Botanical names and their meanings
Botanical names and their meanings
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Botanical names and their meanings
Compiled by John Cunliff and Uschi Teicher Year 2005
The following terms have been used in classifying the names:
Terms Used and their Abbreviations
N |
Name |
GGN |
Generic names derived from geographics |
G. |
Greek |
MGN |
Miscellaneous Generic Names |
L. |
Latin |
GSN |
Geographic Specific Epithets |
CGN |
Commemorative Generic Name |
CSN |
Commemorative Specific Names |
DGN |
Descriptive Generic Name |
DSN |
Descriptive Specific Names |
m |
Male |
n |
Neuter |
f |
Female |
|
|
References
1. GERMISHUIZEN, GERRIT, Transvaal Wild Flowers, South China Printing Co, Hong Kong, 1982, ISBN 0 86954 108 0
2. POOLEY, ELSA, The complete field guide to trees of Natal, Zululand & Transkei, Natal Flora Publications Trust, 1993, ISBN 0-620 17697-0
3. WALKER, JOAN, Wild flowers of KwaZulu - Natal,W R Walker Family Trust, 1996, ISBN 0-620-19079-5.
4. MACOBOY, STIRLING, Trees for fruit and foliage,Landsdowne Press Sydney, 1982, ISBN 0-7018-1625-2.
5. PLOWES, D C H, & DRUMMOND, R B, Wild flowers of Rhodesia, Longmans Rhodesia, ISBN 0-582-64123-3
6. SAVELL, BOB & ANDREWS, STAN, Growing Camellias in the southern hemisphere, Howard Timms Publishers, 1982, ISBN 0-86978-235-5.
7. ANON, How to grow African violets, Sunset Book, Lane Publishing Co, 1978, ISBN 0-376-03056-9.
8. Garden and Home, magazine.
9. GILBERT, ZÖ, Fruit growing in Southern Africa, Purnell, 1978, ISBN 0-868-43921-8
10. HARRISON, RICHMOND E, Handbook of trees and shrubs for the southern hemisphere, R E Harrison & Co Ltd, New Zealand,1960
11. CODD, L E W, Bome en struike van die nasionale Kruger-Wildtuin, Die Staatsdrukker, Pretoria 1951
12. ANON., Reader's Digest complete guide to gardening in South Africa, The Reader's Digest Association, Cape Town, 1971. Vol,1 pages 297 to 304.
13. ANON, The Reader's Digest Complete Library of the Garden, The Reader's Digest Association Limited, London, First edition, Volume 3, pages 1218 to 1223.
14. STEARN, WILLIAM T, Botanical Latin,third edition1987, David & Charles, ISBN 0-7153-8548-8
15. DAVIDSON, ALAN & KNOX, CHARLOTTE, Fruit, a connoisseur's guide and cookbook,Mitchell Beazley, 1991, ISBN 0 855 33 903 9.
16.FABIAN, ANITA and GERMISHUUIZEN, GERRIT, Wild Flowers of Northern South Africa,Fernwood Press, 1997, ISBN 1 874950 296
17. PALMGRAVE, K C, Trees of Southern Africa, Struik Publishers, 1990, ISBN 0 86977 8100
18. POOLEY, Elsa, A Field Guide to Wild Flowers Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Region, Natal Flora Publications Trust, ISBN 0 620 21500-3
19. PLEASANT, BARBARA, The Gardener's Weed Book, Storey Communications Inc. Schoolhouse road, Pownal, Vermont 05 261, 1996, ISBN 0-88266-921-4
20. PERRY, FRANCIS, Flowers of the World, Hamlyn, London, New York, Sydney, Toronto,
21. CANDY, SOLVIG, Natal Coast Gardening,Knox Printing Company (Pty) Ltd, 30-36 Baker Street, Durban. Seventh Edition 1959
22. POTGIETER, MARTIN 7 MADZIBANE, JOEY. Mopane-Veldt, Veld & Flora,Vol 87(2), June 2 001.
23. Veld & Flora magazine.
24. DE BRAY, LYS, Nature Facts. Flowers, Grange Books, ISBN 1-85627-349-0, reprint 1993.
25. POOLEY, ELSA, The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal Zululand and Transkei.Natal Floral Publication Trust, c/o Natal Herbarium, Botanic Gardens, Durban, 4 000, First edition 1993, ISBN 0 620 17612 0.
26. DAVIDSON, ALAN and KNOX< CHARLOTTE< Fruit,. A Connoisseur’s Guide and Cookbook, Mitchell Beazley Publishers, 1991, ISBN 0 855 903 9
27. PACKHAM, THOMAS, Meeting with Remarkable Trees,1997, Jonathan Hall Publishers, IISBN 186842 0248
28. BECHEL Helmut, GRIBB Phillip, LAUNERT Edmund, The Manual of Cultivated Orchid Species, Blandford Press Poole Dorset. ISBN 0 7137 1097 7 First published 1980
29. Veld and Flora. Journal of the Botanical Society of South African
A
a - G. a not. Example: Aptosimum from a ptosimos, not falling. - 23, Dec 2000,
-a - See -ulus, -tus, -uus.
- - L. a- before a consonant; ab- before a consonant or vowel; abs- before a c or t. Greek apo-. Away from, out of, from, by, at, in. Abaxialis, away from the axis. - 14, 302, 378
- a-- G. Prefix. a- before a consonant; an- before a vowel. Not, without, destitute of, lacking; un-, less; See e-, ex. Achromus, without colour. See agaratum, and genus Alepidea, Aspilia.- 14,304,378; 16,434; 18,160,318
AB
ab- - L. See a-.- 14, 302 - 14, 302
abbottii – CSN. Named after Tony Abbott. See Psoralea a. – 18,462
abbreviata - DSN. L. Shortened, stunted. See Cassia a. - 1, 134; 16, 166b
abelia - CGN. Dr Clarke Abel. - 10, 11; 12, 299 DGN. Leaves resemble those of Abelia. -10, 12
-abilis - -is, -e. See –bilis . - 14, 307
abros - G. Delicate, soft. See genus Abrus - 1, 126; 18,60,464
abrotanum- -DSN. Artemisia a. - 13, 1221
abrus - MGN. (1) Origin uncertain. Possibly from the Greek abros, delicate, but more probably an Arabic name for genus Abrus. (2) From abros,soft, refers to the leaves - 1, 126; 16, 194c; 18,60
abs- - See a-. - 14, 302
abutilon - MGN. Arabic name for a mallow-like plant. See genus Abutilon.- 10, 12; 16, 252e; 18,282
abyssinica – GSN. L. Pertaining, or from, to Abyssinia now Ethiopia. See Bulbine a., Stephania a.- 1, 30; 16, 56f, 136i; 18,52,224
AC
ac- - See ad- - 14, 302
acacallis - MGN. G. From the Greek Akakallis who was a nymph and the lover of Apollo. - 28,39
acacia - DSN. G. From the Greek Akakia or (acantha), used by Dioscorides. From akantha, thorn an outstanding feature of this genus Acacia - 1, 142, 144; 10, 14; 11, 35; 12, 300;
16,160b-f,162a-h, 164a-d
acalypha – DGN. G. Nettle. The ancient Greek name, used by Hippocrates, for the nettle which this genus's leaves resemble. - 1, 154; 2, 226; 3, 104; 10, 18; 16, 224c,d,g, 228g; 18,62
acampe - DSN, G. From akampes rigid, in reference to the small brittle flowers and probably an allusion to Rheede’s “rigid air flower”. See genus Acampe.- 18,246; 28,40;
acanth- - L. acantho-. Thorny, spiny. See akanthos - 14, 379
acantha - G. f. Spine, thorn, prickle. - 14, 272
acanthephippium - DSN. G. From akantha thorn and ephippion saddle probably referring to the shape of the blade of the lip which has 2 parallel, toothed crests which fancifully resemble a saddle. - 28,40
acanthocarpa - DSN. With a thorny fruit. - 10, 339
acanthus – DSN. A genus of Acantaceae. See Rhinacanthus.- 18,438
acaulis - DSN. Stemless. See Crinum a.- 18, 348, 12, 304; 13, 1222
-aceae - Suffix added to stem of name or synonym of type genus to form name of family. Cyperaceae from Cyprus. - 14, 379
acer – DSN. L. Sharp. The leaves sharply toothed, generally in diginate form (resembling a spread hand) with 3 to 13 lobes. The name for maple. - 4, 15; 10, 18
acerifolius - DSN. Having sharp leaves. - 10, 339
acerosum – DSN. Needle-shaped, like a pine needle. See Phymaspermum a. – 18,320
-aceus - -a, -um. Indicates resemblance; noun base. Coriaceus, from corium, leathery. - 14, 307
achillea - MGN. Genus Achillea named after Achilles, mythical warrior. - 12, 297; 13, 1216; 18,218
achyron - G. Chaff, husks. See genus Achyranthes. - 14, 272; 18,528
acidos - G. f. Acis. Pointed object. - 14, 272
acinaciformis - DSN. L. Like a curved sword or scimitar. See Crassula a. - 1, 120;18,142
acineta - DGN. G. From akinetos immoveable describing the rigid jointless condition of the lip. - 28,41
acis - G. f. Acidos. Pointed object. -14, 272
acme - G. f. Highest point - 14, 272
acokanthera - DSN. G. Sharp-pointed bloom. For Acokanthera from akok meaning point, and anthera, the anthers being pointed. - 1, 204; 10, 22; 16, 306c, 308c
aconitiflora - DSN. L. With flowers similar to those of Aconitum, a member of the Ranunculaceae. See Duvernoia. a. - 16, 398c
aconitoides - DSN. Resembles aconite or monkshood (Aconitum). See Disa a. 16, 112a;18,364
aconitum - GSN. A hill in Pontica, Asia Minor. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
acraeum - DSN. G. Dweller on the heights. See Pelargonium a. - 1, 148; 16, 204i,j; 18,400
acridocarp - DSN. G. Locust winged. Locust fruit, alluding to the wings on the fruit that resemble outspread wings of a locust. - 2, 206; 16, 216b
acros - G. At the tip, end, summit. - 14, 272
acrotome - DSN. G. From akrotomos, cut off sharply at the end. - 1, 228, 230; 16, 346g, 348f
actinaciformis - DSN. L. Like a curved sword or scimitar. In Crassula a. it alludes to the leaf shape. - 16,154a
actino- - G. In compounds, rayed, star-like, radiating from a centre. Actinodromus, with veins radiating from the centre. - 14, 380
actinos - G. f. Actis. Ray. - 14, 272
actis - G. f. Actinos. Ray. - 14, 272
aculeastrum - DSN. G. Spiny. Solanum a. - 2, 446
aculeata – DSN. L. Prickly. See Eulophia a. subsp huttonii. + Pereskia a., - 16, 98d; 18,126,158,370
aculeatum - DSN. Prickly, with horns. In Papaver a. it refers to the stems. - 16,142d; 18,52
aculum - Indicates an instrument or means; verb base. Retinaculum, hold fast, tether from retinere, to hold back, restrain. - 14, 305
acuminata - DSN. Gradually diminishing point. Tapering into a long narrow point. In Maytenus a. it refers to the leaves. In Melhania a it refers to the shape of the epicalyx bracts which taper abruptly to a point. See Melhania a.,Hypoxis a. - 2, 262; 5, pl 104; 16, 260f; 18,232
acutatum - DSN. L. Sharpened slightly, as in the apex. See Helichrysum a. - 16, 440d; 18,310
acuti - L. Acute, sharp. See acutiloba. - 1, 32
acutifolius - DSN. L. Having pointed leaves. See Lycium a.- 10, 339; 18,188
acutiloba - DSN. L. With sharp-pointed lobes. See Tulbaghia a. - 1, 32; 16, 52h; 18,510
acutipetala - DSN. L. With sharply pointed petals. See Khadia a. - 1, 106; 16, 134e; 18,380
acutisepala - DSN. L. With sharp pointed sepals. See Indigofera a. - 1, 124
AD
ad- - L. ac- before c; af- before f; ag- before g; al- before l; an- before n; ap- before p; ar- before r; as- before s, at- before t. Towards, near. Appendix, something that hangs on. - 14, 302
ada - MGN. G. Named after Ada, the sister of Artemisia, from Caria. - 28,42
adahatodoides - DGN. Resembling Adhatoda, another genus in the family. See Duvernoia a. 1, 250
adansonia - CSN. Michel Adanson. - 1, 172; 4, 19; 16, 258
aden- - G. In compounds, gland-. Adenospermus, with glandular seeds. 14, 380
aden - G. f. Adenos. A gland. See genus Synadenium, Adenandra, Adenocarpum, Macradenia, Adenia, Tetradenia, Monadenium.- 1, 156, 276; 10, 22; 14, 272; 16, 226f; 18,68,472,534; 28,295
adenandra - DSN. From aden, a gland, and aner a male, the anthers are tipped with a globose gland. - 10, 22
adenia - DSN. G. A glandular enlargement. From aden, a gland, referring to glands on the leaf stalk, flower. See genus Adenia.- 1, 180; 16, 268a,b, 270a-c; 18,68,290
adenioides - DGN. Resembling the genus Adenium. See Ipomoea a. 1, 222; 16, 334e
adenium - DSN. G. Having a glandular enlargement. Alternatively, Forskal recorded the Arabian vernacular name of Nerium obesum as Oddaeyn or Aden, and it is from the latter, and not the city, that the generic name Adenium is derived. See also species adenioides. - 1,200,204,222; 5, pl 123; 16, 302c, 306b; 18,416
adenocarpum - DSN. G. From aden, gland and karpos, fruit. Glandular fruit. Helichrysum a. has glandular achenes. Also Helichrysum a.subsp a. - 1, 276; 5, pl 188; 16, 438c; 18,442
adenodes - DSN. With glandular knots. See Rhynchosia a. – 18,270
adenos - G. Aden. A gland. See Adenostemma, Monadenia - 14, 272; 16, 448d; 18,572
adenostemma - DSN.G. From adenos, a gland and stemma, a garland. - 16, 448d
adhatoda – DGN. A Malabar name. See Adhatoda, adhatodoides. - 1, 250; 16, 388d; 18,202
adhatodoides - DSN. Resembling Adhatoda another genus of the family. See Duveronia a. - 1, 250; 16,388d
adianthiferra - Leaves like maiden-hair fern. - 2, 118
adianthifolia - DSN. L. With leaves like a maidenhair fern, bipinate. See Albizia a. 1, 134; 2, 118; 3,196; 16, 166e
adina - DSN. G. From adinos, grouped [gegroepeer] and it refers to the flowers. -11, 170
adinos - See genus Adina - 11, 170
adinstar - L. Similar to. {aster} See genus Cotoneaster - 12, 300
adoensis - MSN. Derived from a place name in Ethiopia. See Coccinia a.,Vernonia a. 1, 262; 16,412b; 18,308,440
adonense - GSN. L. Resembling the genus Adonis. From Addo in the Cape where Cycnium a. were first collected. See Cycnium a. subsp a. - 1, 234; 5, pl 148; 16, 364f; 18,196
adonis - See Adonense. - 1, 234
adromischus - DGN. G. From hadros, thick or stout and mischos, a stalk, alluding to the stout pedicles of these succulent plants. - 16, 158b
AE
aemulans - In Encephalartos a. it refers to similar size of the male and female cones. - 2, 46
aeollanthus - DSN. G. From aiolos, changeable and anthos, a flower. - !, 232; 16, 350a,b, 354d, 358f
aequalis - DSN. L. Equal or smaller in size. See Phygelius e. - 1, 236; 16, 366b; 18,72
aequinoctiale - DSN. Refers to the equinox, when day and night are of equal length.
See Aneilema a. – 18,222
aër, or aer - G. Air, mist. See Aerangis, Aeranthes, Aerides. - 1, 96; 16, 118b; 18,130; 28,43, 45
aërangis or aerangis - DSN. G. From aër/aer, air and angium, a vessel, probably an allusion to the long spur of the lip in the type species. Rangaeris is related to and an anagram of this. See Rangaeris - 1,96; 16, 118b-c; 28,43, 382
aeranthes - DSN. G. From aer air and anthos flower, either an allusion to the epiphytic habit or delicate flowers (air flowers) or to the damp habits favoured by the species of this genus (mist flowers). - 28,45
aerides - DSN. G. From aer air and eides resembling and alludes to the epiphytic habit of this plant. It is a patronymic meaning literally ‘children of the air’- .28,46
aerva - MGN. From the Arabic name of the plant. - 16, 300g
aeschynomene - DSN. G. Aischunomenos, to shame, alluding to the leaves in some species that are sensitive to touch. - 16, 190d
aesculapius – MGN. Immortalised as god of medicine. See genus Asclepias.- 18,170
aesculus - DSN. An ancient Greek name, at one time referring to some other tree, probably the oak, but now embracing the genus Aesculus of 25 species, commonly known as Horse Chestnut. 10,23
aestiva – DSN. Flowering in summer. See Erica a. – 18,410
aestivalis - DSN. Of summer. See Erica a. - 12, 304; 13, 1223;
aethiopica – GSN. In early botanical Latin it simply means 'Africa.' This is the meaning in Hibiscus a.,Stachys a.of Ethiopianorigin. Zantedeschia a. came from the Cape, see reference 3,7. - 3,7; 5,pl97; 12, 302; 18,84,182
aethiopicum - GSN. From Ethiopia. See Hypericum a., Hypericum a. subsp sonderi. - 1, 178; 16,266e, 18,290
aethiopicus - GSN. L. For genus Aethiopicus; 'Aethiopia' in Roman times extended beyond modern Ethiopia. In early botanical Latin aethiopica simply meant 'African'. See Hibiscus a., Hibiscus a var ovatus. - 5,pl 97; 16, 256b,c, 18,284
-aeus - -a, um. Indicates 'belonging to'; noun base. Europaeus, European, from Europe. - 14, 310
AF
af- - See ad-. - 14, 302
af - Seed - 18, 302
affinis – DSN. L. Related, neighbouring.. See Asclepias a., Barleria a.,Trachyandra a. - 1,210; 3,122; 16,316c, 398i; 18,86
afra - GSN. L. Of Africa. See Portulacaria a., Artemisia a. 1, 108; 16, 134l, 452c
africana - GSN. L. From Africa. See Commelina a, Cordyla a., Celtis a., Dichorostachys cinerea subsp. a. var. a., Menodora a., Geropegia a., Kigelia a., Monochoria a., Ansellia a., Persicaria attenuata subsp a., Gisekia a., Gisekia a. var. a., Commiphora a., Myrsine a., Olea, europea subsp a. - 1,20,98,130 194, 212, 242; 2, 156; 16, 28c, 32a, 118a, 120d, 128b, 132a, 170e, 212b
africanum - GSN. L. From Africa. See Peltophorum a., Thilbachium a., Gossypium herbaceum subsp a. 1,138; 16, 148a, 256e
africanus - GSN. L. From or of Africa. See Aspharagus a., Abrus preactorius subsp. a., Stomatanthes a. - 1, 38, 126; 16, 172a, 194c, 448c
azelia - CSN. Adam Afzel. - 11, 59; 16, 174c
AG
ag- - See ad-. - 14, 302
agapanthus - DSN. G. From agape, meaning love and anthos, a flower., alluding to the 'lovely' flowers. - 1,22; 3, 22; 16, 54a
agape - G. Love. See Agapanthus. - 1, 22; 3, 22; 16, 54a; 18,450
agathis - DSN. G. Ball of string. Refers to the fruit cone's shape. Agathis, a clew of thread, being a reference to the shape of the cone scales. 4, 20; 10, 24
agathisanthemum - DSN. G. With flowers arranged in flower-heads. - 16, 404f
agathos - G. Good. Pleasant. See genus Agathosma. - 10, 24; 14, 272; 18,402
agathosma - DSN. From agathos, pleasant and osma, smell, referring to the pleasant aromatic smell of some species of this genus.
ageraos – DSN. Ageless. See genus Ageratum.- 18,498
ageratum - DSN. Presumably from a, not and gerras, old age, perhaps because the flowers retain their clear colour for a long time. - 16, 434d
aggeion - A vessel. See genus Hydrangea. See also aggos. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
aggos - A vessel. See genus Hydrangea, Angophora. See also aggeion - 10, 183; 10, 29, 183
-ago - Indicates resemblance or connection; noun base. Plumbago, kind of lead, from plumbum, lead. - 14,305
agon - A gathering. See genus Agonis. - 10, 24
agonis - DSN. From agon, a gathering or collection, an allusion to the number of seeds. - 10,24
agropyroides - DSN. From agros, a field and pyros, wheat. - 1, 14
agros - G. A field. A Greek name for Vitex agnus-castus. See genus Elaeagnus or species agropyroides. – 1, 14;10,133
agrostis - G. f. A kind of grass. See genus Eragrotis and species agropyroides. - 1, 14; 14,272; 16,24a,g,22b
AI
ai- - G. Always. Or. L. See semper-. - 14, 303, 304
ailanthus - MGN. From ailanto native name of A. moluccana, meaning tree of Heaven. - 10,25
ailanto - A native name of A. moluccana, meaning tree of Heaven.See Ailanthus - 10, 25
aiolos - G. Changeable. Greek God of wind. See Aeollanthus. - 1, 232; 16, 350a; 18,184
aischunomenos - G. To shame. See Aeschynomense. - 16, 90d
AJ
ajuga - DSN. L. A bugle, hence the common name or possibly from azygon, without a yoke. See genus Ajuga.- 1,230; 16, 348a; 18,470
AK
akakallis – MGN. G. From the Greek Akakallis who was a nymph and the lover of Apollo.. See Acacallis - 28,39
akakia - G. See genus Acacia. - 10, 14; 12, 300
akampes - G. From akampes rigid, thorn. See Acacia, Hyperacantha, Acanthephippium - 1,140,142; 16,400d; 28,40
akanthos - DSN. A thorn [acantha]. See genus Pyracantha, Pyrenacantha, Chaetacanthus or species myriacantha. - 1, 42, 162; 12, 300, 301; 13, 1219, 1220; 16, 238a; 18,198,280
akelephe - A nettle. See Acalypha - 18,62
akinetos- G. Immoveable. See Acineta - 28,41
akme - G. Point. See Raphionacme. - 1, 206; 16, 310a; 18,542
akok- DSN. Point. See genus Acokanthera. - 10, 22
akron – DSN. Summit. See genus Acrotome.- 18,180
akros – DSN. Summit. See genus Epacris, Acrolophia.- 10, 137; 18,574
akrotomos - G. Cut off sharply at the end. See genus Acrotome. - 1, 228
AL
al- - See ad-. - 14, 302
alamania - CSN. Don Lucas Alamán. - 28, 47
alata - DSN. L. Winged or wings. See Schrebera a., Thunbergia a., refers to winged petioles of the mature leaves. Schrebera a., Thunbergia a., Athrixia a., Atalaya a., Loxosylisa a. - 1,196, 254, 268; 2,244,286, 408; 3, 150; 5, pl 170; 16, 296g, 392c; 18,76
alatum – DSN.Winged. Referring to the seed in Sesamum a. - 1, 244; 5, pl 161, 18,434
alatus - DSN. Winged. Euonymus a. - 10, 151, 339
alba – DSN. L. White. See Kyllinga a., Crassula a., Cornus a., Correa a., Populus a. Also part of albomaculata. In Crassula a.it is inappropriate because most of the petals are red. - 1,16,18,11,122; 10, 103, 106, 260, 339; 13, 1223; 16,26g,150d,156c; 18,54,84,386
albanensis – GSN. From Albany , E Cape, South Africa. Eugenia a. - 18,68
albens – DSN. Whitened. See Asclepias a. – 18,416
alberta - CSN. Albertus Magnus. - 10, 26
albertisia – CGN. isia, in connection, with Prince Albert of Belgium. See genus Albertisia.- 18,252
albida - DSN. L. Whitish. In Faidherbia a. refers to white stems. See Acacia a. In Polygala a. subsp a. it refers to the flowers. - 1, 144; 2, 122; 16 160a, 216c
albicuspa - DSN. Tipped with white sharp points. See Moraea a. – 18,108
albiflora - DSN. L. Having white flowers. See Hemizygia a., Nemesia a., Chironia a. - 16,358d,372f; 18,164
albiflos – DSN. White flowers. See Haemanthus a. – 18,104
albivenia - DSN. L. White-veined. See Ipomoea a. - 1, 222; 16, 334g; 18,178
albizia - DGN. Family Albizzi, now spelt Albizi. - 1, 134; 10, 26; 16, 166d,e, 176c,d
alboaculata – DSN. White-spotted. Zantedeschia a. - 18,86
albescens – DSN. Becoming white. Kniphofia a. - 18,90
albomontana – DSN.From albus white and montanum mountain. For Knipofia albomontana, referring to Thabamhlophe, the Zulu name for the type locality. - 18,28
albostellata - DSN.L. Having white star-like hairs. See Barleria a. - 1, 254; 16, 392
albostriatus – DSN. White striped. See Cyperus a. – 18,502
albostellata - DSN.L. Having white star-like hairs. See Barleria a. - 1, 254; 16, 392d
albotomentosa - DSN. L. Densely covered with woolly hairs. See Persicaria senegalensis forma a.- 16,128a
albotomentosum - DSN. L. Densely white-woolly. See Polygonum senegalense a. - 1, 104
albuca - DSN. L.White, alluding to a few species with white flowers. From albus, white or albicans, becoming white - 1, 22; 3, 26; 16, 34e-g; 18,92
albucans - Becoming white. See Albuca - 18,92
albus – DSN. White, or albicans, becoming white. See Knipofia albomontana, Albuca - 12,30; 18,28,230
alchemilla -DSN. Arabic - 12, 301; 13, 1220; 16, 206c
alchemilloides - DGN. Resembling the genus Alchemilla. See Pelargonium a. - 1, 148; 16,206c; 18,154
alectra - DSN. G. From alectron, a cock, an allusion to the resemblance of the flowers to a cock's comb. - 1, 238; 16, 368l, 372b,c
alectron - G. A cock -[Alectra]. See Alectra - 1, 238; 16, 368l
alektor – DSN. A cock, resembles a cock’s comb. See genus Alectra.- 18,306
alektruon – DSN. A cock. See genus Alectra.- 18,306
alepidea - DSN. G. Not scaly. - 1, 190; 16, 286c,d
-ales - Suffix added to stem of name of type family to form name of order. Leguminales, from Leguminosae. - 14, 383
aleurites - DSN. G. From aleuron, floury, the pale mealy foliage stands out from the darker leaves of other trees. – 4, 21
aleuron - G. Floury. See genus Aleurites. - 4, 21
algida – DSN. Cold loving, refers to the habitat of the plants. See Erica a. – 18,412
aliceae – CSN. Named after Alice Pegler. See Mystacidium a.- 18,522
-alis - -is, -e. Suffix with sense of 'belonging to, resembling, provided with, pertaining to'; used to form adjectives from nouns i. e. noun base. Dorsalis, dorsal from, dorsum, back. See genus Rhipsalis.- 14,307,383; 18,158,540
alisma - DSN. Linnaean name for a waterplant. - 18,84
allionii - CSN. Carlo Allioni. - 12, 303; 13, 1222
allo- - G. In compounds, other, another, different, foreign, strange, diverse leaves. See genus Allophylus. –14, 272,383
allophylus – DSN. Diverse leaves.
alnifolia - DGN. Leaves like the Alder. See Maesa a. – 18,162
aloe - DSN. G. Name for Aloe bardadensis (Aloe vera), the bitter aloes of medicine. Linnaeus named it after the Arabic name for aloe, alloeh. - 1, 40; 3, 20; 16, 46a, 48a-g; 18,228,342,510
alopecuroides – DGN. Resembling the genus Alopecuryus. In Stiburus a. meaning grass like a fox's tail - 16, 22a
alopecurus - DSN. G. A fox's tail. In Erica a. var a. it alludes to the appearance of the leafy branches. –16,290a; 18,412
alpestris - GSN. Lover of the Alps. - 12, 303; 13, 1222
alpina – GSN. Alpine. Indigofera a. - 18,56
alpini - CSN. Named after Italian botanist Prospero Alpino. See Secamone a. – 18,172
alpinum - GSN. Alpine. See Melolobium a. – 18,262
alpinus - GSN. From the Alps. Of the high Alps. - 10, 339; 12, 303; 13, 1222
als - G. Salt. See genus Oxalis. - 3, 100; 18,402
alsinoides - DSN. L. Resembles the genus Alsine. See Evolvulus a., Evolvulus a. var linifolius – 1 224; 16, 334k; 18,468
alstroemeria - CSN. Baron Claus Alstroemer. - 12, 299; 13, 1218
alternifolius - DSN. With alternate leaves. - 10, 339
alterno – DSN. Alternate. See genus Alternanthera.- 18,528
altissima – DSN. High, highest. See Ailanthus a., Urgenia a. - 10, 25, 339; 18,94
aluns - MGN. The Latin name for Alder. - 10, 27
alysicarpus - DSN. From alysis,chain and karpos, fruit, because the pod is restricted between the seeds - 18,60
alysis – DSN. Chain. See Alysicarpus - 18,60
AM
amabilis - DSN. See Kolkwitzia k. - 10, 199, 399
amajubica – GSN. Named for Majuba mountain, KZN. See Lotononis a. – 18,460
amarantos – DSN. Immortal. See genus Amaranthus.- 18,52
amatymbica - CGN. After the amaThembu people. See Alepidea a., Kohautia a., Polygala a. – 18,160,202,404
amaryllis - CGN. A countrywoman in the works of Virgil. GSN. Derived from the amaThembu, inhabitants of Caffraria or in ref. 3, the Cape or land previously known as Kaffraria. See Polygala a., Alepidea a., Alepidea a. var a., Kohautia a. - 1, 152, 190, 256; 3, 154; 12,297, 13,1218,16, 218e,f, 286d, 400g
amb - ambi-. Around, round about. - 14, 302
ambigua - DSN. L. Doubtful. See Gerbera a. - 1, 278; 16, 446d,e, 450d.e, 454I; 18,220
ambiguus – DSN. Uncertain. See Plectranthus a. – 18,472
amblostoma - DSN. G. From amblys blunt and stoma mouth, alluding to the flat appearance of the flower due to the lip being firmly adnate to the column. - 28, 48
ambly- - G. In compounds, blunt obtuse. Amblyantherus, blunt-anthered. - 14, 384
amblyantherus - G. From ambly-, blunt and antherus, anthers, blunt-anthered - 14, 383
amboinicus - GSN. After Amboina, a Moluccan Island. Plectranthus a. – 18,184
ambrosia – DSN. Food of Greek and Roman gods. See genus Ambrosia.- 18,558
ambrosioides – DGN. Ambrosialike. See Chenopodium a. – 18,526
ambyls – DSN. G. Blunt, dulled. . See Amblostoma - 14, 272; 28, 48
amelanchier - DSN. French name for A. ovalis. - 10, 28; 12, 301; 13, 1220,
amellus - L. Michaelmas. Aster a.- 13, 1221
americana - MSN. In species Ximenia a. var. microphylla it refers to similarity with the American 'Hog Plum'. - 11, 4
americanus - GSN. L. From America. See Gyrocarpus a. -16, 142c
amesiella - CSN. Professor Oakes Ames, 1874-1950. - 28, 48
ammo- - G. In compounds, sand. ammobius, dwelling on sand. - 14, 384
ammobius - G. From ammo-, sand, dwelling on sand. - 14, 384
ammocharis - DSN. G. From ammos, sand and charis, grace, beauty. Sand beauty. - 1, 52; 5,pl19; 16, 74a
ammos - G. Sand. See genus Ammocharis. - 1, 52; 5, pl 19; 16,74a; 18,350
amoena - DSN. L. Pleasant. See Gardenia a. - 1, 256
amoenus - DSN. L. Pleasing, delightful. Hypercanthus a. - 2, 460; 12, 304; 13, 1222; 16, 400d
ampelos – DSN. G. f. Climbing plant, vine. See Cissampelos. - 14, 272; 16, 136h; 18,52,252
amphi - G. On both sides. See Amphidoxa - 1, 278
amphi- - G. ampho-. In compounds, around, double, on both sides, around, both, of two kinds. Amphicarpus, with two kinds of fruit. - 14, 304
amphicarpus - G. From amphi-, of two kinds, with two kinds of fruit. - 14, 304
amphidoxa - DSN. G. From amphi, on both sides and doxa, decision. because this genus has affinities with several other genera. - 1, 278- G. See amphi.. - 14, 304
amplexicaule – DSN. Stem clasping. See Heliotropium a. – 18,422
ampho – G. See amphi. – 14,304
ampliata - DSN. L. Enlarged. In Ceropegia a. referring to the generous proportions of the corolla tube. – 1,212; 16, 318a; 18,172
AN
an- - G. See a-. L. ad-. In compounds before a vowel, without, destitute of, lacking, un-, -less. - 14,302, 384
ana- - L. See re-. G. ano-. In compounds, upwards, back, again, with general sense of increasing, strengthening, repeating, upon, up, upwards, above. Anabaptistus, renamed. - 14,302,303,304,384
anabaptistus - G. From ana-, again and baptus, name, renamed. - 14, 384
anacampseros - DSN. G. From anakampseros, a herb that brought back love when touched. - 1,108; 16,134k
anagallis - (1). DGN. See Veronica anagallis-aquatica. (2). Greek name for Pimpernel plant. - 16,372e; 18,70
anagallis-aquatica - DSN. L. From anagallis referring to the genus Anagallis which includes the scarlet pimpernel and aquatica, growing near water. See Veronica a. - 16, 372e; 18,430
anagelao – DGN. Greek name for Pimpernel plant, believed to remove sadness. See genus Anagallis.- 18,162
anceps – DSN. Two edged, flattened, compressed. See Lobelia a.,Viscum a.,Smilax a. – 18,494,526,572
-anche - G. See ancho. Ending of names of poisonous plants. - 14, 272
ancho - G. To strangle, hence -anche as ending of names of poisonous plants. See Cynanchum - 14,272; 16,332b; 18,552
anchousa – DSN. A paint used for the skin. See genus Anchusa. - 13, 1221
anchusa - DSN. From anchousa, a paint used for the skin. -12, 302; 13, 1221
ancistrochilus - DSN. G. From ankistron hook and cheilos lip, referring to the hook-like mid-lobe of the lip. - 28, 49
ancistron -G. n. Fish-hook. - 14, 272
ancistrorhynchus -DSN. G. From ankistron hook and rhynchos beak, alluding to the hook-like rostellum which is curved back on itself. - 28, 49
ancyl – DSN. Bent, crooked,curved. See genus Ancylobothrys.- 18,166
andro- - -andrus. G. In compounds, male. - 14, 385
androcymbium - DSN. G. From andros, male and kymbion, a small cup. - 1, 22; 16, 54b-c; 18,86
andromeda - MGN. The daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopea who was rescued from the sea monster by Perseus. - 10, 29; 13, 1218
andros - G. Male - stamens. See genus Calliandra, Stephanandra, Androcymbium, Crossandra, Trachyandra, Adrostachys or species triandra, - 1, 14, 22, 254; 10, 61; 10, 305; 16,24c,50f 54b-c 222c; 18,78,86,86
androstachys - DSN. G. From andros, a man and stachys, a spike, alluding to the male and female flowers being borne separately. - 16, 222c
-andrus - andro-. G. In compounds, male. - 14, 385
aneilema - DSN. G. Without spaths (sheaths). – See genus Aneilema. – 18,222,448
anemo- - G. In compounds, pertaining to the wind. Anemophilus, wind-loving. - 1, 20; 16, 32i
anemone - DSN. Wind-flower. - 13, 1219; 12, 300
anemophilus G. From anemo-, wind giving, wind-loving. - 14, 385
anemos – G. Wind; also of older, Semitic origin, from nahamea, handsome, equivalent of Adonis. See genus Anemone.- 18,382
anepsia – DSN. Cousin. See genus Aspidonepsis.- 18,168
aner - A male. See Adenandra - 10, 22
-aneus - -a, -um. Indicates resemblance or material out of which something is made; noun base. Cutaneus, relating to the skin from, cutis, skin. - 14, 307
angeion - G. Vessel. See Hydrangea, angiosperm. -8. Dec 2001, p119; 24, 12
angio - G. Vessel, receptacle. See genus Aerangis, where it refers to bloodvessel-like spur. - 14, 272; 18,130
angiosperm - G. From angeion, container, and sperm,a seed. Plants in which ovules are encased in an ovary. - 24,12
angium - G. A vessel. See Aërangis. -1, 96; 16, 118b
angolense - GSN. L. From Angola. Protea a., Geniosporum a. - 1, 228; 5, pl 58; 16, 346j, 356c
angolensis - DSN. L. From Angola. See Haworthia a., Eulophia a., Hebenstreitia a., Protea a.Aristea a. subsp majubensis, Maerua a., Pterocarpus a., Lobelia a. - 1, 36, 92, 234; 5,pl57; 16, 50a, 88f, 114d, 146b, 192f, 364j, 420g
angophora - DSN. From aggos, a vessel and phero, to bear, the allusion is to the shape of the fruit. - 10, 29
angos - G. Vessel. See Aerangis, Chamaengis, Grammangis, Podangis - 28,43, 86, 153,377
angraecopsis - DGN. G. From Angraecum, a genus of African epiphytic orchids and opsis looking like, from their resemblance to some Angraecum species. - 28, 50
angraecum - DGN. L. Latinised version of the Malayan name angurek, for epiphytic orchids resembling Aerides, Vanda, etc. - 16,96e; 28, 50
angulicaule – DSN. Angled stems. Anthericum - 18,88
angulare - DSN. Corners. See Jasminum a. – 18,162
angulatum – DSN. Angled, with corners. See Abutilon a., - 18,282
angulatus - DSN. L. Angled. See Solanecio a. - 16, 428d; 18,330
angulicaule – DSN. Angled stems or with angled stems. See Anthericum a. - 16, 52e; 18,88
angulifolia – DSN. Angular leaves. See Vernonia a. – 18,440
anguloa - CSN. Don Francisco de Angulo, Director-General of Mines in Peru. - 28, 54
angurek – DSN. From the Malay angurek for this type of orchid. See genus Angraecum - 16,96e; 18,126
angusta – DSN. Narrow, small. See Scleria a. – 18,568
angustata - DSN. L. Narrow. See Acalypha a., Acalypha a. var glabra.,Gonatopus a. – 1, 154; 16, 228g; 18,570
angusticladus - DSN. L. Having narrow cladodes [a leaf-like organ found in Asparagus species]. See Asparagus a. –16, 58b
angustifolia - DSN. L. Having narrow leaves. See Bulbine a., Salvadora a., Cleome a., Dolichos a., Monsonia a., Crabbiea a., Pentanisia a., Rinorea a., Merremia tridentata subsp a. var. a., Cephalanthus a, Acalypha a., Acalypha a. var glabra.,Kyphocarpa a., Stenosemis a., Hypoxis a., Nerine a., Sphenostylis a., Trichodesma a., Periglossum a., - 1, 30, 114, 124, 148, 248, 256; 2, 324, 414; 3, 154; 5, pl 70; 16, 56h, 144e, 186c, 204e, 334h, 386g, 400b; 18,26,134,162,232,346,396,400,468,546
angustifolium - DSN. L. Having narrow leaves. See Becium a. - 16, 358a
angustifolius - DSN. L. Having narrow leaves. See Dolichos a., Sphenostylis a., Merremia tridentata subsp. a. - 1, 124, 128, 222; 16, 200h
anisata - DGN. L. Like anise. See Clausena a. - 16, 208d
anise - See anisata - 16, 208d
aniso - G. In compounds, unequal, uneven. [an - iso]. Anisodontus, unevenly toothed. - 14, 385
anisochaetoides - DSN. Like unequal bristles. See Vernonia a. – 18,208
anisodontus - G. From aniso-, uneven for unevenly toothed. - 14, 385
anisos - G. Unequal. See Pentanisia, Anisochaeta, Anisodontea, Anisotoma. - 1, 256; 3, 154; 16, 400b; 18,216,406,492,582
anisotes - DSN. G. Inequality, referring to the petals. - 1, 248; 16, 386d
ankistron - G. Hook . See Ancistrochilus, Ancistrorhynchus - 28, 49
annesorrhiza - DSN. G. Anise, a root. - 16, 288b
annona - MGN. From an American Indian vernacular name for the custard apple. - 16,142 b
annuus - DSN. Annual. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
ano – G. ana- Upwards, upon, up, above. See Anopterus - 10, 29; 14,304
anoectochilus - DSN. G. From anoektos open and cheilos lip, referring to the open appearance of the lip achieved by a sharp bend on the isthmus which directs the apail part of the lip downwards. - 28, 55
anoektos - G. Open. See Anoectochilus - 28, 55
anomala - DSN. L. Deviating from the normal, abnormal. See Dicoma a. subsp. a., Cirsioides, Struthiola, Dicoma - 1, 266; 16, 242b,c; 18,158,220
anomalus - L. Abnormal. See genus Anomatheca. - 1, 74, 3, 62; 16, 94a
anomatheca - DSN. L. From anomalus, abnormal and theca, a case. An abnormal capsule, refers to the wart-like papillae that cover the fruiting capsule, considered an important and unusual feature. - 1, 74; 3, 62; 5,pl 41; 16, 94a-b
anopterus - DSN. From ano, upward and pteron, winged, alluding to the winged seeds. - 10, 29
ansellia - CSN. John Ansell, assistant botanist on Niger Exped. in 1841. See genus Ansellia. – 1,96; 3,68; 5,pl.49; 16,118a; 18,242; 28, 55
ant- - G. Before a vowel and h; anti- before a consonant. Against, opposite to. Antipetalus, opposite to (not alternate with) petals. - 14, 304
ante- - Before. Antecedens, going before, preceding. - 14, 302
antenna - L. A sail-yard. See antennifera. - 1, 86; 16, 108a
antennifera - DSN. L. From antenna, a sail-yard and fero, to bear. See Bonatea speciosa a. - 1,86; 16, 108a
anthe - G. Flower. See Calanthe. - 28, 72
anthemon - G. n. Flower. See Erianthemum, Mesembryanthemum. – 1, 106; 14, 272, 18,50,374
anthemos - G. Flowering. See genus Chrysanthemum. -12, 301; 13, 1220; 14, 272
anthera - G. Flower. See Pelatantheria, Rananthera, Alternanthera.- 18,528; 28, 359, 382
anthera - G. f. In modern botany anthers. See Acokanthera, Helixanthera. - 10, 22; 14, 272; 18,132
anthericum - DGN. G. From antherikon, the name for asphodel. - 1, 28; 16, 34b, 50e;16, 52c-f; 18,88
antherikon - G. The name for asphodel. See genus Anthericum. - 1, 28; 16, 34b, 18,88
anthoccleista - DSN. G. From anthos, a flower and cleistos, closed., the allusion is not clear. - 11,146
anthos - G. n. A flower, in combinations the Latinised form -anthus is treated as masculine. See Aeollanthus, Aeranthes, Achyranthes, Anthospermum, Agapanthus, Calanthe, Catharanthus,Cochleanthes, Coryanthes, Cryptophoranthus, Cyrtanthus, Diaphananthe, Dianthus, Haemanthus, Hesperantha, Hybanthus,Hisperantha, Melianthus, Phyllanthus,Plectranthus, polypodantha, Calycanthus, Cephalanthus, Cimonanthus, Chionanthus, Ilysanthes, Tapinanthus, Clianthus, Disanthus, Aeollanthus, Enkianthus, Prostanthera, Strobilanthes, Anthoccleista, Sisyranthus, Strophanthus, Stylosanthes, Chrysanthemum, Eranthis, Galanthus, Helianthos, Lampranthus, melanthioides, dianthus, stenanthus, micrantha, oianthum, leucantha., Chamaeanthos., nanthus, cryptantha, Stylosanthes, Phyllanthus, myriantha - 1, 22, 50, 62, 72, 88, 102, 106, 108, 200, 218, 228, 232, 236, 256; 3, 22, 34, 54, 76, 132; 10, 66, 92, 97, 129, 136, 255, 261, 308; 11, 146, 156; 12, 300, 301; 13, 1219, 1220; 14, 272; 16, 52h; 16, 54a; 16 60a-b, 76a-j, 90e, 96e, 126b-f, 134c, 136e, 178a, 188a, 222a, 302d, 408d, 444b; 18,38,48,64,128,132,138,154,166,184,232,248,268,298,304,346,352,380,382,408,416,424,450,458,472528,552,556; 28, 45, 91, 98, 99, 128,
anthospermum - DSN. G. From anthos, a flower and sperma, a seed - 16, 408d
anthron - G. A joint. See Pogonanthria. - 16, 24i
-anthus - G. See anthos. - 14, 272
anthylloides – DGN. Resembling Anthyllis. See Gnidia a. – 18,292
anti - Like, for. See Antirrhinum., Antidesma - 13, 1220; 12, 300; 16, 220a
anti- - G. In compounds, against. Antidysentericus, against dysentery. See contra- - 14, 302, 386
antidesma - DSN. G. From anti, for and demos, a band. Refers to the use of bark of one species for cord. See desmos, anything used for tying. - 2, 216; 3, 203; 16, 220a
antirrhinum - DGN. From anti, like and rhin, a snout, referring to the seed vessel. - 12, 300; 13,1220
antonii - CSN. Anton Rehmann. See Hermannia a. - 1, 174; 16, 262e
-anus - -a, -um. Indicates position, connection or possession by; noun base. Africanus, African from, Africa. Also suffix with sense of belonging to, connected with, pertaining to, used to form adjectives from nouns, particularly from geographical or personal names. - 14,307,386
antriplex - DGN. See Antriplicifolia. - 1, 254; 3, 150
antriplicifolia - DSN. Because the leaves resemble those of the genus Atriplex. See Thunbergia a. - 1,154;3, 150
AP
ap- - L. See ad-. G. Before a vowel and h; apo-. From, away, down, downwards. - 14, 302
apertiflora – DSN. Exposed flowers. See Ledebouria a. – 18,512
aphylla - DSN. L. Latin for leafless or apparently so. - 16, 148b
apiculata - DSN. L. Terminating abruptly in a short and often sharp point. In Tacezzea a. it alludes
to the hair-like leaf tip. - 16, 310-e; 18,542
apiculatus – DSN. Pointed ends. See Sclerochiton a. – 18,490
apium – DGN. Classical Latin name for parsley and celery. See genus Apium.- 18,160
apo- - L. See a-, and de-. G. ap-. In compounds, from, away from, out of, asunder, free. Apocarpus, with carpels free from one another. - 14, 302, 303, 304, 386
apocarpus - G. From apo-, away from alluding to the carpels that are free from one another. - 14,386
apod – DSN. Without a foot. See genus Apodolirion. – 18,106
apodolirion - DSN. G. A Lily without foot or stem. - 16, 76b
apon - Water. See Apongeton - 18,84
apongeton - DSN. From apon, water and geiton, neighbour - 18,84
appendiculatum - DSN. L. Having appendages such as hairs. See Helichrysum a. - 1, 276; 16,438g; 18,82
appendiculatus - DSN. Appendix-that which hangs, latus-side. Having appendages. See Gladiolus a., Nerine a., Pachycarpus a. – 18,110,346,546
apten - G. Wingless. See genus Aptenia. - 16, 134a; 18,378
aptenia - DSN. G. From apten, wingless, alluding to the capsule valve. - 16, 134a
aptosimum - DSN. G. From a not and ptosis deciduous (which in turn comes from ptosis meaning ‘fall’) and refers to the fruit , a capsule which is retained on the plant even after the seeds have been released. Not falling off, persistent. - 5, pl 145; 16, 374e-h; 23, Dec 2000, 170
AQ
aquatica - DSN. L. Growing in or near water. See Mentha a., Veronica anagallis-aquatica,
Ipomoea a., Mentha a. - 1, 232; 16, 350f, 372e; 18,420,424
aquifolius - DSN. With leaves like holly. - 10, 339
AR
ar- - See ad-. - 14, 302
arabidis - GSN. From Arabia. See Cerastium a. – 18,136
arabis - GSN. Arabia. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
arachnoidea - DSN. L. Covered with entangled hairs giving the appearance of a spider's web. See Stachys a.. - 16, 356e
arachne - G. Spider. See Arachnis. - 28, 56
arachnis - DSN. G. From arachne spider, from the fancied resemblance of the flower to a spider. - 28, 56
arachnoides - DSN. L. Cobwebby. See Cassia italica subsp. a., In Senna italica subsp. a. origin unknown. - 1, 140; 16, 182e
araliacea - DSN. L. Resembling the genus Aralia of the Araliaceae family.. Stengaotaenia a. - 1,190; 16,286a
araucaria - MGN. From its native name Araucanos. Named for the Araucanian natives of South America. - 4,24; 10, 30
arborea - DSN. In the form of a tree. See Clethra a. - 10, 97, 339
arborescens - DSN. L. Tree-like. See Heteromorpha a. - 1, 190; 12, 304; 13, 1223; 16, 286b
arbutus - L. Strawberry tree. Genus Arbutus. - 10, 31
arcaeum - DSN. G. Dweller on the heights. See Pelargonium a. - 1, 148
arche- - G. Original, primitive, first, chief. - 14, 272, 304
archi- - G. Chief, first. - 14, 272, 304
arcuata – DSN. Arcuate or arching. For Mussaenda a., the branches. Cyrtorchis a. - 5, pl 174; 18,130
ardesiaca – DSN. Slate coloured, refers to dull slate blue flower colour. See Moraea a. – 18,452
ardis - A point. See genus Ardisia. - 10, 32
ardisia - DSN. From ardis, a point an allusion to the acute, spear-shaped anthers. - 10, 32
arenaria - DSN. Sand loving, growing in sandy places. See Habenaria a. – 18,516
arenicola - DSN. Dwelling on sand. Cussonia a. - 2, 378
argemos – DSN. White spot, hence eye cataract, which the plant was believed to cure. See genus Argemone.- 18,252
argenteus - DSN. L. Silvery. See canoargentea - 1, 182; 10, 339; 16, 272e
argentissimum - DSN. Very silvery. See Helichrysum a. – 18,212
arguta - DSN. Sharp. In Drypetes a. it refers to the sharp toothed margin or tip of the leaf. - 2, 212
argr- - G. In compounds, silver. Argyrocalyx, with silver calyx. - 14, 388
argyreum - DSN. Silvery. See Dierama a. – 18,110
argyrocalyx - G. From argyr-, silver, with silver calyx. - 14, 388
argyrolepis - DSN. G. Silver scales. See Helichrysum a. - 16, 442; 18,212
argyrolobium - DSN. G. From argyros, silver and lobion, a pod. - 1, 124, 136; 16,180c,d,184a,186b,188b,202g,h
argyrophylla - DSN. G. Silver-leafed. See Crassula globularioides subsp. a. - 1, 122
argyros - G. Silvery. See argyrolobium, argyrophylla, argyrosphaerum, and genus Argyrolobium. - 1,122,124, 276; 14, 272, 16, 180c; 18,266
argyrosphaerum - DSN. G. From argyros, silvery and sphaera, a sphere. See Helichrysum a. - 1,276; 16,438f; 18,212
aria – DSN. Fruit. See genus Lagenaria.- 18,206,558
-aria - Like. See Flagellaria, Persicaria - 18, 26,134,376
-aria – DSN. Possessing, refers to the long spur. See Habenaria.- 18,114,516
-aris - G. -is, -e. A variant of -alis used after the stem ending in l. Suffix with the sense of 'belonging to, resembling, provided with. Stellaris, starry from stella, star. - 14, 308, 388
aristata – DSN. L. Having an awn; bearded awns, like ear of barley. See Pearsonia a., Hypoestes a. var a. In Aloe a. it refers to the tips of the leaves. - 1, 140; 16, 182a, 390a; 18,32,260,436
aristea - DSN. G. From aristos, the best. - 1, 76; 3, 52; 16, 88e-f
aristigera – DSN. Bearing beards. See Verbena a. – 18,470
aristos - G. Best, noblest. See genus Aristea. - 1, 76; 3, 52; 16, 88e-f; 18,454
-arium - Indicates a place where something is done or a container. Herbarium, collection of dried plants, from herba, herb. - 14, 305
-arius - -a, -um. Indicates connection or possession, noun base. Arenarius, pertaining to sand from arena, sand. - 14, 308
arktos – DSN. A bear. See genus Arctotis, Arctotheca.- 18,332
armata - DSN. L. Armed with thorns. See Dalbergia a. -16, 176b
armerioides - DGN. Resembles Armeria. See Hirpicium a. – 18,220
arnotii - CSN. David Arnot. Talinum a. - 5, pl 64
aromaticum - DSN. L. Aromatic. See Petalidium a. var a.- 16, 396c
aronia - MGN. Named by Dioscorides from a closely related shrub. - 10, 33
arpophyllum - DSN. G. From harpe sickle and phyllon leaf, referring to the leaf shape of the type species, A. spicatum. - 28, 56
artemisia - MGN. In honour of the Greek goddess of chastity, Artemis. - 13; 16, 452c
artemissiifolia – DGN. Leaves like Artemisia. See Ambrosia a. – 18,558
arthro- - G. In compounds, jointed. Arthrodactylus (adjective). - 14, 389
arthron - G. Joint. See genus Pogonarthria, Caularthron, Pseudarthria - 1,12; 18,396,576; 28, 85
artos - G. Bread. See Encephalartos. - 16, 18; 18,500
-arum - Meaning ‘of’’. Descriptiones plantarum novarum, description of new plants. - 14, 389
arundina - DGN. G. From arundo reed, because the reed-like stems of this species inspired Blume to base the name of the species on this. - 28, 57
arundo - G. Reed. See Arundina - 28, 57
AS
as- - See ad-. - 14, 302
-ascens - Present participle ending used in forming adjectives to indicate a process of becoming but also a lack of full attainment. Indicates process of becoming, hence incomplete manifestation. Purpurascens, becoming purple, purplish. - 14, 308, 389
asclepias - MGN. G. Genus Asclepias named after Asklepios, a Greek mythological god of medicine. - 1,206, 120, 220; 10, 33; 16, 312d-f, 316c,g, 330g,h, 332c; 18,302,416,550,580
ascocentrum – DSN. G. From ascos bag and kentron spur, alluding to the large spur on the lip. - 28, 57
ascolepis - DSN. From askos, bladder and lepis, scale - 18,84
ascos - G. Bag. See Ascocentrum - 28, 57
ashtonii – CSN. Named after H.Ashton. See Delosperma a. – 18,378
asiatica - GSN. L. From Asia. See Striga a. - 1, 238; 16, 368e
askion – DSN. Bladder. See genus Diascia.- 18,428
askos –DSN. Bladder. See Ascolepis - 18,84
aspalathifolia – DGN. Leaves like Aspalathus. See Erica a. – 18,412
aspalathos – DSN. A scented bush. See genus Aspalathus. – 18,150
asparagoides - DGN. G. Resembling asparagus. See Asparagus a. - 16, 58a
asparagus - DGN. From asparagos after the name given to the edible asparagus. – 18,100
aspasia - DGN. G. From aspasio glad, delightful, in allusion to its pretty flowers or, more probably, in honour of Aspasia, the Athenian wife of Pericles. - 28, 58
aspasio - G. Glad, delightful. See Aspasia. - 28, 58
aspera – DSN. Rough. See Achyranthes a. – 18,528
asperata – DSN. Rough with points or hairs. Trachyandra a. - 18,88
asperifolius – DSN. Rough leaves. See Pachycarpus a. – 18,548
asperum – DSN. Rough. See Xysmalobium a. – 18,542
aspharagus - DGN. G. From aspharagos, the edible asparagus . - 1, 38; 16, 58a-g
aspidoglossum - DSN. G. From aspidos, a shield and glossa, a tongue. - 16, 312a,b, 316a
aspido - G. A shield. See Aspidoglossum, Aspidonepsis. - 16, 310a; 18,168,544,580
asplenifolius - DGN. L. With leaves like a fern, Asplenium. See Corchorus a., Pachycarpus a. - 1,168; 16,250d, 326b; 18,282
asplenium - A fern genus. See asplenifolius. - 1, 168; 16, 250d
astarte – MGN. The Assyrian Venus. See Astartea. -10, 33
astartea - MGN. Derived from Astarte an Assyrian Venus. - 10, 33
aster – DGN. See ad instar Latin for similar to. See genus Cotoneaster. A star , Aster. - 1, 268; 10,109; 12,300; 13, 1220; 16, 426j, 448b
-aster - -astra, -astrum. L. In compounds, suffix to nouns indicating incomplete likeness or inferiority, hence is often applied to the wild equivalent of a cultivated plant, noun base. Oleaster, wild olive, olea. See Cotoneaster. - 12,300; 14, 305, 389, 454b,c
astero- - G. astro-. Starry, stellate. See astro-. - 14, 389
astripomoea - DSN. Star-Ipomoea, a reference to the star-shaped hairs which cover the leaves and stems of the species of Astripomoea. The possession of these hairs is a diagnostic feature of the genus within the Convolvulaceae. - 5, pl 129
astroloma - DSN. Derived from astron, a star and loma a fringe and alludes to the tufts of hair inside the corolla of most of the species. - 10, 34
astron – DSN. A star. See Astroloma, Astripomoea, Aster.- 10, 34; 18,210,418,440
asystasia - MGN. Derivation of name for genus Asystasia unknown. - 10, 34; 18,200
AT
at- - See ad-. - 14, 302
ataxacantha - DSN. G. Irregular thorns, scattered thorns. In Acacia a. having irregular thorns. - 1,144; 2, 124; 16, 160d
athanasioides - DSN. G. Similar to the genus Athanasia. See Brachymeris a., Phymaspermum a. - 1,278; 16,446c
ather - G. An awn [Awn—bristle-like attachment, as on seeds, flowers etc.]. See Athrixia - 1, 268; 16, 426a
atherstonei - CSN. William Atherstone. See Selago a. - 1, 240; 16, 376e
athrixia - DSN. G. From ather an awn an allusion to the fine awn-like tips of the incolucral bracts. Or, no hairs, and refers to the glabrous receptacle. - 1, 268; 5, pl 179; 16, 426a
-aticus - -a, -um. Indicates place of growth, noun base. Sylvaticus, belonging to the woods, from silva, a wood. – 14, 308
-atilis - -is, -e. Indicates place of growth, noun base. Saxatillis, dwelling among rocks, saxum. - 14,308
atlanticus - GSN. The Atlas mountains. - 12, 302; 13, 1221
atriplicifolia - DSN. Leaves resemble those of genus Atriplex. See Thunbergia a. - 1, 254; 3, 150; 16,392a; 18,306
atropurpureum – DSN. Blackish or very dark purple. See Schizoglossum a. – 18,578
atropurpureus - DSN. L. Dark purple. See Gladiolus a. - 1, 78; 10, 339; 16, 86e
atrosanguineus - DSN. Deep red. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
attenuata - DSN. L. Narrowing to a point. See Monsonia a., Persicaria a. subsp africana - 1, 148; 16,128b,204d; 18,152,376
attenuatum – DSN. Narrowing to a point. See Osteospermum a. – 18,332
-atus - -a, -um. (1) Indicates possession or likeness, noun base. Capitatus, with a head, caput. (2) Perfect participle ending of verb of First Conjugation, indicating an action made or done, provided with or pertaining to. Fucatus, coloured (provided with colour) from to colour, fucare. - 14, 308, 390
AU
aubrieta - CSN. Claude Aubriet. - 13, 1218
aucuba - DGN. From Aokiba, the Japanese name laurel. See genus Aucuba. - 10, 34; 12, 301; 13,1220
augea - CSN. Johan Andreas Auge. - 12, 297
aulac- - G. In compounds, furrow. Aulacospermus, with furrowed seeds. - 14, 391
aulacospermus - G. With furrowed seeds, from aulac-, furrow - 14, 391
aule - G. Abode. See Aulojusticia. - 1, 250
aulojusticia - DSN. G. From aule, abode and justicia, from the genus Justicia, because it shares its habitat or lives in close proximity with plants of that genus, although not a parasite upon them. - 1, 250
aulos - G. M. Pipe, flute, tube. - 14, 272
aurantiaca - DSN. L. Orange-coloured, Between yellow and red, i.e. orange. See Sutera a., Hermbstaedtia odorata var a., Calpurnia a. subsp a., Jamesbrittenia a, Sandersonia a. - 1,234, 238; 16,300i,364d,368i; 18,26
aurantiaca – DSN. Orange-yellow. Gerbera a. - 18,82
aurantiacus – DSN. From the latin meaning orange-yellow . For Gerber aurantiacus , perhaps referring to the coppery-orange undersurface of the petals. For Gladiolus a - 10, 339, 23, March 2003, pp31; 18,44
aurea - DSN. L. From aureus, golden, yellow. See Crocosmia a., Corcosmia a. var a.Cavacoa a., Calpurnia a., Barberetta a., Asclepias a. - 1, 78; 2, 158, 222; 16 88g,166c; 18,42,230,302
aureonitens - DSN. L. From aureo-nitens, golden and shining. See Helichrysum a. - 3, 172; 16, 438; 18,310
aureo-nitens – DSN. L. Golden and shining. See Helichrysum a-n. - 1, 276; 3, 172
aureum - DSN. L. Golden. In Helichrysum aurea, var monocephalum, it refers to the incolucral bracts. - 16,440e; 18,312
aureus - DSN. L. Golden or beautiful. See Crocosmia aurea. - 3, 56; 10, 339; 12, 304; 13, 1223
auricoma - DSN. Golden haired. See Hermannia a. – 18,288
auriculata - DSN. L. Having an ear-like appendage. In Buddleja a. refers to shape of stipule. Plumbago a., Nidorella a., Hygrophilla a. - 1, 192, 196; 2, 424; 16, 292e, 298d; 18,310,466,488
australis - GSN. L. Southern. See Crotalaria laburnifolia subsp. A., Ruspolia hypocalymma var. a. – 1,124,250; 12, 302; 13, 1222; 16 186i, 388b
austro-africana - GSN. Southern African or South African. See Scabiose a. -5, pl 176
austroafricanum - GSN. Southern African. See Cynoglossum a. - 16, 340a
austro-africanum - GSN. Southern African or South African. See Abutilon a. - 16, 152e
aut- - G. auto-. In compounds, self. - 14, 391
auto- - G. aut-. In compounds, self. - 14, 391
autumnalis - DSN. L. Pertaining to autumn. Flowers in autumn, Eucomis a. - 1, 26; 5, pl 16; 12, 304; 13,1223; 16, 36a; 18,512
AV
avonia - Origin unknown.- 16, 134j
AX
-ax - Uncommon ending with sense of ‘inclining to or apt to’, verb base. Tenax, gripping from to hold, tenere. - 14, 308
axillare - DSN. L. Axillary. In Macrotyloma a and Macrotyloma a. subsp a. and Macrotyloma a. subsp glabra it refers to the position of the flowers, Mitriostigma a. - 1, 136; 16, 184g, 202l; 18,152,204
AZ
azalea - See Rhododendron - 10, 35
azara - CSN. J N Azara. - 10, 42
azurens - DSN. Blue. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
azygon - G. Without a yoke. See Ajuga. - 1, 230; 16, 348a; 18,470
B
BA
babiana - MGN. Dutch. L. Latinised version of an Afrikaans word, bobbejaan, (baboon), because baboons are said to eat this bulbous plant. - 1, 72; 5, pl 35; 12, 301; 13, 1220; 16, 94I
baccifera - DSN. Bearing berries. See Rhipsalis b., Chironia b.,Rhipsalis b. – 18,158,414,540
bachmannia - CSN. Frans Bachmann. - 3, 195
bachmanniana – CSN. Named after F. Bachmann. See Lotononis b. – 18,460
bachmannii - CSN Frans Bachmann for Watsonia b.,Tephrosia b. - 18,46; 392
backhousia - CSN. James Backhouse. - 10, 42
baeckea - CSN. Abraham Baeck. - 10, 43
baileyi - CSN. F M Bailey. - 12, 303; 13, 1222
bainesii - CSN. Thomas Baines. See Eulophia ovalis b. Eulophia ovalis subsp b. - 1, 94; 16, 116f
bakerianus - CSN. Named after J G Baker. See Aster b. - 16, 454b; 18,440
balanos - G. f. Acorn. - 14, 272
ballien - G. To throw. See Sporobolus. - 16, 22c
balsamina - DGN. Like balsam. See Momordica b. – 18,206
banksia - CSN. Sir Joseph Banks. - 10, 43; 12, 299
baphia - DSN. Dye. In genus Baphia refers to dye from the heartwood of tropical African species.- 2, 160
barbata - DSN. L. Bearded. See Tinnea b. - 1, 232; 16, 350d
barbatus -DSN. Bearded. See Plectranthus b.,Senecio b. - 10, 339; 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,476,498
barberae - CSN. Mrs Mary Elizabeth Barber. See Brachystelma b. - 1, 218; 16, 324a; 18,582
barberetta – CSN. Named after Mrs. Mary Barber (neè Bowker) who with her brother, was the first to collect this plant in Natal. See genus Barberetta.- 18,230
barbertoni - GSN. L. Of Barberton, See Habenaria b. -1, 88; 16, 110a
barbertonicus - GSN, L. Pertaining to Barberton. See Senecio b. - 1, 274; 16, 434a; 18,320
barbeyi - CSN. William Barbey. See Cotyledon b. - 1, 122; 16, 156f
barbosae - CSN. G. Barbosa. See Hibiscus b. - 16, 256d; 18, 66
barbosella - CSN. Dr João Barbosa Rodrigues, 1842-1909. - 28, 59
barkeria - CSN. George Barker, ob 1845. - 28, 59
barklya - CSN. Sir John Barkly. - 10, 46
barklyi - CSN. Sir Henry Barkly. See Tavaresia b. - 1, 216; 16, 322a
barleria - CSN. Rev James Barrellier - 1, 248, 252; 5, pl 166; 10, 46;
16, 386e,f,390bf,392d,e,394h,j,396e-h, 398e-j; 18,76,198,436,488
barringtonia - CSN. Daines Barrington. - 4, 27
barys – DSN. G. Heavy - 14, 272
basananthe - MGN. Origin unknown. - 1, 180; 16, 270d,e
basanos – DSN. Touchstone, black igneous rock used as test for gold, refers to black seeds. See genus Basananthe.- 18,538
basis - G. f. Base, pedestal. - 14, 272
basuticus - GSN. L. From Basuto Land (Basutoland), (Lesotho). See Dianthus b. - 1,108; 16,136g; 18,138,382
batesiana - CSN. John Bates. See Gasteria b. - 16, 50c
batophylla - DSN. GF. From batos, bramble and phyllon, leaf, due to the leaf resemblance. See Rhus b. - 1,160; 16, 234c
batos - G. f. Bramble. See batophylla. - N. Franz Bauer. Genus Bauera. – 1, 160, 14, 272
bauhinia - CSN. Johannes ( Jean) and Casper (Gaspard) Bauhin. - 1, 130, 138; 2, 150; 5, pl 75; 10,47; 11,61; 16, 170a, 172b, 174a
baurii - CSN. Named after Rev. Leopold Richard Baur, See Rhodohypoxis b.,H erschelia.b. Rhodohypoxis b. var confecta, Hesperantha b. subsp b., Herschelianthe b.,Ranunculus b., Gnidia b., Kniphofia b. - 16, 78e-f, 90e, 102h; 18,250,292,352,458,508
BE
beareana - CSN. Dr O' Sullivan Beare. See Cassia abbreviata b. - 1, 134; 16, 166b
beaufortia - CGN. Mary, duchess of Beaufort. - 10, 47
bechion - G. The name for colt's feet, used to alleviate a cough, and the name for sage. See Bechium. - 1,228; 3, 135; 16, 346i
bechuanense - GSN. L. Of Bechuanaland (Botswana). See Hirpicium b. - 1, 270; 16, 428c
becium - DSN. G. From Bechion, the name for the plant 'colt's foot', sage, used to alleviate a cough. - 1,228; 3, 135; 16, 346i, 358a; 18,188,426
begonia - CSN. Michael Begon, French governor of San Domingo, patron of botany. - 1, 180; 3, 112; 10,49; 12, 299; 13, 1218; 16, 270f; 18,156,408
behnia – CSN. Named after Danish botanist Behn. See genus Behnia. - 16,h; 18,230
bella - DSN. Beautiful. See Asystasia b. - 10, 34, 339
bellidioides - DGN. Resembling Bellium, a member of the daisy family. See Silene b. - 16, 136d
bellium – DSN. A member of the daisy family. See bellidioides - 16, 136d
beloperone - DSN. G. From belos, arrow and peronne, a band, referring to the arrow-shaped connective. - 10, 48
belos - G. n. Missile, especially a dart or arrow. - 10, 48; 14, 272
benghalensis - GSN. L. From Bengal, India. See Commelina b. - 1, 20; 16, 32b; 18,448
benguelensis - GSN. From Benguela, a province in Angola. A place where Leptactina b. is not found - 5,pl173
bequaertiodendron - CSN. J C Bequaert. - 16, 294a
berberis - MGN. From Berberys, the Arabic name for the fruit - 10, 49; 12, 301; 13, 1220
berchemia - CSN. M Berchem. - 11, 111; 16, 240c,d
bergiana – CSN. Named after Peter Bergius. See Berkheya b. – 18,334
berkheya - CSN. Named after Dutch botanist Jan le Francq van Berkhey. See genus Berkheya - 1, 266, 268; 5, pl 182; 16,424d,e,426h, 456f; 18,220,334,446
bersama - MGN. The Ethiopian name for this genus. - 16, 214c
berula – L. Latin name for Water Cress. See genus Berula.- 18,296
berzelia - CSN. Berzelius, famous Swedish chemist. - 10, 52
betonica - DGN. A variation of Vettonica, a similar plant that grows in Spain. See Justicia b. - 16,396b; 18,200
betula - MGN. L. Roman name for birch. - 4, 28; 10, 52
bewsia - CSN. J W Bews. - 12, 297
BI
bi - L. Two.. See Bifrenaria. - 28, 60
bi- - L. In compounds, two. Biaristatus, two-awned. - 14, 392
biaristatus - L. Two-awned from bi-, two. - 14, 392
bicaudata - DSN. Two-tailed, refers to lip. See Tridactyle b. – 18,128
bicolor – DSN. Two coloured. Eucomis b., Dietes b. - 18, 98; 18,238
bidens - DSN. Two toothed, referring to the bristles on the achene. From bis, twice and dens, a tooth,. In Schizoglossum b. subsp galpinii, Schizoglossum b. subsp pachyglossum, alluding to the two teeth on the dry one-sides fruit. See genus Bidens. - 5, pl 180; 16, 330c, 330c,d; 18,218,318,444
biennis - DSN. Biennial. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
bifrenaria - DSN. L. From bi two and frenum rein or strap, alluding to the 2 strap-like stipites joining the pollinia and the viscidium. This character distinguishes the genus from Maxillaria. - 28, 60
biflora - DSN. Two flowered, twin-flowered. Not apt for Monsonia b. as inflorescences are one-to-three-flowered. In Satureja b, twin-flowered. - 5, pl 88; 16, 360f
bilabiata - DSN. L. Two-lipped. In Striga b. it describes the corolla. - 1, 238; 16, 368f; 18,432
-bilis - -is, -a. Indicates capacity or ability; verb base. It becomes -abilis with verbs having the infinitive in -are and -ibilis with those in -ere and -ire, variabilis, able to change. - 14, 308
biloba - DSN. With two lobes. See Bossiaea b., Ginko b., Leschenaultia b. - 10, 54, 168, 208, 339
bios - G. m. Life. See Dendrobium, Xylobium - 14, 272; 28, 110, 414
bipinnatifida - DSN. Twice-cut, in pinnate manner. See Berkheya b. – 18,220
birch - L. Betula - 4, 28
birrea - MSN. Based on common name for this tree, birr, in Senagambia. See Sclerocarya. - 1,160; 16,234e
bis - L. Twice. See bidens. - 16, 330c
bispinosa - DSN. L. Two-spined. See Sesbania b., Carissa b. - 1, 132, 200; 16, 168d, 302a, 308b
-bius - G. In compounds, -living. Amphibius, double-living. - 14, 393
BL
blanda - DSN. L. Bland, mild, pleasing, charming. See Peperomia b., Peperomia b. var leptostachya – 1,98; 16, 120a; 18,524
blandfordia - CSN. George Marquis of Blandford. - 12, 299
blastos - G. m. Shoot. - 14, 273
blepharis – DSN.G. f. Eyelash, eyelid. From blepharon, eyelash, an allusion to the bract. - 1, 248; 14, 273; 16, 386h, 394f,; 18,490
blepharon - G. n. Eyelid. See blepharis. - 1, 248; 14, 273
bletia - CSN. Don Luis Blet, 18th century. - 28, 61
bletilla - DGN. G. Diminutive form of Bletia a genus of American orchids to which their flowers bear a resemblance. - 28, 61
blighia - CGN. Captain Bligh. - 4, 30
blumea – CSN. Named after Dutch botanist Karl Blume. See Blumea.- 18,442
BO
bock - A goat. See Tragia and Hieronymus Bock. - 16, 224a
boerhavia – VSN. Named after H. Boerhaave, great Dutch physician. See genus Boerhavia.- 18,378
boivinii – CSN. Named after Louis Boivin. See Gonatopus b. – 18,570
bojeri - CSN. Wenzel Bojer. See Cassocephalum b., Agathisanthemum b. subsp b. - 1, 270; 16,404f
bolbos – G. A bulb. See genus Bolboschoenus, Bulbostylis, Bulbophyllum – 18,566,568,574
bollea - CSN. Dr Carl Boll. - 28, 62
bolos – DSN. A point. See genus Tribulus.- 18,276
bolusanthus - CSN. Dr Harry Bolus - 1, 134; 11, 68; 16, 166a
bolusiana – CSN. Named after Harry Bolus. See Ipomoea b. – 18,420
bolusiella - CSN. Sir Harry Bolus, South African botanist, 1834-1911 – 18,128; 28, 62
bolusia - CSN. Dr Harry Bolus. - 12, 297
bolusiana - CSN. Harry Bolus. See Ipomoea b. subsp b. - 1, 222; 16, 334c
bolusii - CSN. Dr Harry Bolus. See Tieghemia bolusii. - 16, 126a
bombax - DGN. G. Cotton. It refers to the seeds that resemble those of cotton. - 4, 31
bonariensis – GSN. From Bonaria, in Buenos Aires, S.America. See Canavalia b.,Verbena b., Hydrocotyle b. – 18,396,540
bonatea - CSN. Named after Guiseppe Bonato, prof. of botany at Padua - 1, 86; 3, 68; 16, 108a, 110e; 18,116; 28, 63
boophane - DGN. G. From bous, an ox and phonos, slaughter. Ox-killer. - 1. 60; 3, 36; 5, pl 21; 16,64a
borealis - GSN. North. - 12, 302; 13, 1222
boronia - CSN. Francesco Boroni. - 10, 53
boscia - CSN. Louis A G Bosch - 16, 148d
bossiaea - CSN. M Boissier Lamartinière. - 10, 54
bothr- - G. In compounds, pit. Bothryospermus, with pitted seeds. - 14, 395
bothriochilus - DSN. G. From bothrion small hollow and chilus lip, referring to the saccate base of the lip. - 28, 63
bothrion - G. Small hollow. See Bothriochilus - 28, 63
bothry- - G. -botrys. In compounds, bunch, raceme. Botryoides, like a bunch of grapes. - 14, 395
bothryospermus - G. With pitted seeds, from bothr-, pit. - 14, 395
bothrys – DSN. A furrow or trench. See genus Anvylobothrys.- 18,166
-bothrys - G. botry-. In compounds bunch, raceme. - 14, 395
botrus - A cluster. See genus Eriobotrya. - 10, 142
botryoides - G. Like a bunch of grapes. - 14, 273
botrys - G. m. Bunch of grapes. See Dermatobotrys - 14, 273; 18,72
boubalos - G. Buffalo. See bubalina. - 1, 258; 16, 400i
bougainvillea - CSN. Louis de Bougainville. - 12, 299
bous - G. An ox - [boo-], See genus Boophone - 1, 60; 3, 36; 16, 64a; 18,346
bouvardia - CSN. Dr Charles Bouvard - 10, 54
bowiea - CSN. James Bowie. - 1, 24; 12, 298; 16, 54d; 18,508
bowkeri - CSN. Named after James Henry Bowker. See Chlorophytum b., Liparis b.,
Pelargonium b. - 1, 28; 16, 50d, 96d; 18,154
bowkeri - CSN. Named after Mary (Bowker) Barber. See Liparis b. – 18,242
bowkeria - CSN. James Henry Bowker. - 1, 236; 16, 366c, 370e
boylei - CSN. F Boyle. See Aloe.b. - 18,32
BR
brachialis - Arm-long (2 ft or 65 cm); brachiatus, having decussate branches provided with arms; brachium, arm i.e. distance from arm-pit to tip of middle finger, 2 ft or 65 cm. - 14, 394
brachiaria - DGN. From brachium, an arm; an allusion to the arm-like racemes. - 1, 12
brachiata - DSN. L. With arms but botanically it has a more exact application and refers to the fact that each pair of opposite leaves or branches is produced at right angles to the last. See Clematis b. - 1, 112; 3,78; 5, pl 67; 18,140
brachium - L. Arm. See genus Brachiaria. - 1, 12
brachy- - G. In compounds, short. Brachycarpus, with short fruit Brachystelma, Brachycorythis. - 14, 394; 18,172,362,456,554,582
brachycarpa - DSN. G. Having short fruits. See Crotalaria b. - 1, 140; 16, 182f
brachycarpus - G. Having short fruits, from brachy-, short. - 14, 394
brachyglottis - DSN.From brakhus, short and glossa, a tongue, and it refers to the short ligulate (strap-shaped) corollas of the female florets. - 10, 56
brachylaena - DSN. G. From brachys, short and chlaina, a cloak, referring to the short bracts that surround the disc. - 1, 270; 16,428e
brachyloba - DSN. L. With short lobes. See Kohautia caespitosa var b. - 16, 404c
brachymeris - DSN. G. A short part. - 1, 278
brachypetala - DSN. G. Having short petals. With short petals, See Schotea b., Crassula pellucida subsp b. - 1, 130; 10, 339; 16, 158a, 170a; 18,146
brachypodus – DSN. Short foot. See Senecio b. – 18,322
brachys - G. Short See genus Brachysema, Brachylaena., Brachystelma - 1,214,270; 10,56; 16, 320a,428e
brachyscyphus – DSN. Short cups. Cyrtanthus b. - 18,38
brachysema - DSN. From brakhus, short and sema, standard, and it refers to the very short standard of the flower. [Standard-uppermost, usually erect, petals]. - 10, 56
brachystachya – DSN. Bearing short spikes. See Kniphofia b. – 18,572
brachystelma - DSN. G. From brachys, short and stelma, wreath, garland. - 1, 214, 218; 16,320ah,324a,b,330a
bracteata - DSN. With bracts. See Knowltonia b.,Veltheimia b. – 18,140,344
bracteatus - DSN. Having bracts. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
bracteosum - DSN. Bracts. From bracts at the base of the flower stalk in Combretum b. [Bract- modified leaves surrounding flower]. - 2, 354
brakhus - Short. See genus Brachyglottis, Brachysema. Also in species brachypetala, brachymeris - 10,56
brassaia - (1). MGN. Origin unknown. (2). CGN. William Brass botanist illustrator who collected in Guinea and South Africa for Sir Joseph Banks. - (1). 10, 56; (2). 28, 66
brassavola - CSN. Sr Antonio Musa Brassavola , Venetian nobleman botanist. - 28, 64
braybonnae - CSN. Mrs H Braybon. See Mystacidium b. - 16, 96g
bremekampii - CSN. Cornelius Elisa Bremekamp. See Anacampseros b., Barleria b. - 1, 108, 252; 16,390f
breonadia - CSN. N Breon. - 16, 402a
brevi-- L. In compounds, short. Brevispinus, short-spined. - 14, 395
brevicornis – DSN. With short horns. See Monadenia b. – 18,572
brevicuspis DSN. With short, sharp point. See Asclepias b. – 18,550
breviflora – DSN. Short flowers. Jamesbrittenia b, Kniphofia b.. - 18,74,92
breviflorum - DSN. Short flowers. See Jasminum b.,Cyrtanthus b. – 18,164,232
breviflorus - DSN. L. With short flowers. See Cyrtanthus b. - 16, 76d
brevifolia – DSN. Short leaves. See Myrica b. – 18,524
brevipes - DSN. L. Short-footed. See Asclepias b. - 1, 206; 16, 312e; 18,550
brevispica - DSN. Short spines. See Acacia b. - 2, 124
brevispicata - DSN. With short spikes. See Tetradenia b.. - 16, 360e
brevispinosum - DSN. L. Shortly-spined. See Rhigozum b. - 1, 240; 16, 376f
brevispinus - L. Shortly-spined, from brevi-, short. - 14, 395
brevistyla – DSN. Short style. See Moraea b. – 18,108
breyeri - CSN. Herman Gottfried Breijer (Breyer). See Pavetta b. - 1, 258
broma - G. n. Food. See Theobroma. - 4, 145; 14, 273
brotos – DSN. Edible. See genus Carpobrotus.- 18,378
broughtonia - CSN. Arthur Broughton, early 19th century. - 28, 68
brownleea - CSN. Reverend John Brownlee, early Scottish missionary who collected the type species of the genus Brownleea. - 1, 94; 16, 116a-b; 18,120,364,458
brunfelsia - CSN. Otto Brunfels. - 10, 57
brunsvigia - CSN. Carl Wilhelm Ferdinand Duke of Brunswick. The House of Brunswick - 1, 58; 16,66a,68a; 18,38,348
brycei - CSN. Rt Hon James Bryce. See Podranea b. - 5, pl 156
bryo- - G. In compounds, relating to mosses. Byrologia, the study of mosses. - 14, 395
bryon - G. n. Moss, liverwort. - 14, 273
BU
bubalina - DSN. From boubalos, a buffalo or antelope. The hornlike shape of the enlarged old calyx segments in the fruit, or it refers to the hard wood in Burchellia b. - 1, 258; 3, 220; 16,400i
buchananii - CSN. Rev. John Buchanan. See Asparagus b., Apodolirion b., Kniphofia b. - 16,58c,76b; 18,92; 18,106
buchnera - CSN. Johan Gottfried Buchner, 18th Century German naturalist. - 1, 234, 238; 16,364b,368m,372a; 18,432
buchnerianthus - CSN. J G Buchner. See Aeollanthus b. -16, 358f
buddleia - CSN. Adam Buddle. [Sometimes spelled buddleja.] - 1, 196; 10, 57; 12, 299; 13, 1218
buddleja - CSN. Adam Buddle. [Sometimes spelled buddleia]. - 1, 196; 16, 298d.e
bulbine – DSN.L. A bulbous plant. See Bulbine - 1, 30; 16, 56f-h; 18,26,224
bulbispernum - DSN. G. Seeds resembling bulbs. See Crinum b. - 1, 56; 16, 72a; 18,348
bulbophyllum - DSN. G. From bulbos bulb and phyllon leaf, referring to the prominent leafy pseudobulbs of most species. - 28, 68
bulbos - G. Bulb. See Bulbophyllum - 28, 68
bulbus - Bulb. bulbi. See bulbispernum. - 1, 56
-bulum - -bula. Indicates an instrument of means, verb base. Involucrum, wrapper, involucare, from involvere,wrap up. - 14, 306
-bundus - -a, -um. Indicates doing, like a present participle, or action accomplished, verb base. Floribundus, flowering, full of flowers from to flower, florere. - 14, 308
buphanoides - DGN. G. Resembling the genus Boophane. See Crinum b. - 1, 56; 16, 72b
bupleurifolia – DSN. Bous, an ox, pleuron, a rib, the side; or ancient Greek name for umbelliferous plant, Bupleurum. See Euphorbia b. – 18,532
bupleuroides - DSN. G. Resembling the genus Bupleurum, a member of the Apiaceae. Senecio bupleuroides - 16, 432c
bupleurum - Genus. See Senecio bupleuroides - 16, 432c
burchellia - CSN. William John Burchell. - 1, 258; 10, 59; 12, 298; 16, 400i
burchellianum - CSN. Burchell. See Trifolium b. - 3, 89; 18,388
burchellii - CSN. William John Burchell. See Silene b., Pavonia b., Chaetacanthus b., Gnidia b. - 1,108,170; 3, 76, 220; 16, 136b, 180i; 16 254I; 18,198,284,292,382
burkeana - CSN. Joseph Burke. See Monsonia b., Sutera b., Crotolaria b., Cassine b., Jamesbrittenia b. - 1, 148, 238; 16, 204c, 236h, 368j
burkei - CSN. Joseph Burke. See species Acacia b., Elephantorrhiza b., Eriosema b., Acacia b., Hermannia b., Geigeria b. subsp b. var elata, Geigeria b. subsp valida. -1, 128, 132, 144; 11, 41; 16,160c, 168a, 200d, 260e,452a,b; 18,316
burmannia - CSN. Johan Burmann. - 1, 78
bursa-pastoris - DSN. Bursa, purse and pastoris, shepherd. Shepherd's Purse for Caspella b-p. - 19, 123
burtt-davyi - CSN. Dr Joseph Burtt Davy. See Hibiscus b-d. - 5, pl 99
buttonia - CSN. Edward Button, geologist, who wandered round South East Africa in search of gold and plants. See genus Buttonia.- 1, 236; 16, 366d; 18,430
C
CA
cacos - G. Bad, ugly. - 14, 273
cadaba - MGN. From Arabic, kadhab, which is the common name of one member of the genus. –
1, 114; 16, 144g, 148b
cadetia - CSN. Cadet de Gassicourt. - 28, 71
caenos - G. New, fresh. To be distinguished from cenos, empty and coenos, common. - 14, 273
caerulea - DSN. L. Dark blue/sky-blue. See Nymphaea c., Nymphaea nouchali var c.,Nemesia c. - 1, 110; 16, 138a-b; 18,480
caeruleus - DSN. Blue. Sky-blue. - 10, 339; 12, 304
caesalpinia - CSN. Andreas Caesalpini. - 10, 60
caesia – CSN. Named after Frederico Cesi, Italian naturalist. See Caesia.- 18,448
caesius – DSN. An adjective most often applied to eyes, and can mean blue-eyed or grey-eyed. In Hibiscus c. it is aptly translated ‘dark-eyed’. - 5, pl 98
caespititium - DSN. L. Growing in clumps/spreading in carpetlike patches. See Helichrysum c. - 1,276; 16,438j; 18,442
caespitosa - DSN. Growing in dense clumps. See Kohautia c. subsp brachyloba. - 16, 404c
caespitosum – DSN. Tufted like the grass of a sod. See Delosperma c. – 18,380
caespitosus - DSN. Tufted. - 12, 304; 13, 1223
cafra - GSN. From Caffraria. See Maerua c. - 1, 114
caffra - GSN. From Caffraria (an old name for part of Eastern South Africa, now in the Transvaal) also from Kaffraria, an old name for part of the Eastern Cape(16, 110b). Habinaria falcicornis c. Protea c., Maerua c., Acacia c., Gnidia c., Erythrina c., Protea c. X Protea welwitschii, Protea c. subsp c., Sclerocarya birrea subsp c. Stachys c, Tinospora c., Diaphananthe c. - 1, 88, 100, 114, 144, 182; 3,192, 199; 16, 110b, 122b, 124d, 144f, 160b, 234e, 272d, 356d, 358e; 18,52,128,292
caffraria - An old name for part of eastern South Africa, now in Transvaal. See cafra, caffra. - 1,88,100,114,144, 182; 3, 192
caffrum - DSN. L. Caffraria (Kaffraria), once part of Transvaal. The old name for the Eastern Cape (16, 134 h). caffra. From the country of the Kaffirs. See Talinum c., Harpephyllum c., Adenostemma c.,Geranium c., Otholobium c. - 1, 108; 10, 176, 339; 16, 134h, 448d; 18,398,462
cairica – GSN. From Cairo. See Ipomoea c. – 18,420
cajanifolia - DSN. L. With leaves resembling the pigeon-pea. With leaves resembling the genus Cajanus, another member of the family. See Pearsonia c. subsp. C. - 1, 136; 16 178a, 184e
calamos - G. m. Reed. - 14, 273
calandae - First of each month. See genus Callendula. - 12, 300; 13, 1220
calanthe - DSN. G. From kalos beautiful and anthe flower, alluding to the pretty flowers of many species. - 28, 72
calanthoides - DGN. Bearing beautiful flowers (calanthos), resembling Calanthe. See Eulophia c. – 18,244
calcartus - DSN. Spurred. In Gladiolus c. it refers to the long-tail anthers. - 16, 8c
calceolaria - DSN. From calceolus, slipper, and it refers to the lower lip of the flower. - 10, 61; 12,300; 13,1220
calceolus - DSN. A slipper. 10, 61
caledonica - GSN. From the Caledon river area. See Wahlenbergia c., Lightfootia c. - 1, 264; 16,420d
calendula - DSN. Calendae, The first of every month, referring to its continual flowering - 12, 300; 13,1220
calli- - G. In compounds, beautiful. Callicarpus, with beautiful fruits. - 14, 273, 397
calliandra – DSN. From kallos, meaning beauty and andros, meaning flower, and refers to the long richly coloured stamens. - 10, 61
callicarpa - DSN. From kallos, beauty and karpos, fruit, and refers to the attractive berries. - 10,61
callcarpus - G. With beautiful fruits, from calli-, beautiful. - 14, 397
callilepis - DSN. G. A beautiful scale. An allusion to the paleae or pappus. [Paleae-chaff-like bract or scale][Pappus-downy or feathery appendage on fruit, seeds etc.] - 1, 268; 3, 189; 16,426g, 454a
callistemon - DSN. From kallos, beauty or kallistos, most beautiful and stemon, a stamen, and refers to the spikes of clustered flowers with conspicuous stamens. - 10, 62; 12, 301
callistephus - DSN. From kallistos, most beautiful and stephos, crown, referring to the seed. - 12,301; 3,220
callitris - DSN. From kallos, beauty, and refers to the appearance of the whole plant. - 10, 64
callos - G. n. Beautiful. - 14, 273
calluna - DSN. From kallunein, to sweep, and it alludes to the old-time use of the branches as brooms. - 10,64; 12, 302; 13, 1221
calo- - G. In compounds, beautiful. Calochromus, beautifully coloured. - 14, 397
calocephala - DSN. Beautiful head. See Gnidia c. – 18,158
calocephalus - DSN. From kalos, fair and kephale, head, and it refers to the head of bloom. - 10,65
calodendron - DSN. From kalos, fair and dendron, tree, and refers to the whole tree. See also calodendrum. - 2, 186; 10, 65
calodendrum - DSN. G. Beautiful tree from kalos, fair and dendron, tree. - 1, 150; 2, 186; 16, 210a
caloglossa - DSN. Beautiful tongue. See Fanninia c. – 18,168
calothamnus - DSN. From kallos, beauty and thamnas, shrub, and it refers to the whole shrub. - 10, 66
calpurnia - CSN. T Julius Calpurnius. - 1, 134; 16, 166c
calva – DSN. Hairless. See Inulanthera c. – 18,318
calycanthus - DSN. From kalux, calyx and anthos, flower, referring to the calyx which is coloured like the petals. - 10, 66
calycina - DSN. G. Calyx-like. Kalux, calyx. See Rabdosia. c., Rabdosiella c., Lotononis - 1, 228; 10, 66; 16, 346d, 358b; 18,258,424
calycinus – DSN. With a big calyx. Kalux, calyx. - 10, 339
calycophylla - DSN. G. Having a leafy calyx lobe. - 16, 404g
-cylmma - G. In compounds, covering, veil. - 14, 397
calyphyllus - DSN. Leafy calyx. See Hibiscus c. – 18,284
calyptra - G. f. Veil. - 14, 273
calyptrata - DSN. Capped. See Padalyria c. - 10, 257, 339
calyptrochilum - DSN. G. From kalyptra veil or covering and cheilos lip, referring to the calyptrate condition of the lip. - 28, 74
calythrix - DSN. From kalux, calyx and thrix, hair, and refers to the hair-like awns terminating the calyx lobes. [Awn-bristle-like attachment, as on seeds, flowers etc.) - 10, 67
calyx - G. f. Covering of a flower or fruit, hence calyx. - 14, 273
camara – DSN. Vaulted chamber. See Lantana c. – 18,422
camarotis - DSN. G. From kamarotis arched, probable alluding to the chambered structure of the lip. - 28,74
camassia - MGN. North American Indian. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
cambricus - GSN. Cambria (Wales). - 12, 302; 13, 1221
camellia - CGN. George Josef Kamel, named by Linnaeus in 1735. - 6, 5; 10, 67; 12, 299; 13, 1218
campana – DSN. A bell. See genus Campanula. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
campanula - DSN. Diminutive of campana, a bell. - 12, 301; 13, 1220
campanulatus - DSN. Bell-shaped. See Enkianthus c., Pachycarpus c. var sutherlandii., Agapanthus c. - 10, 136, 339; 16, 328b; 18,450,548
campestris - DSN. Of the plains or fields. See Pollichia c.,Cuscuta c. - 12, 303; 13, 1222; 16, 136a; 18,136,302
campo- - campso-, campto-, campylo-. G. In compounds, bent. - 14, 397
campso- - campo-, campto-, campylo-. G. In compounds, bent. - 14, 397
campto- - campso-, campo-, campylo-. G. In compounds, bent. - 14, 397
camptos - G. Camptos. Bent, curved. - 14, 273
campylacantha - DSN. G. With recurved thorns. See Acacia polaacantha subsp. C. - 16, 164b
campylo- - campso-, campto-, campo-. G. In compounds, bent. - 14, 397
campylos - G. Campylos. Bent, curved. - 14, 273
campylostemon - DSN. Curved stamen. See Justicia c. – 18,202
cana – DSN. L. Whitish-grey. See Sopubia c., Sopubia c.var c. - 1, 234; 16, 364h; 18,430
canavalia - MGN. From the Melabar vernacular name, ‘kanaval’, for these climbing herbs. - 16,198a; 18,396
candicans – DSN. Pure white. Galtonia c. - 18,96
candidus - DSN. Pure white. See Streptocarpus c. - 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,196
candolleanum – DGN. Like Candollea. See Helichrysum c. – 18,442
canescens - DSN. L. With off-white, ash-grey or greyish. In Dissotis c. it refers to the leaf and hair colour. See Hemizygia c. - 1, 186; 3, 116; 5, pl 116; 16, 278d, 360c; 18,410
canino-- L. In compounds, pertaining to dogs. - 14, 398
cannabinus - DGN. L. Like hemp or dagga. See .Hibiscus c. - 1, 170; 3, 110; 16, 254d; 18,286
canoargentea - DSN. L. From canus, grey, hoary and argenteus, silvery. See Gnidia c. - 1, 182; 16, 272e
cantabricus - GSN. Cantabria (North-Western Spain). - 12, 302; 13, 1221
cantabridgensis - GSN. Cambridge. - 12, 302; 13, 1222
canthium - MGN. The latinisation of the Malabar botanical name kanti. - 16, 408e
canus – DSN. L. Grey, hoary. See canoargentea. - 1, 182; 16, 272e
capanemia - CSN. Dr Guillemo Schuch de Capanema. - 28, 75
capassa - GSN. The African name for this tree in Mozambique - 16, 174d
capense - GSN. L. Pertaining to the Cape. See Piper c., Calodendrum c. Zanthoxylum c., Mystacidium c., Epilobium c., Gallium c. - 1, 98, 150; 16, 96f, 120b, 120a,b, 280a, 404d; 18,130,132
capensis - GSN. Of the Cape of Good Hope. Typha c, Eragrotis c., Landolphia c., Limosella c., Tecomaria c., Tecomaria c. subsp c., Gardenia c., Psychotria c., Calodendron c., Crotalaria c., Virgelia c., Plumbago c., Tephrosia c., Ekebergia c., Delechampia.c., Alectra c., Rothmannia c., Psychotria c. subsp c. var c. - 1, 14, 200, 236, 240, 256, 258; 3, 5; 10, 65, 113, 256, 329, 339; 12,302;13,221; 16, 24a, 202e, 214a, 224f, 302b, 372c, 376g, 400e,k
capitata – DSN. L. Knoblike head/head-shaped, Composite flowerhead. See Bulbine c., for Schotia c. with a head, Urginea c.,Gnidia c. - 1, 30; 16, 174b; 18,94; 18,224,292
capitatum – DSN. Head. Refers to inflorescence. See Pelargonium c. – 18,400
capitella - DSN. L. Having a small head. See Crassula c. - 1, 116; 18,144
capitellata - DSN. L. Having little heads. See Selago c. - 1, 240; 16, 376a
capparis - MGN. G. The ancient Greek name for these shrubs - 16, 146f
caprea - DSN. From a goat (goat’s food). Salix c. - 10, 291, 339
capreaefolia – DSN. Letterlike ‘booggladmaker’ or ‘bow-smoother’, and in the species Ficus capreaefolia refers to the sandpaper character of the leaves. - 11, 20
capreolata - DSN. Entangled with tendrils. - 10, 339
caprifolium - DSN. Perfoliate. Lonicera c. - 13, 1221
capsa – DSN. Capsule. See genus Craterocapsa.- 18,494
cardia - G. f. Heart. - 14, 273
cardia- - G. cardio-. In compounds, heart-. - 14, 273
cardio- - G. cardia-. In compounds, heart-. - 14, 273
cardiophora - DSN. Bearing hearts. See Disperis c. – 18,122,520
cardiospermum - DSN. G. From kardia, heart and sperma, a seed, alluding to the heart-shaped spot on the seeds. - 16, 238b
caribaea - GSN. From the Caribbean, Leeward Islands. Rhynchosia c. – 18,270
caric – DSN. Sedge. See genus Carex.- 18,506,568
carissa - MGN. From the Indian name for the plant of this genus from which comes carissin, a bitter, poisonous glucoside found in the bark - 1, 200; 16, 302a, 308a
carlinopsis - DSN. G. Medieval plant name, the Carlina thistle after Charlemagne (Carolus). See Berkheya c. magalismontana. - 1, 266; 16, 424d
carneus - DSN. L. Flesh-coloured. See Haemanthus c. - 1, 62; 10 , 339; 12, 304; 13, 1223; 16, 60a
carnosa - DSN. Fleshy or soft but firm, refers to leaves. See Ceropegia c.,Phylohydrax c. – 18,172,204
carp- - G. carpo-. In compounds, relating to the fruit. - 14, 398
carpa – DSN. Fruit. See Eriocarpai - 18,56
-carpa - G. –carpus, carpium. In compounds –fruit, -fruited. - 14, 399
carpenteria - CSN. N. Prof William Carpenter - 10, 74
carpinifolia - DSN. Beech-like foliage. See genus Zelkova. - 10, 331
carpinus – DSN. Beech. - 10, 75
capitata - DSN. L. A knot-like head. See Bulbine c. - 16, 56g
carpo- - G. carp-. In compounds, relating to the fruit. - 14, 398
carpos – DSN. G. m. Fruit. See genus Symphoreo., Pterocarpus - 13, 1219, 1220; 12, 300; 14,273; 16,172c
carpus – DSN. Fruit. See genus Gomphocarpus, Pachycarpus.- 18,168,170,546,580
carpus – Wrist joint. See genus Commicarpus.- 18,378
-carpus - G. –carpa, carpium. In compounds –fruit, -fruited. - 14, 399
carsonii - CSN. Alexander Carson. See Glossostelma c. - 5, pl 128
carvalhoi - CSN. Dr M R P de Carvalho. See Sutera c. - 5, pl 152
carya - G. n. Nut bearing. - 14, 273
caryo- - G. In compounds, nut-, nucleus-. - 14, 399
caryon - G. n. Nut. - 14, 273
caryophyllaceae - Descriptive Family Name. G. From karyolphollon, the name of a clove tree, given to the ‘Pinks’ because of their scent. - 3, 76
caryopteris - DSN. From karoun, nut and ptron, wing, it indicates that the seeds are winged. - 10,75
cassia - DSN. G. From kasia, bark strips. An ancient Greek name, kisia, for this genus of leguminous plants. - 1, 134, 140; 10, 75; 11, 62; 12, 301; 16, 166b
cassidea - DSN. A helmet. See Bonatea c. – 18,116
cassine - MGN. The North American name for ‘dahoon’, (Ilex cassine) - 16, 236h
cassinia - CSN. Count Cassini. - 10, 77
cassytha – DSN. Of Semitic origin, used by the Greeks for the parasitic plant now known in English as “dodder laurel” of the same genus. Not related to “dodder” Cuscula, Convolvulaceae. See genus Cassytha.- 18,528
castalis - MGN. A Greek fountain on mount Parnassus sacred to Apollo. - 1, 268; 16, 426b
castanea – MGN.Latin name for chestnut. Castanea. See also Castanospermum - 10, 77
castanospermum - DSN. From castanea, chestnut and sperma, seed and refers to the seed. - 10,77
casuarina - MGN. The long drooping branches resembles the feathers of Australia’s cassowary bird—Casuarinus. - 4, 38; 10, 77
cat-- G. Before a vowel and h; cata-. Against, along, below. -14, 304
cata- - L. See de-. G. See cat-. - 14, 302, 303, 304
cataractarum - DSN. L. Of waterfalls. In Gladiolus c. it alludes to the habit of these plants. - 1, 70; 16, 84a
catasetum - DSN. From the Greek kata down and the Latin seta bristle, referring to the 2 antenna-like appendages at the base of the column in male flowers. - 28, 75
cathartica - DSN. With purgative qualities. - 10, 339
cato- - G. Down, downwards, below, under. - 14, 304
catophylla - DSN. G. With leaves hanging down. See Pavetta c. - 1, 258; 16, 406b; 18,204
cattleya - CGN. William Cattley the first horticulturalist to grow epiphilic orchids successfully in England. - 28, 78
caudatum - DSN. L. Tailed. In Entandophragma c. it refers to the tail-like apex to the leaves. - 16,208e
caularthron - DSN. G. From kaulos stem and arthron joint, referring to the persistent leaf-bases on the pseudobulbs. - 28, 85
caulescens – DSN. L. From caulis stem; having a stem. Clivia c.,Dimorphotheca c. For Kniphofia c. referring to the distinct stem, uncommon in this genus. Agapanthus c.- 1, 62; 16, 60c,454d; 18,28,218,450
caulis - Stem. See Caulifloris, caulinus, Caulescens - 14, 399; 18,28
caulos - G. m. Stem. See Eriocaulon - 14, 273; 18,86
cavendishi - CSN. W P Cavendish. - 10, 79
CE
ceanothus - DSN. G. From keanothus a spiny plant, in genus Ceanothus but seems to bear no connection to the present genus. - 10, 79
cedarbergensis - GSN. Of the Cedarberg. - 12, 302
cedrela - DGN. G. Diminuative of kedros, the Cedar, the wood being similarily scented to some extend. – 4,19; 10, 81
cedrus - DGN. For genus Cedrus, from the Roman name cedrus. The Greek name was kedros, a name for a coniferous tree from the time of Homer. See also genus Libocedrus - 4, 40; 10,82,213
celastrus - G. Name of an evergreen tree. See Pterocelastus. - 16, 236g
-cellus - -cella, -cellum, -cillus, -cilla, -cillum, -culus, -cula, -culum, -ellus, -ella, -ellum, -illus, -illa, -illum. Diminutive. Lamella, small plate, from lamina; Pilosiuscullus, slightly pilose, from pilosus. - 14, 306, 308
celosioides - DGN. Like Celosia. See Gomphrena c. – 18,134
celtis - DGN. G. Whip. For the genus Celtis a very ancient Greek name. - 1, 98; 10, 83; 16, 120d
cenos – DSN. G. Empty. See caenos - 14, 273
centaureoides – DGN. After a plant whose medicinal properties were said to be discovered by a centaur. See Vernonia c. – 18,498
centella – DSN. Possibly diminutive of cento – a patchwork covering. Centella – 18,540
centron - G. n. A sharp point, sting, spur of a cock. - 14, 273
centurea - CGN. Chiron the centaur. –13, 1218
cephal – DSN. A ball or sphere. See Sphaerocephala. - 18,96
cephalanthus - DSN. G. From kephale, a head and anthos, a flower. - 1, 256; 16, 400a, 402b
cephalaria - DSN. G. From kephale, a head. - 1, 260; 3, 156; 16, 410a
cephale – DSN. G. Head. - 14, 273
cephaloideum – DSN. Headlike. See Helichrysum c. – 18,312
cephalotes - DSN. A head. See Disa c. – 18,120
-cephalus - G. In compounds, -headed. Monocephalus, with one head. - 14, 400
ceras – DSN. G. Horn. - 14, 273
-ceras - G. In compounds, -horn, horn-like projection. - 14, 400
cerasifera - DSN. Bearing cherries. See Prunus c. - 10, 271, 339
cerato-- G. In compounds, horned. - 14, 400
ceratonia - DSN. From keration, a horn or pod. - 10, 83
ceratopetalum -DSN. From keras, a horn and petalon, a petal since the petals of some species resemble a stag’s horn. - 10, 83
ceratostigma - DSN. From keras, a horn and stigma, and it alludes to the horn-like excrescenses on the stigmas. [Excrescence-abnormal outgrowth] - 10, 84
ceratostylis - DSN. G. From keras or kerato horn and stylis style,from the fleshy horn-like appearance of the column. - 28, 85
ceratotheca - DSN. G. Keras, a horn and theke a case. Having horned capsules, which distinguishes it from Sesamum. - 1, 244; 3, 145; 5, pl 160; 16, 378a, 380d
cercidiphyllum - DGN. From Cercis and phyllum, a leaf,suggesting that the leaves resemble those of Cercis. - 10, 84
cercis – DGN. From the old Greek word kerkis the Judas Tree. See genus Cercidiphyllum - 10,84
cerinthe - G. The honey-wort. See cerinthoides - 1, 192
cerinthoides – DSN. G. Resembling Cerinthe, the honey-wort. See Erica c., Erica c.var c. - 1,192; 16,292a,b; 18,68
cernua – DSN. Nodding, drooping. See Peristrophe c. – 18,436
ceropegia - DSN. G. From keros, wax and pege, streams, because some species have waxy flowers. Or wax fountain, an allusion to the form of the flower. - 1, 212; 5, pl 127; 16,318aj,328d
cerviana - CSN. J Cervi. See Mollungo c. - 16, 132f
cestrum - DSN. From kestron, an ancient Greek term. - 10, 65
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