membranacea - DSN. Texture of parchment. See Hypoxis m. – 18,106
membranaceus – DSN. Texture of membrane or parchment. Scadoxus m. - 18,36
mene - G. f. Moon. - 14, 276
menodora - DSN. G. From menos, force, vigour. - 1, 194; 16, 296f
menos - G. Force, vigour. See Menodora. - 1, 194; 16, 296f
mentha – DSN. L. Mint. Latin name for mint. See genus Mentha.- 1,232; 16, 350f; 18,184,424
-meria - See meris, Trochomeria, Cryptomaria. meris - G. f. A part, portion. See Trochomeria, - 1, 262; 14, 276; 16, 412d; 18,80,558
mero – DSN. A plant. See genus Ctenomeria.- 18,530
meros - G. Part. See Octomeria, see genus Cryptomaria – 10,114; 28, 318
merremia - CSN. Blasius Merrem, prof. of physics, maths, patron of zoology.. – 1,222; 5,pl.134;
16,334h,336a-c; 18,302
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
79
meru – MGN. A fabled mountain rising to a great height. See Maerua. - 1, 114; 18,142
-merus - G. In compounds, refers to parts of their number, from meros, share. Dimerus, in two parts. –
14,463
merys – DSN. Rolled up. See genus Meryta. - 10, 228
meryta - DSN. From merys, to roll up. For genus Meryta the male flowers have the appearance of being
rolled up. - 10, 228
mesembria - G. Midday, See Mesembryanthemum. - 1, 106
mesembryanthemum - DGN. G. From mesembria, midday and anthemon, flower. - 1, 106
meso- - G. In compounds, middle-. - 14, 463
mesos - G. Middle, in the middle. - 14, 276
mespilifolia - DGN. Leaves like Medlar mespilus. See Microglossa m. – 18,210
mespilus - Botanical name for the curious twisted tree Mespilus germanica. - 4, 91
met- - G. Before vowels; meta-. Next to, among, after. - 14, 304
meta - DSN. Middle. See Metasequuoia, Metrosideros.Mmetarungia - 10, 228, 229; 16, 394g
meta- - L. post-. G. met-, changed. In compounds, associated with.- 14, 463
metarungia - DGN. G. From meta, after or with and rungia, a genus of the Acanthaceae. - 16, 394g
metasequuoia - DGN. From meta, middle and sequoia, a redwood, indicating a relationship to the Sequoias.
- 10,228
metrosideros - DSN. From meta, middle and sideros, iron, and refers to the hardness of the heartwood. - 10,
229
metuliferus – DSN. Forming projections. See Cucumis m. - 16, 414c; 18,80
meyeri - CSN. Named after E.Meyer. See Ceropegia m. – 18,174
MI
michelia - CSN. Pietro Antonio Micheli. - 10, 230
michelmorei - CSN. A P G Michelmore. See Streptocarpus m. - 5, pl 164
micrantha - DSN. G. [micro-, anthos]. Small-flowered or small thorns. See Disperis m., Bridelia m., Pentas
m - 1, 88; 2, 218; 16, 110f; 18,202
micranthus - DSN. G. Small flowers or small thorns. See Streptocarpus m., Gladiolus varius var m.,
Hibiscus m. - 1, 246; 16, 88a, 382a, 384e; 18,156
micro- - G. In compounds, small, little. See microglossa, micrantha, micranthus, microcarpus, microcarpos,
genus Microcoelia.- 3, 166; 14, 276, 463; 18,128
microcarpos - G. Bearing small fruits, from micro-, q.v. - 14, 276
microcarpus - DSN. L. Having small fruit. Hibiscus m., Gladiolus m. - 1, 170; 16, 254c; 18,286,356
microcephala - DSN. G. From micros, small and kephale, a head. See Gnidia m. - 1, 182; 16, 272c
microcoelia - DSN. G. From mikros small and koilia abdomen alluding to the minute globose spur of the
type species - 28, 311
microglossa - DSN. G. From micros, small and glossa, a tongue. - 3, 166
micromyrtus - DGN. From micros, small and murtos, myrtle, suggesting a miniature-leafed myrtle tree. 10, 230
micronata – DSN. Short and straight point. - 2, page ?
microphylla - DSN. With small leaves. See Azara m., Syringa m., Eutaxia m., Tibouchina m. 10,42,158,311,322,339
microphyllum - DSN. G. Small-leaved. See Combretum paniculatum subsp. m., Combretum m. - 1,184; 5,
pl 114; 16, 276b
microraphis - DSN. Small needles. See Asparagus m. – 18,102
micros - G. Small. Genus Microglossa. Licromyrtus, species microcephala. - 1, 182; 3, 166; 10, 230;
16,272c
microsiphon - DSN. Small tubular flowers. See Zaluzianskya m. – 18,192
mikania - CSN. J G Mikan. - 16, 448a
mikanioides - DGN.Like Mikania. See Anisochaeta m. – 18,216
mikrocos - G. Small. See Microcoelia - 28, 311
millarii - CSN. Named after Harold Millar. See Diaphananthe m. – 18,128
millefolium - DSN. Thousand leaves. See Achillea m. – 18,218
milniana - CSN. E Miln-Redheah. See Zornia m. - 16, 202b
miltonia - CSN. Earl Fitzwilliam, Viscount Milton, patron of horticulture. - 28, 311
miltoniopsis - DGN. Refers to the resemblance of the flowers to those of the genus Miltonia. - 28,313
mimiata – DSN. Colour of red lead. Clivia m. - 18,38
mimetes - No data for the South African plant, Solidat. - 10, 231; 12, 301; 13, 1220
mimo – DSN. Ape, flowers resemble monkey faces. See genus Mimulus. - 10, 231; 18,192
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
80
mimos – DSN. To mimic. See genus Mimosa.- 18,388
mimosoides - DGN. G. Resembling the genus Mimosa, also a leguminous plant. See Chamaecrista m. 16,176c; 18,256
mimulus - DSN. From mimo, an ape, and it alludes to the form of the corolla, which is supposed to resemble
a monkey’s face; the shape of the combined petals. - 10, 231; 12, 301; 13, 1220
mimusops - DSN. G. From mimo, ape and ops, resembling, and alludes to the flowers resembling monkey
faces, with their brownish-red calyces. Or means ape-like but the significance for the genus Mimusops
is uncertain. - 11, 141; 16, 294b,c
miniata - DSN. L. Coloured with red lead or cinnabar. Clivia m. - 3, 42
minima - DSN. L. Smallest. See Rhynchosia m. - 16, 180j; 18,272
minor – DSN - L. Smaller. See Tragia m. - 16, 224b
minuta – DSN. Small. See Tagetes m. – 18,318
minutiflorus - DSN. Small flowers. See Asparagus m. – 18,102
mira – DSN. Astonishing or miraculous. See genus Miraglossum.- 18,546,580
mirbelia - CSN. C K F Brisseau-Mirbel for genus Mirbelia . - 10, 231
mischos - G. A stalk. See Andromischus. - 16, 158b
mitis - DSN. Soft or gentle, without thorns. In Strychnos m. refers to the thin drooping leaves. In Ilex m. var
m. it is without thorns. - 2, 418; 16, 236a
mitra - G. f. Head-band, head-dress. Mitre. See genus Mitraria. - 10, 232
mitraria - DSN. From mitra, mitre, and it refers to the seed pod’s shape. - 10, 232
MO
modesta - DSN. L. Modest size, unassuming. See Littonia m., Aloe m.,Moreaea m. - 1, 24, 42;
16,36c, 48b; 18,110,228
modestum – DSN. Unobtrusive. Chlorophytum m. - 18,90
modiola - DSN. A small measure. - 18,66
modiolus – DSN. A small measure. See Modiola - 18,66
molle - DSN. L. Soft, with soft hairs, velvety. See Combretum m., Argyrolobium m. - 16, 274b; 18,266
mollis - DSN. Soft. See Asystasia m., Hamamelis m., Blumea m. - 10, 36, 175, 339; 12, 304; 13,1223;
18,442
mollissima - DSN. Very soft. - 10, 339
mollugo - DSN. L. From mollis, soft alluding to the soft herbaceous habit. - 16, 123f
molweniensis - GSN. Streptocarpus m . is named after the Molweni River that runs through the Kloof gorge,
Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. - 3, 147
momordica - DSN. L. From mordeo, bitten, and refers to the uneven or jagged appearance of the seed that
appear to have been bitten. - 5, pl 177; 16, 416a; 18,80
mon- - G. mono-. In compounds, one-. See genus Monopsis.- 14, 464; 18,496
monadenium - DSN. G. A single gland, alluding to the strange structure of the involucre , a small pitcherlike organ - 1, 154; 16, 228f
monarde - CSN. Nicholas Monardes. - 13, 1219
mondia - DSN. From umondi, the Zulu name. - 18,70
monilifera - DSN. Bearing a necklace. In Chrysanthemoides m. refers to the fruit. Fruit.... about 6 mm in
diameter, purple when mature, arranged round the edge of the receptacle, hence the specific name. 2,492; 17, 913 ill 314
mono- - G. mon-. In compounds, one-. See genus Monadenium, Monopsis.- 14, 464; 18,534,588
monocephalum - DSN. L. Having one head. See Helichrysum aureum var m. - 16, 440e
monochoria - DGN. G. Monos single and chorus different. Alluding to one stamens being larger and
differently coloured to the rest. - 16, 28c
monoecious - G. Having one home. Flowers having both male and female parts in one flower. - 24,30
monopetalus - DSN. L. Simple-petalled. In Hexalobus m. subsp m. it alludes to the petals joined at
the base. –16,142a
monophylla - DSN. G. Having single leaves. See Rhynchosia m., Cleome m. In Crotalaria m. the allusion is
to the single leaf of this species contrasting with the compound leaves of other species in this genus. - 1,
124; 16,186a, 198e; 18,272,384
monophyllum – DSN. Single leaf. See Empodium m.- 18, 232
monopsis - DSN. G. From monos, single, one and opsis, a face, alluding to the regular, not two-lipped,
flowers. - 16, 20e
monos - G. Single, alone, solitary. See Monochoria, Monopsis, Monadenia.- 14, 276; 16, 28c, 420e; 18,572
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
81
monsonia - CSN. Lady Anne Monson, 1714-76, great granddaughter of Charles II; known for her botanical
knowledge, visited the Cape about 1775. See genus Monsonia. - 1,148; 5,pl 88; 12, 299; 16, 204b-e;
18,152,400
montana - DSN. L . Pertaining to the mountains. Growing in mountains. See Eucomis m., Passerina m.,
Sutherlandia m., Disa m., Berkheya m. - 1, 26, 182; 16, 36b, 272g; 18,58,120,336
montanum – Refers to Thabamhlophe, the Zulu name for the type locally. albus, white;
montanum,mountain. See Knipofia albomontana - 18,28
montanus - DSN. L. Pertaining to, or from, mountains. See Haemanthus m. - 1, 62; 10, 339; 16,60d; 18,346
monteiroae - CSN. Joachim John Monteiro. See Eulophia m., Euphorbia m., Stomatostemma m. - 1,154;
16,228e,332d; 18,166
monticola - DSN.L. Growing on the mountains. See Clutia m.,Selago m., Barleria m. - 16. 222d;
18,196,490,532
mooiensis - GSN. L. From Mooi River. See Dianthus m. For Dianthus m. var. m. this is where the plant is
found. - 1, 108; 16, 136e-f
moorei – CSN. Named after Dr.D.Moore. See Crinum m. – 18,350
moraea – CGN. Linnaeus altered the spelling to Moraea to associate the name with his fatherin-law, J. Moraeus, a physician in Sweden. See genus Moraea.- 18,108
moraea - CSN. Robert More - 1, 72; 3, 49; 16, 90b-d; 18,452
mordeo - L. Bite or bitten. See Momordica. - 16, 416a; 18,80
morinda - DGN. L. A contraction of the Latin morus, a mulberry and indica, India. However, it is related to
the Gardenia. - 4, 95
mormodes - DSN. G. From mormolyca hobgoblin and eides looking like, referring to the grotesque
appearance of the flowers. - 28, 314
mormolyca - DSN. G. From mormolyca hobgoblin, alluding to the rather grotesque appearance of the
flowers in side view and its colouration. See Mormodes, Mormolyca.- 28,314,315
morphe - G. f. Form, shape. See Dimorphotheca. - 14, 276; 16, 454d; 18,446
-morphus - G. In compounds, -shaped. - 14, 465
morus - L. Mulberry. See Morinda. - 4, 95
moschosma - DSN. From moskhos, musk and osme, smell, because the plant is fragrant. - 10, 232
moschatus - DSN. Musk-scented. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
moschus - Musk. See genus Muscari. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
moskhos - Musk. See genus Moschosma - 10, 232
mossambicense - GSN. L. From Mozambique. See Combretum m. - 1, 184; 16, 276c
mossamedensis – GSN. Named after Mossamedes district, Angola. See Felicia m. – 18,310
MU
mtamvunae – GSN. Named for the Mtamvuna Nature Reserve in S.KZN. See Watsonia m. – 18,360
mucronata - DSN. L. Pointed top, a short straight point. With an abrupt-pointed end. In Ozoroa m. refers to
the leaves. In Crossandra m. refers to the bracts which end in a short stiff point. See Lotononis m.,
Zizipus m., Zizipus m.subsp m., Asystasia m., Pernttya m. Cissampleos m. - 1, 124, 164; 2, 246;
5,pl168; 10, 37, 243, 339; 16, 186g, 240a; 18,52
mucuna - DGN. Name of a Brazilian plant. - 18,60,576
mudenensis - GSN. Named after the village of Muden, KZNatal.The type locality for Aloe n. - 18,34
muelleri - CSN. F von Mueller. - 12, 303
mult- - L. multi-. In compounds, many-. - 14, 466
multi - L. Many. See species multisetosa., multiflora, multijuga - 1, 30 : 21,52
multi- - L. mult-. In compounds, many-. - 14, 466
multicaule - DSN. L. Many stemmed. See Pelargonium m. subsp subherbaceum. - 16, 204h; 18,402
multicaulis DSN. Many stems. See Asclepias m. – 18,170
multicava – DSN. Many hollows. See Crassula m. – 18,386
multiceps - DSN. Bearing many heads. See Hypoxis m. – 18,234
multifidus - DSN. L. Greatly divided. In Ranunculus m. it refers to the divided leaves. - 1, 112; 16,140b;
18,252
multiflora - DSN. L. Many flowered. See Kniphofia m. - 1, 34; 16,42c; 18,226
multiflorum - DSN. L. Many-flowered. See Adenium m. - 1, 200; 5, pl 123-125; 16, 302c; 18,416
multiflorus - DSN. Many-flowered. Scadoxus m. subsp katharinae, and Scadoxus m. subsp m. - 10, 339;
18,36
multijuga - DSN. From mult, many and juga, paired leaflets. See Cassia m., Tephrosia m. - 21, 52; 18,392
multipartitum – DSN. L. Many-parted. See Jasminum m. - 1, 194; 16, 296a; 18,164
multisectum – DSN. Many incisions. See Geranium m. – 18,398
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
82
multisetosa - DSN. L. With many bristles. See Urginea m. - 1, 30; 16, 56e
mundulea - MGN. Unknown origin. - 1, 130; 5, pl 85; 16, 170c
mundtii - CSN. Named after Johannes Mundt. See Helichrysum m. – 18,214
muo - To shut. See genus Myoporum - 10, 232
muralis - DSN. Of the walls or growing on walls. See Fumaria m. - 12, 303; 13, 1222; 16 142e; 18,384
muraltia – CSN. Named after John von Muralt, Swiss botanist and author. See genus Muraltia.- 18,406
murdannia – CSN. Named after Murdan Aly, plant collector and keeper at Saharunpore Herbarium. See
genus Murdannia.- 18,340
murex - DSN. L. The purple-fish, or the Murex sea shell from which the purple dye was obtained. See
Sterculia m. Alternatively the purple fish and hence the iron ball armed with prongs used to impede
cavalry and in Sterculia m.alluding to the shape of the fruit. - 1, 174; 16, 262I
muricata - DSN. Pointed. See Felicia m. – 18,210
murioi - G. Many. See myriantha. - 16, 444b
murraya - CSN. J A Murray. - 10, 232
murtos - Myrtle tree. See genus Licromyrtus, Myrtus.- 10, 230, 233
-mus - Indicates an action, verb base. - 14, 307
muscari - DSN. From moschus, musk, refers to the scent of some species. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
muscicola - DSN. Growing on or near mosses. See Rangaeris m. – 18,130
mussaenda - GSN. Genus native to Sri Lanka and generic name derived from a local Singalese or Cingalese
name. - 5, pl 174; 10, 232
mussinii - CSN. Count Apollos Apollosovich Mussin-Puschkin. - 13, 1222
mutabile - DSN. Changeable. See Helichrysum m. - 16, 438
mutabilis - DSN. Changeable. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
muticus - DSN. L. Blunt, without a point. See Elionurus m.- 1, 12, 16, 22e
MY
myc - G. mycel-, myceto-, -myces, myco-. In compounds, fungal, fungus-, fungus. - 14, 466
mycel- - G. myc-, myco-, myceto-, -myces. In compounds, fungal, fungus-, fungus - 14, 466
myces - G. m. Mushroom or other fungus. - 14, 276
-myces - G. –myc, mycel-, myceto-, myco-. In compounds, fungal, fungus-, fungus - 14, 466
myceto- - G. myc-, mycel-, -myces, myco-. In compounds, fungal, fungus-, fungus - 14, 466
myco- - G. –myc, mycel-, myceto-, -myces. In compounds, fungal, fungus-, fungus - 14, 466
myoporum - DGN. From muo, to shut and poros, a pore, and it refers to the transparent spots on the leaves.
- 10, 232
myos – DSN. Mouse. Myosotis – 18,468
myri - L. With or having. See myriacantha. - 1, 42
myri- - G. myrio-. In compounds, countless, very many. - 14, 466
myriacantha - DSN. L. Having many thorns. See Aloe m. - 1, 42; 16, 48a; 18,342
myriantha – DSN. G. From muriori, many and anthos, a flower. With numerous flowers. See
Psammotropha m., Vernonia m. - 1, 106; 3, 74; 16, 132h, 444b
myrica - DGN. G. From myrike tamarisk. - 16, 122a
myricoides - DGN. G. Resembling the genus Myrica. In Clerodendrum m., alluding to the shape of the
leaves. - 16, 344a
myrike - G. Tamarisk. Riverside shrub. See Myrica - 16, 122a; 18,524
myrio- - G. myri-. In compounds, countless, very many. - 14, 466
myrios - G. Numberless, countless. - 14, 276
myristicos - G. Fragrant. - 14, 276
myron - G. n. Sweet oil, perfume, balsamic juice. See genus Myrothamnus.- 14, 276; 18,576
myrsine - MGN. From the name given by Dioscorides for myrtle. - 16, 290d
myrtaceus - DSN. Of the myrtle family. See Phyllanthus m. – 18,154
myrtus - DGN. G. From the Greek murtos, Myrtle. - 10, 233; 12, 301
mys - G. m. Mouse or rat. - 14, 276
mystacidii - DSN. G. From mystax a moustache. See Aerangis m - 1, 96; 16, 118b; 18,130
mystacidium - DSN. G. Mystax a moustache. - 16, .96f-g
mystax - G. A moustache. See Mystacidium, mystacidii.- 1, 96; 16, 96f, 118b; 18,130,522
myx- - G. myxo-. In compounds, slimy, slime-, mucus-. - 14, 467
myxo- - G. myx-. In compounds, slimy, slime-, mucus-. - 14, 467
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
83
N
NA
nageliella - CSN. Otto Nagel. - 28, 315
nahamea – MGN. Corrupted name for Greek god Adonis, who was killed hunting wild boar on Mt.
Olympus, his blood causing Anemone coronaria plants to spring up. See genus Anemone.-18,138
namibensis - GSN. Of the Namib. - 12, 302
nan- - G. nann-, nano-, nanno-. In compounds, dwarf. - 14, 467; 16, 134c
nandina - MGN. The Japanese name for Sacred Chinese Bamboo. - 10, 234
nananthus - DSN. G. From nanos, dwarf and anthos, a flower. - 1, 106; 16, 134c
nann- - G. nan-, nano-, nanno-. In compounds, dwarf. - 14, 467
nanno- - G. nan-, nann-, nano-. In compounds, dwarf. - 14, 467
nannos - G. Nanos. Dwarf. - 14, 276
nano- - G. nan-, nann-, nanno-. In compounds, dwarf. - 14, 467
nanos - G. Nannos. Dwarf. See nanum. - 1, 106, 214; 14, 276
nanum - DSN. G. From nanos, a dwarf. See Brachystelma n., Craterostigma n., Helichrysum n. - 1, 214;
16, 320c; 18,194,314
nanus - DSN. Dwarf. See Sonchus n. - 10, 339; 18,338
napifolius – DGN. Leaves like a turnip. See Senecio n. – 18,326
narcissifolia - DGN. Leaves like Narcissus. See Bulbine n. – 18,224
narcissus - DSN. From narkau, to grow stiff. The plant is credited with narcotic properties. - 13,1220
narkau - To grow stiff. See genus Narcissus. - 13, 1220
natalense - GSN. L. Pertaining to Natal. See Conostomium n., Conostomium n. var glabrum. - 1,256;
16,400h
natalensis - GSN. L. Pertaining to Natal. See Scilla n., Brunsvigia n., Sebaea n., Stachys n., Stachys n. var
n., Thunbergia n., Cephalanthus n., Vernonia n., Stylochiton n., Mikania n., Gerbera viridifolia subsp
n. - 1, 32, 58, 198, 228, 254, 256, 274; 12, 302; 16, 28b, 56a, 66a, 300c, 346c, 392b, 400a, 402b,
434d,e, 448a, 450c
natalitia - GSN. L. Of Natal or now Kwa-Zulu-Natal. See Ochna n. - 1, 178; 16, 264a, 266b
natalitius - GSN. L. Of Natal, See Tapinanthus n., Tapinanthus n. subsp z., Acridocarpus n.var n. - 1,102;
16,126f, 216b
natans - DSN. Swimming, with floating leaves. See Crassula n.,Trapa n. – 18,144,540
navicularis – DSN. Boat, refers to pouched corona lobes. See Asclepias n. – 18,418
NE
nebrownii - CSN. After N E Brown. See Dierama n. - 16, .92e
necro- - G. In compounds, dead. - 14, 467
nectaropetalum - DSN. Petals with scales. - 2, 178
neglecta - DSN. Neglected. In Commiphora n., although well distributed, this tree was overlooked as
distinct species. In Sutera n. hitherto overlooked. - 2, 194; 16, 212c, 374c
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
84
neglectum - DSN. L. Hitherto overlooked, insignificant. See Satyrium n. - 1, 82; 5, pl56; 18,364
neglectus - DSN. L. Hitherto overlooked, insignificant. See Aeollantus n. - 16, 354d
nego - L. Deny. See Securinega - 1, 158; 16, 230f
neillia - CSN. Patrick Neil. - 10, 234
nelsonii - CSN. N. Nelson. Tritonia n. - 1, 78
nelsonii – CSN. William Nelson. Tritonia n., Albuca n. –16, 90g; 18,94
nema - G. n. Thread, a filament. See genus Coleonema. - 10, 100; 14, 276
-nema - G. In compounds, thread. - 14, 467
nemesia - DGN. G. From nemesion, the Greek name for a similar plant. See genus Nemesia. - 16,372f,374d;
18,190,428,480
nemesion - See memesia - 16, 372f
nemophila - DSN. A lover of the grove. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
nemorosa - DSN. Inhabiting woods. In Maytenus n. it refers to its forest habitat. - 2, 266
neo - In compounds, new, mostly used as prefix to avoid or remedy the creation of generic homonyms or to
connect a new group with a closely related one. E.g. Neoguineensis, pertaining to New Guinea. 14,467
neobathiea - CSN. Henri Perrier de la Bâthie. - 28, 316
neochilus - DSN. G. From neos, new and heilos, a lip. See Plectranthus n. - 1, 232; 16, 350e;18,474
neocogniauxia - CSN. Alfred Cogniaux 1841-1916. - 28, 316
neofinetia - CSN. Achille Finet 1862-1913. - 28, 317
neomoorea - CSN. F W Moore. - 28, 317
neonotonia - MGN. First named after Notonia a genus in the family Asteraceae. See genus Neonotonia. - 16,
180g; 18,152
neopolitanus - GSN. Naples. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
neos - G. New, young. See neochilus. - 1, 232; 14, 276; 16, 350e
nephro- - G. In compounds, kidney. - 14, 468
nephros - G. m. Kidney. - 14, 276
nerifolius – DGN. With leaves like Oleander. - 10, 339
nerine - MGN. Nereides, a sea-nymph, daughter of Nereus and Doris, the sea God in Greek mythology who
ruled the Aegean sea. See genus Nerine. - 1, 50; 13, 1218; 18,106,346
nerium - Ancient Greek name for genus Nerium. - 10, 234
nervius - DSN.Veins. See Tieghemia quinquenervius - 18,50
nervosa - DSN. L. Veined, nerved. See Scilla n., Disa n. - 1, 30, 92; 3, 28; 16, 56b, 114b; 18,96,366
nesaea - GSN. G. An island. Referring to Mauritius where it grows. - 1, 182; 16, 272h
neso- - G. In compounds, pertaining to islands. - 14, 468
nesos - G. f. An island. Refers to Mauritius where it grows. See Nesaea. - 1, 182; 14, 276; 18,410
neuron - G. n. Nerve, sinew. See genus Trichoneurea. - 1, 12; 14, 276
NG
ngamicus - GSN. L, From lake Ngami, Botswana. See Pterodiscus n. - 16, 378d
ngoyanus – GSN. Named after Ngoye Forest. See Encephalartos n. – 18,500
ngraecum - Lindley’s separation of certain species from ngraecum to form a distinct tribe or ‘private’
branch. See Oeceoclades - 28, 325
NI
nicandra - CSN. Named after Nikander of Colophon, 2nd century Greek physician and botanist. See genus
Nicandra.- 16, 362d; 18,478
nicolai – CGN. After Emperor Nicholas of Russia. Strelitzia n. - 3, 191
nicotina - CSN. Jean Nicot. - 12, 300; 13, 1219
nidor – DSN. L. Strong smell. See Nidorella. - 16, 452d
nidorella - DSN. L. From nidor, a strong smell, which these plants have. - 16, 452d
nigelia - DSN. From niger, black which refers to the seeds. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
nigellifolia - DGN. Resembles Nigella leaves. See Cotula n. – 18,218
niger - DSN. L. Black. See genus Nigelia or species nigropedata. - 1, 12; 10, 339; 12, 301; 12,304; 13,1220,
1223
nigrescens - DSN. L. Turning black. See Corycium n., Acacia n. - 1, 92, 142; 3, 70; 16, 114e
nigricans - DSN. Black. See Stachys n. – 18,182
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
85
nigropedata - DSN. From niger, black and pedatus, footed; an allusion to the black or dark base of the
spikelets in Brachiaria n. - 1, 12
nigrum - DSN. L. Blackish. In Solanum n. the fruits are blackish. - 16, 362c
nilotica - GSN. L. From the Nile. In Ceropegia n. refers to area where the type specimen was collected. See
Ansellia n., Ceropegia n. - 1, 96; 5, pl 127; 18,174
nipponicus - GSN. Nippon (Japan). - 12, 302; 13, 1221
nitens - DSN. L. Polished, shiny. Describes the involucral bracts of Helichrysum n, Rhynchosia n. 5,pl.189; 16, 178g; 18,272
nitida - DSN. Shining. See Lonlcera n. 10, 216, 339
nitidum - DSN. Glossy,shining. See Schizoglossum n. – 18,168
nitidus – DSN. Glossy, shining. See Pycreus n. – 18,562
nitor – DSN. Strong smell. See genus Nidorella.- 18,310
nivalis - DSN. Of the snows. Snow-white. - 10, 339; 12, 304; 13, 1223
nivenia - CSN. James Niven. - 12, 299
NO
nobilis - DSN. L. Notable. Noble. See Strapelia n., Lantana n. - 1, 208; 10, 204, 339
nodiflora – DSN. L. Flowering at the nodes, conelike flowers. See Widdrington n., Phyla n. - 16,20c;
18,424
nodulosa - DSN. L. With small nodes. See Crassula capitella subsp. N. - 1, 116
non- - Not. E.g. Nonscriptus, not written upon, without markings. - 14, 303
nothofagus - DGN. From nothos, false and fagus, beech, a false beech - 4, 98; 10, 235
nohopanax - DGN. From nothos, false or spurious and panax, Panax, and it means it is not a true Panax. 10, 236
nomos - G. m. Pasture. - 14, 276
northiae - CSN. Marianne North. See Kniphofia n. - 18,30
noth- - G. notho-. In compounds, false-, spurious, used in coining generic names indicating close but
incomplete agreement. - 14, 469
notho- - G. noth-. In compounds, false-, spurious, used in coining generic names indicating close but
incomplete agreement. - 14, 469
nothos - G. Bastard, base-born. False or spurious. See genus Nothofagus, Nothopanax, Nothosscordum 4,98; 10, 235, 236; 14, 276; 18,92
nothosscordum - DGN. Fron nothos, bastard and skordon,garlic. - 18,92
nothus - G. False, not genuine, mongrel. - 14, 469
noto Broom. See genus Notospartum. - 10, 236
nôto- - G. In compounds, southern, south-. - 14, 469
nõto- - G. In compounds, dorsal, back-, on the back. - 14, 469
noton - G. n. The back. See Notylia - 14, 276; 28, 318
notos - G. m. South-wind, south or south-west quarter. OR. The back. - 14, 276, 277
notospartum - DSN. From notos, south and spartium,broom. - 10, 236
notylia - DSN. G. From noton black and tylon a hump, referring to the recurved apical part of the column. 28,318
nouchali - DSN. Probably from a wrongly interpreted English plant name. See Nymphaea n. var caerulea 16,138a; 18,460
novae-angliae - GSN. New-England. - 13, 1221
novi-belgi - GSN. New Belgium, the name sometimes applied to the New Netherlands, now New York. 13,1221
NU
nubia - Cloud. See nubigena. - 1, 48
nubigena - DSN. L. Cloud-born. See Aloe n. - 1, 48; 16, 48f
nudicaulis - DSN. Naked-stemmed. See Crassula n. - 13, 1223; 18,144
nudifolium – DSN. Hairless leaves. See Helichrysum n. – 18,314
nunda - DSN. L. Devoid of leaves. See Lobelia n. - 1, 264
nundicaulis - DSN. Naked-stemmed. -12, 304
nutans - DSN. L. Nodding. Walleria n., Cyrtanthus n. - 1, 68; 16, 78a; 18,232
nuxia - Origin uncertain. - 1, 196; 16, 298a,b
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
86
NY
nyct- - G. In compounds, pertaining to night. - 14, 470
nyctios - G. Of the night, nocturnal. - 14, 277
nyctos - G. f. nyx. Night. - 14, 277
nyikana – GSN. Named after the Nyikana plateau in Malawi. See Habenaria n. – 18,518
nymphaea - MGN. G. Named after Nymphe, one of the water-nymphs of Greek mythology. Sacred to the
nymphs, who presided over the springs and streams. - 1, 110; 3, 81; 5, pl 66; 16,138ab, 300h
nymphaios – MGN. Sacred to the nymphs. See genus Nymphaea.- 18,460
nymphe – MGN. Goddess of springs, water nymph. See genus Nymphaea.- 18,138
nymphoides - DGN. Resembling the genus Nymphaea. - 1, 198; 16, 300h,I
nyssa - MGN. From nyssa the name of a water nymph alluding to the swampy habit of some species. 10,237
nyx - G. f. Nyctos. Night. - 14, 277
O
OA
oatesii – CSN. Frank Oates. See Combretium platypetalum o., Hebenstreitia o. subsp o., rica o. - 5, pl 110;
16, 370h; 18,70,194
OB
ob- - Before vowels and most consonants, oc- before c; of- before f; op- before p. Against, contrary, for.
Obovatus, obovate. Prefix, inversed-, reversed-, the other way round. - 14,303,470
obermeyerae - CSN. Anna Amelia Obermeyer. See Hemizygia o. - 1, 228; 16,346a
obesum - DSN. Obese. Refers to the fat trunk. See Adenium o. 0 5, pl 123
obliquifolia - DSN. L. Having oblique, lopsided leaves. See Oxalis o. - 1, 150; 16, 208a; 18,402
obliquus – DSN. Oblique, slanting. Cytranthus o. - 18,40
oblonga - L. Oblong. See Cotyledon orbiculata var. o. - 1, 118
oblongata - DSN. L. Elongated or oblong. See Cotyledon orbicculat var o., Turbina o. - 1,118,224;
16,152d, 334j
oblongifolia - DSN. L. With oblong leaves. See Ophrestia o. subsp o.,Cryptolepsis o.,Cephalaria
o.,Chrysocoma o. - 16, 198f, 310c; 18,204,300,310,394
oblongifolium - DSN. L. With oblong leaves. See Petalidium o. - 1, 252; 16, 390j
obovata - DSN. L. Obovate (the reverse of ovate, the terminal half broader than the basal half). See
Mimusops o.,Crassula o., - 16, 294c; 18,146
obovatum - DSN. L. Obovate (the reverse of ovate, the terminal half broader than the basal half). See
Becium o., Becium grandiflorum var o. - 1, 228; 16, 346I; 18,188,426
obscura - DSN. L. Means uncertain, indistinct. See Ipomoea o., Crotolaria o. - 1, 222; 16, 334b;
18,264,304
obtusa - DSN. L. Blunt. See obtusiflorus.Hypoxis o., Barleria o. - 1, 16, 66, 252; 16, 390b; 18,490
obtusiflora - DSN. L. Blunt or rounded ends. In Turraea o. refers to the leaves. - 2, 200
obtusiflorous- DSN. L. Blunt-flowered. Flowers blunt at end. Cyperus o. - 1, 16; 16, 26a; 18,84
obtusifolia - DSN. L. Blunt leaved. See Turraea o., Fimbristylis o. - 16, 212d; 18,566
obtusifolium – DSN. Blunt leaves. See Cynanchum o. – 18,552
obtusum – DSN. Blunt, rounded at tip. See Delosperma o. – 18,380
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
87
OC
oc- - See ob-. - 14, 303
occidentalis - GSN. L. Western, of the west. See Grewia o., Banksia o., Calycanthus o., Celtis o., Grewia
o., Thuja o., Nymphoides indica subsp o. - 1, 168; 3, 207; 10, 45, 66, 83, 173, 319, 340; 12,302;
13,1222; 16, 250a, 300h
occulta - DSN. L. Hidden. In Watsonia o. it alludes to the flower being concealed by long overlapping
bracts. - 16, 86g
ocellatum - DSN.L. Having little eyes. See Satyrium hallackii o. - 1, 94; 16, 116c-d
ocellatus - DSN. L. With a little eye, hence circular patch of colour. See Convolvulus o., Convolvulus o. var
o. - 1, 222; 16, 334a
ochna - DGN. For genus Ochna from ochne, an ancient Greek name used by Homer for the wild pear, to
which the foliage of this genera bears some resemblence. - 1, 176; 10, 237; 16,264ac, 266a,b
ochroleucos - G. Whitish-yellow, yellowish-white, from ochros, pale yellow. See Gladiolus o. –14,277;
18,238
ochroleucus - DSN. Creamy or yellowy. - 10, 340
ochros - G. Pale, wan, sallow, pale yellow. See ochroleucos. - 14, 277
ochrostachya - DSN. Yellow flower spike. Disa o. - 5, pl 51
ocimum - See Ocymifolia. - 16, 348e
octandra - DSN. L. Having eight stamens. See Phytolacca o. - 1, 104; 18,52
octavus – L.& G.Eigth, octiens, octies, eight times, eightfold, eight; octo-, i.e. octoandrus, with
8 stamens. - 14, 471
octiens - From octavus, eigth; octiens, octies, eight times, eightfold. - 14, 471
octies - From octavus, eigth; octiens, octies, eight times, eightfold. - 14, 471
octo From octavus, eigth; octo-, eight. See Octomeria - 14, 471; 28, 318
octo-From octavus, eigth; octo-, L. & G. eight-, i.e. octoandrus, with 8 stamens. - 14, 471
octoandrus - From octo-, L. & G. eight-, i.e. octoandrus, with 8 stamens. - 14, 471
octomeria - DSN. G. From octo eight and meros part, referring to the eight pollinia characteristic of species
of this genus. - 28, 318
octovalvis – DSN. Eight valved. See Ludwigia o. – 18,294
ocymifolia - DGN. L. With leaves resembling that of Ocimum, also a member of the family. See Leonotus o.
var raineriana. - 16, 348e
OD
-odes - See –oides. - 14, 471
odon- - G. odont-, odonto-. In compounds, toothed, tooth-. See genus Anisodontea.- 14, 471; 18,406
odont- - G. odon-, odonto-. Relating to teeth. In compounds, toothed, tooth-. – 14, 277, 471
odonto - G. Tooth. See Odontoglossum - 28, 319
odonto- - G. odon-, odont-. In compounds, toothed, tooth-. - 14, 471
odontoglossa - DSN. Toothed tongue, refers to the teethlike projections on lip. See Eulophia o. – 18,244
odontoglossum – DSN. G. From odonto tooth and glossa tongue referring to the toothlike projections of the
lip calus. - 28, 319
odontos - G.m. Odus. Tooth. See Polyodon. - 14, 277; 16, 434
odora - DSN. L. Fragrant. See Justicia o. - 16, 394c,d
odorata – DSN. L. Sweet smelling. Fragrant. See Hermbstaedtia o. var aurantiaca, Chromolaena o. 16,300I; 18,210
odoratissima - DSN. L. In Lapeirousia o. it refers to the sweet scent of the flowers, especially noticeable in
the evening. - 5, pl 42
odoratissimum – DSN. Very sweet odour. See Helichrysum o. – 18,316
odoratissimus - DSN. Very sweet odour. See Sclerochiton o. – 18,200
odoratus - DSN. Scented. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
odorus - DSN. Fragrant. - 10, 340
odus - DSN. G. Odontos. Tooth. - 14, 277
OE
oeceoclades - DSN. G. From oikeios private and klados branch, possibly referring to Lindley’s separation of
certain species from ngraecum to form a distinct tribe or ‘private’ branch. - 28,325
oecium- - G. In compounds, -house, -room. - 14, 472
oedo- - G. In compounds, swell, swollen - 14, 472
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
88
oenos - G. m. Wine. - 14, 277
oeonia - DGN. G. From oionos bird of prey, possibly alluding to the flower which fancifully resembles a
bird in flight. - 28, 326
oeoniella - DGN. G. Diminutive name of Oeonia, another Madagascian orchid. - 28, 327
oenothera - MGN. Meaning uncertain. - 16, 280c-e
oertendahlii – CSN. Named after Ivar Anders Oertendahl. See Plectranthus o. – 18,474
OF
of- - See ob-. - 14, 303
officinale – DSN. Of practical use to people. See Taraxacum o. – 18,338
officinalis - DSN. Of the (apothecaries) shops. Medicinal. See Cornus o., Platanus o., Rosmarinus o. 10,105, 255, 289, 340; 13, 1223
OI
oianthum - DSN. G. From oios, alone, one and anthos, a flower. See Brachystelma o. - 1, 218; 16,324b
-oideae - Ending derived from plural f. ending of adjective, added to the stem of the name, or of a synonym,
of the type genus of a subfamily to form name of this subfamily. E.g. Boraginoideae, from Borago. 14, 472
-oides - -odes, -oideus, -a, -um. Indicates resemblance, noun base. Arachnoides, like a spider’s web from
web, arachnion. G. –odes, -oideus. In compounds, like , resembling, having the form or nature of.
Generic name endings in –oides, or –odes. - 14, 310, 472
-oideus -a, -um. Indicating resemblance, noun base. See –oides. - 14, 309, 310
-oideus - G. –odes, -oides. In compounds, like , resembling, having the form or nature of. Generic name
endings in –oides, or –odes. - 14, 472
oikeios - G. Private. See Oeceoclades - 28, 325
oikos – DSN. House. See genus Oeceoclades.- 18,126,372,520
oinos – DSN. Wine. See genus Oenothera.- 18,160,410
oionos - G. Bird of prey. See Oenia - 28, 326
oios - G. Alone, one. See oianthum. - 1, 218; 16, 324b
okimon – G.L. From the Greek and Latin for Ocimum.- 18,556
OL
oldenlandia - CSN. Hendrik Barnard Oldenland. [See also Kohautia] - 12, 299; 16, 400f, 404h
olea - DSN. L. Oil. The Latin name for a very long-lived olive tree from the fruits of which oil is extracted.
- 1, 194; 4, 100; 10, 237; 11, 145; 16, 296e
-olentus - -a, -um. See –ulentus. - 14, 309, 310
olearia - DGN. From olea, olive, because some of the species’ leaves resemble the leaves of the Olive Tree.
- 10, 237
oleifolius - DGN. L. With leaves resembling those of the Olive. See Tapinanthus o. - 1, 102
olens – DSN. Smelling, odorous, pleasant or unpleasant. - 14, 472
oleous – DSN. Full of oil. - 14, 472
oleracea - DSN. Resembling herbs. See Neptunia o. – 18,256
oleraceum - DGN. L. Refers to cultivated cabbage because this species has cabbage-like leaves. See
Cyphostemma o.- 1, 166; 16, 246a
oleum – DSN. Oil. - 14, 472
olig- - . oligo-. In compounds, few-. - 14, 473
oligo- - G. olig-. In compounds, few-. - 14, 473
oligocephala - DSN. G. With few heads. See Verninia o. - 1, 274; 16, 434f, 436e
oligophyllos - G. Having few leaves from oligos, few. - 14, 277
oligos - G. Little, small, few. See oligophyllos. - 14, 277
olinia - CSN. Johan Hendrik Olin. - 16, 274a
OM
omma - G. n. Eye. - 14, 277
ommaneyi - CSN. Capt H T Ommaney. See Ipomoea o. - 5, pl 1328
omphalos - G. m. Navel, central part of flower containing seed vessel. - 14, 277
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
89
ON
oncidium - DSN. G. From onkos pad or mass, referring to the fleshy warty callus on the lip of many species
of this genus. - 28, 327
oncoba - MGN. The Arabic name for these shrubs or small trees. - 16, 264d
onkos - G. Pad or mass. See Oncidium - 28, 327
ononis - G. The generic names of Ononis and Lotus are combined to give genus Lotononis. - 1,124; 16,186g
onos - G. f. Ass. - 14, 277
onyx - G. m. Talons, claws, nail, hence clawed base of petal. - 14, 277
OO
oodes - G. Egg-like. - 14, 277
OP
op- - See ob-. - 14, 303
ophio- - G. In compounds, relating or pertaining to snakes, snake-like. - 14, 277, 473
ophis - G. m. Snake. - 14, 277
ophisten - G. Behind, at the back. - 14, 277
ophrestia – DSN. Anagram of Tephrosia. See genus Ophrestia.- 16, 198f; 18,394
ophrydis – DSN. From the Greek Ophrys, the name for a two-leafed orchid. See Ajuga o. - 1, 230; 16,348a,
18,470
ophrys – DSN. G. (1). Name of a two-leaved orchid. See ophrydis. (2). . From ophrys, an eyebrow. See
Ophrys - 1, 230; 16, 348a; 28, 343
opistho- - G. Back, behind. - 14, 304
opposita – DSN. Set in pairs. Hoslundia o. - 18,72
oppositifolia - DSN. Opposite leaves. Nuxia o., Acokanthera o. - 2, 422; 16, 308c
opposita - DSN. L. Opposite. See Hoslundia o. - 16, 356g
oppositiflorus – DSN. Flowers inserted on stem opposite to each other. See Gladiolus o. – 18,358
ops – DSN. Eye. See genus Euryops.- 18,330
opse - G. Late. A face for Euryops. - 14, 277; 16, 456a
opsis – DSN. G. f. Aspect, appearance, hence resemblance, similarity, sight. A face. See Thojopsis,
Coreopsis, Meconopsis, Monopsis, Angraecopsis, Eriopsis, Phalaenopsis, Vandopsis, Ionopsis,
Carlinopsis, Phaulopsis, Calopsis.- 1, 266; 10, 321; 12, 301; 13 1219, 1220; 14, 277; 16,420e;
18,198,318,496,570,588; 28,50, 145,159, 362, 412
opus - G. Like, similar. See genus Corylopsis. - 10, 106
OR
orbea – DSN. From orbis, an orb. See orbeanthus. For genus Orbea the orb in the center of the flower is
large. - 1, 208; 16, 322b,d
orbeanthus - DSN. G. Having orbicular (spherical or circular) flowers. - 1, 208; 16, 314i
orbeopsis - DGN. Resembling the genus Orbea. - 1, 216; 16, 322b; 18,302
orbiculata - DSN. L. Disc-shaped, round or flat; cavity or small cup. See Cotyledon o.it alludes to the
leaves. - 1, 118; 16, 152c,d; 18,54
orbicularis - DSN. Circular. See Crassula o.,Xysmalobium o. – 18,146,578
orbis - L. An orb. See Orbeopsis, orbenthus, Orbea. - 1, 208, 216; 16, 322d; 18,584
orchis – DSN. G. From orchis testicle, alluding to the shape of the tubers. See Cynorkis, Cyrtorchis,
Graphorkis, Orchis, Schoenorchis,. - 1, 90: 16, 112d; 28. 107, 110, 154, 344, 392
oreo- - G. Ori-. In compounds, mountain-. See origenes. - 14, 277, 474
oreophila - DSN. Mountain loving. See Disa o. – 18,120
oereophilum - DSN. L. Mountain-loving. See Helichrysum. o. - 16, 440a; 18,316
ori- - G. Oreo-. In compounds, mountain-. See origenes. - 14, 277, 474
oribiensis – GSN. From Oribi Gorge, KZN. See Plectranthus o. – 18,476
orientalis – GSN. Eastern. In Ephippiocarpa o. because found on east coast. Thuja o. - 2, 434; 10,319,340;
12, 303; 13, 1222
origanum - DSN. Orosganos – Joy of the Mountain. - 8, Nov 84, pp33; 13, 1219
origenes - G. Mountain-born, from Oreo-. In compounds, mountain-. - 14, 277
-orium - Indicates place of work or action, verb base. Labratorium. - 14, 306
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
90
-orius - -a, -um. Indicates capacity, action or function, verb base. Tinctorius, belonging to dying, tingere, to
soak in colour. - 14, 309
ormocarpum - DSN. G. Necklace-fruit, alluding to the shape of the pod. - 16, 190a
ornis - G. m. A bird. See genus Ornithogalum, Ornithoglossus, See Ornithocephalus, Ornithophoroa,
ornithogaloides - 1, 32, 36; 14, 277; 16, 34b; 16, 40e, 50g; 18,98,90,512; 28,344,345
ornith- - G. In compounds, pertaining to birds, bird-like. - 14, 474
ornithocephalus - DSN. G. From ornis, ithos bird and kephale head. Alludes to the curious shape of the
column-apex which resembles a bird’s head in the type species. - 28, 344
ornithogaloides – DSN. Resembles the genus Ornithogalum.Eriospermum o. - 18,90
ornithogalum - DSN. G. From ornis, a bird and gala, milk. - 1, 32; 16, 34b; 16,40e; 16. 50g; 18,98
ornithoglossum - DSN. G. From ornis, a bird and glossa, a tongue. - 1, 36
ornithophoroa - DSN. G. From ornis, ithos bird and phoros bearing, an allusion to the column which is
bird-like in side view. - 28. 345
ornithopodon - DSN. G. Bird footed. See Geranium o. - 3, 102
ornithopodum - DSN. G. Bird-footed . In Geranium o. it alludes to the shape of the leaves. - 148; 16,206a
orobanche - See orobanchoides. - 1, 238
orobanchoides - DGN. Resembling the genus Orobanch – a parasitic plant. See Alectra o. - 1, 238; 16,
368l; 18,306
oros - G. n. Mountain, hill. - 14, 277
orphium – MGN. For genus Orphium from the Greek mythological Orpheus. - 10, 238
orth- - G. orth-. In compounds, straight, erect. - 14, 474
ortho- - G. ortho-. In compounds, straight, erect. See genus Orthosiphon.- 14, 474; 18,428
orthoceras - DSN. G. With a straight horn. See Holothrix o. - 1, 88; 16, 110d
orthos - G. Straight, upright. - 14, 277
orthosiphon - DSN. G. With a straight tube. - 1, 228; 16, 346h
-orum - Genitive plural ending of substantive II and adjectives, meaning ‘of’.See amicorum - 14,474
OS
-osis - Suffix used in mycology to coin names of diseases. - 14, 474
osm - G. In compounds, scented. - 14, 474
osma - DSN. Smell. See genus Agathosma, Diosma, Osmanthus - 10, 24; 10?, 128, 239; 13, 1219
osme - G. f. Smell, odour, fragrance. See Crocosmia, Agathosma.- 14, 277; 16, 94f; 18,42,402
osmanthus - DSN. From osma, fragrance and anthos, flower, since all the species have fragrant flowers. 10, 239
osmarea - DSN. This is a bigeneric hybrid between Osmanthus delavayi and Phillyrea decora. - 10, 239
osme - G. A smell. See genus Coprosma., Crocosmia - 1, 74;3, 56; 10, 101; 12, 300; 16, 88g
osteon - G. Bone. See Osteospermum. - 1, 268; 14, 277; 16, 426c; 18,332
osteospermum - DSN. G. From osteon, a bone and sperma, a seed. - 1, 268; 16, 426c,d, 454e
ostrya - MGN. G. The ancient Greek name for this species. - 4, 101
-osus- - a, -um. Suffix. Indicates abundance or full or marked development, noun base. Venosus, full of
veins, vena. - 14, 309, 475
-osyne - -otes. Forms abstract nouns indicating a special feature, adjectival base. Leptosyne, Letpotes, from
leptos, slender or fine. - 14, 307
osyris - DSN. G. Branch alluding to the many branches in the genus. - 16, 126l.
OT
otheo – DSN. To burst forth. See genus Otholobium.- 18,462
otholobium - DSN. G. Having eared lobes. - 16, 190e
othone – DSN. G. Sail, linen. See Diothonea, Othonna.- 18,330; 28, 129
otion – DSN. G. n. Auricle, little ear. - 14, 277
otiophora - DSN. G. Having bristly and eared leaf bases. - 16, 404g
otis - DSN. G. Ear. See Arctotis, Cyanotis, Leonotis, Myosotis.- 3, 10, 128; 10, 204; 18,70,332,468
otochilus - DSN. G. From otos ear and cheilos lip. - 28. 346
otos - DSN. G. Ear. See Otochilus - 28. 346
ottelia - DGN. L. The Latinised first part of the Malabar name ottel-ambel. - 16, 28a; 18,84
ottoniana - CSN. Friedrich Otton. See Polystachya o. - 1, 96; 16, 118f; 18,124
-otus-a, -um. Indicates resemblance or possession, noun base. E.g. Lopidotus scaly from Lepis, a scale. - 14,
310
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
91
OU
Oura - G. Tail. See genus Elionurus, Stachyurus, Urelytrum. - 1, 12, 14; 10, 303; 16, 24g
Ous - G. An ear. See genus Cyanotis, Leonotis. - 1, 20, 230; 16, 32d
OV
ovalifolium - DSN. L. Having ovate leaves. See Aspidoglossum o. - 16, 316a;18,544
ovalis - DSN. L. Oval, broadly elliptic. See Eulophia o. bainesii. - 1, 94; 16, 116f; 18,244
ovata - DSN. L. Ovate, egg-shaped. See Ruttya o., Barleria o., Agathosma o., Brachycorythis o. 1,250,254; 16,388a, 392e, 396f; 18,200,402,456
ovatifolia - DSN. L. Egg-shaped, oval leaves. See Ledebouria o. - 16, 40b; 18,344
ovatus - DSN. L. Ovate. See Hibiscus aethiopicus var o. - 16, 265b,c
ovi- - L. In compounds, egg-. - 4, 475
OX
oxalis - DSN. G. Oxus acid, sour and als salt. Refers to sharp taste of the leaves that contain oxalic acid in
many species. - 1, 150; 3, 100; 5, pl 92; 16, 208a
oxus - G. Acid or sharp. See genus Oxalis, Oxydendrumr. - 1, 150; 3, 100; 10, 240; 16, 208a
oxy - G. Acid or sour. See Oxalis., oxyphylla - 1, 150; 16, 144d
oxyanthus – DSN. Sharp flower. In O. speciosus refers to sharp teeth of calyx and sharp tipped petals. 2,464
oxycantha - DSN. With sharp thorns. - 10, 340
oxycarpa - DSN. With sharp fruit. See Fraxinus o. - 10, 160, 340
oxydendrum - DSN. From oxus, sharp and dendron, tree, and refers either to its love of acid soil or to the
bitter taste of its leaves. - 10, 240
oxyglossa – DSN. Pointed tongue. See Disperis o. – 18,370
oxygonum - DSN. L. With sharp angles. - 16, 300b-c
oxylobium - DSN. From oxy, sharp and lobos, pod, and refers to the sharp pointed seed pods. - 10, 240
oxyodus - G. With sharp teeth, from oxys, sharp. - 14, 277
oxyphylla - DSN. G. From oxys, sharp and phyllon, a leaf. See Cleome o.,Cleome o.var - obusta - 1, 114;
16, 144d
oxyphyllos - G. With pointed leaves, from oxys,pointed. - 14, 277
oxyriifolius - DSN. L. Having pointed leaves, See Senecio o. - 1, 272; 16, 430e
oxys - G. Sharp, keen, shrill pungent, acid, sour. See oxylobium., oxyphylla, oxyodus, oxyphyllos. See
genus Hypoxis, Oxygonum, Oxalis.- 1,114; 14, 277; 18,106,134,402
OZ
ozoroa - DSN. G. Ozoriferous. - 16, 232a
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
P
PA
pabstia - CSN. Dr Guido Pabst, 1975. - 28, 347
pachy- - G. In compounds, thick-, stout-. See genus Pachypodium, Pachycarpus.- 14, 476; 18,166,170
pachys - G. Thick. See Pachyrrhiza, Pachycarpus, Pachystigma, Pachycymbium.- 16, 32h,
18,300,546,556,580,586
pachycalmos - G. Thick-stalked, from pachys, thick. - 14, 277
pachycarpus - DSN. G. From pachys, thick and karpos, fruit. - 1. 210, 220; 16, 316b,h, a,b, 328bc
pachyglossum - DSN. G. From pachys, thick and glossa, a tongue. See Schizoglossum bidens subsp p. 16,330d
pachypodium- DSN. G. From pachys, thick and pous, a foot,referring to the thick base. - 1, 202; 16, 304
pachyrrhiza - DSN. G. Pachys thick and rhiza root. In Cyanotis p., Fuirena p. - 16, 32h; 18,564
pachys - G. Thick, stout. See Pachypodium, Pachycarpus, pachystelma, Pachystigma, pachycalmos. 1,202, 210, 212, 258; 14, 277; 16, 304, 406e
pachystegia - DSN. Thick covering, referring to the heavily felted leaves. - 10, 240
pachystelma - DSN. G. From pachys, thick and stelma, a garland or crown. See Ceropegia p. - 1,212;
16,318b; 18,554
pachystigma - DSN. G. From pachys, thick and stigma, a stigma. - 1, 258; 16, 406e
pad’eo – Meaning unknown.
paegma - G. n. Play, sport. - 14, 277,476
92
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
93
paeonia - CGN.The name is thought to have come from Paeon, the physician who first used the plant
medicinally. - 14, 241; 12, 297; 13, 1218
pallasii - CSN. Peter Simon Pallas. - 12, 303; 13, 1222
pallida - DSN. L. Pale. See Homeria p., Crotalaria p. - 1,76; 16, 90g; 18,238,264
pallidiflora – DSN. Pale flowers. See Wahlenbergia p. – 18,494
pallidum - DSN. Pale. See Helichrysum p., Thesium p. - 16, 440f; 18,250
pallidus - DSN. Pale. - 10, 340
palmata – DSN. L. Lobed like a hand. See Merremia p., Coccinia p. - 16, 336b; 18,80
palmatus - DSN. Hand-shaped. – 10, 340
paludosum - DSN. L. Of swamps or marshes. Growing in marshy places. See Crinum p - 1, 56; 5pl29;
16,72c; 18,106,350
palumbina – DSN. L. From palumbina belonging to a dove. Palumbina, probably in reference to the white
flowers, white being the colour associated with the dove. - 28, 347
palus – DSN. Swamp. - 14, 525
palustris - DSN. Pertaining to the swamps. Of the swamps. Marshy, growing in marshy places. Marsh-loving
See Chironia p., Chironia p. subsp transvaalensis, Chironia p. subsp p., Raphionacme p. – 5.pl.122;
10, 340; 12, 303; 13, 1222; 14, 525 see under swamp. 16, 300f,g; 18,414,542
panax - MGN. The name is from the old Greek name used by Theophrastus, from the word panakes a
remedy for all ills, being an allusion to miraculous healing powers to one member of the species. See
genus Nothopanax, Pseudopanax. - 10, 236, 242, 271
pancratioides - DGN. Resembling Pancratium, the Spider Lily. See Nerine p. – 18,106
panduratum - DSN. Fiddle-shaped, refers to leaves. See Helichrysum p. – 18,214
panduriforme - DSN. L. Fiddle-shaped.In Solanum p. the leaves are referred to. - 5 pl146; 16, 362b; 18,478
panduriformis – DSN. Fiddle-shaped leaves. See Senecio p. – 18,328
panicoides - DGN.Resembling the genus Panicum, millet. - 16, 22c
paniculata – DSN.L. Arranged or disposed in panicles, (branched inflorenscence forming loose irregular
clusters), or leaves or tufts of flowers. See Crocosmia p.,in Kalanchoe p it refers to the flowers.,
Cussonia p. In Lightfootia p. it refers to the inflorescences, Calopsis p. - 1,74,116, 188; 16,94fg;150b,
282, 418g; 18,42,254,570
paniculatum - DSN. L. Paniculate, having panicles. An inflorescence in which the axis is divided into
branches, each bearing several flowers. See Combretum p. - 1, 184; 5 pl 112
paniculatus - DSN. With flowers arranged in a panicle. - 10, 340; 12, 304; 13, 1223
paniculosa- DSN. Loose flower clusters. See Ozoroa p., Ozoroa p. var p - 2, 248; 16, 232a
panicum - DGN.The Latin name for millet. See Sporobolus panicoides. - 1, 14; 16, 22c, 24d
papaver - DGN. L. Name for poppy. – 16,142d; 18,52
paphia – MGN. Paphia is the Cypriot name for Aphrodite, for whom the city of Paphos is also named. See
Paphinia. - 28, 348
paphinia - MGN. Paphia is the Cypriot name for Aphrodite, for whom the city of Paphos is also named. 28, 348
paphos – GSN. Paphos being an island with a temple dedicated to Venus. See Paphiopendilum - 28, 348
paphiopendilum - MGN. These orchids are popularily called Lady’s or Venus’s slipper orchids. The generic
name has the same meaning , Paphos being an island with a temple dedicated to Venus and pedilum
being Greek for slipper. This derivation is similar to that of the name Cypripedium, (Cyprus, being the
island dedicated to Venus and pedium being a corruption of pedilum).Species of the genus
Paphiopedilum are often erroneously called Cypripedium by horticulturists. Cypripedium is correctly
used only for the deciduous species of slipper orchids from the northern temperate zone. - 28, 348
papilio - DSN. Butterflylike. See Gladiolus p. – 18,112
papilionaceus – DSN. Butterfly-like, papilionaceous, with corolla like that of a pea, bean, etc. - 14,476; 20,
161
papilionoideae - DSN. Butterfly-like, resembling a butterfly - 20, 161
papilla – DSN. Small nipple-like protruberance. Papillatus, papillate. - 14, 477
papilliosum - DSN. L. Butterfly-like, resembling a butterfly, In Lithospermum p., having papillae or soft
protuberances. - 16, 340b
papillosa - DSN. Covered with tiny pimples (papillae).In Cassine p. it refers to raised dots on the twigs. - 2,
278
papillosum - DSN. Warty or soft protuberance. See Lithospermum p. – 18,180
pappea - CSN. Dr Karl Wilhelm Ludwig Pappe. - 11, 110; 12, 299
pappus – DSN. Tuft of hair or bristles or homologous appendages on fruits of Compositate and
Valerianaceae. - 14,477
papyrfera - DSN. Paper-bearing. - 10, 340
papyrus – DSN. Papery. See Cyperus p. – 18,504
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
94
paradoxa – DSN. Para, side by side, doxa, glory, refers to the fact that it is unusual but of equal glory in the
genus. See Orbea p. – 18,586
paronychia - See paronychioides. - 1, 278
paronychioides - DGN. G. Resembling the genus Paronychia. See Helichrysum. p.- 1, 278; 16, 438l
parrotia - CSN. F W Parrot. - 4, 103; 10, 242
parsley - Botanical name petroselinum or Greek name selinum. - 8, Jan 84, pp29
parthenium - DSN. Virgin-like. See Chrysanthemum p. - 13, 1221
parthenocissus - DSN. From parthenos, a virgin and kissos, ivy. - 12, 301; 13,1220
parthenos – DSN. A virgin. See genus Parthenocissus. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
parvibracteata – DSN. Short bracts. Aloe b. - 18,34
parviflora - DSN. L. With small flowers. See Quisiqualis p., Manulea p. var p., Brownleea p., Eulophia p.,
Kniphofia p. - 16, 274f, 370d; 18,120,244,508
parviflorum - DSN. L. With small flowers. See Satyrium p.,Xysmalobium p. - 1, 82; 18,520,544,572
parviflorus - DSN. L. With small flowers. See Plectranthus p., Syncolostemon p. - 16, 384e; 18,188
parvifolia - DSN. L. Having small leaves. See Maerua p., Secamone p. - 16, 146c, 332a
parvifolium - DSN. L. Having small leaves. See Tapiphyllum p. - 16, 402f
parvifolius - DSN. Small leaves. See Aeollanthus p. – 18,184
parvilabris - DSN. L. From parvus, small and labrum, lip or edge. See Elophia p. - 1,80,126
parvula - DSN. L. Very small. See Protea p., Hypoxis p. - 16, 122c; 18,106,374
parvulum - DSN. L. Very small. See Brachystelma p. - 1, 214; 16, 320a
parvulus – DSN. Small. See Gladiolus p. – 18,358
parvus - L. Small, little, puny. See Parvilabrus. - 1, 80; 14, 478.
passer - L. A sparrow. See Passerina. - 1, 182; 16, 272g
passerina - DSN. L. From passer, a sparrow, because the black seeds are beaked. - 1, 182; 16, 272g
passiflora - MGN. Passion flower. Early Jesuit missionaries in Brazil named a plant of this genus which
became the generic name. The flower symbolised the crucifixion. - 3, 112; 18,538
pastoris - DSN. Shepherd. From bursa, purse & pastoris shepherd for Cassella bursa-pastoris, ‘Shepherd’s
purse.’ - 19, 123
patho- - G. In compounds, relating to suffering and disease. - 14, 477
patula - DSN. L. Open, extended. See Disa p. var. transvaalensis, Ruellia p.,Vitex p. - 1,82,92,252; 3, 64;
16, 104f, 114a, 344f, 390g; 18,366
patulus - DSN. Widely open. - 10, 340
pauci- - L. In compounds, few-. - 14, 478
paucicalyculatus – DSN. Few bracts, resembling outer calyx. See Senecio p. – 18,328
pauciflora - DSN. Few flowers. See Kniphofia p. – 18,226
pauciflorum - DSN. Few flowers. See Argyrolobium p.,Dierama p. – 18,266.356
pauciflorus - DSN. Few flowers. See Hippobromus p. - 2, 292
paucifolia - DSN. Few leaves. In Scutellaria p. refers to the fact that when flowering very few leaves are
developed. - 5, pl 142
paucistaminea - DSN. Few stamens. See Cliffortia p. – 18,150
paulowina - CSN. Anna Pavlovna. - 10, 242
pavetta - MGN. The name given to this tree in Malabar. - 1, 258; 16, 404a,b, 406b-d, 408a,b
paviflorum - DSN. L. With small flowers. See Satrium p. - 1, 82
pavonia - CSN. José Antonio Pavon. See genus Pavonia. - 1, 170; 5, pl 102; 16, 254I; 18,156,408
PE
pearsonia - CSN. Dr Henry Harold Welch Pearson. - 1, 136, 140; 16, 178a,b, 180e-f, 182a,b, 184c-e;
18,462
pearsonii - CSN. Dr. Henry Harold Welsh Pearson. See Sansevieria p. - 1, 34; 16,42a; 18,100
pecteilis - DSN. G. From pectin comb, descriptive of the pectinate side lobes of the lip. - 28, 358
pectin - G. Comb. See Pecteilis. - 28, 358
pectinata - DSN. Comb. See Hyptis p. – 18,184
pedatus - L. Footed. See species nigropedata. - 1, 12
peddiea - CSN. Lt. Col. John Peddie. - 3, 211
pedilon – DSN. G. n. Sandal, shoe, boot, slipper. In Cypripedium, Selenipedium - 14, 277; 28,108,394
pedion – DSN. G.Slipper. See Phragmipedium. - 28, 368
pedilum – DSN. G. Slipper. See Paphiopendilum, Cypripedium - 28, 348
peduncularis – DSN. With stalks, supporting a cluster. Acalypha p., Laportea - 18,62,524
pedunculata/laris – DSN. Stalked. See Anisotoma p. – 18,582
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
95
pedunculatus - DSN. L. Provided with a peduncule (the stalk of a flower or fruit) or long slender stalks. See
Hibiscus p. In Maytenus p. it refers to the flower stalks. - 1, 170; 2, 2683, 111; 16.254a; 18,408
pege - DSN. Stream, fountain. See Ceropegia, Linnaeus thought the flowers looked like a fountain of wax. 1, 212; 16, 318a; 18,172,554,584
pegelerae - CSN. Alice M Pegler. See Aloe p. - 1, 46; 16, 46a
pel- - Before l it becomes per-. Through, extra, very. Pellucidus, transparent (light through). Greek dia-. 14, 303
pelargonium - DSN. G. Pelargos, stork. Stork’s bill for seed-vessel, which has beak similar to stork.- 1,
146, 148; 3, 102; 5, pl 89; 12, 301; 13, 1220; 16, 204f-k, 206b-d
pelargos - G. A stork’s beak, refers to fruit. See genus Pelargonium. - 3, 102; 5, pl 89; 12, 301; 13, 1220;
16, 204f; 18,154,400
pelatantheria - DSN. G. From pelates approaching or neighbour and anthera another. The meaning is
obscure unless it possibly refers to ‘stelidia which enfold the anther-cap and approach each other in
doing so’. - 28,359
pelates – DSN. G. Approaching . See Pelatantheria - 28, 359
pelex – DSN.G. Helmet. See Pelexia. - 28, 359
pelexia - DSN. G. From pelex helmet, referring to the helmet-shaped structure formed by the adnate dorsal
sepal and petals. - 28, 359
pellucida - DSN. L. Transparent. See Crassula p. supsp. Brachypetala. - 16, 158a; 18,146
peltatum – DSN. Peltate, refers to the shieldlike leaves, stalk attached to centre of the blade. See
Pelargonium p. – 18,402
pelte - G. Shield. See genus Dipelta. - 10, 129
peltophorum - DSN. G. Shield-bearing, alluding to the shield-like shape of the stigma. - 1, 138; 16,172a
pendicularis – DSN. Long slender flower stalks.
pendula – DSN. Pendulous, drooping, hanging. See Huernia p. – 18,586
pendulus - DSN. Hanging. See Euonymus p. - 10, 152, 340
penduncularis – DSN. Long slender stalks. Meytenus p. refers to the flower stalks. - 2, 268
pendunculatus - DSN. L. Provided with a peduncle [stalk of flower, fruit or cluster, especially the stalk
bearing a solitary flower]. See Hibiscus p., Euryops p. - 3, 111; 16, 456a
penstemon - DSN. From pente, five and stemon, stamens . - 12, 301; 13, 1220
penta- - G. In compounds, five-. Peatanisia (see pente). See Pentarrhinum. - 1,206,256; 3,154; 14,277,479;
16,400b
pentagona – DSN. Five cornered. See Euphorbia p. – 18,534
pentandrus - DSN. G. With five stamens. See Phyllanthus p.,Commicarpus p. - 16, 222a; 18,378
pentanisia - DSN. G. From pente, five and anisos unequal. Referring to the fact that some of the calyx lobes
are larger than others. - 1, 256; 3, 154; 5, pl 175; 16,400b,404i
pentapterygium - DSN. From pente, five and pterugion, a small wing, and refers to a five winged calyx. 10, 243
pentarrhinum - DSN. G. From pente, five and rhynchos, a snout. - 1, 206; 16, 312c
pente – DSN. Five. See genus Pentapterygium, Penstemon, Pentanisia, Pentarrhinum. (See penta). 10,243; 12, 301; 13,1220; 16, 312c; 18,492,550
pentherianus – CSN. Named after Arnold Penther. See Streptocarpus p. – 18,484
pentlandii - CSN. The house of Pentland. See Zantedeschia p. – 1, 18; 16, 30c
peperi - G. Pepper. See Peperomia. - 1, 98; 16, 120a; 18,524
peperomia - DGN. G. From peperi, pepper and homoios, like, probably alluding to the tiny flowers. - 1, 98;
16, 120a-b
pepo – DSN. A melon. See genus Peponium.- 18,308
pera - DSN. G. f. Leathery pouch, wallet, refers to spurs on side sepals. See Disperis, dis, double. - 1, 88;
14, 277; 16, 96a; 18,122,368,520
peragua - GSN. Paraguay. In Csaaine p. incorrectly used by Linnaeus. - 2, 278
perennans – DSN. Growing throughout the year. See Lessertia p. – 18,394
perennis - DSN. Perennial. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
pereskia – CSN. Named after N.F. Pieresc, French patron of botany. See genus Pereskia.- 18,158
perfoliata - DSN. L. With the leaf surrounding or embracing the stem. See Crassula p. - 1, 116; 16,150e;
18,146
perfoliatus – DSN. Stem passing through the leaf. See Aster p. – 18,440
perforata – DSN. Perforated. See Crassula p. – 18,530
pergula – DSN. Trellis work. Pergularia – 18,418
pergularia - DSN. L. A place where there are vine trellises. - 1, 210; 16, 316f
peri - G. Round about, all round. See genus Peristrophe, Periglossum and species pericarpion. - 14,277;
18,436,546
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
96
peri- - G. In compounds, around, about, surrounding. L. circum-. - 14, 303, 304. 480
pericarpion - G. From case of fruit or seed, pod, husk, and peri, all round. - 14, 277
peristeria - DSN. G. From peristerion dove because of the fancied resemblance of the column-apex and
anther within the lateral lobes of the lip to the dove. - 28, 360
peristerion - G. Dove. See Peristeria.- 28, 360
permeabilis - DSN. L. Permiable. See Gladiolus p. In Gladiolus p. edulis it alludes to the basal part of the
lip. - 1, 78; 3, 58; 16, 86f ; 18,112
pernettya - CSN. A J Pernetty. - 10, 243
peronne – DSN. A band. See genus Beloperone - 10, 46
perpensa – DSN. Hanging on. See Gunnera p. – 18,578
persica – DSN. A peach. See Persicaria.- 16, 300a
persicaria - DGN. The name for knotweed, from persica, a peach, alluding to the shape of the leaves. 16,300a
persicum – DSN. Peach. See genus Persicaria.- 18,134,376
persicus - DSN. Persian. - 10, 340
persoonia - CSN. C F Persoon. - 10, 264
pes-caprae – DSN. Foot of goat. See Ipomoea p. – 18,422
pescatorea - CSN. V Pescatore. - 28, 360
petalidium - DSN. G. From petalon, a petal. - 1, 252; 16, 390i, 396c
petalon - DSN. G. n. Leaf, in modern botany a petal. See genus Ceratopetalum, Loropetalum, Petalidium,
Cirrhopetalum, Zygopetalum,Dichapetalum.- 1, 252; 10, 83;10, 217; 14 277; 16,390I; 18,530;
28,88,416
petasites - DSN. Type of broad-brimmed hat. - 13, 1220
petersiana - CSN. Prof. W C Peters. Nymphaea p, Cleome angustifolia p., Bauhinia p., Ancylobothrys p. 1, 114, 138; 5, pl 66, 70, 76; 16, 144e,172b; 18,166
petersianus - CSN. Prof. W C Peters. See Strophanthus p. - 1, 200; 16, 302d; 18,166,298
petersii - CSN. Prof William Peters, see Eulophia p., Ficus p. - 1, 84; 11, 4; 16, 106c, 106c; 18,372
petiolaris - DSN. L. Furnished with a long leaf-stalk. See Rubia p., Plectranthus p., Justicia p. - 1,258;
16,400j; 18,476,492
petopentia – DGN. Anagram of the genus Pentopetia.- 18,542
petra - G. n. Rock –[petro-]. See petrophila, petrobaticos. - 1, 44; 14, 277
petro - G. Rock. See genus Petroselinum and species petrophila. - 1, 42; 8, Jan 84, pp29
petrobaticos - G. Given to rock climbing, from petra, rock. - 14, 277
petron - G. Winged. See Ptrodiscus. - 1, 244
petrophila - DSN. G. From petro, a rock and phile, loving. See Aloe p. - 1, 42
petroselinium – G. Parsley. Petros, rock and selinum, parsley. Rock Parsley. - 8, Jan 84, pp29
petunia - DGN. South American genus akin to tobacco. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
peucedanum - DGN. G. From peukedanon, a parsnip. - 1, 190; 16, 286e
peukedanon - G. A parsnip. See Peucedanum. - 1, 190; 16, 286e
PH
phae- - G. phaeo-. In compounds, dark-. - 14, 482
phaeo- - G. Dark. - 14, 277
phaios - G. Grey or swarthy. See Phaius. - 28, 361
phaeotricha – DSN. Reddish brown bristles. See Dissotis p. – 18,410
phaius - DSN. G. From phaios grey or swarthy, referring to the flowers which turn black if damaged. 28,361
phalaenopsis - DSN. G. From phalaina moth and opsis appearance referring to the delicate, moth-like,
predominantly white flowers of some species. - 28, 362
phalaina - G. Moth. See Phalaenopsis - 28, 362
phaner- - G. In compounds, manifest, visible, easily seen. - 14, 482
phanerophlebia - DSN. G. Refers to raised veins in Terminalla p. - 2, 362
phaneros - G. Evident, visible, conspicuous. - 14, 277
pharnaccum - GN. Pharnaccum a member of the Aizoaceae. See Gisekia pharnacioides. var.
pharnacioides. - 16, 132b
pharnacioides - DSN. From pharnacioides, resembling the genus Pharnaccum.
See Gisekia p. var p. - 16, 132b
pharynk - G. A throat. See genus Conopharyngia. - 11, 152
phaulos – DSN. Slight, trivial. See genus Phaulopsis.- 18,198
phebalium - DGN. From phibale, myrtle, because the plants are similar. - 10, 244
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
97
phero – DSN. To bear. See Angophora. - 10, 29
pheros – DSN. G. To bear. See Commiphora. - 16, 212a
phible - Myrtle. See genus Phebalium . - 10, 244
philandelphus - DSN. Brotherly love. This is the ancient Greek name meaning ‘brotherly love’. - 10, 245
phil-G. Philo-. In compounds, loving, fond. See philodendros. - 14, 277
phile - G. Loving . See species petrophila. - 1, 44
philein - G. To love. See Heliophila - 16, 142f; 18,140,460
philo- - G. Phil-. In compounds, loving, fond. See philodendros. - 14, 277
philodendros - G. Fond of trees, from, phil-, philo-, fond. - 14, 277
philos - G. Beloved, dear. - 14, 277
philus - G. Loving. See xerophilus. - 16, 352a
-philus - G. In compounds, -loving. - 14, 482
-phlebius - G. In compounds, -veined. - 14, 482
phlebodes - G. Full of veins, with large veins. - 14, 277
phleps - G. f. Blood-vessel, vein. - 14, 277
phloeos - G. Bark. See Acacia xanthophloa. - 11, 4
phloios - G. m. Bark of trees. - 14, 277
phoeniceos - G. Purple-red, crimson, red. - 14, 277
phoeniceus - DSN. Tyrian purple. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
phoenix - MGN. The ancient Greek name given to the Date Palm, P. dactylifera. - 10, 246
pholidos - G. f. Pholis. Horny scale, e. g. of reptiles. - 14, 277
pholidota - DSN. G. From pholidotos scaly, descriptive of the large inflorescence bracts of of the large
sheaths surrounding the pseudobulbs. - 28, 367
pholidotos - G. Scaly. See Pholidota. - 28, 367
pholis - G. f. Pholidos. Horny scale, e. g. of reptiles. - 14, 277
phonos – DSN. Slaughter. See genus Boophone.- 18,346
phora – G. To bear.
phoreo – DSN. Carrying. See genus Tylophora.- 18,588
phoros - G. Bearing . See Tylophora., Ornithophoroa. - 16, 312g; 28, 99
phorus - G. Bearing. See Cryptophoranthus - 28, 99
phragma - G. Fence or division. See Phragmipedium - 28, 368
phragmipedium - DSN. G. From phragma fence or division and pedion slipper an allusion to the divisions
of the trilocular ovary and to the slipper-shape lip. - 28, 368
phreatia - G. Well. .See Phrestia - 28, 370
phreatia - DSN. G. From phreatia well, probably referring to the well-like mentum formed by the lateral
sepals and lip. - 28, 370
phugo – DSN. To shun. See Phygelius - 18,72
phuma - G. Swollen. See Phymaspermum. - 16, 446c
phyge - G. Flight, refuge. See Phygelius. - 16, 366b
phygelius - DSN. G. From phyge, flight or to shun, refuge and (h)elios, the sun because the plants were said
to love the shade. - 16, 366b; 18,72
phylax - G. Guard. See Dendrophylax - 28, 128
phylicifolia - DGN. Leaves like Phylica. See Tenrhynea p. – 18,212
phylicoides – DGN. Resembles Phylica. See Athrixia – 18,442
phyllanthus - DGN. G. From phyllon, a leaf and anthos, a flower, alluding to the production of flowers on
leaf-like branches of some of the species. - 16, 222a,b
phyllon - G. A leaf. See oxyphylla,Phyllanthus, batophylla, Bulbophyllum, Grammatophyllum. - 16,144d,
222a, 234d; 18,154; 28, 68, 153
phyllum – DSN. Leaf. See genus Bulbophyllum.- 18,574
phylum – DSN. A division; or misspelling of phyllon, a leaf. See genus Phyla.- 18,424
phyma – DSN. Swelling. See genus Phymaspermum.- 18,320
phymaspermum - DSN. G. From phuma, swollen and sperma, a seed. - 16, 446c
physa - G. A bladder or bellows See Erythrophysa,Physosiphon, Physalis,Physocarpa. - 16,238c,332c;
18,304; 28, 371
physalis – DSN. Bladder. See genus Physalis.- 18,304
physalodes – DSN. A bladder or bubble. See Nicandra p. – 18,478
physaloides - DSN. G. Resembling the genus Physalis, the Cape Gooseberry also a member of the genus.
See Trichodesma t., Nicandra p. - 16, 338a, 362d; 18,178
physocarpa - DSN. From physa, a bladder and karpos, a fruit. In Asclepias p.it alludes to the inflated
bladder-like fruits. - 16, 332c
physocarpus - DSN. Bladdery fruit, refers to inflated fruits. See Gomphocarpus ph. – 18,168,546
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
98
physosiphon - DSN. G. From physa bellows and siphon tube and referring to the basally-inflated tube
formed by the lateral sepals. - 28, 371
phytolacca - DSN.From phyton, a plant and lakha, a Persian red dye, referring to the red juice of the fruit 18,52
phyton - G. A Plant. See Phytolacca, Chlorophytum, Sarcophyte. – 16,50a; 18,52,90,576
phytos – DSN. Plant. See genus Xerophyta. – 18,108,352
-phytum - G. –phyton. In compounds, -plant. - 14, 482
PI
picis - See pix, picea. - 10, 252
picea - DSN. From pix, pitch, and alludes to resinous character of some of the species. - 10, 249
picridifolium - DSN. With leaves like those of the genus Picris. See Crassocephalum X picridium. 16,456e
picris - Genus. See picridium - 16, 456e
picros - G. Bitter, sharp, pungent in taste. - 14, 277
picta - DSN. L. Painted, spotted or brightly coloured. In Riocreuxia p. it refers to the dark corolla markings.
- 16, 310d
pieris - MGN. Pierides, a name for the muses. Name of genus from Pieria a place in northern Thessaly which
was the reputed home of the muses. - 10, 250; 13, 1218
pigra – DSN. Slow, sluggish. See Mimosa p. – 18,388
pillansii - CSN. Neville S Pilans. See Watsonia p. - 3, 62; 16, 88d; 18,46
pilos- G. m. Anything made of felt (cloth), especially a hat. See Trichopilia - 14, 278; 28, 408
pilosa/sum - DSN. Hairy. See Bidens p., Triumfetta p. – 18,218,282
piloselloides - DSN. L. With shaggy hairs. See Gerbera p. - 1, 278; 16, 446b, 450a; 18,220
pilosellum - DSN. L. Shaggy-hairy. Helichrysum p. - 1, 278; 3, 172; 16, 446a
pilosum – DSN. Hairy See Miraglossum p. – 18,546
pilosus - DSN. L. With soft hairs. See Dichilus p. - 16, 202j
pilulifera - DSN. Bearing hairs. See Myrica p. - 2, 62
pilus - DSN. Hair. See rubropilosa. - 14, 439
pimelea - DSN. From pimele, fat, and refers to the oily seeds. - 10, 251
pimele – DSN. Fat. See Pimelea . - 10, 251
pimpinella - MGN. The name for anise, (origin uncertain) - 16, 288c
pinnata - DSN. L. Feather-like. In Psoralea p. it alludes to the arrangement of the leaflets on a common
stalk - 16,190c
pinus - MGN. The old Latin word used by Virgil could be from pix, picis, pitch, resin.
pippul - A Bengalese name. See Piper. - 1, 98; 16, 120c itch or resin. - 10, 252
piper - MGN. From pippali or pippul – Sanskrit or Benghales for pepper. See genus Piper. - 1,98; 16,120c;
18,132
pirus - L. Pear. See genus Pyrus. - 10,274
pistacia - MGN. G. Pistake or pistakion, the name of these succulent nuts borne on the European species P.
vera. - 4, 110; 10, 253
pistake - G. Pistacia. See Pistacia. - 4, 110; 10, 253
pistakion - G. Pistacia. See Pistacia. - 4, 110; 10, 253
pistos – DSN. Aquatic. Pistia – 18,506
pitta - Resin. See genus Pittosporum . - 2, 112; 4, 111; 10, 253; 12, 301; 16, 158f
pittosporum – DSN. From pitta, resin or resinous and spora seed. - 2, 112; 4, 111; 10, 253; 12,301;
16,158f
pitus - A fir tree. See genus Sciadopitys. - 10, 294
pitys - G. f. Pine. - 14, 278
pix - Pitch, resin. Also picis. See genus Picea, Pinus. - 10, 249, 252
PL
plagios - G. Placed sideways, sloping, oblique. - 14, 278
plantagineum - DGN. G. Resembling the genus plantago sp., the plantain . In Craterostigma p. it refers to
the appearance of the leaves.- 1, 236; 5, pl 147; 16, 366e
plantago - G. (1). Resembling the genus plantago sp., the plantain . See plantagineum (2). Plantlike,
aquatic. See plantago-aquatica. - 1, 236; 5, pl 147; 16, 366e; 18,84,588
plantago-aquatica – DSN. Plantlike, aquatic. Alisma p-a. - 18,84
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
99
platanus - DSN. G. From platys, flat. The Greek name for P. orientalis, the Plane, being an allusion to the
broad flat leaves. - 4, 114; 10, 255
platy- - G. In compounds, broad. - 14, 486
platypetalum - DSN. With broad petals. Combretum p. - 5, pl 110
platyphyllos - G. Broad-leaved, from platys, broad.- 14, 278
platys - G. Wide, broad, flat. See Platanus, Platystele, Platylepis, Platycarpha and species platyphyllos.4,114; 14,278; 18,124,446; 28, 371
platystele - DSN. G. From platys broad and stele column, descriptive of the short column which is dilated
above. - 28, 371
plebeia - DSN. Common. See Ipomoea p. – 18,178
plectos - G. Plaited, twisted. - 14, 278
plectranthus - DSN. G. Plectron, a spur and anthos a flower, because the corolla tube is at the base. 1,228,230, 232; 3, 132; 10, 255; 16, 346e,f, 350e, 352a-c, 354a-c, 356a,b, 358c
plectron - G. n. Something to strike with, hence a cock’s spur. Plectranthus. - 1, 228; 3, 132; 10,255;
14,278; 16, 346e
plegma - G. n. Anything, twined or twisted. - 14, 278
plei-G. In compounds, many-. - 14, 278
pleio- - G. In compounds, more than usual. - 14, 486
pleiocephalus - DSN. Many heads. See Aster p. – 18,210
pleione - MGN. The mother of the Pleiads of Greek Mythology who were transformed into a cluster of stars
by Zeus. See Pleione. - 13, 1218; 28, 372
pleisto- - G. In compounds, most-. - 14, 486
plektos – DSN. Twisted. See genus Schoenoplectus – 18,564
plektron – DSN. A spur. See genus Plectranthus.- 18,184,304,424,472
pleur- - G. pleuro-. In compounds, lateral, in a sideways position, ribbed. - 14, 486
pleura - G. f. Rib. - 14, 278
pleuron - G. Rib. See Pleurothallis. - 28, 373
pleurostylia - DSN. Lateral style which leaves a scar on the side of the fruit. - 2, 280
pleurothallis - DSN. G. From pleuron rib and thallos short, branch, an allusion to the many rib-like stems
which arise in tufts in many species. - 28, 373
plexipus - DSN. L. A folded foot or base. - 16, 340e,f, 342f
plexus – DSN. Plaited. See genus Didymoplexis. – 18,124
plicatus - DSN. Folded. See Plicosepalus - 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,50
plicosepalus – DSN. From plicatus, folded. For Plicosepalus buds and flowers strongly curved. - 18,50
plumbago - DSN. Lead, lead-like. From plumbum, lead because some species thought to be a remedy for
lead poisoning. - 1, 192; 10, 256; 16, 292e
plumbum – DSN. Lead. See genus Plumbago. - 10, 256; 18,162
plumeria - CSN. Charles Plumier for genus Plumeria. - 10, 256
plumosus - DSN. Feathery. - 10, 340
pluridens - DSN. Having many teeth. See Aloe p. - 2, 58
PO
podalyria - MGN. Named after Podalyrius, son of Aesklepios, Greek god of healing. See genus Podalyria.10, 257; 18,388
podalyriafolius - DGN. With leaves like Podalyria. - 10, 340
podangis - DSN. G. From podos foot and angos vessel, in reference to the foot-like spur in the lip. - 28.377
podion - G. A little foot. See Chenopodium, Pachypodium - 16, 130 d; 18,166,526; 28,109
podocarpus - DSN. From podos, a foot and karpos, fruit, as the seeds of many species are on a fleshy footed
stalk. - 10, 258
podos - A foot. See genus Podocarpus, Podangis - 10, 258; 16, 20a; 28. 377
podranea - MGN. An anagram of Pandorea, an Australian genus in which the Port St Johns’ creeper was at
one time included. - 5, pl 158; 18,434
pogon - G. A beard. See genus Pogonarthria, Isopogon, Cyclopogon, Telipogon, Tragopogon.- 1, 12;
10,191; 16, 24i; 18,338; 28, 100, 405
pogonarthria - DSN. From pogon, a beard and arthron, point alluding to the small hairs on the nodes. 1,12; 16, 24i
poinciana – CSN. Mde Poinci. - 10, 258; 12, 300
pole-evansii - CSN. Reginald Pole-Evans. See Haemanthus p-e. - 5, pl 32
polita - DSN. L. Polished, shiny, elegant. See Duvalia p., Duvalia p. var p. and Ficus p. with its shiny
leaves. - 1, 208; 2, 74; 16, 314h; 18,584
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
100
pollichia - CSN. Named after Dr. J. A. Pollich author of a history of plants in the Palatinate. See genus
Pollichia. - 3, 78; 16, 136a; 18,136
polus - Much. See genus Polygala.- 10, 259
poly - G. Many. See genus Polystachya, Polygonatum, Polygala, and species polypodantha., polyodon,
Polycycenis - 1, 84, 88, 152; 13,1219, 1220; 16, 106a, 436c; 18,124,404,520; 28, 377
polyanthemoides - DSN. G. With many flowers. See Senecio p. - 1, 246; 16, 380e, 452g; 18,328
polyanthus - DSN. G. With many flowers. See Streptocarpus p., Streptocarpus p. subsp comptonii. - 1,246;
16,380e; 18,484
polycarena - DSN. G. Many heads. - 1, 234
polycycenis - DSN. G. From poly many and kyknos swan, in allusion to the fancied resemblance of the
flowers to small swans. - 28, 377
polygala - DSN. From poly, much and gala, milk because in Europe there was a belief that species of
Polygala or milkworts would increase the milk of cows if grazed. - 1,152; 5, pl 95; 10, 259; 16,216c-e,
218a-g
polygnoides – DGN. Resembles Polygnonum, Knot-grass. See Disa p. - 18,48
polygonatum - DSN. From poly, many and gonu, knee-joint, refers to the roots. - 13, 1220
polygonum - DSN. G. Many-angled. - 1, 104
polyodon - DSN. G. From poly, many and odontos, teeth. In Senecio p. var p., Senecio p. var subglaber.
Alluding to the toothed margin. - 16, 434c, 454h; 16, 454; 18,444
polypodantha - DSN. G. From poly, many, pous, a foot and anthos, a flower, an allusion to the rhizomes,
which are much branched and spread widely. See Bonatea p. - 1, 88; 16 110e
polys - G.Many. See Polystachya- 28, 378
polystachya - DSN. G. From polys many and stachys ear of grain or spike, referring to either the
resemblance of the inflorescences of some species to an ear of grain or possibly to the tufted stem of
some species. See Tephrosia p. - 1, 84, 96; 16, 106a & 118d-f; 18,392; 28, 378
polystachyos – DSN. Many spikes. See Pycreus p. – 18,562
polystictum – DSN. Many spots. See Otholobium p. – 18,462
pomaderris - DSN. From pome, a lid and derris, a skin as there is a membrane covering the capsule. 10,259
pome – DSN. A lid. See Pomaderris. - 10, 259
pondoensis – GSN. From Pondoland. See Watsonia p.,Rhus p. – 18,360,536
ponthieva - CSN. Henri de Ponthieu 1778. - 28, 381
ponticus - GSN. Pontica, ancient region on the southern coast of the Black Sea. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
pooara - DSN. The African name for the tree species Vitex pooara. - 16, 344e
populifolia - DGN. Leaves like the poplar. See Arctotheca p. – 18,332
populifolium - DGN. Leaves like the poplar. See Helichrysum p. – 18,214
populus - MGN. Ancient Greek name for the poplar tree. - 10, 260
poros - A pore. See genus Myoporum. - 10. 232
porphyrantha - DSN. Purple flowers. See Kniphofia p. – 18,226
porphyranthes - G. With purple blossom from porphyreos, purple. - 14, 278
porphyreos - G. Purple. See porphyranthes, porphyronotos. - 14, 278
porphyronotos - G. Purple-backed, from porphyreos, purple. - 14, 278
porphyro - G. Purple. See species porphyrovalve. - 1, 30; 16, 34I
porphyrostachys – DSN. Purple plant. See Streptocarpus p. – 18,484
porphyrovalve - DSN. G. From porphyro, purple and valve, segments of a capsule. See Eriospermum p. - 1,
30; 16, 34I
porrecta - DSN. Lanky. See Bonatea p. – 18,116
porro - G. Forward. See Porroglossum - 28, 381
porroglossum - DSN. G. From porro forward and glossa tongue, referring to the porrect lip. - 28,381
portulaca - DSN. L. The Latin name for Purslane. - 1, 108; 16, 134m-p
portulacaria - DSN. L. Latin for Purslane as for Portulaca. - 1, 108; 16, 134l
portulacifolium - DGN. L. With leaves like portulaca. See Talinum p. - 16, 134I; 18,382
poseideonis – MGN. After Poseidon, god of the sea. See Senecio p. – 18,444
posoqueria - For genus Posoqueria of Aymara posoqueri, the native name of P. longiflora, which comes
from Guiana. - 10, 261
post- - After, behind, later. Postmeridiaus, after midday. Greek meta-. - 14, 303
potamogeton - DSN. From potamos, a river and geiton, neighbour. - 3, 2
potamos - G. m. River. See genus Potamogeton. - 3, 2; 14, 278
potens - Powerful. See genus Potentilla. - 10, 261
potentilla - DSN. From potens, powerful, refers to its medicinal properties. - 10, 261
potomos – DSN. River. See genus Potamogeton.- 18,502
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
101
pottsii - CSN. George Potts. See Crocosmia p. - 18,42
pous - G. Foot. See Pachypodium, Gonatopus. In polypodantha, it refers to the rhizomes. - 1, 88, 202;
16,110e, 304; 18,570
PR
prae- - L. Before, in front, very. Praestans, pre-eminant. Greek pro-. - 14, 303
praecox - DSN. Early. See Agapanthus p.- 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,450
praemorsa - DSN. As though the end was bitten off. See Monsonia p., Acampe p., Asclepias p. –
18,152,246,550
praeteritus - DSN. L. To be unknown to one, passed over. See .Hibiscus p. - 1, 170; 16, 254e
praetermissa - DSN. Overlooked, neglected. See Cyrtorchis p. – 18,130
prason - G. n. Leek. - 14, 278
pratenis – DSN. Of the meadows. Growing in meadows. In Aloe p. an inappropriate description by the
person who described the plant – it actually grows amongst rocks. - 10, 340; 12, 303; 13,1222; 18,34
precatorius - DSN. L. Used in worship. Relating to prayer, an allusion to the use of the seeds in rosaries.
See Abrus p. - 126; 16, 194c; 18,60,464
prehensilis – DSN. Seizing, taking hold. See Utricularia p. – 18,306
preptum - DSN. Distinguished. See Eriosema p. – 18,274
pretoriae - GSN. L. Of Pretoria. See Hemizygia p. - 228; 16346a
pretoriensis - GSN. L. Of Pretoria, Gauteng. See Barleria p., Ochna p. - 252; 12, 302; 16,264b,390e
primula - DSN. Diminutive of primus, the first. - 301; 13, 1220
primulifolius – DGN. Leaves like Primula. See Streptocarpus p. – 18,484
primulinus - DGN. Like a primrose. - 340
primus - First. See genus Primulus. - 301; 13, 1220
princeps - . L. The most distinguished, first, chief, princely. In Ecnepharatos p. to indicate this species was
thought to have been evolved earlier than others in the group. Dissotis p., Galtonia p. -2,44; 3,116; 5,
pl 118; 16, 278e; 18,96,466
prinoides - G. Like the holm-oak. In Rhamnus p. possibly because of the similarity of the wood. - 1, 164; 16,
240e
prion- - G. In compounds, saw-. Prionium.- 14, 489; 18,570
prionitis - DGN. G. Like the holly, saw edged. See Barleria p. - 1, 248; 16, 386f
pristisepala – DSN. Ragged sepals, like a sawfish. See Jamesbrittenia p. – 18,480
privus – DSN. Individual. See genus Priva.- 18,180
pro - L. For, instead of. See prae-. G. In front of, before. - 14, 303, 304
procera - DSN. Tall as a tree, stretched out, long. See Suregada p., Agrimonia p. - 2, 228; 18,256
procumbens - DSN. L. Trailing, prostrate, lying on the ground, lying down. In Maytenus p. it refers to its
occasional growth habit. See Ascelepias p., Harpagophytum p., Harpagophytum p. subsp
transvaalense, Raphionacme, p., Aptosimum p. var p., Aptosimum p. var elongatum.,Lotononis p. 1,220; 2, 268; 5, pl 163; 12, 304; 13, 1223;16,326e,374f,380a; 18,258
producta - DSN. L. Lenghtened, stretched-out. In Polygala p. it possibly alludes to the elongated
inflorescence. - 16, 216e
prolifer – DSN. Producing offset. See Cyperus p. – 18,562
prolifera – DSN. Proliferates from the inflorescence. See Isolepis p. – 18,566
prolixus – DSN. Of great extension. See Streptocarpus p. – 18,484
promenaea - MGN. Promeneia was a priestess of Dodona mentioned by Heroditas. - 28, 381
prophetarum - DSN. G. From prophetes, herbalist. See Cucumis p. - 1, 262
prophetes - G. Herbalist. See prophetarum. - 1, 262
prora - G. Prow. See Diploprora. - 28, 129
pros- - G. Near, in addition. - 14, 304
proso- - G. Prostho-. Forward, to the front, before. - 14, 304
prostanthera - DSN. From prostithemi, to append and anthera, anthers, and refers to the appendages
usually borne by the anthers. - 10, 261
prostho- - G. Proso-. Forward, to the front, before. - 14, 304
prostithemi - To append. See genus Prostanthera. - 10, 261
prostrata - DSN. L. Prostrate, lying flat on the ground. See Rhynchosia minima subsp p., Melhania p. 16,180j; 18,288
prostratus - DSN. Prostrate growth. - 10, 340
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
102
protea - MGN. The name is derived from the Greek sea god Proteus, son of Neptune who could assume
many guises (shapes) at will, an allusion to the great diversity of the species. See genus Protea. 1,100; 3, 194; 5, pl 57; 10, 263; 12, 297; 16, 122b-d & 124a-d; 18,132,374
proteros - G. Earlier. - 14, 278
proto- - G. In compounds, first in time,original, chief. Proterandrus, protandrous i.e. with anthers shedding
pollen before the same flower is mature. - 14, 491
protos - G. First, foremost. - 14, 278
protracta - DSN. L. Extended. See Juscticia p. subsp p. - 16, 394b; 18,202
pruinosa – DSN. Waxy powdery secretion on surface. See Cysticapnos p. – 18,384
prunella - Genus Prunella. See prunelloides. - 16, 404i
prunelloides - DSN. G. Resembling the genus Prunella (Lamiaceae), from prunum, purple. See Pentanisia
p. subsp p., Pentanisia p. subsp latifolia. - 16, 404i,j; 18,492
prunifolius - DGN. With leaves like plum or cherry. - 10, 340
prunioides - DGN. L. Resembling a plum. In Terminalia p. the fruit. - 1, 184; 16, 276f
prunum - L. Purple. See prunelloides. - 16, 404i
prunus - MGN. This is the ancient Latin name for the plum. - 10, 265
pruriens - DSN. G. Causing stinging, or itching and in Sphedamnocarpus p. it alludes to the fact that the
lower surface of the leaf and the base of the fruit bear hairs that irritate and penetrate the skin. - !,150;
5, pl 93; 16,210c; 18,276
PS
psammos - G. f. Sand. See genus Psammotropha.- 14, 278; 18,528
psammotropha - DSN. G. Sand-dwelling, alluding to the plant’s habit. - 1, 106; 3, 74; 16, 132h
pschotrophon - G. From Psychotria, a name coined by Linnaeus from pschotrophon, betony, which was
applied by Patrick Browne to certain Jamaican plants. - 1, 258
pseud- - G. pseudo-. In compounds, false-, that is resembling but not equalling. Frequently used as a prefix
to indicate a close resemblance leading to confusion. - 14, 491
pseudarthria - DSN. False joints, refers to the pod which looks as if it should develop articulations but does
not. - 5, pl 86; 16,192d
pseudo- - G. pseud-. In compounds, false-, that is resembling but not equalling. Frequently used as a prefix
to indicate a close resemblance leading to confusion. See Pseudolachnostylis and genus Pseudopanax,
Pseudarthria.– 10,271; 14,491; 16,220b; 18,396,576
pseudobersama - DGN. False Bersama, because Sim first described P. mossambicensis as a Bersama. 2,206
pseudognaphalium – GSN. “False” Gnaphalium.- 18,310
pseudolachnostylis - DSN. G. From pseudo, false, lachne, wool, down and stylos,column, style. - 16,220b
pseudopanax - DGN. From pseudo, false and panax, suggesting it is not a true Panax.- 10, 271
psiadia - DSN. G. From psias, a drop, refers to the young twigs covered with sticky drops. - 1, 270; 16,428f
psias - G. A drop, of liquid. See Psiadia. - 1, 270; 16,428f
psidion - G. Pomegranate. See Psidium. - 4, 121
psidium - DSN. G. From the Greek for pomegranate, psidion. - 4, 121
psil- G. psilo-. In compounds, bare, bald, smooth. - 14, 491
psilo- - G. psil-. In compounds, bare, bald, smooth. - 14, 491
psilos - G. Bare, stripped of hair, smooth. - 14, 278
psittacos - G. m. Parrot. - 14, 278
psora - G. Mange, refers to the resinous pellucid dots on the leaves of most species. Porsalea. - 3,92
psoralea - DSN. G. From psoralios, warty. The members of this genus are mostly warty or else have
glandular dots all over. Also G. From psora, mange, refers to the resinous dots on the leaves of most
species. Scabby alluding to the glandular dots on the leaflets. - 2, 162; 3, 92; 10, 272; 16, 180c, 190c
psoraleoides - DGN. Plant resembles Psoralea, another genus in the same family. See Eriosema p. - 5,pl.81;
16,180b; 18,274
psoraleos – DSN. Scabby. See genus Psoralea.- 18,462
psoralios - Warty. See genus Psoralea. - 10, 272
psychotria - DGN. G. From Psychotrophon, betony, a name given to Jamaican plants. Coined by Linnaeus
from the Greek, psychotrophon, betony ( purple-flowered plant), which was applied by Patrick Browne
to certain Jamaican plants. - 1, 258; 3, 226; 16, 400k
PT
ptarmica – DSN. Causes sneezing. Achillea p. - 13, 1221
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
103
pter- - G. ptero-. In compounds, wing-, winged. Pterospermus, with winged seed. - 14, 492
pteris - G. f. Fern. - 14, 278
pterocarpus - DSN. G. From pteron, winged and carpos, a fruit alluding to the winged fruit. - 1,138;
16,172c,192f
pterocelastrus – DSN. G. From pteron, a wing and celastrus, the name of an evergreen tree. - 16,236g
pterodiscus - DSN. G. From pteron, a wing and diskos, a quoit, a circle.- 1, 244; 16, 378c,d, 380c
pterolobium - DSN. G. From pteron, a wing and lobium, fruit, alluding to the winged fruits. See
Pterolobium., Pterocelastrus - 16, 176a, 236g
pteron - G. n. Feather, wing. See Anopterus, genus Caryopteris, Pterostyrax, Pterodiscus., Pterocarpus. - 1,
244; 10, 29, 75, 272; 14, 278; 16, 172c, 378c
pteropoda - DSN. Winged stalk. See Lobelia p. – 18,208
pteros – DSN. Winged. See genus Dicliptera.- 18,436
pterygoeides – DSN. Winglike, refers to side petals. See genus Pterygodium.- 18,122,574
ptosimos - G. Mesans deciduous (which in turn comes from ptosis meaning to ‘fall’) - 23,Dec2000,170
ptosis - G. To fall, or deciduous. - 23, Dec 2000, 170
ptros - G. Winged. See sphenoptera. - 16, 216d
pterostyrax - DSN. From pteron, a wing and styrax, probably a seed, since one species has winged seeds. 10,272
pterygodium - DSN. G. From pterugoeides, wing-like. - 1, 82; 16 100a, 104a, 112e
pterugion – DSN. A small wing. See genus Pentapterygium. - 10, 243
pterugoeides - G. Winglike. See Pterygodium. - 1, 82
-pterus – DSN. Winged. Tetropterus, four-winged. - 14, 492
ptyches - G. n. Folds. - 14, 278
PU
pubens – DSN. Downy. - 14, 492
pubes – DSN. Pubescence, hairiness. - 14, 492
pubescens - DSN. L. Clothed with hairs. Downy or slightly hairy. Hairy opposed to glabrous, downy with
short soft hairs. In Polystachya p. it refers to the ovary. See Betula p., Leptospernum p., Phylica p.,
Brachycorythis p. - 1, 96; 10, 53, 205, 249, 340; 14, 492; 16,118d-e; 18,242,362
pubi- - Softly or weakly hairy. - 14, 492
pubiflora – DSN. L. [pubi-, flora]. Having minutely pubescent flowers. [pubescence – arrival at pubity: soft
down on plant]. See Moraea p. - 1, 76; 16, 90d
pubigerus - DSN. Downy. See Gladiolus p. – 18,240
pulchella - DSN. Beautiful. See Accacia p., Protea p., Turraea p. - 10, 17, 265, 340; 18,154
pulchellum – DSN. Beautiful, small. See Miraglossum p., Brachystelma p. – 18,546,584
pulcher – DSN. Very beautiful. See Cyperus p. – 18,504
pulcherrima - DSN. Most beautiful. See Euphorbia p. - 10, 153, 340
pulcherrimum – DSN. Very beautiful. See Dierama p.- 18,356
pulchra - DSN. L. Beautiful. See Frithia p., Dombeya p., Ochna p., Dissotis p., Huttonaea p., Lotononis p.,
Disa p. - 1,106, 174, 176; 5, pl 117; 16, 134b, 262h, 266c; 18,114,260,366
pulchrum - DSN. L. Beautiful, See Polygonum p., Geranium p. - 1, 104; 18,400
pulvinata – DSN. Cushion-shaped. See Euphorbia p. – 18,534
pumilus - DSN. Dwarf. - 10, 340
punctata – DSN. Marked with dots. Acylpha p. - 18,64
puniceus – DSN. Scarlet, carmine or purple. Scadoxus p. - 18,36
punctulata - DSN. L. Minutely dotted. See Psiadia p. - 1, 270; 16,428f
pungens - DSN. L. Sharp pointed. Piercing. See Crossandra p., Elaegnus p., Picea p.,Cephalaria p.,
Relhania p., Alternanthera p. - 1, 254; 10, 133, 250, 340; 18,204,316,528
punica - DGN. From puniceus, scarlet, refers to the flower or fruit. - 10, 272
puniceus - DSN. L. Phoenecian purple, crimson. Reddish-purple. See genus Punicait or species Scadoxus
p. - 1,64; 10, 272; 16, 62a
pupalia – DSN. From Eastern name pupali. See genus Pupalia.- 18,376,528
purakantha - MGN. Greek word of doubtful derivation for this genus.. - 10, 273
puros - G. Grain, wheat. See Diosporos. - 10, 128
purpurascens - DSN. L. Turning purple. Purplish. In Chironia p. refers to flowers. See Chironia p.,
Chironia p. subsp humilis. - 1, 198; 5, pl 121; 16, 300c; 18,414
purpurea – DSN. Purple. See Tephrosia p. – 18,394
purpureus - DSN. Purple. See Caenothus p., Cistus p., Malus p. In Lablab p. subsp uncinatus it refers to the
flowers. - 10, 79, 95, 222, 340; 12, 304; 13, 1223; 16, 202k
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
104
-pus - G. In compounds, -footed. - 14, 278
puschkinia - CSN. Count Apollos Apollosovich. - 13, 1219
pusillis - DSN. Weak, small, slender. See Potamogeton p. – 18,502
pusillum - DSN. Very small. See Angraecum p. – 18,128
pusillus - DSN. L. Very small, insignificant. In Hibiscus p.it possibly alludes to the fact that the flower opens
for only a short period in the morning. Streptocarpus p.- 1, 170; 16, 254g; 18,196,286,486
PY
pycn- - pycno- G. close, dense, compact. Pycnanthus with flowers crowded together, pycnostachyus, with
dense spike. - 14, 493
pycnos - G. Thick or dense. See species pycnothrix. - 1, 14; 16, 24e
pycnostachys - DSN. G. Pyknos, dense and stachys, a spike but in botany an ear of corn. For this genus a
dense flower spike. - 1, 230; 3, 131; 5, pl 144; 16,348b, 352e
pycnothrix - DSN. From pycnos, thick or dense and thix, hair. In species Chloris p. an allusion to the
numerous conspicuous awns. - 1, 14; 16, 24e
pycreus DSN. Anagram of Cyperus. See genus Pycreus – 18,562
pygmaeum - DSN. L. Pygmy, refers to dwarf habit. See Brachystelma p. subsp. P., Pachystigma p. 1,214,258; 16, 320d, 406e; 18,554
pygmaios – DSN. Dwarf. Pygmaeothamnus.- 18,556
pyknos - G. Dense. See Pycnostachys. - 1, 230; 3, 131; 16, 348b; 18,472
pyle- - G. In compounds, -opening. - 14, 493
pyllon - G. A leaf. - 1, 114
pyr - G. n. Fire. See genus Pyracantha, Pyrenacantha. - 1, 162; 12, 301; 14, 278; 16, 238a
pyr- - G. pyro-. In compounds, fire-, fiery hence red or yellow. - 14, 493
pyra - Fire. See genus Pyracantha. - 13, 1220
pyracantha - DSN. From pyr or pyra, fire and akanthos, a thorn. Also given from Greek purakantha, a
word of doubtful derivation. Fire-thorn. In Putterlickia p. it refers to the colour of the new thorns or
pain from a thorn spike. - 2, 270; 10, 273; 12, 301; 13, 1220
pyradidalis - DSN. Pyramidal. - 10, 340
pyramis - G. Pyramid. - 14, 278
pyren - G. m. Fruit-stone. - 14, 278
pyrenacantha - DSN. G. From pyr, fire and akanthos, a thorn. - 1, 162; 16, 238a
pyro- - G. pyr-. In compounds, fire-, fiery hence red or yellow.. - 14, 493
pyroides - DGN. L. Like Pyrus, the pear tree. See Rhus p. , Rhus p. var p. - 1, 160; 16, 234d
pyros - G. m. Wheat. See species agropyroides, Diospyros. - 1, 14, 194; 14, 278; 16, 24g
pyrus - DGN. L. For the genus Pyrus from pirus the latin for a pear. See pyroides. - 1, 160; 4, 122; 10,274
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
105
Q
QA
quadr- - L. quadri-. In compounds, four- - 14, 493
quadrangularis - DSN. L. With four angles. In Cissus q. it refers to the four-angled stem. 1,166;16,246b;
18,538
quadri- - L. quadr-. In compounds, four- - 14, 493
quadridens - DSN. Four teeth, refers to the 4 toothed corona lobes. See Schizoglossum q. – 18,168
quadrifidia - DSN. L. Cut into four. See Portulaca q. - 16, 134n-o
quanzensis - GSN. L.From the Cuanza (Quanza) river in Angola. See Afzelia q. - 16,174c
quartiniana - CSN. Named after Richard Quartin-Dillon, botanist See Dioscorea q. – 18,108
QE
quercus - MGN. Latin. Ancient Latin name for the Oak. - 4, 123; 10, 274; 12,301
QI
quinatum - DSN. L. In fives. In Jasminum q. it refers to the five leaflets. - 1, 194; 16, 296c
quinqu- - L. quinque, quinqui-. In compounds, five-. - 14, 494
quinque- - L. quinqui-, quinq . In compounds, five-. - 14, 494
quinquenervia – DSN. From quinquenervius, five veins. For Tieghemia q. five veins from base of leaf.
- 18,50
quinquenervius – DSN. Five veins. See Tieghemia q. - 18,50
quinqui- - L. quinque-. Quinqu. In compounds, five-. - 14, 494
quinquefolius - DSN. With five leaves or leaflets. - 10, 340
quisqualis - DSN. From Quis, who and what. ‘who-what’, refers to the Malay Dutch name for Q. parviflora
of ‘hoedanig’ for the Rangoon species. - 2, 362; 16, 274f
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
106
R
RA
rabdos – DGN. Taken from another closely related genus Rabdosia. See genus Rabdosiella.18,424
rabdosia – DSN. G. From rhabdos, a rod, meanig rod-like. See also Rabdosiella. - 1, 228; 16,346d
rabdosiella - DGN. Taken from the name of another genus in the same family, Rabdosia, which it closely
resembles. 16, 346d, 358b
racemosa - DSN. L. Simple, elongate cluster. With flowers arranged in a raceme (inflorescence in which
the youngest flowers are at the top). See Ceropegia r., Ceropegia r subsp setifera, Eutaxia r.,Gnidia
r. - 1,212; 10, 155, 340; 16, 318g; 18,174,294
racemosum - DSN. L. With flowers in a raceme, (see racemosa). See Cycnium r. - 1, 234; 3, 142;
16,364g, 370c; 18,432
racemosus - DSN. Flowering in racemes, resembling a bunch of grapes. See Asparagus r. - 12,304;
13,1223; 18,104
rach- - G. rhach-. In compounds, pertaining to the main axis, spine or backbone. - 14, 494
radiata - DSN. L. Radiating. In Hesperantha r. it alludes to the florets. - 1, 72, 76; 16, 90f
radicans – DSN. Striking root. See Nesaea r. – 18,410
radicata - DSN. L. With tap root. See Hypochaeris r. - 18, 338
radlkoferi - CSN. Ludwig Radlkofer. See Greyia r.- 1, 162; 16, 238d
radula - DSN. L. A file, rasp. See Berkheya r.- 1, 266; 16, 424e
radulosa - DSN. L Rasp, file, rough. See Brunsvigia r. - 16, 68a; 18,348
rafnia – CSN. Named after Danish botanist C.G. Rafn. See genus Rafnia.- 18,258,576
raineriana - CSN. Rainer. See Leonotus ocymifolia. var r. - 16, 348e
rami- - L. In compounds, pertaining to branches, branched-. - 14, 496
ramosior - DSN. L. Branching. See Plectranthus madagascariensis var. r. - 1, 228; 16, 346e
ramosissimus - DSN. Much branched. See Asparagus r. – 18,104
ramulosus – DSN. Many small branches. See Syncolostemon r. – 18,426
rana - L. Frog. See Ranunculus. -1, 112 ,18,250
rananthera - DSN. From the Latin renes kidney and the Greek anthera anther, in allusion to the kidneyshaped pollina of the type species. - 28, 382
randii - CSN. Dr Richard Frank Rand. Holothrix r., Barleria r. - 1, 88; 5, pl 50, 167; 16, 110c
rangaeris - MGN. Rangaeris is allied to Aerangis and the name is meant to be an anagram of the latter. See
genus Rangaeris. – 18,130; 28, 382
ranunculus - DSN. L. A diminutive form of rana a frog, because the plant inhabits moist places. - 1, 112;
12,300; 16, 140b
rapanea - MGN. A common name used for a species in Guinea. - 16, 290c
raphiolepis - DSN. From rhapis, needle and lepis, a scale, an allusion to the awl-shaped bracts. - 10, 276
raphionacme - DSN. G. From rhapis, needle and akme, point., possibly referring to the slender inner corona
lobes. - 1, 206, 218; 16, 310a,b, 312h-j, 324d,e, 326e
raphis – DSN. A needle. See Raphiolepis, Raphionacme.- 1, 206; 10, 276; 16, 310a
rauvolfia - CSN. Leonheart Rauwolf. - 11, 156
rawsonia - CSN. R W Rawson. - 16, 264g
RE
re- - L. Back, against, again. Resupinatus, bent back. Greek ana-.- 14, 303
recta - DSN. L. Upright. See Crotalaria r. - 1, 140; 16, 182g
recti- - L. In compounds, straight, upright. - 14, 497
reflexa - DSN. L. Bent sharply backwards. See Vepris r., Salvia r.- 16, 208c, 352d
refracta – DSN. Broken. See Polygala r. – 18,404
regalis – DSN. Royal. In Galtonia r. the reference is to the Royal Natal National Parks, where the type
specimen was collected. - 18,96
regelia - CSN. Dr E Regel. - 10, 277
regia - DSN. Royal. See Erica r., Poiciana r.- 10, 141, 258, 340
reginae – DSN. Queen. For Strelitzia r. - 18,46
rehmanniana - CSN. Anton Rehmann. See Boscia foetida subsp r. - 16, 148d
rehmannii - CSN. Anton Rehmann. See Zantedeschia r. Also see Gladiolus ecklonii r.,
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
107
Salacia r., Vitex r., Aeollanthus r., Coccinia r., Aeschynomene r. subsp leptobotrya, Barleria r.,
Plectranthus r., Polygala r. - 1, 18, 74, 160, 224, 232, 262; 16,30b,94c,190d,234f.338d,350a,b,394j,
412c; 18,186,308,340,404
reinwardtia - CSN. K G K Reinwardt.. - 10, 277
reitzii - CSN. F W Reitz. Aloe r. - 1, 48
relhania – CSN. Named after Rev. R. Relhan. See genus Relhania.- 18,316
rendalii - CSN. Named after Dr.P.Rendall. See Ceropegia r - - 1, 212;16, 318d; 18,174
renes – DSN. L. Kidney. See Rananthera - 28, 382
renibractea – DSN. Kidney-shaped bracts. See Disperis r. – 18,370,520
repanda - DSN.L. With slightly wavy margins. See Adenia r. - 1, 180; 16, 270b
repandum – DSN. L.(1). With wavy margins. See Desmondium r., Sium r. - 1, 132; 3, 96; 16,168c,288a;
18,60,296
repens - DSN. L. Creeping. See Rhynchelytrum r., Caprosma r., Duranta r., Melinus r., Barleria r.,
Falckia r., Salvia r. - 1,12; 10, 101, 133, 340; 16, 22d; 18,76,176,472
reptans - DSN. L. Creeping and rooting. See Dicilis r., Satureja r. - 1, 234; 16, 364a; 18,190,424,428
reseda - DSN. From resedo, to calm or sooth, because it was once used for bruises. - 12, 302; 13,1221
resedo – DSN. To calm or sooth. See genus Reseda. - 13, 1221
restis – DSN. A rope or cord. Restio – 18,570
restrepia - CSN. Sr Jose E Restrepo. - 28, 383
restricta - DSN. L. Restricted. Eulophia r. - 1, 156; 16, 226d
reticulata - DSN. L. Reticulate, net-veined, a network of veins. See Pycnostachys r. For Citrus r. fibrous
strands of pith under a loose skin. For Behnia r. it refers to the net-like pattern on the leaves. - 1, 230;
3, 131; 15, 70; 16 58h, 348b; 18,230,472
reticulatus - DSN. Netted or veined or with a network of veins. See Phyllanthus r. - 10, 340; 12,304;
13,1223; 16, 222b
retinens – DSN. L. Not letting go. See Acacia leuderitzii var. r. - 1, 142
retinervis - DSN. L. Reticulately nerved, net-veined. See Xerophyta r. - 1, 68; 16, 78b; 18,352
retro- - Back, behind. Retrocurvus, curved back. - 14, 303
retroflexum - DSN. Turned back, refers to petals. See Solanum r. – 18,188
retusa - DSN. L. Blunt. With rounded, slightly notched tip. See Peperomia r.,Dioscorea r. - 1, 98;
18,108,524
revoluta - DSN. Rolled back. Refers to the revolute ( rolled back from the edge) leaf margins for Erica r.,
Parvetta r., Ledebouria r. - 16, 290b; 25, 897; 18,452
revolutum - DSN. Refers to the revolute ( rolled back from the edge) leaf margins for Hypericum r. - 1,178;
5,pl.107; 16, 266d
reynoldsii - CSN. Named after Gilbert Reynolds. See Aloe r. – 18,228
RH
rhabdos - G. f. A rod, wand. See Rabdosia. - 1, 228; 14, 278
rhabdotos - G. Striped. - 14, 278
rhach- - G. rach-. In compounds, pertaining to the main axis, spine or backbone. - 14, 494
rhachis - G. f. Backbone, midrib of leaf, axis of the leaf above the petiole. See leiorhachis. - 1, 142; 14,278
rhacodytos - G. Rhacois. Ragged, torn, tattered. - 14, 278
rhacois - G. Rhacodytos. Ragged, torn, tattered. - 14, 278
rhaibos - G. Crooked, bent. - 14, 278
rhamnus - DSN. G. The Greek name for this prickly shrub or for several prickly shrubs. - 1, 164; 10, 277;
11, 112; 16, 240e
rhamphicarpa - DSN. G. From rhampos, a hooked beak and karpos, fruit. Beaked fruit. - 1, 236; 5,pl 150
rhamphos - G. A hooked beak. See Rhamphicarpa. - 1, 236
rhaphis - G. Needle. See Raphionacme. - 1, 206; 18,542
rhapontica – DGN. Like garden rhubarb. See Berkheya r. – 18,336
rheo- - G. In compounds, pertaining to flowing water. - 14, 499
rhigos - G. Cold, and hence rigid. See Rhigozum. - 1, 240; 16, 376e
rhigozum - MGN. From rhigos, cold, hence rigid, alluding to the rigid branches characteristic of this genus.
Obscure, may mean stark and rigid, alluding to the bareness of the shrub before it comes into flower. 1,240; 5, pl 158; 16, 376e,f
rhin - DSN. A snout. See Antirrhinum. - 12, 300; 13, 1220
rhine – DSN. File or rasp. See genus Rhinacanthus.- 18,438
rhinos – DSN. Nose. Pentarrhinum.- 18,550
rhip – DSN. Wickerwork. Rhipsalis – 18,540
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
108
rhipidos - G. f. Fan. Rhipis. - 14, 278
rhipis - G. f. Fan. Rhipidos. - 14, 278
rhips – DSN. Wickerwork. See genus Rhipsalis.- 18,158
rhiza - G. f. Root, elephant root. See rhizophora, pachyrrhiza; Elephantorrhiza. - 2, 348; 14, 278; 16,32h;
18,150
rhiza- - G. rhizi-. In compounds pertaining to the roots or root-like organs. - 14, 499
rhizi- - G. rhiza-. In compounds pertaining to the roots or root-like organs. - 14, 499
rhizophora - DSN. G. 'Rhiza,' root and 'phoro,' to bear. In R. mucronata it refers to the rooting system. - 2,
348
rhodantha – DSN. Bearing red flowers. See Disa r. – 18,368
rhodanthus - DSN. Red flowered. See Hibiscus r. - 5, pl 103
rhodesiana - GSN. From Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. For Tinnea r. where this plant was first collected. - 16,
358g
rhodesica - GSN. From Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. - 16, 134j
rhodo - G. Rose, red. See genus Rhodohypoxis. - 1, 66; 16, 78e-f; 18,352
rhodo- - G. As a prefix in compounds, rose-, rosy. In compounds, rose-, rosy-red. See Rhodohypoxis. 14,278,499; 16, 78e-f
rhododendron - MGN. From the Greek rhodon, rose and dendron, a tree comes the genus name. Rhododendron. - 10, 278
rhodohypoxis - DGN. G. From rhodo, red and hypoxis, the genus to which it is related. - 1, 66; 16,78e-f
rhodon – DSN. G. A rose. See genus Rhododendron. - 10, 278; 13, 1219; 12, 300; 14, 278
rhoias - G. A pomegranate. See Rhoicissus. - 16, 244b
rhoicissus - DGN. G. From rhoias, a pomegranate and kissos, ivy, alluding to the appearance and taste of the
fruit. - 16, 244b
rhombifolius - DSN. With rhomb-shaped leaves. [rhomb - rhombus]. - 10, 340
rhomboideus - DSN. L. Diamond-shaped. See Senecio r. - 1, 272; 16, 430a; 18,328
rhopalo- - G. In compounds club-, cudgel-. See clavatus, coryne-. - 14, 500
rhus - MGN. G. Red. Original Greek name for European member of this genus. Or referring to the leaves
turning red in autumn. - 1, 160; 4, 126; 10, 285; 16, 232b-f, 234b-d; 18,534
rhyac- - G. In compounds pertaining to rushing streams, torrent. - 14, 500
rhynch- - G. rhyncho-. In compounds provided with a snout or beak, i.e. a projecting appendage. - 14, 500
rhynchelytrum - DSN. From rhynchos, a beak and elytron, a cover, scale or husk. See - 1, 12
rhyncholaenus – DSN. Snoutlike. See Senecio r. – 18,328
rhynchos – DSN. G. A beak., snout, bill -[-rhiimum]. See Rhynchosia, Rhynchelytrum, Diplorhynchus,
Pentarrhinum, Ancistrorhynchus, Chondrorhyncha, Stenorrhynchus Rhynchostylis, Rhynchospora.- 1,
12, 124, 206; 3, 98; 11, 152; 16, 180h, 308e; 18,270,568; 28, 49, 87,384, 403
rhynchosia - DSN. G. From rhynchos, a beak. Some species of this genus Rhynchosia have a beaked pod. 1, 124, 130; 3, 98; 16, 170d; 16, 178e-g, 180h,j, 186a, 192e, 198d, 202f
rhynchostylis - DSN. G. From rhynchos beak and stylis column, in reference to beaked column of the
flowers of the type species. - 28, 384
RI
ribes - MGN. An ancient Arabian name, belonging properly to the Rheum. - 10, 286
ricasoliana – CSN. Named after V.Ricasoli. See Podranea r. – 18,434
ricinocarpa - DGN. G. From Ricinus, karpos, a fruit. In Sparrmmania r. seed like caster-oil plant. 16,252c; 18,156
ricinus - Genus in Euphorbiaceae family, caster-oil plant. See ricinocarpa. - 16, 252c
rigens – DSN. Stiff. See Gazania r. – 18,334
rigescens - DSN. L. Stiff. In Solanum r. it refers to the spines. - 16, 362a
rigida - DSN. L. Rigid, stiff. See Ehretia r. In Rhus r. it alludes to the habit. - 1, 224; 16, 232f, 338b
rigidifolia - DSN. L. With rigid leaves. See Kniphophia r. - 16, 44e
rigidiuscula - DSN. L. Rigid. See Heliophila r. - 16, 142f-g; 18,460
rigidula - DSN. L. Somewhat rigid. See Hypoxis r. - 1, 66; 16, 78c; 18,234
rigidus – DSN. Stiff. See Rubus r. – 10,340; 18,386
riocreuxia - CSN. Named after French botanical artist Alfred Riocreux. See genus Riocreuxia - 1, 214,
3,122; 16, 310d, 320I; 18,176
riparia - DSN. L. Growing on banks of rivers and streams. See Iboza r., Tetradenia r. - 1, 232; 16,350c;
18,472
rivina - CSN. August Rivinus. - 18,52
rivularis - DSN. Of the rivers.See Wahlenbergia r., Gomphocarpus r. - 12, 303; 13, 1222; 16,418c; 18,168
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
109
RO
robertsiana - CSN. A certain Roberts about whom little is known. See Turbina r. - 1, 222; 16, 334i
robinia - CSN. Jean Robin.- 10, 286; 12, 300; 13, 1219
robiquetia - CSN. Pierre Robiquet. - 28, 385
robusta - DSN. L. Robust, stout. See Cleome oxyphylla var. r. - 16, 144d
robustum - DSN. L. Robust, large. See Schizoglossum r., Argyrolobium r. Big, strong. See Geranium r. - 1,
210; 18,266,466
robustus - DSN. Strong. - 10, 340
rodriguezia - CSN. Don Manuel Rodriguez. - 28, 385
rodrigueziella - CSN. Dr João Barbosa Rodrigues 1877-1882. - 28, 387
roella – CSN. Named after W. Roell, prof. of anatomy in Amsterdam 1737.- 18,492
roeperanum - CSN. J A C Roeper. See Hypericum r. - 5, pl 106
rogersii - CSN. Archdeacon Frederick Arundel Rogers. See Anisotes r., Sterculia r.,
Dyschoriste r. - 1, 248; 16,260a, 386d, 394a
romneya - CSN. Rev. T Romney-Robinso. - 10, 287; 13, 1219
rondletia - CSN. Guillaume Rondelet. - 10, 288
rooperi - CSN. Capt, Edward Rooper. See Kniphofia r. - 18,30
rosa - MGN. Name from ancient Latin. - 10, 288
rosea - MGN. Rose-coloured. In Oenothera r. reference is to flowers. Canavalia r. - 16, 280c; 18,396,410
roseus - DSN. Pink. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
rosifolius - DGN. Leaves like a rose. See Rubus r. – 18,148
rosmarinifolia - DGN. Leaves that are similar to rosemary. See Athixia r. - 5, pl 179
rosmarinoides - DGN. Remembling rosemary. See Maerua r. - 16, 146c
rosmarinus - DGN. Sea dew, from the ancient Latin name for Rosemary. - 10, 289; 13, 1220
rossi – CSN. Dr James Ross. Eriosema r. - 18,60
rossioglossum - CSN. John Ross 1830-1840. - 28,387
rostratus - DSN. Beaked or with slender point. In Pterocelastrus r. it refers to the fruit. - 2, 274
rothmannia - CSN. Georgius Rothmann. - 1, 256; 3, 222; 16, 400e
rotundata - DSN. L. Rounded. See Acokanthera schimperi r., Brachylaena r. - 1, 204, 270; 16,306c,428e
rotundifolia - DSN. L. Having rounded leaves. See Dombeya r., Dombeya r.var r., Barleria r., Cissus r. For
Kalanchoe r. oblong or somewhat incised leaves are sometimes found. - 1,116,174; 3, 86, 209; 16
150a, 262g, 396g; 18,54,538
rotundifolium - DSN. L. Having rounded leaves. See Viscum r., Schistostephium r.- 1, 102; 16,126i,452f;
18,50
rotundifolius - DSN. L. Having round leaves. See Pterocarpus r. and Pterocarpus r. subsp
r.,Syncolostemon r., - 1, 138; 16 172c; 18,426
rotundus – DSN. Round. See Cyperus r. – 18,562
roupelliae - CSN. Mrs Arabella Elizabeth Roupell for Protea r., Protea r. subsp r. - 1, 100; 3, 193; 16,124b
RU
rubella - DSN. L. Having reddish colour. See Cleome r., Tenaris r.- 1, 114; 16, 144c, 330f; 18,418
ruber - DSN. L. Red, also the old Latin name for the plant. See rubropilosa, Rubia, Rubus. - 1,100,258; 12,
304; 13, 1223; ; 16, 400j; 18,148,386,558
rubia - DGN. L. From ruber, red, an allusion to the reddish dye obtained from the roots. - 1, 258; 16, 400j
rubinea - DSN. L. Ruby red. See Kalanchoe r. - 1, 120
rubromarginatus - DSN. L. Having red margins or edges. See Tapinanthus r. - 1, 102; 16, 126c-d; 18,48
rubropilosa - DSN. L. [ruber, pilus] Covered with soft red hairs. See Protea r. - 1, 100
rudbeckia - CSN. Olaf Rudbeck. - 13, 1219
rudis - DSN. L. Rough, coarse. See Coddia r. - 16, 402e
rudolfiella - CSN. Dr Rudolf Schlechter 1872-1925 - 28, 388
ruellia – CSN- Jean de la Ruelle of Soissons. - 1, 252; 10, 290, 394e; 18,198,488
rugosa - DSN. L. Wrinkled. See Lantana r. – 1, 226; 16, 342e; 18,422
rugosis – DSN. Wrinkled. Alysicarpus r. - 18,60
rugulosum - DSN. Wrinkled. See Helichrysum r. – 18,214
rumex - DGN. L. Name for Sorrel. - 1, 104; 18,374
rungia - Genus. See Metarungia. - 16, 394g
rupestris – DSN. Rock-loving. See Tragia r., Cyprus r. - 16, 224a; 18,562
rupicola - DSN. Dweller among rocks. See Oldenlandis r. var r., Dioscorea r. - 16, 404h; 18,514
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
110
ruscus – DSN. Old Latin name used by Virgil and others for this genus. - 10, 290
ruspolia - CSN. Prince or Count Eugene Ruspoli. See also Ruttyruspholia. - 1, 250; 5, pl 172; 16,388b,c;
18,78
russelia – CSN. Dr Alexander Russel. - 10, 291
ruthenicus – GSN. Ruthenia, in the Carpathians. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
ruttya – CSN.Named after Dr. N. Rutty, Irish naturalist. [Periodic sexual excitement- dictionary]. See also
Ruttyruspholia, Ruttya.- 1,250; 16,388a,c; 18,200
ruttyruspholia - MGN. Hybrid cross Ruttya and Ruspolia. See R. X 'Phyllis van Heerden'. - 1,250; 16,388c
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
111
S
SA
saccata - DSN. L. Resembling a bag. See Holubia s. - 1, 244; 16, 378f
saccatus – DSN. Baglike. See Plectranthus s. – 18,476
sacrostemma - MGN. G. From sarkeios, fleshy and stemma, garland. It refers to the fleshy crown
construction of the flower. - 1, 210; 11, 160
sagittalis – DSN. Arrow-shaped. See Disa s. – 18,458
sagittata - DSN. Arrow-shaped. See Trochomeria s. – 18,206
sagittatus – DSN. Arrow-shaped. See Rumex s.- 18,376,526
sagittifolia - DSN. L. Having arrow-shaped leaves. See Nesaea s. - 1, 182; 16, 272h
saintpaulia - CSN. Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire. S. ionantha, S. confusa. - 7, 4; 12, 300; 13,1219
sal – DSN. Salt. See Salicornia. - 18,50,526
salacia - MGN. Wife of Neptune and the Roman goddess of the sea. - 1, 160; 16, 234f; 18,64,536
salicifolium - DGN. Leaves like a willow. See Desmodium s. – 18,150
salicifolius - DGN. With willow-like leaves. Willow-leaved. - 10, 340; 12, 304; 13, 1223
salicinia - DSN. L. From the genus Salix the willow. See Breonandia s. - 16, 402a
salicornia – DSN. From sal, salt and cornu horn. For Salicornia where it refers to the saline habit and horn
shaped stems. - 18,50
saligna – DSN. L. Willow-like. In Faurea s.the drooping leaves and flowers. See Buddleja s In Faurea s. it
refers to the drooping leaves and catkins. Eriosema s. - 1, 196; 2, 82; 16,122e,298e; 18,62
salignum - DGN. L. Resembling the willow. See Epilobium s. - 16, 280b; 18,160
salix - MGN. Old Latin name for a large genus Salix. - 10, 291
salpinctium – G. Greek for heralding trumpets. See genus Salpinctium.- 18,492
saltii – CSN. Henry Salt. See Trachyandra s. Trachyandra s.var. saltii. - 1, 28; 16. 50f, 56i; 18,88
salutaris - DSN. Healthy. In Warburgia s. it refers to the medicinal properties. - 2, 324
salveo – DSN. To heal. See genus Salvia. - 13, 1221
salvere – DSN. To heal. See genus Salvia.- 18,472
salvia - MGN. From salveo, to heal. From salvus, safe, unharmed,well, for the supposed medical value of
these plants. - 1, 232; 12, 302; 13, 1221; 16, 350g, 352d
salvifolia - DGN. Like a salvia or sage. See Buddleja s. - 2, 426
salvus – DSN. L. Safe, unharmed, well. See Salvia. - 1, 232
sambucus - MGN. Latin name for Elder Tree. - 10, 292
sampium - For the genus Sampium, Pliny’s name for a resinous pine, the wounded stem exudes a greasy sap.
- 10, 292
sanctum – DSN. Holy. Sanctum linum, holy flax. See genus Santolina. - 10, 293
sandersonia - CSN. John Sanderson. See Sandersonia. - 18,26
sandersonii - CSN. John Sanderson. See Basananthe s., Ceropegia s., Lapeirousia s., Polystachya s.,
Hermannia s., Hoffmannseggia s., Ultricularia s., Bulbophyllum s. - 1,180,212; 16, 90a,270e,318j;
18,174,242,290,388,486,538,574
sanguinea – DSN. L. Blood-red. In species Urginea s. an allusion to the red bulb scales. In Indigofera s. it
refers to the colour of the flowers. Sarcophyte s. - 1, 30, 124; 16,56c,186d; 10,340; 18,576
sanguineus – DSN. Blood red. Cyrtanthus s. - 10, 340; 18,40
sankeyi - CSN. Named after J.H. Sankey. See Argyrolobium s. – 18,266
sansevieria - CSN. Named after Raimondo de Sangro, Prince of San Severo. - 1, 34; 16,42a-b; 18,100
santolina - MGN. From sanctum linum, holy flax.. - 10, 293
sapo – DSN. Soap. See genus Saponaria. - 13, 1221
saponaria – DSN. From sapo, soap. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
sapros – DSN. G. Rotten, putrid. - 14, 278
sarc- - G. sarco-. In compounds, flesh-, fleshy. - 14, 503
sarcocaulis - DSN. Fleshy stem. See Crassula s. – 18,146
sarcococca - DSN. From sarkos, fleshy and kokkos, a berry, the genus has fleshy fruits. - 10, 293
sarcostemma - DSN. G. From sarkeios, fleshy and stemma, garland. - 16, 316e
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
112
sarcochilus - DSN. G. From sarx flesh and cheilos lip, in allusion to the fleshy lip of the type species. - 28,
389
sarcoglottis - DSN. G. From sarx flesh and glotta tongue, being descriptive of the fleshy lip of the type
species. - 28, 389
sarkeios – DSN. G. Fleshy. See Sacrostemma. - 1, 210; 16, 316e
sarkos – DSN. Fleshy. See genus Sarcococca. - 10, 293
sarmentosa - DSN. Long slender runners. See Crassula s.,Launaea s. – 18,146,338
sarnia - GSN. Guernsey. - 12, 302
sarx – DSN. G. f. Fleshy. See Sarcochilus, Sarcoglottis, Sarcostemma, Sarcophyte.- 14, 278; 18,552,576;
28, 389
satureia - See Satureja. - 16, 360f
satureja - DSN. L. The Latin name for this herb which was well known to the ancients. [Sometimes spelt
satureia]. - 16, 360f; 18,424
satyri - In the Greek herbals of Dioscorides and Pliny satyrion refers to the orchid (Aceras
anthropophorum). The Satyri were sylvan demigods in Greek mythology noted especially for their
lasciviousness. See Satyrium. - 28, 390
satyrio - In the Greek herbals of Dioscorides and Pliny satyrion refers to the orchid (Aceras
anthropophorum). The Satyri were sylvan demigods in Greek mythology noted especially for their
lasciviousness. See Satyrium – 18,362; 28, 390
satyrion - G. The name of a Greek orchid. See Satyrium. - 1, 82, 94
satyrium - MGN. (1). An old Greek name which was used for a variety of European orchids which were said
to have aphrodisiac properties. It is now applied to many southern African plants. This is very apt
because the twin spurs at the base of the lobed lip, uppermost in this genus, resembles the horns of a
satyr half-human half-animal woodland diety. Or name of a Greek orchid (16, 98g). (2). DGN. In the
Greek herbals of Dioscorides and Pliny satyrion refers to the orchid (Aceras anthropophorum). The
Satyri were sylvan demigods in Greek mythology noted especially for their lasciviousness, and the
name was applied to the orchid possibly because of the presumed aphrodisiac properties possessed by
the plant’s tubers. - 1, 82, 94; 3, 66; 5, pl 55; 16, 98g, 100b, 104b-e, 116e; 18,572; 28,390
satyros – MGN. Refers to the 2 horned satyr, half man half goat – the two spurs are said to resemble a
satyr’s horns. See genus Satyrium.- 18,118,520
saundersiae – CSN. After Katharine Saunders. Anthericum s., Ornithogalum s., Bonatea s. - 6,34b;
18,88,98,116
saundersii - CSN. Sir Charles James Renault Saunders. See Pachypodium s. - 1, 202; 18,166
saundersii – CSN.Wilson Saunders. Gladiolus s., Dermatobotrys s. - 18,44,72
saxatilis - DSN. Dwelling or found among rocks. See Barleria s. - 12, 303; 13, 1222; 14, 503; 16,398g,h;
18,490
saxicola - DSN. L. Growing on rocks. Saxum-a stone, colo-inhabit. See Disa s. - 16, 98e; 18,120
saxifraga - DSN. Of the rocks. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
saxosa - DSN. L. Rocky and stony places. Among rocks. See Morea spathulata s. - 1, 76; 14, 503
saxosum - DSN. L. Rocky or among rocks. See Leucospermum s. - 1, 100; 5, pl 61; 16, 124e
SC
sca - G. Meaning obscure. See Scadoxus. - 1, 64; 3, 36; 16, 62a, 76a
scaber - DSN. Rough to touch, refers to harshly hairy leaves. See Pachycarpus s. – 18,170
scaberulum – DSN. Rough, perhaps refers to flower spike. See Bulbophyllum s. – 18,574
scabies - Scabies. For genus Scabiosa. - 1. 260; 13, 1221
scabiosa - MGN. From scabies, the itch, for which some species were a cure. Also given as used for curing
scabies. See genus Scabiosa.- 1,260; 5,pl 176; 12,302; 13,1221; 16,140c, 410b; 18,206,438
scabiosifolia - DSN. L. Leaves like the genus Scabiosa. Clematopsis s., Clematopsis s. subsp stanleyi. - 1,
112; 5, pl 69; 16, 140c
scabra - DSN. L. Scrabrum, rough, scabrid. In Graderia s. refers to the hairy leaves and stem. See Zehneria
s. - 5, pl 149; 16, 416c; 18,206,430
scabrelloides – DSN. Rough. See Galium s. – 18,556
scabrida - DSN. Rough. In Diospyros s. it refers to the hairs. - 2, 408
scabrum - DSN. L. Rough. See Melasma s. - 1, 238; 16, 368b; 18,304
scadoxus - DSN. Named by Constantine Rafinesque. Origin of sca-, obscure but doxus, means glory or
splendour. - 1, 64; 3, 36; 16, 62a, 76a; 18,36
scaevola – CGN. Named after Mucius Scaevola, a Roman hero of 6th century BC. See genus Scaevola.18,208
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
113
scandens - DSN. Climbing. See Tibouchina s., Heliophila s., Pyrenacantha s., Melanthera s. - 10,322,340;
12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,142,280,318
scap- - G. scapi-. In compounds, relating to a scape, i. e. a leafless or almost leafless peduncle or floral axis
arising directly from the rootstock.. - 14, 503
scaposa – DSN. Leafless stems. See Haplocarpha s. – 18,332
scaphosepalum -DSN. From the Greek skaphe bowl and the Latin sepalum sepal,as the sepals are connate
to form a single concave lamina. - 28, 391
scaphyglottis - DSN. G. From skaphe bowl and glotta tongue, alluding to the concave shape of the lip. - 28,
391
scapi- - G. scap-. In compounds, relating to a scape, i. e. a leafless or almost leafless peduncle or floral axis
arising directly from the rootstock.. - 14, 503
scaposa - DSN. L. With scapes—leafless flower-stems. The leafless flower stems of this type are known as a
“scape”. Haplocarpha s. – 1, 270; 5, pl 187; 16,428g
scato- - G. Relating to dung. - 14, 278
sceleratus - DSN. Noxious, poisonous. For Senecio s. it is poisonous to horses and cattle with no known
effective antidote. - 5, pl 192
-scns - see -scens. - 14, 389
schimperi - CSN. W G Schimper. Acokanthera s., Bidens s. - 1, 204; 5, pl 180
schimperiana – CSN. Named after Andreas Schimper. See Habenaria s. – 18,518
schinus - MGN. From skhinos the Greek name for Pistacia, the mastic [gum or resin] tree, some species
yielding the same resinous, mastic-like juices. - 10, 293
schinzianus - CSN. Hans Schinz. See Pachycarpus s. - 1, 210; 16, 316b
schinzii - CSN. Dr Hans Schinz. See Eulophia s., Euphorbia s., Acalypha s. - 1, 156, 158; 16,226e,230c;
18,64
schistos – DSN. G. Cleft, divided. See Chiloschista. - 14, 278; See Chiloschista
schistostephium - DSN. G. From schizo, to cut and stephos, a crown, alludes to the deeply toothed marginal
ray-florets. - 1, 268; 16, 426i, 452f
schiz- - G. schizo-. In compounds, split, cleft, deeply divided. - 14, 504
schiza - G. Splinter. See Schizochilus. - 1, 88; 16, 110g
schizein – G. Splinter or split, to cleave. See genus Schizochilus. – 18,118,240,364
schizo - DSN. To cut or split. See genus Schizostylis, Schizoglossum, Schistostephium. - 1, 74, 206, 268; 12,
300; 13,1219; 16, 426I; 18,166,300,320,544,578
schizo- - G. schiz-. In compounds, split, cleft, deeply divided. - 14, 504; 16, 94h
schizochilus - DSN. G. From schiza, a splinter and cheilos, a lip; alluding to the three-lobed lip. - 1, 88; 16,
110g
schizoglossum - DSN. G. From schizo, to split and glossa, a tongue. - 1, 206, 210; 16, 330c-e
schizolaena – DSN. schizo-cleave; laena-a cloak. See Aristea s. – 18,454
schizostylis - DSN. G. From schizo, to split and stylis, a style and refers to the split style in this genus. 1,74; 16,94h; 18,42
schlechteri - CSN. Named after Friedrich Schlechter. Cyphostemma s.,Geranium s., Erica s. –
18,282,400,412
schoenorchis - DGN. G. From schoenos reed or rush and orchis orchid, an allusion to the narrow rush-like
leaves. - 28, 392
schoinos - G. Reed or rush. See Schoenorchis, Schoenoxiphium, Schoenoplectus, Bolboschoenus.18,506,564,566; 28, 392
schomburgkia - CSN. Sir Richard Schomburgk, 1811-1891. - 28. 392
schotia - CSN. Richard van de Schot. See genus Schotea. - 1, 130; 10, 294; 11, 66; 16, 170b, 174b
schraderianum - CSN. H A Schrader. See Chenopodium s. - 16, 300d
schrebera - CSN. John Cristian Daniel von Schreber. - 1, 196; 16 296g
schweifurthii - CSN. Prof G A Schweinfurt. See Pentanisia s. - 5, pl 175
scia - G. Shadow. - 14, 279
sciadion - G. n. Sunshade, parasol, umbrel. - 14, 279
sciadopitys - DGN. From skais, a parasol and pitus, a fir tree. It refers to the spreading whorls of narrow
‘leaves’ which resemble the ribs of a parasol. - 10, 294
scilla - L. DGN. From squilla, a sea squill. - 1, 30, 32; 3, 28; 16, 56a-b; 18,96
scirpoides – DSN. Rushlike. See Schoenoplectus s. – 18,564
scirpus – DSN. A rush, bulrush. See genus Scirpus.- 18,564
sclarea - DGN. Clary. Salvia s. - 13, 1221
sclerocarya - DSN. G. From skleros, hard and karya, a nut tree, alluding to the hard, bony kernel. - 1,160;
16,234e
sclerochiton - DSN. G. From skleros, hard, dry and chiton, shirt. - 16, 398d
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
114
scleros – DSN. G. Hard. See genus Sclerochiton, Scleria.- 14, 279; 16, 234e; 18,490,568
scolopia - DSN. G. Spines like pointed stick. - 2, 328
scopa – DSN. L. A broom. See Floscopa. - 16, 34a; 18,340
scoparium - DSN. With broom-like twig. See Leptospernum s. - 10, 205, 340
scoparius - DSN. Of brooms or brushes. - 13, 1223
scopularia - DSN. Scopulinus -bearing small brushes; or scopulosus – rocky. See Holothrix s. – 18,240,362
scopulosa – DSN. Rocky. See Hesperantha s. – 18,354
scullyi – CSN. Named after William C. Scully. See Disa s. – 18,368
scutellaria - DSN. Dish or little shield, refers to the shape of the upper lip of the two-lobed calyx which
covers the basal part of the flower. - 5, pl 142
scutica - G. Lash. See Scuticaria. - 28, 393
scuticaria - DSN. G. From scutica lash, referring to the pendent whip-like eaves. - 28, 393
scyph- - G. & L. scyphi-. In compounds, cup-. - 14, 505
scyphos - G. m. Cup. - 14, 279
SE
se- - Out, without, apart. Segregatus, kept apart. - 14, 303
sebaea - CSN. Albert Seba, Dutch naturalist and author. See genus Sebaea. - 1, 198; 3, 120; 16, 300a-d;
18,164,298
secamone - DSN. From the Arabic squamone. Latinised version of skamonia, the Greek name for a twining
plant from which an emetic is made. See genus Secamone. - 16, 332a; 18,172,552
securidaca - DSN. L. Hatchet-shaped, alluding to the fruit. - 1, 152; 16, 218h
securinega - DSN. L. From hatchet and nego, to deny, because the wood is hard and cannot be easily cut. 1, 158; 16, 230f
securis – DSN. L. Hatchet. See Securinega. - 1, 158; 16, 230f
seddera - GSN. Type specimen collected at Mt. Sedder in Arabia. See genus Seddera. - 16, 336f; 18,176
sediflora - DSN. sedum-sit, flora-flower. See Crassula s. – 18,148
sedo – DSN. I sit. See genus Sedum. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
sedoides – DGN. Resembles Sedum, Stone Crop. See Sebaea s. – 18,298
sedum - DSN. From sedo, I sit; refers to the plant’s habit of growth. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
segetus - GSN. Of the cornfields. - 12, 303; 13, 1222
segmentata - DSN. L. with segments, segmented. See Lopholaena s. - 16, 444
segmentatum - DSN. L. Segmented. See Cyphostemma s. - 16, 244a
seineri - Origin unknown. See Ornithogalum s. - 16, 40e
sel - Celtic. Sight; jach, salutary, refers to supposed medicinal properties. See Selago. - 1, 240; 16, 376a;
18,194,430,480
selene - G. Crescent. See Selenipedium. - 28, 394
selenipedium - DSN. G. From selene crescent of the moon and pedilon sandal, referring to the deeply
saccate lip. - 28, 394
selerocarya - DSN. G. Means hard nut or pip, refers to the large woodlike fruit pip. - 11,103
selago – MGN. See Tetraselago. From sel, slight and jach, salutary referring to the supposed medicinal
properties of this genus. Used by Pliny to denote one of the club-mosses, Lycopodium selago.
Similarity between the club-moss and Selago lies in the small leaves and the leaf arrangement. - 1,240;
5, pl 154; 10, 295; 16, 376a-c
selinum - G. Parsley. - 8, Jan 84, pp29
sella - G. A seat, refers to the habit. See Limosella. - 1, 236; 18,192
sema - G. n. Sign, mark, token. Standard. See Eriosema, Brachysema, Tylosema, Stenosemis. - 1,128,138;
10,57; 14, 279; 16, 172d, 180c; 18,60,162,256,274
semi- - L. Half. Semicircularis, semi-circular. Greek hemi-. In compounds, half-. - 14, 303, 508
semia - G. f. Military standard, vexillum (the large external petal of a papilionaceous flower). - 14,279
semiamplexicaulis – DSN. Half stem-clasping. See Myosotis s. – 18,468
semiloba - DSN. Refers to the leaflets that are lobed for about half their length. See Oxalis s. - 5,pl92;
18,402
semitrifidus – DSN. Half cut into three parts. See Cyperus s. – 18,562
semper- - L. Always. Semper virens, evergreen. G. ai-. - 14, 303
sempervirens - DSN. Evergreen. See Bauxis s., Cupressus s. - 10, 60, 117, 340
senecio – DSN. See Solanecio. Genus Senecio named by Pliny from Senex, ‘old man’, alluding to the white
hairs of the seed capsule or pappus. [Pappus-downy or feathery appendage on fruit, seeds etc]. The
seed heads look like white hair. Some suggest that the naked receptacle resembles a bald pate. - 1, 268,
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
115
270, 272, 274, 278; 3, 178; 5, pl 192; 10, 295; 12, 301; 13,1220; 16, 426e,f, 428b,d, 430a,c-e, 432a-c,
434a, 436a-c, 446f, 452g, 454h
senegal - GSN. The African state. See Acacia s. - 1, 142
senegalense - GSN. L. From Senegal. See Polygonum s., Annona s. subsp s. - 1, 104; 16, 142b
senegalensis - GSN. L. From Senegal. See Maytenus s. - 16, 236b
senensis - GSN. From Sena on the Zambezi river in Mozambique, where this plant was first collected. See
Barleria s. - 16, 396e, 398f
senex - L. An old man. See genus Senecio. Refers to whitish grey hairy pappus.- 1, 268; 3, 178; 10, 295; 12,
301; 13, 1220; 16, 426e,f; 18,218,320,444,498
senna - DGN. Arabic. A plant species found in Egypt that is used as a purgative. - !6, 182e
sepalum - L. Sepal. See Scaphosepalum. - 28, 391
sepiarius - DSN. Of hedges.- 12, 304; 13, 1223
sept-L. septem-, septen-. In compounds, seven. - 14, 509
septem- - L. sept-, septen-. In compounds, seven. - 14, 509
septen- - L. septem-, sept-. In compounds, seven. - 14, 509
septentrionale - GSN. From the north. See Helichrysopsis s. – 18,212
sericea - DSN. L. Like silk. Silky with long appressed glossy hairs for Mundulea s. See Terminalia s.,
Podalyria s. Leucosidea s. - 1, 130, 184; 5, pl 85; 10, 258, 340; 16,158d,170c,276e
sericeovillosus - DSN. Grey haired, refers to the dense silvery hairs. See Gladiolus s. – 18,112,358
sericocephala - DSN. G. From serikos, silk and kephale, a head. See Gnidia s. - 1, 182; 16, 272b
sericophylla – DSN. Silky leaves. See Lotononis s. – 18,462
sericosemium - DSN. Silver seeds. See Argyrolobium s. – 18,266
serikos - G. Silk. See sericocephala. - 1, 182; 16,272b
seris - G. f. Endive, chicory. - 14, 279
serotinus - DSN. Late. - 12, 304; 13, 1223.
serpentaria – DSN. Like a serpent, refers to its use in treating snakebite. See Polygala s. – 18,404
serpentina - DSN. L. Serpentine, (writhing, coiling, sinuous). See Cepopegia s. subsp serpentina. -16,318e
serrata - DSN. L. Saw-toothed. See Myrica s. - 16, 122a
serratum – DSN. Serrated. See Prionium s. – 18,570
serratus – DSN. Saw teeth. See Orthosiphon – 18,428
serrulata - DSN. Finely toothed margins to leaves. See Boronia s., Photinia s., Prunus s., Gazania
krebsiana subsp s., Persicaria s. - 10, 54, 248, 269, 340; 16, 454g; 18,376
sesamon - G. Sesame. See Sesamum, Sesamothamnus. - 1, 244
sesamothamnus - DGN. G. From Sesamon, qv. And thamnos, a bush, because it resembles several species
of the genus Sesamnus. – 1, 244; 16, 378h
sesamum - MGN. G. Sesame. See sesamon. This name was used by Hippocrates in ancient Greece. - 1,244;
5,pl.161; 18,434
sesbania - MSN. From the Arabic name for these herbs and shrubs. - 1, 132; 16, 168d
sesqui- - L. In compounds, one and a half. - 14, 509
sessiflora - DSN. L. With stalkless flowers. See Alectra s. var. s. - 16, 372b; 18,306
sessilifolia - DSN. L. Sessile-leaved (sitting without a stalk), with stalkless leaves. See Pearsonia s. subsp s.,
Pearsonia s. subsp s. filifolia., Coccinia s., Catasetum. - 1, 136, 140; 16,180d,182b, 184c,d,414a;
18,260
seta - L. A bristle. See genus Setaria., Catasetum. - 1, 14; 16, 24f; 28, 75
setaceus - DSN. Bristly. See Asparagus s. – 18,104
setaria - DSN. From seta, a bristle an allusion to the bristles that subtend the spikelets. - 1, 14; 16,24f
setifera - DSN. L. Bearing bristles, refers to long white hair on outer corona lobes.. See Alepidea s.,
Ceropegia racemosa subsp s., Berkheya s. - 1, 190, 212; 16, 286c, 318g,h; 18,174,336
setigerum – DSN. Bearing bristles. See Desmodium s. – 18,464
setosa - DSN. L. Bristly. See multisetosa. Albuca s. - 1, 22, 30; 3, 26; 16, 34f; 18,94
setosum - DSN. L. Full of bristles. See Helichrysum s. - 1, 278; 16, 438
setulosa - DSN. L. Covered with small bristles. See Crassula s. - 1, 122; 16, 156a; 18,148
sexangularis - DSN. L. Six—sided. In Kalanchoe s. it refers to the sometime 6-sided stems. - 16,154d
SH
shawii - CSN. After John Shaw. See Albuca s. - 16, 34c; 18,230
shiluwanensis – GSN. First described from the Shilovane district, Mpumalanga. See Tephrosia s. – 18,394
shirambensis - GSN. Collected at Chiramba (Shiramba) on the Zambezi, or in the lower Zambezi valley in
Mozambique where this plant was collected for the first time. See Ipomoea s. - 5,pl133; 16, 336d
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
116
SI
sialon - G. Saliva, refers to some species having sticky stems. See Silene. - 3, 76; 18,138,382
sialos - G. Saliva. See silene. - 1, 108
sida - DSN. G. Name used by Theophratus for a water plant. See genus Sida.- 1,170; 16,252d,254h, 256a;
18,284
sideros - G. m. Iron. See genus Metrosideros, Sideroxylon. - 10, 229; 11, 142; 14, 279
sideroxylon - G. For sideros, iron and xylon wood. In genus Sideroxylon it alludes to the hardness of the
wood. - 11, 142
sieberana - CSN. Franz Sieber. See Acacia s. - 1, 142
sieboldii - CSN. Philipp Franz von Siebold. - 12, 303; 13, 1222
sigma - G. C-shaped. See Sigmatostalix - 28, 394
sigmatostalix - DSN.G. From sigma C-shaped and stalix stake, probably in allusion to the slender arcate
column.- 28, 394
sikyos – DSN. Cucumber. Ceratiosicyos.- 18,540
silene - DSN. G. From the Greek, sialon or sialos, (saliva), alluding to some species having sticky stems. 1,108;3, 76; 16, 136b-d
silvatica - DSN. L. Growing in woods. See Harveya s., Nemesia s., Calanthe s. - 16, 372g; 18,190,434,458
silvaticus – DSN. From forest. See Streptocarpus s. – 18,486
silvestris - DSN. Of the woods. - 12, 303; 13, 1222
similis – DSN. Like. See Disa s. – 18,458
simmleri - CSN. G. Simmler. See Tulbaghia s. - 1, 22; 16, 52i
simplex - DSN. L. Simple, unbranched, of one piece, opposite of compound. See Stachys s., Ipomoea s.,
Murdannia s., Protea s., Buchnera s. - 16, 360g; 18,178,340,374,432
simulans - DGN. L. Resembling. See Cyphostemma s. - 16, 248a
sinensis - GSN. Chinese. See Camellia s., Cedrela s., Chaenomeles s., Corylopsis s., Stewartia s. 10,67,81,87,106,307, 340
sinuatum - DSN. L. Strongly wavy. In Oxygonum s. it refers to the leaf margins. - 16, 300b
sinuata - DSN. Crooked. See Cussonia paniculata subsp s. - 16; 282
sinuatus - DSN. Crooked. See Stenocarpus s. - 10, 304, 340
sion – G. Greek name for a marsh plant. See genus Sium.- 18,296
sipho - DSN. Tube. - 10, 340
siphon - G. m. Tube, pipe. See Physosiphon, Orthosiphon.- 14, 279; 18,428; 28, 371
siphonoglossa - DSN. G. From siphonos, a tube and glossa, a tongue. - 16, 388e
siphono - G. A tube. See Siphonoglossa, Siphonochilus. - 16, 388e; 18,360
sira - G. n. Cord, rope. - 14, 279
-sis - Indicates an action of a general or abstract nature, verb base. Diagnosis, diagnosis from diagignoscein,
to know apart. - 14, 307
sium - DSN. G. From sion, the name given to an umbellate (umbel = inflorence with flower stalks of nearly
equal length springing from a common centre) marshy plant in ancient Greece. - 16,288a
SK
skaphe - G. Bowl. See Scaphosepalum, Scaphyglottis - 28, 391
skhinos - The Greek name for Pistacia, the mastic tree, some species yielding the same resinous, mastic-like
juices. [mastic-gum or resin] See genus Schinus. - 10, 293
skias – DSN.A parasol. See genus Sciadopitys . - 10, 294
skimmia - DGN. Adapted from the Japanese Skimmi. - 10, 297; 12, 301; 13, 1220
skleros - G. Hard. See Sclerocarya., Sclerochiton. - 1, 160; 16, 398d; 18,200
skordon - DSN. Garlic. See Nothosscordum. - 18,92
SM
smaragdu - G. Emerald green. See Esmeralda - 28, 146
smilax – DSN. Ancient Greek name of obscure meaning. – 18,514,572
smithia - CSN. Sir James Edward Smith. - 16, 190b
smutsii – CSN. N. General Smuts, see Ficus smutsii. - 11, 4
smy- - See sy-
SO
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
117
sobennikoffia - CSN. Rudolph Schlechter’s wife whose maiden name was Sobennikoff. - 28, 395
sobralia - CSN. Dr Francisco Sorbal a Spanish physician. - 28,396
solanecio - DGN. Possibly a combination of two generic names, Solanum and Senecio. - 16, 428d; 18,330
solanum – MGN. Latin name for woody nightshade (Solanecio dulcamara) one of the species. See
Solanecio, Solanum. - 5, pl 146; 10, 297; 16, 362a-c, 428d; 18,188,304,478
solen - G. m. Pipe. - 14, 279
solenidion- G. Small canal. .See Solenidium. - 28, 397
solenidium - DSN. G. From solenidion small canal, an allusion to the supposed channelled claw of the lip.
Unfortunately this observation was based of a badly folded and pressed sample. - 28, 397
soleno - G. A pillar. See Solenostemon - 16, 356f
solenostemon - DSN. G. From Soleno, a pillar and stemonus, a wrap or stamen. - 16, 356f
solidus – DSN. Solid. See Mariscus s. – 18,564
solitudinis - DSN. Refers to the isolated inland distribution which distinguishes this species from others
more or less confined to coastal areas. See Lotononis s. - 18,260
soma - G. n. Body. - 14, 279
somalensis - GSN. Refers to the fact that the species, Aërangis s., was first collected somewhere in the area
inhabited by the Somali people in northern Kenya or Somalia. See Aerangis s. - 1,96; 16, 118c
somnifera – DSN. Sleep producing. Withania s. - 18,72
somniferus - DSN. Sleep-inducing. - 13, 1223
sonchos – DSN. Cow thistle. See genus Sonchus.- 18,338
sonderi - CSN. Prof Otto Wilhelm Sonder, see Triumfetta s., Ficus s, Hypericum aethiopicum s. 1,168,178; 11, 4; 16, 250c, 266e; 18,290
sonderiana – CSN. Named after Otto Sonder. See Begonia s. – 18,408
sonneratianum - CSN. Named after Pierre Sonnerat. See Abutilon s. – 18,282
sophora - MGN. From sophera, an Arabian name for a tree with pear-shaped flowers. - 10, 298
sophronia - G. Chaste or modest. See Sophronitella. - 28, 397
sophronia - DGN.G. Chaste or modest. See Sophronitella, Sophronitis 28, 397
sophronitella - DGN. G. Sophronitella is the diminutive of Sophronitis, a related genus of South American
orchids. Sophronitis is derived from sophronia chaste or modest, an allusion to the small, relatively
inconspicuous habit. - 28, 397, 398
sophronitis - DGN. G. Diminutive of Sophronia another genus of South American orchids. The Greek word
Sophronia means modest and is applicable to S. cernua but scarcely to S. coccinea - 28, 398
sopubia - MGN. Probably an anagram of Bopusia, another genus. Derived from ‘sopubi swa’, the Indian
vernacular name for the type species. - 1, 234; 5, pl 151; 16, 364h; 18,430
sorbus - DGN. Generic name derived from Latin sorbum the fruit of S. domestica. - 10, 299
sordida - DSN. L. Dirty in tint, dirty white. In Rhynchosis s. it possibly alludes to the flower colour. In
Indigofera s., it alludes to the black hairs on the standard. - 16, 178e, 188e; 18,272
soros - G. m. Heap, mound. - 14, 279
SP
spachelata - DSN. From speklos withered as if dead. In Setaria s.alludes to the spikelets. - 16, 24f
spaklos - G. Withered as if dead. See sphacelkata - 16, 24f
span- - G. spano-. In compounds, few, scanty, scarce..- 14, 514
spano- - G. span-. In compounds, few, scanty, scarce.. - 14, 514
sparrmannia - CSN. Dr Anders Sparrman..(Not Spsrrmania). See genus Sparrmannia.- 10, 301; 12, 299;
16, 252c; 18,156
spartium - G. Slender. See genus Chordospartum. Also broom, see genus Notospartum. For genus Spartium
name derived from sparton, a kind of grass for making cordage and weaving, being a reference to the
reed-like stems of the single species, junceum. - 10,93,236,301
spathe –DSN. G, f. A broad flat wooden or metal blade, in modern botany a spathe. Applied to the spathe of
palms by Theophrastus and Pliny. Spathoglottis - 14, 279, 514; 28, 398
spathodea - Spath-like. For genus Spathodea it refers to the calyx. - 10, 301
spathoglottis - DSN. G. From spathe spathe and glotta tongue, alluding to the unusually broad mid-lobe of
the lip. - 28, 398
spathulata - DSN. L. Like a spath, spoon-shaped. [Spath—showy bract around the spadix]. See Moraea s.,
Sebaea s. - 1, 76; 16, 90b; 18,164,236
spatulifolia - DSN. L. Having leaves shaped like a spatula. See Gardenia s., Gardinia volkensii subsp s. 1, 256; 16, 400c
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
118
speciosa - DSN. L. Showy, beautiful. See Cyanotis s., Bonatea s.,, Bonatea s var antennifera, Aloe s.,
Faurea s., Karomia s. Forma s., Harveya s., Eulophia s., Berkheya s., Senecio s. - 1,20, 86: 2.,58; 3,10;
16, 32d-e; 16,108a, 122f, 342d; 18,116,196,246,336,444
speciosum - DSN. L. Beautiful, good-looking. See Argyrolobium s. - 1, 136; 16, 184a
speciosus - DSN.L. Showy. See Bolusanthus s., Pterodiscus s., Senecio s. Calistemon s., Castalis s. - 1,134,
244, 268; 10, 64, 340; 12, 304; 16, 166a, 378c, 426e
spectabilis - DSN. L. Spectacular, showy. Very showy. See Castalis s., Accacia s., Acokanthera s.,
Dombeya s., Pimelea s., Malus s. - 1, 268; 10, 17, 22; 10, 22, 131, 252, 222, 340; 16, 426b
sperm - G. A seed. See gymnosperm and angiosperm. - 24,12
sperma - G. n. Seed. See genus Eriospermum, Castanospermum, Leptospermum, Delosperma,
Leucospermum, Osteospermum, Lithospermum, Cardiospermum., Melanospermum, Anthospermum,
Phymaspermum or species bulbispernu. - 1, 30, 56, 100, 106, 268; 3,14; 10,77,205,210; 12, 301; 14,
279; 16, 34i, 134f, 238b, 364i , 408d, 426c, 446c; 18,90,134,180,226,248,320,332,378,536,556
-sperma - G. –spermus. In compounds, -seed. - 14, 514
-spermus - G. –sperma. In compounds, -seeded. - 14, 514
sphaer –DSN. A ball or sphere. See sphaerocephala. - 18,96
sphaera – DSN.G. f. A ball, globe, sphere. See argyrosphaerum. - 1, 276; 14, 278
sphaerica - DSN.L. Spherical, globelike. See Laganeria s. - 16, 414d; 18,206
sphaero- - G. In compounds, globose, spherical. - 14, 515
sphaerocarpa - DSN. Round fruit. Ozoroa s. - 2, 248
sphaerocarpum - DSN. Round fruit. See Satyrium s. – 18,118
sphaerocephala – DSN. From sphaer, A ball or sphere or cephal, a head. Drimia s. - 18,96
sphaerocephalus - DSN. Round head. See Cyperus s. – 18,222
sphaerospermus - DSN. G. With rounded seeds. See Cyperus denudatus var. s. - 1, 16; 16, 26e; 18,504
sphedamnocarpus - DGN. G. Slingshot, catapult fruited. Or maple-fruited from the Greek name for the
Olympian maple because it bears a strong resemblance of the winged samaras to those of the genus
Acer to which the maples and sycamore belong. - 1, 150; 5, pl 93; 16, 210c
sphedamnos – DGN. Name of the Maple. See genus Sphedamnocarpus.- 18,276
sphen - G. Wedge. See sphenoptera. - 16, 216d
sphen- - G. spheno-.In compounds, wedge-. - 14, 515
sphendamnos - G. Slingshot or catapult, or alternatively the Greek name for the Olympian maple. See
Sphedamnocarpus. - 1, 150; 16, 210c
sphenoptera - DSN. G. From sphen, wedge and pteros, winged. See Polygala s. - 16, 216d
sphenostylis - DSN. G. A wedge-shaped style. See genus Sphenostylis. - 1, 128, 136; 16,184f,200h;
18,152,396
sphyrarhynchus - DSN. G. From sphyra hammer and rhynchos beak, in allusion to the hammer-like dilation
of the rostellum. - 28,399
spictata - DSN. With spikes. See Cussonia s., Aloe s., Indigofera s. - 3, 213; 18,228,390
spictatus - DSN. Spike-like. See Plectranthus s. - 16, 358c; 18,476
spilos – DSN. Spot or blemish. See genus Spilanthes, Aspilia.- 18,218,318
spinosa - DSN. L. Spiny. Adenia s., Stychons s., Oncoba s. - 1, 180, 196; 16, 264d, 270c, 298g
spinosus - DSN. Thorny. Aspalathus s.- 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,262
spira - G. f. Anything twisted, wound, coiled. - 14, 279
spiraea - MGN. The name comes from speiraia, an Ancient Greek word for a plant used for garlands. 10,302
spiralepis - DSN. Coiled scales. See Helichrysums. – 18,214
spirostachys - DSN. Spiral flower, that is flowers arranged in a spiral. - 2, 230
spissifolium - DSN. Sticky leaves. See Leucadendron s. – 18,248
splendens - DSN. Splendid, shining. See Euphorbia s., Gnidia s. - 10, 154, 340; 18,294
splendidum - DSN. Splendid, shining. In Helichrysum s. it refers to the handsome grey foliage and bright
yellow flower-bracts.. - 16, 442c; 18,316
spod- - G. spodo-. In compounds, ash-grey. - 14, 516
spodo- - G. spod-. In compounds, ash-grey. - 14, 516
spora - G. f. Seed, in modern botany a spore. See genus Hymenosporum, Pittosporum, Tinospora,
Rhynchospora.- 2, 112; 4, 111; 10, 186; 10, 253; 12, 301; 14, 279; 16, 158f; 18,52,568
sporia – DSN. Seed. See genus Gymnosporia.- 18,154
sporobolus - Sporos a seed and ballien to throw. In S. panicoides it refers to the pericarp which usually
swells when wet, thus helping to eject the seed. - 16, 22c
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
119
SQ
squama - Scale. Squamatus, furnished with scales; squamella or squamellula a little scale (in Gramineae),
subdivision of papus (in compositae); squamiformis, shaped like a scale; saqumosus,scaly, covered
with coarse scales; squamula, lodicule in grasses, small lobe in thallus in lichens; squamulosus
minutely scaly, covered with small scales. - 14, 517
squamifolia - DSN. L. Having scale-like leaves. See Wahlenbergia s. - 16, 418e
squarrosa - DSN. L. With parts spreading or recurved at the ends. See Pogonarthria s.,
Blepharis s. - 1, 12; 16,24i, 394f
squarrosus - Squarrose, i.e. rough with scales, tips, bracts, etc., projecting outwards usually about 90º. - 14,
517
squilla – DSN. The sea squill. See Scilla.- 18,450
SR
sry- - See sy-
ST
stachy- - G. stachyo-, stachys-, stachyus-. In compounds, relating to a spike. - 14, 517
stachya – Spots. See Chrysostachya. - 18,48
stachyerum – DSN. Spikelike. See Otholobium s. – 18,462
stachyo- - G. stachy-, stachys-, stachyus-. In compounds, relating to a spike. - 14, 517
stachyoides - DSN. G. Resembling the genus Stachys, Wound Wort, a member of the family Lamiaceae. See
Disa s. - 16, 98f; 18,368,458
stachys – DSN. G. m. An ear of corn, in modern botany, a spike. See genus Tristachya, Polystachya,
Pycnostachys, Listrostachys, Stachys, Stachytarpheta. See stachyoides. Genus of the family
Lamiaceae. - 1, 12, 84, 228, 230; 3, 131; 12, 300; 13, 1219; 14, 279; 16, 98f, 106a, 346c, 356d,e, 358e,
360g; 18,124,182,242,424,470,472,520; 28,290,378
stachys- - G. stachyo-, stachy-, stachyus-. In compounds, relating to a spike. - 14, 517
stachysus- - G. stachyo-, stachys-, stachy-. In compounds, relating to a spike. - 14, 517
stachyurus - From stakhus, a spike and oura, a tail. For genus Stachyurus it refers to the shape of the floral
racemes. - 10, 303
staehelina – CSN. N. Staehelin. See Staehelinoides. - 1, 274; 16, 434g
staehelinoides - DSN. Resembling the genus Staehelina, named after Benedikt Staehelin. See Vernonia s. 1,274; 16, 434g
stakhus – DSN. A spike. See genus Stachyurus. - 10, 303
stalix – DSN. G. Stake. See Sigmatostalix. - 14,279; 28, 394
standard petal - See vexillum. - 14, 518
stanfordiae - CSN. Miss K Stanford. - 12, 303
stangeria – CSN. Named after Dr. W. Stanger, Surveyor General of Natal. See genus Stangeria.- 18,500
stanhopea - CGN. For Rt Hon Philip Henry Stanhope who was president of the London medico-Botanical
Society 1829-1837. - 28, 399
stanleyi - CSN. Edward Smith Stanley. See Clemantopsis sacbiosfolia subsp s. - 16, 140c
stans – DSN. Standing upright. See Tecoma s. - 10, 316, 340; 14, 518
stapelia - CGN. Johannes von Stapel, Dutch physician and botanist. - 16, 314g, 316d; 18,302,584
stapeliaformis - DSN. L. Resembling Stapelia. See Ceropegia s. - 1, 212
stapeliiformis - DGN. L. Refers to resemblance of some species formerly placed in genus Stapelia. See
Ceropegia s. subsp serpentina. - 16, 318e; 18,174
staphule – DSN. Cluster. See genus Staphylea . - 10, 304
staphyle – DSN. G. f. Bunch of grapes. - 14, 279
staphylea - DSN. From staphule, cluster, and refers to the arrangement of the flower heads. - 10,304
staurostemmon - DSN. G. With cross-wise stamens. See Hermannia s. - 16, 260b
stayneri - CSN. Frank Stayner. - 12, 303
steganos – DSN. G. Covered. See Stegnanotaenia. - 1, 190; 16, 286a
stege – DSN. G. f. Stegos. Shelter, roof. See Macrostegia. - 1, 248; 14, 279
stegnanotaenia - DSN. G. From steganos, covered and taenia, a band. - 16, 286a
stegos – DSN. G. n. Stege. Shelter, roof. - 14, 279
-stela - G. –stele. In compounds, ommon. - 14, 519
stele - G. Column. See Platystele. – 14,279; 28, 371
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
120
stellarioides – DSN. Starlike. See Monopsis s. – 18,496
stellaris - DSN. L. Star-like. See Utricularia s. - 1, 248; 16, 386b
stellatum - DSN. L. Starry, Star-like, possibly referring to the flowers. - 16, 176a
stellifera - DSN. L. Bearing stars. See Asclepias s. - 1, 206; 16, 312f; 18,418
stelma - G. n. A garland, wreath or crown. See pachystelma, Brachystelma. - 1, 212, 214; 14, 279;
16,318b,320a; 18,554,582
stema - G. n. Penis, stamen. - 14, 279
-stemma - G. In compounds, garland, wreath, crown. See Stomatostemma, Brachystelma, Sarcostemma.14,519; 18,166,172,552
stemma - G. n. A garland, wreath. Cyphostemma, Sacrostemma. - 1, 164, 210; 3, 106; 14, 279;
16,244a,316e; 18,66,280
stemmon - G. Stamens. See Syncolostemmon. - 16, 354e
-stemon - G. In compounds, -stamen. See genus Syncolostemon.- 14, 519; 18,424
stemon - G. m. Pillar. Thread. In modern botany, a stamen. See genus Callistemon, Eriostemon, Penstemon,
Syncolostemon. - 10, 62, 142; 12, 301; 13, 1220; 14 , 279; 16, 332d; 18,188
stemonus - G. A wrap, stamen. See Solenostemon. - 16, 356f
stenanthos - DSN. G. Having narrow flowers. See Cyrtanthus s. var s. and Cyrtanthus s. var m. - 16, 76e
stenanthus - DSN. G. Narrow flowers, narrow anthers. See Cyrtanthus s. - 1, 50; 18,40
stengaotaenia - DSN. G and L. From steganos, covered and taenia, a band. - 1, 190
stenia - DSN. G. From stenos narrow, referring to the slender pollinia characteristic of the genus. - 28,402
stenocarpus – DSN. From stenos, narrow and karpos, fruit. For genus Stenocarpus alludes to the unusual
narrow, flat seed containers.- 10, 304
stenoglossum – DSN. Narrow tongue, refers to narrow corona lobes. See Schizoglossum s. – 18,300
stenoglottis - DSN. G. From stenos narrow and glotta tongue, descriptive of the tongue-like free part of the
lip. - 1,82; 16,104g; 28, 403
stenolobum - DSN. G. With narrow lobes. See Jasminum s. - 16, 296d
stenopetala - DSN. G. Having narrow petals. See Cyphia s. - 1, 264; 16, 420h
stenophylla – DSN. Straight leaves. See Ledebouria s. – 18,344
stenophyllos – DSN. Narrow leaved from, stenos, narrow. - 14, 279
stenophyllus - DSN. With narrow leaves. - 10, 340
stenoplectron – DSN. With narrow spurs. See Disperis s. – 18,370
stenorrhynchus - DSN. G. From stenos narrow and rhynchos snout, after the typically narrow rostellum. 28, 403
stenos - G. Narrow. See Stenia, Stenocarpus, Stenoglottis, Stenorrhynchus, Stenosemis and species
stenanthus, stenophyllos. - 1, 50, 82; 10, 304; 14, 279; 16, 104g; 18,162,360; 28,402,403
stephanandra - DSN. From stephanos, a wreath and andros, male. And refers to the disposition of the
stamens. - 10, 305
stephane - G. f. Stephanos. Something that surrounds or encircles hence, crown, wreath. - 14, 279
stephania - CSN. Christian Stephan. - 18,52
stephania - DSN. G. From stephania, a corona, alluding to the anthers forming a crown over the filaments. 16,136i
stephanos – DSN. G. f. Stephane. Something that surrounds or encircles hence, crown, wreath. See genus
Stephanandra. - 10, 305; 14, 279
stephos – DSN. G. n. A crown, wreath, garland. See genus Callistephus, Schistostephium. - 1, 268; 12,301;
13, 1220; 14, 279; 16, 426I; 18,320
sterculia - DSN. From stercus, manure, dung, or from Sterculius the Roman god of privies, refers to the
unpleasant smell of some of the flowers and leaves in some species. - 1,174; 2, 316; 4,136; 10, 305;
16, 260a, 262i
sterculius – L. The Roman god, Sterculius of privies. Smell. - 1, 174; 11, 122
stercus - L. Dung, manure. See Sterculia. - 1, 174
stetlis - DGN. G. From stelis little pillar, a word used by the ancient Greeks for mistletoe which, like stelis
species, grows on trees. - 28, 401
steudneri - CSN. H Steudner. See Heliotropium s. - 1, 224; 16, 338c; 18,178
stewartia - CSN. John Stewart. - 10, 306
stiburus - Origin unknown. See S. alopecuroides. - 16, 22a
stichnos - G. m. Row. - 14, 279
stichus- - G. In compounds, in a row or line. - 14, 519
stict- - G. sticto-. In compounds, spotted, dotted. - 14, 519
stictos - G. Pricked, tattooed, spotted, dappled. - 14, 279
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
121
stigma - G. n. Stigmatos. Tattoo-mark, mark, spot, in modern botany, a stigma or a style. See
Gomphostigma, Ceratostigma, Mitriostigma, Pachystigma. – 1,196,236,258; 14,279;16,298c,406e;
18,204,556
stigmatos - G. n. Stigma. Tattoo-mark, mark, spot, in modern botany, a stigma. - 14, 279
stipulaceum - DSN. With stipules. See Argyrolobium s. – 18,268
stipulaceus – DSN. With stipules. See Lampranthus s. – 18,380
stockenstromense – GSN. Named after Stockenstrom, town in E.Cape. See Xysmalobium s. – 18,544
stoebe – DSN. A stuffing. A name used for a shrubby plant with a cushion-head, also used for packing wine
jars and making brooms. See genus Stoebe.- 16, 442g; 18,216
stolonifera – DSN. Runners or shoots. See Ludwigia s. – 18,294
stoma - G. n. Mouth, opening. See genus Amblostoma, Cleisostoma, Conostomium., Stomatostemma 1,256; 3,154; 14, 279; 16, 332d; 18,166,202,492; 28,48,90
stomatanthes - DSN. G. A mouth and flower, alluding to the mouthlike pores on the back of the corolla. 16,448c
stomatostemma - DSN. G. A mouth and a crown, alluding to the position of the corona at the mouth of the
corolla tube. - 16, 332d
stranvaesia - CSN. W T H F Strangeways. - 10, 307
strapelia - CSN. Johannes Bodaeus von Strapel. - 1, 208, 210
stratiotes – DSN. Layered. See Pistia s. – 18,506
straussiana – CSN. Named after Berlin gardener Obergaertner Strauss. See Erica s. – 18,414
strelitzia - CGN. Named in honour of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, from the house of MecklenburgStrelitz. – 12,300; 18,46
strepto- - G. Twisted. - 14, 535
streptocarpus - DSN. G. Streptos, twisted and karpos fruit. Referring to the spirally twisted capsule. 1,246; 3,146; 5, pl 164; 16, 382a-e, 384a-e
streptopetala - DSN. L. Twisted petals. See Eulophia s. - 1, 80; 16, 102a; 18,246
streptos - G. Twisted. Streptocarpus, streptopetala. - 1, 80, 246; 3, 146; 14, 279; 16, 380a; 18,196,482
streyi - CSN. R G Strey. See Crassula s. - 18,56
striata - DSN. L. Striped, furrowed. See Androcymbium s., Eulophia s., Euphorbia s. - 1,22,154;16,228d;
18,534
striatula – DSN. Refers to the thin parallel lines on the leaf sheaths. See Aloe s. – 18,510
striatum - DSN. L. From striata, striped. See Androcymbium s. and A.. melanthioides s., Osteospernum - 1,
22, 301; 16, 54c, 454e
striatus - DSN. Veined, striped. - 10, 340; 12, 304; 13, 1223
stricta – DSN. Straight, erect, stiff, upright. See Opuntia s.,Oenothera s.,Moraea s., Disa s. –
18,290,294,452,458,466
strictus - DSN. L. Erect. See Dichilus s. - 16,180a
striga - DGN. L. A straight rigid close-pressed rather short bristle-like hair. Italian: Witch, Latin: furrow, a
swath. Some of the species are covered with strigae, or stiff bristles. - 1, 238; 3,140; 5,pl153; 14,522;
16, 368e-h; 18,74,432
strigous – DSN. Covered in strigae. With stiff bristles for Plectranthus s. - 14, 522; 16, 356b
strobilanthes – DSN. From strobilos, a cone and anthos, a flower. Alludes to form of young inflorescence. 10, 308
strobilos – DSN. A cone. See strobilus, and genus Strobilanthes . - 10, 30810, 308
strobilus - G. m. Round ball, spinning top, pine, in modern botany, a cone or cone-like structure. - 14, 279
strophanthus – DSN. Strophanthin the drug is recovered from this species. From Greek twisted rope and
anthos, a flower. The genus name Strophanthus alludes to the hanging and spiral twisting nature of
most of this species. The corolla of the flower has twisted tails, hence the name ‘twisted flower’. 1,200; 5, pl 126; 11, 156; 16, 302d,e
strophe - G.f. Turning, twist. See genus Strophanthus. - 14, 279; 18,166,298
strophos - G. Twisted band or cord. See genus Strophanthus, Peristrophe. - 1, 200; 11, 156; 16,302d;
18,436
strophus - G. From stophos, a twisted band or cord. See genus Strophanthus. - 2, 436
struthiola – DSN. Small bird, refers to seed, like the beak of a sparrow. See genus Struthiola.- 18,158
stuhlmannii - CSN. Dr Franz Stuhlmann, see Ficus s., Pycnostachys s. - 5, pl 144; 11, 4
stychons – DSN. G. An ancient Greek name given to various poisonous plants. - 1, 196; 16, 298f
stylis - G. A style. See genus Ceratostylis, Cheirostylis, Rhynchostylis, Schizostylis, Fimbristylis.- 1,74;
16,94h ; 18,370,566
stylochiton - DSN. G. Style, tunic, refers to the little spath which includes the style base. - 16, 28b
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
122
stylos - G. m. Pillar, column, wooden pole, writing implement (through confusion with Latin stilus; hence in
modern botany, style). With a prominent or well developed style. See Pseudolachnostylis, Stylosanthes,
Stylochiton, Bulbostylis.- 14, 279; 16 188a, 220b, 300d; 18,268,506,568
stylosanthes - DSN. G. From stylos, a style and anthos, a flower. - 16, 188a
stylosus - DSN. Having prominent styles. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
styraciflua - DSN. Giving off balm. See Liquidambar s. - 10, 214, 340
styrax - Probably a seed. See genus Pterostyrax. - 10, 272
SU
suaveolens - DSN. L. Fragrant, sweet-smelling. Sweet-scented. See Asparagus s., Datura s. - 1,38; 10,125,
340; 12, 304; 13, 1223; 16, 58g; 18,104
sub- L. Before a - vowel and most consonants; suc- before c; suf- before f; sug- before g. Below, under,
almost, approaching. Subacaulis, almost stemless. In compounds, somewhat, not completely, a little.
Before words beginning with m, sub- becomes sum-; before r it becomes sur-. Greek hypo-14,303,523
subanisophylla – DSN. Irregular, unequal leaves. See Eriosemopsis s.- 18,556
subcylindrica - DSN. sub-almost, cylindrica-cylinder. See Helixanthera s. – 18,132
subglaber - DSN. L. Somewhat or slightly glabrous. See Senecio polyodon var s.- 16, 454h
subherbacium - DSN. L. Partially herbaceous. See Pelargonium multicaule subsp s. - 16, 204h
subintergra - DSN. L. Undivided, entire. In Gerardia. s. alluding to the leaves.- 1, 238; 16,368c,370f
subluteum - DSN. L. Somewhat yellow. See Helichrysum s. - 1, 276; 16, 438b
subnuda - DSN. L. Partly bare. See Anacampseros s. subsp s. - 1, 108; 16, 32c, 134k
subpeltata – DSN. Shield-shaped, refers to leaves. See Passiflora s. – 18,538
subpetiolatum - DSN. sub-almost,somewhat; petiolatus-stalked. See Delosperma s. – 18,136
subulata - DSN. L. Awl-shaped, See Commelina s. - 1, 20
subvolubilis - DSN. L. Climbing, twining, an incorrect description of the habit. See Blepharis s., Blepharis
s. var s. - 1, 248; 16, 386h, 18,492
suc- - See sub. - 14, 303
succulenta - DSN. L. Succulent, fleshy. See Thorncrofttia s. - 16, 348d, 352f
succulentus - DSN. L. Succulent, fleshy. See Thorncrofttia s. - 1, 230
suf- - See sub. - 14, 303
suffruticosa - DSN. L. Somewhat shrubby, shrublet. See Seddera s., Indigofera s. - 16, 336f; 18,390
suffruticosum - DSN. L. Somewhat shrubby. See Clerodendrum s., Clerodendrum s. var s. - 1,226; 16,342b
sug- - See sub. - 14, 303
sulcatum - DSN. L. Meaning furrowed. See Limeum s. var s., Cyphostemma s. - 16, 132e, 248b
sumphoreo - To bear together, cluster. See genus Symphoricarpos. - 10, 310
super- - Above. Superpositus, placed above. Greek hyper-. - 14, 304
superba - DSN. L. Superb. See Gloriosa s., Buttonia s. - 1, 26, 236; 16, 36c; 18,430
superbum – DSN. Rise above, refers to magnificent corona lobes which not only rise above the style tip but
are superb. See Miraglossum s. – 18,580
supra- - Above, over. Supracanus, grey above. G. hyper-. - 14, 304
suprafoliata –DSN. Above the leaves. In Aloe s. it refers to the young leaves which seem to grow on top of
each other in rows - 18,34
sur- - L. In compounds, somewhat. Variant of sub-. - 14, 525
surattensis - GSN. From Bombay, India. See Hibiscus s. – 18,286
surinx - A pipe or tube. See genus Syringa. - 10, 311
sutera - CSN. Professor J R Suter, Swiss botanist. See genus Sutera. – 1,234,238; 5,pl 152;
16,364e,368k,372b,374c; 18,190,480
sutherlandia - CSN. James Sutherland.. - 10, 309; 18,58,530
sutherlandii - CSN. Named after James Sutherland. See Helichrysum s., Argyrolobium s.,
Delosperma s. - 18,214,268,380
sutherlandii - CSN. Peter Cormac Sutherland. See Begonia s., Pachycarpus campanulatis var s. - 1, 180; 3,
112; 16, 270f, 328b; 18,68
SW
swainsona - CSN. Isaac Swainson. - 10, 309
swazicum - GSN. L. From Swaziland. See Adenium s. - 1, 204; 16, 306b
swaziensis - GSN. L. From Swaziland. See Crassula s., Indigoferra s. var s. - 16, 156c, 190f
swietenia – CSN. Dutch botanist Swietenia. - 4, 137
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
123
swynnertonii - CSN. C F M Swynnerton. See Helichrysum s., Erica s. - 1, 276; 5, pl 120; 16, 438e
SY
sy- - Greek prefix. Sy- (before s), sl; (before l), smy- (before b and p), syn-, sry- (before r), sys- (before s):
Together, with, joined. - 14, 404
syce - G. f. Fig-tree. - 14, 280
sylvatica - DSN. Growing around trees or growing in woods. See Calpurnia aurea subsp. s., Dioscorea s. 2, 158; 16, 8a; 18,514
sylvaticus - DSN. Woodland. From the forest. See Croton s.- 2, 220; 10, 340
sylvicola - DSN. L. An inhabitant of the woods. See Impatiens s. - 16, 238f
symphium - G. To grow together. See Symphyglossum. - 28, 404
symphoreo - To bear together. See genus Symphoreo. - 13, 1220
symphoricarpos - DSN. From symphoreo, to bear together and carpos (karpos), fruit, and it points to the
berries being in clusters. - 10, 310; 13, 1220
symphyglossum - DGN. G. From symphium to grow together and glossa tongue, referring to the lip, which
is strongly adnate to the column. - 28, 404
syn- - G. sy-. With, together. It becomes sym- before the letters b, m and p. - 14,304, 526
syn - G. With, united. See Synadenium, Syncolostemon - 1, 156; 16, 226f, 354e; 18,188,424
synadenium - DSN. G. From syn, united, gland, refers to gland enclosing the flower or the united glands of
the inflorescense. - 1, 156; 2, 238; 16, 226f
synaptoleptis - DSN. Joined together. - 18,68
synaptos - Joined together. See Synaptolepis. - 18,68,158
syncarpia - DSN. Means seeds together. - 4, 139
syncolostemmon - DSN. G. From syn, together, united and kolos, a column and stemon, stamens.- 18,424
syringa – DSN.. From syrinx, a pipe because the wood was so used in Turkey. The genus Syringa’s name
comes from the Greek surinx, a pipe or tube, originally applied to Philadelphus, some species of which
are still referred to as ‘syringas’. - 10, 311; 12, 302; 13,1221
syrinx - G. f. Pipe. - 14, 280
sys- DSN. Pig. See genus Sisyranthus.- 18,552
syzygium - DGN. G. ‘Yoked-together’, or paired. In Syzygium refers to to the paired leaves and branches.
Reference 4 looked it up in Funk & Wagnalls, who stated syzygy is the point of conjunction of two
heavenly bodies. – 1,186; 2, 372; 4, 139; 11, 136; 16, 278a.b
syzygy - G. A pair. - 1, 186
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
124
T
TA
tabermaemontana - CGN. Named after a 6th-century physician and herbalist, J T Bergzabern whose
latinised name was Tabernaemontanus. - 1, 204; 3, 215; 16, 306a, 308d
tacazzea - MGN. An ancient common name used in Ethiopia for this plant.- 16, 310e; 18,542
taeni- - G. taenio-. In compounds, band-like, strap-shaped. - 14, 526
taenia - L. A band, head-band, ribbon. See Stegnanotaenia. - 1, 190; 14, 280; 16, 286a
taenio- - G. taeni-. In compounds, band-like, strap-shaped. - 14, 526
tagetes - MGN. Named after the mythical Tages, grandson of Jupiter, who taught the art of ploughing to the
Etrurians - 12, 297; 13, 1218; 18,318
tainia - DSN. G. From tainia fillet. In Tainia possibly referring to the long narrow leaf with its long petiole,
or to the elevated keels on the lip. - 28, 404
talbotia – CSN. Named after Patrick Talbot, mycologist from Natal. See genus Talbotia.- 18,108
talbotia - CSN. H Fox Talbot. - 1, 68; 16, 78d
talinum - MGN. Derivation obscure, suggested it might be derived from the Senegalese vernacular name,
talinum, for certain species. - 1, 108; 5, pl 64; 16, 134h-I; 18,250,382
tamarindus - MGN. From the Arabic name tamr-i-hind. - 4, 140
tamarisk - G. The Greek name for tamarisk is myrike. See also Myrica. - 16, 122a
tamarix - GSN. The river Tamar in Spain. For genus Tamarix a very old Latin name. - 10, 313; 12,301;
13,1221
tamoides – DGN. Like Tamus communis, an European climber. The leaves of Senecio t. are similar to
Tamus communis. - 5, pl 193; 18,328
tanganyicensis - GSN. L. From Tanganyika (Tanzania). See Albizia t. - 1, 134; 16, 166d
tapeinos - G. Humble. See Tapinanthus. - 1, 102; 16, 126b-f; 18,132,248
tapinanthus - DSN. G. From tapienos, humble and anthos, flower; an allusion to the size of the flowers. 1,102; 16, 126b-f
tapiphyllum - DSN. G. Having a hairy covered leaf. - 16, 402f
tapscottii - CSN. Sydney Tapscott. See Orbea t. - 1, 216; 16, 322d
tarachodes - DSN. Trouble, disorder, refers to the confusion over the identity of this species. See Selago t. –
18,196
tarassein – DSN. To confuse, alter. See genus Taraxacum.- 18,338
tarphos – DSN. A Thicket. Stachytarpheta – 18,470
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
125
tarsodes – DSN. Mat forming. See Craterocapsa t. - 16, 418f; 18,494
tavaresia - CSN. José Tavares de Mecedo. - 1, 216; 16, 322a
taxodium - DGN. From taxus, a yew and cidos, resembling; hence like a Yew. - 4, 141
taxis - G. f. Arrangement, order, regularity. - 14, 280
taxos - G. Yew. See genus Taxodium . - 10, 314; 10, 314
taxus - For genus Taxus the ancient Latin name for the yew. - 4, 141, 142; 10, 314
TE
tecoma - MGN. (1). This is a contraction of its Mexican native name Tecomaxochitl. Closely related to
Tecomaria. (2). Aztec name for a plant Tecomaxochitl, a sacred shrub - 1, 240; 10,315; 11, 168;
16,376g; 18,76
tecomaria - DGN. From Tecoma, a genus it closely resembles. - 1, 240; 16, 376g
tectorum - DSN. Of the roofs. - 13, 1222
teedia - CSN. Johannes Georg Teede. - 16, 372d
teina – DSN. To stretch. Tenaris – 18,418,554
teino - DSN. Stretched. See Tinospora. - 18,52
telipogon - DSN. G. From telos end and pogon beard, descriptive of the hairy apex of the column. See
Telipogon. - 28, 405
telipos - G. End. See Telipogon. - 28, 405
telma - G. n. Standing water, pond, marsh, swamp. See telmatiaeos. - 14, 280
telmat- - G. In compounds, referring to wet meadows or pools.. - 14, 527
telmatiaeos - G. Of a marsh from, telma, marsh. - 14, 280
telopas - Distance. See genus Telopea . - 10, 316
telopea - DSN. From telopas, distance being a reference to the great distance from which a bright crimson
flower can be seen. - 10, 316
templetonia - CSN. John Templeton. - 10, 318
tenaris - DSN. G. From Tenio, to stretch, alluding to the corolla lobes. - 16, 330f
tenella – DSN. Dainty, very soft, tender. See Urginea t., Oldenlandia t., Eulophia t. - 18,94,202,574
tenio - G. To stretch. See Tenaris. - 16, 330f
tenrhynea – CSN. Named after William ten Rhyne, Dutch physician with East India Co. who collected
plants in the Cape on his way to Java. See genus Tenrhynea.- 18,212
tenui – DSN. Thin or fine, slender. See tenuifolium., Brachystelma t. - 1, 32; 18,584
tenui- - L. In compounds, slender, thin. - 14, 527
tenuifolium - DSN. L. Slender-leaved, See Ornithogalum t. - 1, 32; 16, 34c; 18,98
tenuiloba – DSN. Narrow lobes. See Ursinia t. – 18,332
tenuior - DSN. Very thin, refers to slender branches. See Aloe t. – 18,230
tenuispina - DSN. L. With slender spines. See Maytenus t. - 16, 236d
tephro- - G. In compounds, grey-, ash-grey. - 14, 528
tephros - G. Ashen. See Tephrosia. - !, 124; 16, 182h; 18,58,392
tephrosia - DSN. G. From tephros, ashen an allusion to the grey-green leaves of many species. - 1,124,132,
140; 16, 168b, 182h, 186h, 198c, 202e; 18,58
-ter - -tes, -tis, -tor, -tria. Usually indicates an agent or means; verb base. - 14, 307
teretifolium - DSN. Smooth, rounded off, elegant leaves. Helichrysum t. – 18,214
terminalia - DSN. L. Terminal, because the leaves are clustered at the ends of the branches. - 1,184;
16,276e,f
termitaria - DSN. L. Growing on termite mounds. See Cadaba t. - 1, 114; 16, 144g
ternata - DSN. In threes. See Choisya t. In Sida t. it refers to the three-lobed leaves. - 10, 93, 340; 16,256a
ternatum - DSN. L. In threes. In Clerodendrum t.var t, it refers to the leaves being in clusters of three. 16, 340c
ternifolius - DSN. Three-leaved. - 10, 340
ternstroemia - CSN. Christopher Ternstroem.. - 10, 318
terrestris - DSN. Ground dwelling. See Tribulus t. – 18,276
-tes - See -ter
testaceus - DSN. Tile-coloured. Terracotta. - 13, 1223
tetensis - GSN. L From Tete, Mozambique. See Plectranthus t. - 16, 356a; 18,476
tetra - G. Four. See Tetraselago, Tetradenia. - 1, 240; 16,376d; 18,472,480
tetra- - G. In compounds, four-, 4-. - 14, 528
tetradenia - DSN. G. Having four glands. - 16, 350c, 360e
tetragona - DSN. Four angled. In Cassine t. refers to the twigs. - 2, 276
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
126
tetraptera - DSN. Four-winged. See Sophora t. In Oenothera t. alluding to the four angles to the capsule. 10,299, 340; 16, 280d; 18,160
tetraquetra - DSN. L. Four-angled. In Fadogia q. var q.,and Fadogia q. var grandiflora it refers to the stem.
- 16,402c,d
tetraselago - DGN G. From tetra, four and Selago. - 1, 240; 16, 376d
tettenis - GSN. L. From Tete in Mozambique. See Holmskioldia t. – 1, 226
teucrifolia – DGN. Leaves like Teucrium. See Hemizygia t. – 18,426
teuknion – DGN. Named after the germander plant. See genus Teucrium.- 18,180
textilis – DSN. Woven. See Cyperus t. – 18,504
TH
thalassa - G. f. Sea. - 14, 280
thallos - G. m. (1). Branch, in modern botany, thallus. (2). Short, branch. See Pleurothallis. - 14,280;
28,373
thamnos - G. m. A bush, shrub. See genus Sesamothamnus, Calosthamnus, Pygmaeothamnus,
Myrothamnus.- 1, 244; 10, 66; 14,280; 18,556,576
thapsus - GSN. L. Town in N. Africa. Verbascum t. - 13, 1221
theca - L. A case. See genus Anomatheca, Xylotheca. - 1, 74; 3, 62; 14, 529; 16, 90a-b, 264h
-theca - G. In compounds, -cover, -case, -container. - 14, 529
thece - G. f. Case, chest, container. - 14, 280
theke - G. A case or capsule, fruit. See Arctotheca, Ceratotheca., Dimorphotheca. - 3, 145; 16, 454d;
18,332,434,446
thele - G. f. Teat, nipple. - 14, 280
thele- - G. In compounds, nipple-. - 14, 529
thely- - G. In compounds, female. - 14, 529
thelys - G. Female. - 14, 280
themeda - MGN. Arabic name. Themeda. - 1, 14; 16, 24c
theobroma - DSN. Food for the Gods. Broma, food in Greek. - 4, 145; 14, 272
thera – DSN. Imbibing. See genus Oenothera.- 18,160,294,410
thesium – L. From the Latin for Toad Flax. See genus Thesium.- 18,134,250
thilachium - DSN. G. A bag or pouch. In T. africanum it refers to the shape of the fruit. - 16, 148a.
thodei - CSN. H Justus Thode. See Vernonia t., Kniphofia t., Disa t.,Peucedanum t., Holothrix t. - 16,434g;
18,30,120,296,498,516
thomsonii - CSN. J Thomson. See Moraea t. - 1, 72; 16, 90c
thorncroftia - CSN. George Thorncroft. - 1, 230; 16, 348d, 352f
thorncroftii - CSN. George Thorncroft. See Cyperus t. - 1, 16; 16, 26d
thrix - G. f. A hair - [trich]. See genus Athrixia, Calythrix, Trichoneurea, Holothrix or species leucothrix,
pycnothrix, trichoglottis.- 1,12,14,88; 10,67; 14,280; 16,100e; 18,216,240,362,442,516; 28,407
-thrix- - G. In compounds, hair. See pycnothrix, leucothrix. - 14, 530; 16, 24e, 24h
thrupto - To break or crush. See genus Thryptomene . - 10, 319
thryptomene - DGN. From thrupto, to break or crush, referring to the inferiority of the first species
discovered. - 10, 319
thudichumii - CSN. Mr Thudichum. - 12, 303
thuja - MGN. The name is said to come from the Old Greek word, thuia used by Thoephrastus for this
genus. - 10, 319
thujopsis – DGN. From thuja, q.v. and opsis, resemblance. For genus Thojopsis this genus with a single
species resembles Thuja. - 10,321
thunbergia - CSN. Carl Peter Thunberg. - 1, 254; 3, 150; 5, pl 171; 12, 299; 16, 392a-c; 18,76,306,488
thunbergiana - CSN. Carl Peter Thunberg. See Nymphoides t. - 16, 300I
thunbergianum - CSN. Carl Peter Thunberg. SeeGalium t. var t. - 16, 404e
thunbergii - CSN. Carl Peter Thunberg. See Potamogeton t., Linum t. - 3, 2; 13, 1222; 16, 208b; 18,276,502
thunia - CSN. Count von Thun Hohenstein of Tetschin. - 28, 406
thyrse – DSN. Thyrsus. Mixed interflorescense. See thyrsiflora. - 2, 380; 14, 530
thyrsiflora - DSN. Bunchlike inflorescence. See Kalanchoe t., Cussonia t. – 1,118; 2,380; 16,152a; 18,254
thyrsoidea - DSN. Like a thyrse, the term for a compact inflorescence which is thick in the middle and
tapers at each end. Selago t - 5, pl 154
thyrsus - Thyrse, i. e. a more or less ovoid or ellipsoid panicle, with cymos branches. - 14, 530
TI
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
127
tibouchina - MGN.This is the native name in Guiana for this genus.. - 10, 321
tieghemia - CSN. Phillipe E L van Tieghem. - 16, 126a; 18,50
tigna - MSN. Origin unknown. See Vernonia t. - 16, 456d
tigridia - DGN. From tigris, a tiger. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
tigris – DGN. A tiger. See genus Tigridia. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
tilia - MGN. Name from ancient Latin for the Lime Tree. - 10, 322
tinctorius - DSN. For dyeing. - 13, 1223
tingitanus - GSN. Tingi, now Tangiers. - 12, 302
tinnea - DGN. Commemorates a scientific expidition on the Nile in 1861 by three Dutch women , Henrietta
Tinne, her daughter and sister, during which Tinnea seeds were collected. - 1, 232; 16, 350d, 358g ;
18,70
tinneana - CSN. A Tinné collected plants in Sudan. - 5, pl 20
tinospora - DSN. From teino, to stretch and spora, seed, referring to the elongated seed. - 18,52
tithonia - MGN. From Tithonis, another name for Aurora, goddess of dawn. - 18,82,318
-tis - See ter
TO
tomentella - DSN. L. With woolly hairs. See Stephania abyssinica var t. - 16, 136i
tomentosa - DSN. Hairy. Densely woolly or velvety with matted hairs, with a dense woolly covering. In
Bauhenia t. refers to a hairy pod. See Capparis t., Pachycarpus grandiflorus var t. - 2, 106, 150; 16,
146f, 174a, 328c
tomentosum – DSN. Densely covered with short hair. See Argyrolobium t.- 18,268
tomentosus - DSN. Felt-like. Hairy. See Plectranthus hadiensis var t., Gerrardanthus t. - 10, 340; 12,304;
13,1223, 16, 354c; 18,558
tomos - G. m. Slice, piece. See genus Acrotome, Anisotoma.- 14, 280; 18,180,582
tomsonii - CSN. J Tomson. See Moraea t. - 1, 72
tongaense – GSN. Refers to Tongoland/Maputoland and N E Kwa-Zulu Natal. For Pelargonium t. this is
where it was discovered. - 18,62
-tor - See -ter.
torti- - L. In compounds,twisted. - 14, 531
tortilis - DSN. L. Twisted. In Acacia t. refers to the pod. See Acacia t. - 1, 144; 2, 140
torulosa - DSN. L. Tufted or cylindrical with contractions at intervals, See Riocreuxia t., Cissampelos t. - 1,
214; 3, 122; 16, 136h, 320I; 18,176,252
totta - DSN. In Rhynchosis t. var. t. the precise meaning unknown but possibly referring to the Hottentot,
implying that it is native to the Cape. - 16, 179 f, 192e, 202f
toveolatus - DSN. Small pits. - 2, page ?
toxicodendron - DSN. Poison tree. Now Rhus. - 4, 126
TR
-tra - See -tros.
trabeculatus – DSN. Little beams, refers to very prominent veins beneath leaves. See Streptocarpus t. –
18,486
trachy – DSN. Rough. See Trachyandra. - 18,86
trachyandra - DSN. G. From trachys, rough and andros, male. - 1, 28; 16. 50f, 56i; 18,86
trachys - G. Rough, shaggy. See genus Trachyandra. - 1, 28; 14, 280; 16. 50f
tradescantia - CSN. John Tradescant, gardener to Charles I. in the 1600s. See genus Tradescantia.- 12,300;
13, 1219; 18,340
tradescantioides - DGN. Resembles habit of Tradescantia. See Delosperma t. – 18,136
tragia - CGN. Tragus the latinised name given to the 16th century German Hieronymus J.Bock (= a goat),
from tragos a goat. - 16, 224a,b; 18,530
tragos - G. m. He-goat. See Tragia, Tragopogon.- 14, 280; 16, 224; 18,338,530
trans- - Beyond, through, across. Transalpinus, beyond the Alps. - 14, 304
transvaalense - MSN. L. Pertaining to the Transvaal. See Gasteria t., Argyrolobium t., Anthericum t.
Dolichos trilobus subsp t., Pelargonium t. Melanospermum t, Harpagophytum procumbens subsp t. - 1,
36, 124; 16, 52d, 186b, 192a, 204k, 364i, 380a
transvaalensis - GSN. L. Of the Transvaal. See Disa patula t., Knowltonia t., Erythrophysa t., Hermannia t.,
Huernia t., Pachycarpus t., Polycarena t., Barleria t., Lightfootia denticulata var, t., Cussonia t.,
Pimpernella t., Chironia palustris subsp t., Hemizygia t.,Cyphia t. - 1, 36, 82, 92, 112, 162, 174, 208,
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
128
210, 234, 252, 264; 12, 302; 16,104f;114a,140a,238c, 262f, 284, 288c, 300f, 314f, 316h, 360a,b, 390c,
420c, 422c
trapinanthus – DSN. From trapinos, humble, and anthos, flower. In Trapinanthus it refers to the size of the
flowers. - 18,48
trapinos – DSN. Humble. See Trapinanthus. - 18,48
trauseldii – CSN. Named after William Trauseld. See Selago t. – 18,430
trema - G. n. Aperture, opening. - 14, 280
tremula - DSN. Trembling. See Ficus t. - 2, 80
tri - DSN. Three. See genus Tribulus, Trifolium,Tristachya, Themeda, Tridactyle. - 1,12,14; 14532;
16,24c;18,128,246,276,388,522; 28, 409
-tria - See -ter.
triandra - DSN. From tri, three, and andros, male; having three stamens. - 1, 14
triangularis – DSN.Three-sided. In Kniphofia t. it refers to the fruit. - 18,30
triaspis - DSN. G. With three shields, alluding to the shield-shaped wings on the carpels. - 16,216a
tribulus - DSN. Three spikes. The generic name refers to the caltrops, iron balls with four spikes which
always had one point upwards when lying on the ground, and used against cavalry. In the two species of
this genus, T. zepheri and T. terrestis, the fruit have many spikes, four of which are robust, and behave
like the caltrops. - 5, pl 90, 91
tricalysia - DSN. G. Having three calyces, alluding to the true and often double epicalyx. - 16,402g
trich- - G. tricho-. In compounds, hairy or hair-like. - 14, 280, 533
trichadenia - DSN. G. Hairy- glanded. See Eulophia t., Euphorbia t. - 1, 15; 16, 228c
trichadenia – DSN. Hairy glanded, refers only to Angolan specimens. See Euphorbia t. – 18,534
trichilia - DGN. G. Three-parts. From tri, referring to the three-lobed boxlike fruit. Referring to the usually
three-celled ovary and capsules. - 11, 90; 16, 214b
trichion - G. n. Small hair. - 14, 280
tricho - G. Hair. See Trichocentrum, Trichopilia. - 28, 406, 408
tricho - In three parts. See Trichocladus. - 2, 114
trichocarpum - DSN. Bristly or hairy fruit of Ormocarpum t. - 2, 168
trichocentrum - DSN. G. From tricho, hair and kentron spur, alluding to the very slender and long spur
characteristic of the flowers of many species in this genus. - 28, 406
trichocladus - DSN. G. From tricho, hair, and kaldon, a branch, alluding to the hairy branchlets. 16,158c
trichodesma - DSN. G. Hairy bands. Bound by hairs, and refers to the hairs which unite the stamens. 1,224; 5,pl 139
trichoglottis - DSN. G. From tricho, hair and glotta tongue, referring to the often ligulate process in the
throat of the lip. - 28, 407
trichoneurea - DSN. From tricho, hair and neuron, a nerve an allusion to the chiliate side-nerves of the
lemma. - 1, 12
trichopilia - DSN. G. From tricho hair and pilos felt, alluding to the ciliate or fimbriate margins of the
clinandrium. - 28, 408
trichopoda - GSN. Of Ficus t., the tree having the same geographic distribution as the hippo. - 2,72
trichorhizum – DSN. Hairy roots. See Dierama t. – 18,456
trichos - G. A hair. See Trichocladus, Trichodesma. - 16, 158c; 18,178,468
trichostomus – DSN. Hairy mouth, refers to flower tube. See Sisyranthus t. – 18,552
trichotomum - DSN. Finely divided like hairs. - 10, 340
tricliceras - DSN. G. Three-chambered. Describes pod-shapes cylindrical capsule as 3-locular
(compartment or cell of an ovary). - 1, 178; 16, 266g; 18,66
tricodesma - DSN. G. Having hairy bands. - 16, 338a
tricuspidatus - DSN. With three points. - 10, 340
tricuspis - DSN. With three sharp points. See Tridactyle t. – 18,128
tridactyle - DSN. G. From tri three or thrice and daktylos finger, descriptive of the 3-lobed lip. - 28, 409
tridentata - DSN. L. Having three teeth. See Merremia t., Rhoicissus t. subsp cuneifolia.-1, 222; 16,244b
tridentata - DSN. L. With three teeth. See Merremia t. subsp angustifolia var angustifolia., Tridactyle t. 16,334h, 336a; 18,302,522
trifida - DSN. Refers to 3 lobed inner tepals. See Moraea t. – 18,236
trifolia - DSN. With leaves in threes. See Lantana t. - 5, pl 138
trifoliata – DSN. Three leaves or leaflets. See Derris t. – 18,396
triloba - DSN. L. Three-lobed. For Ceratotheca t. having three-lobed leaves. See Basananthe t.- 1,180,244;
3, 145; 5, pl 160; 16, 270d, 378a, 380d; 18,434
trilobus - DSN. L. Three-lobed. In Dolichos t subsp transvawlensis it refers to the leaflets. - 16,192a
trimestris - DSN. Every three months. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
trinerve - DSN. L. Three-veined from base of leaf. See Satyrium t. - 16, 98g; 18,118
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
129
trionum - DSN. Flower of an hour. See Hibiscus t. – 18,286
tripetaloides - DSN. Three-petalled. See Disa t. – 18,120
triphyllum - DSN. G. Three-leaved. See Clerodendrum t., Clerodendrum t. var t. - 1, 226; 16,342a,344b,c;
18,470
triplinervis – DSN. Three-nerves. See Gnidia t. – 18,294
tristachya - DGN. From tri, three and stachy, an ear of corn. - 1, 12; 16, 24h
tristania - CSN. Jules M C Tristan. - 4, 150; 10, 323
tristis – DSN. Sad, dull coloured. Indigofera t. - 18,58,390
tristoides - DSN. L. Sad, sombre, (carrying sadness). In Indigofera t. it possibly alludes to the black hairs on
the standard. - 16, 188c,d
triton - G. A vane or weathercock. Refers to the variable direction of stamens of different species. See
genus Tritonia. - 1,78; 3,56; 16,90g; 18,42,238
tritonia - DSN. G. From triton, a vane or weathercock. In Tritonia it refers to the variable direction of the
stamens in the various species. - 1, 78; 3, 56; 16, 90g; 18,42
triumfetta - MGN. L. The name given to a genus of herbs and shrubs, clothed with stellate (starry) hairs and
bearing yellow flowers with numerous stamens. Or CSN. Named after G.B. Trionfetti, Italian botanist.1,168; 16, 250c; 18,282
trocho- - G. In compounds, wheel-like. - 14, 533
trochomeria - DSN. G. From trochos, a wheel and meris, a part. - 1, 262; 16, 412d; 18,80
trochos - G. m. A wheel. See Trochomeria. - 1, 262; 14, 280; 16, 412d; 18,80,206,558
trollius - DSN. Troll. Giant or dwarf from Germanic myths. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
-tron - See -tros.
tropanion – DSN. A trophy. See genus Tropoeolum. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
trope - G. Turning. See genus Heliotropium. - 1, 224; 10, 179; 16, 338c
trophe - G. Food. See Jatropha. - 16, 220c; 18,276
trophos – DSN. One who feeds. See genus Psammotropha.- 18,528
tropica - DSN. L. Of the tropics, See Freylinia t. - 16, 374a,b
tropis - G. f. Keel of ship. - 14, 280
tropoeolum - DSN. From tropanion, a trophy, referring to the resemblance of the flower and leaf to a helmet
and shield, the ancient symbol of victory. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
tropos – DSN. Turn. See genus Heliotropium.- 18,178,422
-tros - -trus, tra, -tron, -trum.Indicates a tool or means of doing something; verb or noun base.
-trum - See -tros.
-trus - See -tros.
TS
tsuga - MGN. An old Japanese name for Hemlock. - 4, 151
TU
tuberculata - DSN. L. With wart-like growths. See Eulophia t. - 16, 96b
tuberosum - DSN. L. Tuberous. See Argyrolobium t. - 16, 188b, 202g; 18,268
tubulosa - DSN. L. Hollow cylinder or tube. In Rhamphicarpa t. it describes the tubular shape of the
flowers, Stachys t. - 1, 236; 5, pl 150; 18,424
tubulosum - DSN. L. Tubular. See Cycinum t.subsp t. - 16, 366f
tuckii - CSN. William Tuck. See Cyrtanthus t. - 1, 50; 16, 76g; 18,40
tugelensis – GSN. Named after the Tugela river valley in KZN where it was first collected. See Fockea t. –
18,554
tulbaghia - CSN. Ryk Tulbagh, Governor at the Cape, who sent specimens to Linnaeus - 1, 22, 32; 3, 23;
16, 52g-j; 18,92,344
tulipa - DGN. Turkish. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
tulipifera - DSN. Bearing tulips. In Liriodendron t. it refers to the flowers. - 4, 85
turbina - DSN. L. Cone-shaped, alluding to the flowering buds. - 1, 222; 5, pl 135; 16, 334i,j, 336e
turbinatus - Turbinate, i.e. top-shaped or obconical. - 14, 535
turraea - CSN. Giorgia della Turre. See genus Turraea. - 16, 212d; 18,154
TW
tweedia - CSN. J Tweedie. - 10, 324
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
130
TY
tylo- - . In compounds, with knobs, lumps or projections. - 14, 535
tylophora - DGN. G. From tylos, a knob or callus and phoruos or phoros,bearing. - 1, 208; 16, 312g
tylon - G. A hump. See Notylia - 28, 318
tylos - G. m. Callus, lump, swelling, knob. See Tylosema, Tylophora., Macrotyloma. - 1, 138, 208; 14,280;
16, 172d, 184g, 312g; 18,152,256,274,588
tylosema - DSN. G. From tylos, swelling and sema, mark. Knob standard, referring to the upper petals. The
upper petal is small and has two swellings at the base. Or alluding to the seeds. - 1, 138; 5, pl 79;
16,172d
typha - DGN. G. From typhos, marsh. - 3, 5
typhoides – DGN. Inflorescence resembles a bulrush. See Kniphofia t. – 18,572
typhos - G. Marsh. See genus Typha. - 3, 5; 18,560
typos - G. m. Blow, impression, print, replica, pattern, model, etc. Hence, in modern botany, type. - 14,280
tysoniana - CSN. William Tyson. See Bersama t. - 16, 214c
tysonianum – CSN. Named after William Tyson. See Xysmalobium t. – 18,300
tysonii – CSN. Named after William Tyson. See Disa t., Euryops t., Dierama t., Disperis t., Scabiosa t.,
Cyphia t., Habenaria t., Neobolusia t.- 18,122,330,356,370,438,438,518,518
U
UB
ubomboense – GSN. Named after the Lebombo mountains, KZN. See Pachycymbium u. – 18,586
UG
-ugo Indicates a substance or property, noun or adjective base. Lanugo, down, from lana, wool. - 14,306
UL
-ula - See –ullus.
-ulentus - -a, -um; -olentus.Indicates abundance or full or marked development, noun base. Succulentus, full
of juice, succus or sucus; succulent. - 14, 309
uliginosus - DSN. From marshy places. - 10, 340
-ullus - -ula, -ulum. Diminutive, noun base of first or second declension nouns. Capsulla, a small box,
capsa. - 14. 306
ulmifolia – DGN. Leaves like an elm tree. See Conyza u. – 16,432d; 18,310
ulmoides – DGN. Elm-like. - 2, 214
ulmus - For genus Ulmus, an ancient Latin name for the Elm Tree. See ulmifolia. - 10, 324; 16,432d
-ulum - See –ullus.
-ulus - -a, -um. (1) Diminutive, adjectival base. Hispidulus, minutely hispid, hispidus (bristly). (2) Indicates
a tendency or action, verb base. Pendulus, hanging down from suspend, pendere.- 14, 309
ulvifolia - DSN. L. With leaves submerged in water. See Otellia u.- 16, 28a
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
131
UM
-um - See –ulus, -utus, -uus.
umbellata – DSN. Flowerheads in flat topped inflorescence. See Berkheya u. – 18,336
umbraculigerum - DSN. L. Bearing woolly umbrellas. See Helichrysum u. - 16, 440g; 18,316
umbraticola - DSN. L. Growing in the protection of other plants, liking shade. See Adromischus u subsp. u.,
Crassula u. - 16, 158b; 18,148
umtamvunense - GSN. Named after the Umtamvuna River Gorge. See Eriosema u. – 18,274
UN
uncinata - DSN. L. Hooked at the point or tip. In Polygala u. it refers to the leaves. - 1, 152; 16,218a,b
uncinatum - DSN. L. Hooked at the point, mostly of thorns or fruit. See Chamaelaucium u. - 14,91, 340
uncinatus - DSN. L. Hooked at the end. In Lablab purpureus subsp u. it refers to the keel, the stamens and
the style. - 16, 202k
unda - L. A wave. See undulata. - 1, 108
undata - DSN. Undulate. In Maytenus u. refers to the wavy margins. - 2, 270; 16, 236e
undatum - DSN. L. Undulate, wavy. See Xysmalobium u. - 1, 220
undulata - DSN. L. Wavy, from unda, a wave. See Wahlenbergia u. In Silene u it refers to the leaf margin.
In Brunsvigia u. it refers to the wavy margins. - 1, 108, 264; 16, 136c, 418a,b,420a,b; 18,38,138
undulatum – DSN. L. Undulate, wavy. See Xysmalobium u. - 1, 220; 16, 326d; 18,544
undulatus - DSN. Wavy. - 10, 340
unguiculata - DSN. L. Clawed. In Vigna u. subsp dekindtiana it alludes to the long claws on the floral parts,
Vigna u. - 16, 192b; 18,464
uni- - In compounds, one-.. - 14, 537
unibracteata - DSN. Single bract, refers to solitary sheathing bract on flowering stem. See Moraea u. –
18,236
unicinatum - . Hooked at the tip; mostly of thorns or fruit. - 10,340
unicinulata - . L. Hooked at the end. See Cyathula c. - 16,300e-f
unidentata – DSN. One tooth. See Monopsis u. – 18,588
uniflora - DSN. One flower. See Gymnosporia u. – 18,154
uniflorus - DSN. Single-flowered. - 10,340
UP
uperikon - Old Greek name for St John’s Wort. See Genus Hypericum. - 10, 186
UR
ura - G. f. Tail. - 14, 280
-ura - Indicates the result of an action, verb base. Incisura, incision, from incidere, to cut into. - 14, 306
urelytrum - DGN. From G. oura, tail and elytron, cover, scale or husk; because the lower glume of the
spikelet is drawn out into a long awn. - 1, 14; 16, 24g
urens - DSN. Stinging, scorching. See Pavonia u., Urtica u. - 5, pl 102, 18,524
urere – DSN. To sting. See genus Urtica.- 18,524
urginea - GSN. From the name of an Arab tribe in Algeria, the Ben Urgin . - 1, 30; 16, 56c-e; 18,94,510
uro- - G. urus-. In compounds, tail-, tailed, i.e. with an elongated tail-like appendage. - 14, 538
ursinia – CSN. Named after J. Ursinus, author of Arboretum Biblicum. See genus Ursinia.- 18,332
urtica – DSN. Nettle. See urticifolia - 16, 352e
urticifolia - DGN. With leaves like Urtica, a genus that contains the nettles. In Pycnostachys u. it must refer
to the leaf shape since it has no hairs, Stachytarpheta u. - 5, pl 144; 16, 352e; 18,470
urticifolius - DGN. With leaves like stinging-nettle. -10, 340
UT
utilis - DSN. Useful. - 13, 1223
utricularia - DGN. L. From utriculus, a small bottle, possibly to the insect trapping bladders borne on the
leaves and runners of these aquatic and terrestrial herbs. - 1, 248; 3, 148; 16,386a-c
utricullus – DSN. Little leather bottle. Refers to insect-trapping bladders on the leaves and runners. See
Utricularia. - 1, 248; 3, 148; 18,198,306,486
-utus - -a, um. Indicates noun base. Cornutus, horned from horn, cornu. - 14, 309
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
132
UU
-uus -a, um. Indicates result of action, verb base, rarely noun base. Deciduus, falling off from, to fall down,
decidere. - 14, 309
V
VA
vacca – DSN. L. vacca, A cow. - 26, 46
vaccinium - DSN. L. Old Latin name for Cranberry derived from , vacca, a cow because they like this plant.
- 26,46
vaginata - DSN. Sheathed. See Crassula v.– 18,148,254
vainilla – DSN. Small pod. See genus Vanilla. – 18,124
validus - DSN. L. Strong, well developed. See Geigeria burkei subsp v.,Pachycarpus v. - 1, 220; 16,452b
valve – DSN. G. Segment of a capsule. See species porphyrovalve. - 1, 30; 16, 34I
vanbalenii - CSN. Named after J.C.van Balen. See Aloe v. – 18.230
vanda – GSN. From the Sanskrit word referring to the plant now kown as Vanda tessellata from Bengal and
India. See Vanda. - 28, 410
vandeleurii - CSN. C. B. Vandeleur. See Streptocarpus v. - 16, 384b
vandopsis - DGN. G Named for its resemblance to the genus vanda and opsis. - 28, 412
vanilla - The Spanish vainilla small pod, a sheath, referring to the long slender vanilla pods. See Vandopsis,
Vanilla – 18,124; 28,412, 413
vangueria - GSN. From the native name voa vanguer, used for one species of the genus in Madagascar. - 1,
258; 16, 406a
variabilis - DSN. Variable. Varying in form. - 10, 340; 12, 304; 13, 1223
variifolia - DSN. Leaves variable. See Jatropha v. – 18,278
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
133
varius - DSN. L. Differing, diverse. See Gladiolus v. var micranthus. - 16, 88a
VE
veitchii - CSN. Members of the English nursery firm of Veitch. - 12, 304; 13, 1222
veltheimia – CSN. Count August von Veltheim, German patron of botany. See genus Veltheimia.- 18,344
velutina - DSN. L. Velvety, densely covered with fine short, soft, erect hairs. See Raphionacme v.,
Podalyria v., Indigofera v. - 1, 218; 16, 310b, 324d; 18,388,390
venenata - DSN. Poisonous. - 10, 340
venenatus - DSN. Poisonous. - 13, 1223
venosum - DSN. L. Conspicuously, or prominently, veined. In Antidesma v. refers to the leaves. See Senecio
v., Mystacidium v. - 2, 216; 3, 203; 16, 220a, 430c; 18,130
venosum – DSN. Poisonous. See Pachystigma v.- 18,556
venosus - DSN. L. Prominently veined. See Senecio v. - 1, 272
ventricosa - DSN. L. Having a swelling on one side. See Tabernaemontana v. - 16, 308d
vepris - DGN. L. Spiny shrub, but as the genus has no spines the meaning is not clear. - 16, 208c
verbene – DSN. Sacred boughs of olive, myrtle or laurel. See genus Verbena.- 18,470
verecunda – DSN. L. Modest or chaste. See Aloe v. - 1, 42; 16, 48c
vernalis m- DSN. Of spring. - 10, 340
vernonia - CSN. William Vernon, English botanist who collected in Maryland, USA. See genus Vernonia.1, 274; 3, 162; 16, 434c-h, 444b, 452c, 456d; 18,208,440,496
vernus - DSN. Of spring. See Gladiolus v. - 12, 304; 13, 1223; 16, 86c; 18,112
veronica - CGN. St. Veronica. Speedwell. - 16, 372e; 18,430
verrucosa - DSN. Warted, stems. In Putterlickia v. the stem has small lumps.Didymoplexis v. - 2,272;
18,124
verrucosum - DSN.L. Warty. See Viscum v. - 16,126k; 18,526
verruculosa - Small warty dots. - 2, page?
versicolor - DSN. L. Variously coloured or changing colour. Eulophia v., Disa v. Albizia v. - 1, 92; 5,pl.52;
12,304; 13, 1223; 16, 114a, 176d; 18,368
verticillare - DSN. Whorled. See Miraglossum v. – 18,546
verticillatus – DSN. Whorled. See Plectranthus v.- 18,188
verticullaris - DSN. L. Whorled. See Hypoestes v. - 1, 252
vestia - CSN. L C de Vest. - 10, 325
vettonica - Genus Vettonica. See betonica. - 16, 396d
vexillaris - Vexillary, i. e. in aestivation of Leguminosae, with the standard petal much larger than the others
and folded around them. - 14, 544
vexillata - DSN. L. Flag or standard. Having a standard petal or vexillum (the large external petal of a
papilionaceous flower), (the vane or web of a feather). See Vigna v., Vigna v. var v. - 1, 128, 16,200e,
202I; 18,398
vexillo – DSN. See vexillum. Standard petal, wing. - 14, 544
vexillum – DSN. vexillo. Standard petal, wing. A 'standard petal' is broadly obovate or almost orbicular
about 3cm long 2.5 cm broad, towards the margin pale purple, towards the middle violet, in the middle
itself milk white with purple spots, etc. - 14, 544, 518
VI
viburnum - GSN. An ancient Latin name for the species lantana, the Wayfaring Tree or guelder rose, a
native of South England and Europe. - 10, 325
vicaria - DSN. A substitute. See Asclepias v. – 18,172
vieo – DSN. L. To plait. See genus Vitex. - 1, 224; 10, 329
vigna - CGN. Named in honour of Italian botanist Domenico Vigna. See genus Vigna. - 1, 128; 5,pl 87; 16,
192 - ,c, 200e,f, 202I; 18,274,398,464
villicaulis - DSN. G. From villus, hairy and kaulos, a stem. See Acalypha v. - 16, 224c,d; 18,64
villosa –DSN. L. Covered with soft hairs. See Holothrix v. var v., Dumasia v., Rhynchosia v. For Grewia v.,
shaggy, with fairly long soft hairs. Refers to hairs on ovaries and leaves of Xerophyta v. - 2, 312; 5, pl
34; 16,100e; 18,270,272
villosus – DSN. Long, soft, straight hairs; shaggy. See Calothamus v., Encephalartos v.,Melianthus v. –
10,66,340; 12,304; 13,1223; 18, 500,536
villus – DSN. G. Hairy. See villicaulis. - 16, 224c
vilmornii - CGN. Members of the French nursery firm of Vilmorin. - 13, 1222
vimin – DSN. A twig. See genus Viburnum. - 10, 328
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
134
viminale - DSN. L. With long tender shoots, like osiers (shoot of willow used in basketwork). Sarcostemma
v. - 1,210; 16, 316e; 18,552
viminalis - DGN. Long flexible shoots like the Osier Willow. See Senecio v. – 10,340; 18,218
viminaria - DSN. From vimen, a twig, and it refers to the twiggy, apparently leafless branches. - 10, 328
viminea - DSN. Twig. See Lotononis v. – 18,150
vimineus - DSN. L. With long tender shoots, see viminale. See Senecio v. - 1, 270; 16,428b
vio- DSN. I bind or plait. See genus Vitex. - 10, 329; 16, 338d
virescens - DSN. L. Becoming green. See Gloriosa superba, Forma v. - 1, 26
virgata - DSN. L. Twiggy. In Polygala v. indicates long slender twigs. See also Kohautia v., Polygala v. var
decora., Clutia v. - 1, 152, 256; 5, pl 95; 16, 218g, 222e,400f; 18,406
virgatum - DSN. L. Twiggy. See Gomphostigma v. - 1, 196; 16,298c; 18,164
virgatus - DSN. L. Twiggy, wand-like. Slender, rod-like. See Asparagus v., Sisyranthus v. - 1, 38; 12,304;
13,1223; 16, 58f; 18,104,552
virgilia - CGN. Commemorates the Roman poet Virgil. - 10, 329
viride - DSN. L. Green. See Dipcadi. v., Ornithoglossum v. - 1,22,32; 16,50g-g; 18,510
viridiflora - DSN. With greenish flowers. - 10, 340
viridiflorum - DSN. L. Green-flowered. See Pittosporum v. - 16, 158f
viridifolia - DSN. Leaves green on upper and under surfaces. A feature that leads to the specific name,
Gerbera v., Gerbera v.subsp v., Gerbera v.subsp natalensis. - 5, pl 186; 16, 450b,c
viridis - DSN. Green. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
virosa - DSN. L. Unpleasant smell. Poisonous. In Flueggea v. and Securinega v. it refers to the upleaasant
smell of the leaves. In Canavalia v. it refers to the poisonous seeds. - 1, 158; 2,210; 16, 198a, 230f;
18,396
virrucosa - DSN. Warted. In Putterlickia v. refers to stems with small hard lumps. - 2, 272.
viscosa – DSN. Sticky. See Physalis v.,Xerophyta v. – 18,304,352
viscosum - DSN. L. From viscosum, sticky. In Limeum v. subsp v. var glomeratum, it alludes to the
substance exuded by the plant's glands. - 16, 132d
viscum – DSN. L. Clammy, referring to the very sticky substance contained in the berries and used as bird
lime. Viscum. - 1, 102; 16, 126i-k; 18,50,526
viscus – DSN. Glue. See genus Malvaviscus. - 10, 225
vitalba - DSN. Pertaining to the vine and alba, white. See Clematis v. - 13, 1221
vitex - DGN. From vio, I bind. This was the Latin name for the chaste-tree, Abraham's balm, and is derived
from vieo, to plait, because of the flexibility of the shoots. Or from vio to plait referring to the
flexibility of the roots. - 1, 224; 10, 3?; 16, 338d, 344e,f
vitex agnus-castus - G. see agnos and castus, clean, pure, chaste. See Elaeagnus. 10, 133
viti- - L. In compounds, pertaining to the vine. - 14, 545
vitifolius - DSN. Leaves like a grape vine. See Hibiscus v. – 18,288
VO
volkensii - CSN. George Volkens. See Gardenia v. subsp spatulifolia. - 16, 400c
volubilis - DSN. L. Twining, easily twining. See Bowiea v. - 1, 24; 10, 340; 16, 54d; 18,508
volvulere – DSN. To roll or twist. See genus Evolvulus.- 18,468
vorus- - L. In compounds, devouring, consuming, feeding upon. - 14, 545
>VR
vredenburgensis - GSN. Of Vredenburg. - 12, 302
vridi- - L. In compounds, green-. - 14, 544
vryheidensis - GSN. Named after Vryheid, a town in N.KZN. See Aloe v. - 12, 302; 18,230
VU
vulgaris - DSN. Common. See Berberis v., Calluna v., Erica v., Syringa v., Stoebe v., Prunella v. 10,51,64,142,311, 340; 16, 442b; 18,216,472
-vulnerus - L. In compounds, -wounded. - 14, 545
vulnus – DSN. L. Wound. - 14, 545
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
135
W
WA
wahlenbergia - CSN. Dr. Goran Walenberg, Swedish botanist and author of Flora Lapponica. See genus
Wahlenbergia.- 1, 264; 3, 160; 16, 418a-e, 420a,b; 18,206,494
wakkerstroomianum - GSN. From the Wakkerstroom area. See Geranium w. – 18,152
walafrida - CSN. Walafred Strabo. - 16, 370g
walleria – CSN.. Horace Waller. - 1, 68; 16, 80a
wardii - CSN. Francis Kingdom-Ward. - 12, 304; 13, 1222
warmingia - CSN. Prof Eugine Warming. - 28, 414
waterbergensis - GSN. L. Pertaining to the Waterberg range. Eulophia w., .Hibiscus w., Euphorbia w. - 1,
156, 170; 16, 226a, 254f
watsonia - CSN. Sir William Watson, English scientist. See genus Watsonia. - 1, 74; 3, 62; 16,86g;88d,94de; 18,46,114,240,358
watsoniodes - DGN. Resembling the genus Watsonia, applied when the plant was first described as a
Tritonia with Watsonia-like features. See Watsonia w. - 1, 76; 16, 94e; 18,240
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
136
WE
wealii - CSN. Named after James Weale. See Disperis w. – 18,122
weigela - CSN. C E von Weigel. - 10, 330
weightii - CSN. Robert Wright See Neonotonia w. - 16, 180g
welwitschii - CSN. Friedrich Martin Welwitsch. See Protea w., Eulophia w., Protea w., Protea caffra X
Protea w. -1, 80, 100; 3, 72, 194; 5 pl 60; 16, 102b, 122b & 124a; 18,132,246
wendlandii – CSN. Named after Hermann Wendland. See Streptocarpus w. – 18,486
westringia - CSN. J P Westring. - 10, 331; 12, 300
WH
whitei – CSN. A S White. Mondia w. - 18,70
whyteana - CSN. Alexander Whyte. See Diospyros w. - 1, 194
WI
widdringtonia - CSN. Capt Widdrington.. - 10, 331; 16, 20c
willmottiae - CSN. Ellen Anne Willmott. - 12, 304; 13, 1222
wilmsiana – CSN. Named after Dr. Friedrich Wilms. See Barleria w. – 18,490
wilmsii - CSN. Friedrich Wilms. See Meloboium w., Ilysanthes w., Tetraselago w., Acalypha w.Aristea
w.,Otholobium w., Lippia w.Lindernia w., Craterostigma w., Streptocarpus w. - 1, 128, 236, 240;
3,104; 16, 88e, 190e, 200g, 344g, 366h, 370a,b, 376d, 384c
wilsonii - CSN. Ernest Henry Wilson. - 12, 304; 13, 1222
wisteria - CSN. Casper Wistar. - 12, 300; 13, 1219
WO
woodii - N. Wood. John Medley Wood. See Salix w., Gladiolus w., Erica w., Ceropegia w., Rumex w.
Rhynchosia w., Cyphostemma w., Combretum w., Disperis w., Aristea w., Orbea w. - 1, 72, 76, 192,
212; 3, 74; 11, 18, 51; 16, 86d, 180h, 198d, 244c, 274e, 292d, 318c;
18,58,66,370,376,414,454,572,584,586
wormskioldia - CSN. M Wormskiod. - 5, pl 105
WU
wurmbea - CSN. F von Wurm, Dutch merchant in Java. See genus Wurmbea.- 18,86,342
X
XA
xanth- - G. xantho-. In compounds, yellow, yellowish-. - 14, 280, 547
xantho- - G. xanth-. In compounds, yellow, yellowish-. - 14, 280, 547
xantholeucos - G. Yellowish-white, from xanthos, yellow. - 14, 280
xanthophloea - DSN. G. Yellow bark. See Acacia xanthophloa. - 1, 142; 2, 140; 11, 4
xanthopollinia – DSN. Yellow pollinia. See Diaphananthe x. – 18,522
xanthos - G. Yellow – [zanthos]. See species Acacia xanthophloa, and genus Zanthoxylum. Also
xantholeucos. - 1, 150; 11, 4; 14, 280; 16, 210b
XE
xero- - G. In compounds, dry. - 14, 547
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
137
xeros - G. Dry. See Xerophyta., xerophilus. - 14, 280; 16, 352a; 18,108,352
xerophilus - DSN. G. From xeros, dry and philus, loving. In Plectranthus x. it refers to the dry habitat of
these plants. - 16, 352a
xerophyta - DSN. G. [xeros— phyton : dry—plant]. Plant that loves dry areas, and is structurally adapted for
growth with a limited water supply. - 1, 68; 5, pl 34; 16, 78b-c
XI
xiph- - G. xipho-. In compounds, sword-., sword-like. - 14, 280, 547
xiphium - DSN. Sword-like. Iris x - 13, 1221
xipho- - G. xiph-. In compounds, sword-, sword-like. - 14, 280, 547
xiphos - G. n. Sword. See genus Schoenoxiphium.- 14, 280; 18,506
XU
xulon - G. Wood, timber. See genus Citharexylum. - 10, 96
xuthos - G. In botany, golden yellow.- 14, 280
xyl- - G. xylo-, xylon-. In compounds, woody, relating to wood.- 14, 547
xylo - G. xyl-, xylon-. In compounds, woody, relating to wood.- 14, 547
xylobium - DSN. G. From xylon long and bios life,referring to the usual epiphytic habit of this species. - 28,
414
xylon - G. Wood. See genus Zanthoxylum, Sideroxylon., Xylobium. – 1, 150; 11, 142; 16, 210b; 28, 414
xylon- - G. xyl-, xylo-. In compounds, woody, relating to wood. - 14, 547
xylos - G. Woody. See Xylotheca. - 16, 264f
xylotheca - DGN. G. From Xylos, woody and theca, capsule. - 16, 264f
xyron – DSN. Plant with sharp leaves. See genus Xyris.- 18,222
xysma - G. Lint, thread. See Xysmalobium. - 1, 220; 16, 326d; 18,300,542,578
xysmalobium - DSN. G. From xysma, lint and lobion, pod, because the fruit is covered with a bloom. 1,220; 16,326d
Y
YU
yucca - GSN. Caribbean. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
Z
ZA
za- - G. Much. - 14, 304
zaluzianskya - GSN. Adam Zaluzianskya von Zaluzian, botanist from Prague. See genus Zaluzianskya. 1,238; 3. 139; 16, 368a; 18,190
zambesiacum - GSN. L. Pertaining to the Zambezi. For Rhigozum z. it was originally collected there. 1,240; 5,pl158; 16, 376e
zambesianum - GSN. L. Pertaining to the Zambezi. But Erethrocephalum z. does not occur there. - 5,pl.185
zamiifolia – DGN. Leaves like a cycad. See Zamioculcas z. – 18,506
zanguebarium - GSN. L. From Zanzibar, Zanzibar Coast. Dicerocaryum z. - 1, 244; 5, pl 162
zantedeschia - CSN. Francesco Zantedeschi, Italian physician and botanist.- 1, 18; 3,7 ; 5, pl 11; 16, 30a-c;
18,340
zantho- - G. In compounds, Variant of xantho-. - 14, 548
Botanical Names and Their Meanings
138
zanthophloea - DSN. Yellow wood, referring to the yellow roots from which a dye can be extracted. - 2,184
zanthoxylum - DGN. G. From xanthos, yellow and xylon, wood, the colour of the heart-wood of some
species. - 1, 150; 16, 210b
ZE
zebrina - DSN. Portuguese for zebra, refers to parallel lines on leaves. See Huernia z., Huernia z. var z.,
Ledebouria z. - 1, 208; 16, 314b; 18,512,586
zehneria - CSN. Joseph Zehner, botanical artist.. See genus Zehneria.- 1, 262; 16, 412a, 416c;
18,78,206,558
zelkova - MGN. From zelkoua, the Caucasian name for the species carpinifolia.- 10, 331
zema - G. A drink. See genus Chorizema. - 10, 94
zenobia - MGN. Closely related to the Andromedas and Pieris and commerates the name of Zenobia, Queen
of Palmyra. - 10, 332
zeyheri - CSN. Carl L P Zeyher. Erythrina z., Eulophia z., Tribulus z., Combretum z.., Harpagophytum z.,
Harpagophytum z. subsp z.,Cucumis z., Cucumis prophetarum subsp. z., Dianthus z.,Dicoma z.,
Dicoma z. subsp z., Berkheya z., Berkheya z.subsp z. Schizochilus z., Tapinanthus natalitius subsp z.,
Indigofera z., Jatropha z. var z., Berchemia z., Mimusops z., Pavetta z.. - 1, 126, 184, 244, 262, 266,
268; 5, pl 54, pl 90, 182; 16,110g, 126f, 186f, 194b, 220d, 240d, 276d, 294b, 378g, 380b, , 408b,
412e, 424a, 426h; 18,60,308,382,446,458
zeyherana - CSN. Carl L P Zeyher. See Cephalaria z. - 1, 260; 16, 410a
zeypheriana - CSN. Carl Zeypher. See Ziziphus z. - 16, 240b
ZI
zibethinus - DSN. Smelling like a civet or tomcat. Durio z. - 4, 61
zinnia - CSN. Johan Gottfried Zinn. - 13, 1219; 12, 300; 18,82
zizouf - Arabic name for Zizyphus. - 4, 155; 11, 112
zizipus - MGN. Arabic name for this small tree Zizouf, for Zizyphus jubjuba. - 1, 164; 4,155; 11,112;
16,240a,b
ZO
zona - L. A band. See chlorozonum. - 1, 214
zone - G. f. Belt, girdle, originally a woman's. - 14, 280
zornia - CSN. Johannes Zorn, Bavarian apothecary.- 16, 202b; 18,270
zoster - G. m. Belt, girdle, originally a warrior's. - 14, 280
ZU
zuluensis- GSN. L. From Zululand. Disa z.- 16, 116e
ZY
zygo - G. In compounds, joined, yoked. - 14, 548
zygon - G. From Zygos a yoke, joined. See Hemizygia, Zygopetalum.- 1, 228; 14, 280; 16, 346a; 18,426;
28,416
zygopetalum - DSN. G From zygon yoke and petalon petal or sepal, alluding to the thickened callus at the
base of the lip which appears to hold together, or yoke, the petals. See Zygopetalum - 28, 416
zygos - G. Zygon. A yoke. - 14, 280