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

akakallisMGN. 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 leptostachya1,98; 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, Bulbophyllum18,566,568,574

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. Centella18,540

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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