botanical names and their meanings - BioScience Communications

C:\BOT-D-Kdoc ADISK073 Meaning of Scientific Names - Botany 1 

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 

Index 

Page Page Page Page 

A 4 H 56 O 86 V 131 

B 17 I 61 P 96 W 134 

C 22 J 65 Q 104 X 135 

D 36 K 66 R 105 Y 135 

E 42 L 70 S 110 Z 136 

F 48 M 76 T 123 

G 51 N 83 U 129


A 

a - G. a not. Example: Aptosimum from a ptosimos, not falling. - 23, Dec 2000, 

-a - See -ulus, -tus, -uus. 

a- - 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 

b- 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 Ethiopian origin. 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. 

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 

1,


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 wartlike 

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; 

18,38,48,64,128,132,138,154,166,184,232,248,268,298,304,346,352,380,382,408,416,424,450,458,47252 

8,552,556; 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-threeflowered. 

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, 18 th 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 (strapshaped) 

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 19 th 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, 18 th 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. 

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 

18,400 

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 

CH 

chabaudii - CSN. John Chabaud. See Aloe c. - 18,32 

-chacta - G. chaete. In compounds, bristle, long hair. - 14, 400 

chaenomeles - DGN. From khaino, to gape and meles an apple. - 10, 88 

chaeris - G. Young pig. See Hypochaeris. - 18, 338 

chaerophylloides - DGN. Resembling Chervil. Chaerophyllum. See Conium c. 18,160 

chaeta DSN. Bristle. See genus Anisochaeta.- 18,216 

chaete - G. f. Loose flowing hair, mane. - 14, 273


-chaete - G. chaeta. In compounds, bristle, long hair. - 14, 400 

chaite DSN. Bristle. See genus Chaetacanthus.- 18,198 

chalcedonicus - GSN. Chalcedon, part of Asia Minor. - 12, 302; 13, 221 

chalco- - G. In compounds, copper, on the ground, hence low-growing. Also given as dwarf, lowly, creeping, 

false. See chamaecyparis. 

14, 273 

chamae DSN. On the ground. See genus Chamaecrista.- 18,256 

chamaeathus - DSN. G. Chamai a dwarf and anthos a flower. See Angraecum c. - 16, 96e 

chamaecrista - DSN. G. From dwarf, growing close to the ground and crista, crested. - 16, 176e 

chamaecyparis - DGN. From khamai, on the ground and kuparisos, Cypress, and it refers to the low-growing 

nature of this genus. Another author says Dwarf cypress. How it got this name is a mystery. - 4,43; 10, 

87 

chamaelaucium - DSN. The name meaning obscure. - 10, 91 

chamaedendrum DSN. Dwarf tree. See Pygmaeothamnus c. 

18,556 

chamaengis - DSN. G. From chamai lowly and angos a vessel, referring to the swollen vessel-like spur of the 

small flowers of many species in this genus. - 28, 86 

chamai - G. A dwarf, lowly. See Chamaeanthus, Chamaengis - 16, 96e; 28, 86 

chamois - G, Dwarf, growing close to the ground. See Chamaecrista. - 16, 176d 

charis - G. f. Grace, beauty, delight. See genus Ammocharis,Eleocharis. - 1,52; 5,pl 19; 14,273; 16,74a; 

18,350,566 

chascanum - DSN. G. From chaskanon a mask with wide open mouth. See genus Chascanum.- 1,226; 

18,180 

chaskanon - G. A mask. Wide open at the mouth. See Chascanum. - 1, 226 

cheil- - G. cheilo-. In compounds, lip-. - 14, 401 

cheilo- - G. cheil-. In compounds, lip - 14, 401 

cheilos - G. n. A lip. See Schizochilus, neochilus. Dichilus, Ancistrochilus, Anoectochilu, Calyptrochilum, 

Chiloschista, Dendrochilum, Gastrochilus, Isochilus, Leochilus, Otochilus, Sarcochilus - 1, 88, 232; 14, 

273; 16, 110g, 180a, 350e; 18,118,240,364; 28, 49, 55, 63, 74, 86, 127, 149, 160, 287, 346, 389 

cheiro DSN. Hand. See genus Cheirostylis.- 18,370 

cheno - G. A goose. See Chenopodium. - 16, 300d; 18,526 

chenopodium DSN. From chen, a goose and podion, a little foot alluding to the leaves. - 16,300d 

chilos - G. Green food. See Dendrochilum - 28, 127 

chilos DSN. Lip. See genus Siphonochilus.- 18,360 

chiloschista - DSN. G. From cheilos lip and schistos cleft, referring to the bipartite or cleft lip in the type 

species. - 28, 86 

chilus - G. Lip. See Bothriochilus. - 28, 63 

-chilus - G. In compounds, lipped. - 14, 401 

chimonanthus - DSN. From kheimon, winter and anthos,flower, and this refers to the season. - 10,92 

chion DSN. G. f. Snow. See Chionodoxa. - 12, 300, 301; 13, 1219, 1220; 14, 273 

chionanthus - DSN. From the Greek khion, snow and anthos,flower, and this refers to the white downy 

panicles of bloom. - 10, 92 

chionodoxa - DSN. Fron chion, snow and doxa, glory meaning glory of the snow. - 12, 301; 13,1220 

chionosphaerum - DSN. G. Snow, spherical, possibly alluding to the white involucral bracts. See 

Helichrysum c. - 16, 440b,c, 442d; 18,212 

chironia - MGN. Named after the centaur, Chiron, father of medicine and botany. See genus Chironia - 1, 

198; 5, pl121; 16, 300e; 18,164,414 

chiton - G. m. Tunic, covering, shirt. See Sclerochiton, Stylochiton.- 14, 273; 16, 398d; 18,200,490,506 

-chiton - G. In compounds, coat, tunic, covering. - 14, 273, 401 

chlaina - G. f. A cloak, covering, blanket. See Brachylaena, Lopholaena, Chromolaena. - 1,270,274; 14,273; 

16,428e; 18,210 

chlamys - G. f. Military cloak, mantle. - 14, 273 

chloe - G. f. Young green corn or grass. - 14, 273 

chlor- MGN. G. chloro-. In compounds, green-. Named after the Greek goddess of flowers. 

See C. gayana. - 1, 12, 14; 14, 401, 16, 22f, 24e 

chlorotica - DSN. G. Chloros yellow-green alluding in Habenaria c. to the flowers. - 16, 100d; 18,516 

chloro- - G. chlor-. In compounds, green-. - 14, 401 

chlorophytum - DSN. G. From chloros, green and phyton, a plant. - 1, 28; 3, 12; 16, 50d; 18,90 

chloros - G. Green, greenish-yellow. See Chlorophytum, chlorozonum, chloritica - 1, 28, 214; 3,12; 12,300; 

13; 1219; 14, 273; 16, 50, 100d; 18,90


chlorozonum - DSN. From (G) chloros, green and (L) zona, a band, refers to the flowers, Brachystelma c. - 

1, 214; 16, 320g 

choisya - CSN. M J D Choisy. - 10, 93 

chondrorhyncha - DSN. G. From chondros cartilage and rhynchos beak, referring to the beak-like rostellum. 

- 28, 87 

chondros - G. Cartilage. See Chondrorhyncha - 28, 87 

chordospartum - DSN. From khorde, a tough spring and spartium, the slender shoots. - 10, 93 

chori- - G. In compounds, separate, apart, free. Choripetalus, with free petals. - 14, 304, 401 

choristos - G. Separated. See Dyschoriste. - 16, 394a; 18,434 

chorizema - DSN. From khoros, a dance and zema, a drink, and it is said the name was given by Labillardière 

as an expression of joy in finding the original species near a spring of pure fresh water after his party 

had been long tantalised by finding many salt springs. - 10, 94 

chorus - G. Different. See Monochoria. - 16, 28c 

chroa - G. Coloured. See Dichrocephala. - 16, 456 

chrom- - G. chromat-, chromus-. In compounds, pertaining to colour, coloured. - 14, 401 

chroma - G. n. Colour, complexion. - 14, 273 

chromat- - G. chroma-, chromus-. In compounds, pertaining to colour, coloured. - 14, 401 

chromo DSN. Coloured. See genus Chromolaena. 

18,210 

chromus-- G. chromat-, chroma-. In compounds, pertaining to colour, coloured. - 14, 401 

-chrous - G. In compounds, -coloured. See chromus. - 14, 401 

chrysanthemoides - DGN. Resembling Chrysanthemon. See Euryops c. - 17, 913; 18,330 

chrysanthemum - DSN. From chrysos, golden and anthemon, a flower. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

chrysocoma - DSN G. Golden or shiny hair.From Salix c., Senecio c.- 27, 152; 18,218 

chrysophyllum DSN. G. Golden or shiny leaves. Here it refers to the colour of the underside of the leaves. 

- 4, 45; 11, 140 

chrysos - DSN. Gold, golden. See Helichrysum, Chrysanthemum, Chrysocoma.- 1, 276; 3, 169; 12,300,301; 

13,1219, 1220; 16, 438; 18,212,310,312,442 

chrysos- - G. In compounds, gold-. - 14, 273 

chrysostachya DSN. Yellow spots. From Disa c. - 18,48 

chysis - DSN. G. From chysis melting, alluding to the fused appearance of the pollinia when the flower opens 

resulting from self-fertilisation. See Chysis. - 28, 88 

CI 

cichorium - DGN. Egyptian. - 12, 300, 301 

ciclospermum DSN. Misspelt from cyclo, round. Refers to the round seed. See genus Ciclospermum.- 

18,162 

cidos DSN. Resembling, like. See genus Taxodium. - 4, 141: 10, 314 

cienfuegosia CSN. Named after Spanish botanist B. Cienfuegos. See genus Cienfuegosia.- 18,288 

cilianensis - GSN. From Ciliana, a village in Italy. See species Eragrotis c. - 4, 141: 10, 314 

ciliatus - DSN. Fringed with hairs. See Plectranthus c. - 10, 339; 18,184 

ciliosa DSN. Fringed, eyelashlike. See Habenaria c. 18,516 

cimiciodora DSN. Scientific name for bedbug, refers to scent. See Ceropegia c. 18,554 

cinerarius DSN. Light grey. See Cineraria.- 18,320 

cinerea - DSN. Ashy, grey. In Dichorostachys c. africana it possibly alludes to the bark. - 1, 130; 2, 142; 

3,197; 16, 170e 

cinnamomea DSN. Cinnamon coloured. See Ficinia c. 

18,564 

cinnamomum - MGN. Derived from the Hebrew name kinamon. - 4, 46; 10, 95 

ciprès - French name Ciprès for Cypress. See Genus Cupressus. - 10, 116 

circinatum - DSN. Coiled inwards from tip, refers to curved tips of flower lobes. 

See Brachystelma c. 18,172,582 

circum- - Around. Circumdans, surrounding. - 14, 302 

cirrhopetalum - DSN. Possibly from the Greek kirrhos orange-tawny or pale yellow and petalon petal, 

referring to the flower colour, or alternatively, and more likely, from the Latin cirrus tendril or fringe, 

referring to lateral sepals which in some species are curled, or to the fringed petals. - 28, 88 

cirrhosum DSN. Curled tendrils. Cyptostemma c - 18,66 

cirrus L. Curl of hair, fringe. See genus Cirrhopetalum.- 18,246 

cirsiifolia DGN. Leaves like Cirsium. See Berkheya c. 18,334


cirsioides - DSN. G. Like a thistle. See Dicoma anomala subsp. C. - 1, 266 

cissampelos - DGN. G. From kissos, a climber, ivy, and ampelos, a vine. In Cissampelos it refers to the 

rambling habit.and fruit like a bunch of grapes - 16, 136h; 18,52 

cissus - DSN. G. From kissos, ivy because of the climbing habit of these shrubs. - 1, 166; 16,246b,248d 

cistus DSN. Derived from kistos an ancient Greek name for the plant, genus Cistus. - 10, 95 

citharexylum - DSN. From kithara, a lyre and xulon, wood, because the timber is used for making musical 

instruments. - 10, 96 

citrina DSN.L. Lemon-coloured, yellow. See Bowkeria c., Clivia miniata var c. where the flowers are 

creamy yellow and the fruit yellowish orange.- 1, 236; 16, 366c; 18,38 

citrinus - DSN. Lemon. - 12, 304; 13, 1223 

citriodora - DSN.With the odour of citrus. See Backhousia c., Eucalyptus c. - 10, 43, 146, 339 

citrullus DSN. Citrus plus diminutive, refers to round fruit. See genus Citrullus 18,558 

CL 

clad- - G. cladus-. In compounds, branch, shoot. - 14, 402 

cladium DSN. Branch or sprout. See genus Cladium 18,568 

clados - G. m. Branch, shoot, branched. See species leptocladus. - 1, 16; 14, 273 

cladostemon - DSN. Stamens terminating a short branch -2, 106 

cladus-- G. clad-. In compounds, branch, shoot. See genus Oeceoclades.- 14, 402; 18,126,246,372,520 

clarkia - CSN. William Clarke. - 13, 1218 

clausena - CSN. Peter Clausson. - 16, 208d 

clava DSN. L. A club, See clavata, clavicornis. - 1, 80; 16, 102d 

clavarioides - DGN. Means Clavaria-like, because it resembles a fungus of that name. See Euphorbia c. 1,80; 

16, 36a; 18,278 

clavata - L. Club-shaped. From clava, a club. See Eucomis autumnalis subsp c., Habenaria c.- 18,516 

clavi- - L. In compounds, club-, cudgel-. - 14, 402 

clavicornis DSN. L. From clava, a club and corneus, horny. In Eulophia c. and Eulophia c. var c. possibly 

refers to the slender structure of the lip. - 1, 80; 16, 102d; 18,126,370 

cleistanthus DSN. Closed flowers. 

cleistos - G. Closed, shut. - 14, 273 

cleistostoma - DSN. G. From kleistos closed and stoma mouth, alluding to the calli which almost block the 

mouth of the spur. - 28, 90 

-clema - G. clemus. In compounds, twig, branch, shoot. - 14, 401 

clematis DGN. G. Traveller s joy from klema, a vine. See Clematopis. Clematis. - 1, 112; 3, 78; 5,pl 67; 16, 

140d 

clematopis - DGN. G. Vine-like. Klema, a vine. Like Clematis. - 1, 112; 5, pl 69; 16, 140c 

-clemus - G. clema. In compounds, twig, branch, shoot. - 14, 401 

cleome - DGN. The derivation of the name is unknown or obscure. From Cleoma, a name used in the Middle 

Ages for a strong tasting plant that grew in a moist habitat. See genus Cleome.- 1, 114; 5, pl 70; 16,144ae;18,142,252,384 

clerodendrum - DGN. From kleros, chance and dendron, a tree, and it is said to be an allusion to its variable 

medicinal properties. - 1, 226; 10, 96; 16, 340c,d, 342a,b, 344a-d 

-cles - G. In compounds, famous for, noted for, endowed with. Indicates honour or renown, hence abundance 

of a particular quality, often part of Greek personal names; noun or adjective base. - 14, 306, 402 

clethra - DGN. It is the Greek name for the Alder, given on account of leaf resemblance. - 10, 97 

clianthus - DSN. From kleois, glory and anthos, a flower, and refers to the brightly coloured flowers. - 10,97 

cliceras DSN. Chambered. See Tricliceras. - 18, 66 

cliestanthus - DSN. G. Closed flowers, refers to the flowers which appear partially closed. - 2, 216 

cleistos - G. Closed. See genus Anthoccleista. - 11, 146 

cliffortia - CSN. George Clifford, patron of Linnaeus. See genus Cliffortia.- 16, 158e; 18,150 

cline - G. f. Couch. - 14, 273 

clinopodia DSN. Leaning foot, limp. See Dicliptera c. 18,436 

clitellifera - DSN. L. Bearing a small pack saddle, which the central lobe resembles. Eulophia c. - 1, 80; 

16,102e-f; 18,244 

clivia - CSN. Lady Charlotte F Clive. - 1, 62; 16, 60c; 18,36 

clowesia - CSN. Rev John Clowes. - 28, 91 

clusii - CSN. Charles de l Ecluse. - 12, 303; 13, 1222


clutia - CSN. Outgers Cluyt, 17 th cent. Dutch botanist. See genus Clutia.-16,222d,e; 18,278,530 

CN 

cneme - G. f. Cnema. Leg, internode, spoke. - 14, 273 

cnemis - G. f. Greave, legging - 14, 273 

cnestus - DSN. Scratch. - 2, 118 

CO 

co- - Before vowel or h; col- before l; com- before b,m and p; con- before c, d, f, g, j, n, qu, s, t, and v; corbefore 

r. With, together with. Coalitus, grown together. - 14, 302 

coccinea DSN. L. Scarlet. See Schizostylis c. - 1, 74; 16, 94h; 18,42 

coccinia - DSN. From coccinus, scarlet. - 18,80 

coccineus - DSN. L. Crimson. Scarlet. See genus Coccinia and species calistemon. - 1, 262; 3,158; 

10,63,339; 12, 304; 13, 1223; 16, 412b 

coccinus DSN. Scarlet. See coccinea, Coccinia - 18,42,80,308 

coccinia - DSN. L. From coccineus, scarlet, referring to the fruit colour. - 1, 262; 3, 158; 16,412b,c,414a,b 

coccos - G. m. Grain, seed, round gall, pill. - 14, 273 

cochleanthes - DSN. G. From kochlioides spiral; snail-shell and anthos flower, descriptive of the appearance 

of the flower. - 28, 91 

cochlearis 

DSN. Shell-like. See Acrolophia c. 

18,574 

cochlioda - DSN. G. From kochlioides spiral; snail-shell, alluding to the snail-shell appearance of the callyx 

of the lip as described by Lindley in this type of species. - 28, 92 

cocos - DSN. Portuguese for a grimace, because of the likeness at the end of the nut to a monkey s head. - 

10, 100 

coddia - CSN. Dr Leslie Edward Wastall Codd. - 16, 402e 

coddii - CSN. Dr Leslie Edward Wastall Codd. See Tulbaghia c., Tylophora c., Brachystelma c. - 1,32,208, 

214;16, 52j, 312g, 320f 

coddiana - CSN. L E W Codd. See Kniphofia c. - 18,28 

-codon - G. In compounds, bell. - 14, 403 

codon 

DSN. G. m. Crier s bell, a bell. - 12; 300; 13, 1219; 14, 273 

coelogyne - DSN.G. From koilos hollow and gyne female, probably referring to the deeply set stigmatic 

cavity found in this genus. - 28, 92 

coelos DSN. Hollow. See genus Microcoelia.- 14, 273; 18,128 

coenos - G. Common. See caenos. - 14, 273 

coerulea - DSN. L. Dark blue. Brownleea c. - 1, 94; 16, 116a-b; 18,458 

coeruleus DSN. Blue. - 13, 1223 

cognata - DSN. cognitus-now understood, refers to the confusion in identifying it as a species separate from 

Aspidonepsis flava and A.diploglossa. See Aspidonepsis c. 18,168,300 

cognata DSN. Related. See Carex c. 

18,568 

col-- See co-. - 14, 302 

colchicifolia - DGN. Leaves like Colchicum. See Hypoxis c. 18,234 

colchicum - GSN. Colchis, ancient Black Sea region, South of Caucuses. - 12, 301; 13, 122 

-cola - -dweller, exists. Dwelling. See graminicola [-colus, colum]. 

coleonema - DSN. From koleos, a sheath and nema, a filament, and refers to the filaments in the sterile 

stamens which are enfolded in the channel of the petals. - 10, 100 

coleotrype DSN. Sheath borer. See genus Coleotrype.- 18,340 

collis DSN. A hill. 

colophon - GSN. Name derived from Colophon in Iberia which was the birthplace of Homer and famous for 

its resin. The seed is covered with resin glands. - 22, pp79,far right picture caption. 

colorata - DSN. L. Coloured. See Vernonia c. subsp c. - 16, 452e 

colquhounia - CSN. Sir Robert Colquhoun. - 10, 100 

columbaria - DSN. L. A dove. In Scabiosa c. alluding to certain flower colour forms. - 1, 260; 16,410b; 

18,438 

columella DSN. Small pillar. See Pavonia c. 

18,408 

colutea - MGN. From a Greek word koloutea. - 10, 100 

com- - See co-. - 14, 302


coma - L. A tuft. See Dicoma. - 1, 266; 16, 242a 

combreticola - DSN. L. Growing on Combretum. See Viscum c. - 1, 102; 16, 126j 

combretum - MGN. A name given by Pliny to a climbing plant, the identity of which has been lost with time. 

- 1, 184; 5, pl 110; 11, 128; 16, 274b-e, 276a-d 

come - CGN. Linnaeus named it after a member of the Commelina family of which Joseph and Caspar were 

botanists. After the Dutch botanist Johan Commelin. - 1, 20; 3, 10; 5 pl 12; 16,32a-c 

commelina CGN. Named by Linnaeus after the three Commelin brothers. See genus Commelina.- 

18,222,448 

commiphora - DGN. G. From kommi, gum and pheros, to bear, hence the Greek word for gum-bearing. - 11, 

84; 16, 212a-c 

communis - DSN. Common. See Juniperus c., Myrtus c., Prunis c. - 10, 195, 233, 268, 339 

comosa DSN. Hairy tufts, shaggy. See Eucomis c.,Hebenstretia c., Chamaecrista c. - 18,98,194,256 

comosum DSN. Tufted with hair. Chlorophytum c. - 18,90 

compacta - DSN. Compact. See Crassula c. 18,144 

comparettia - CSN. Andreo Comparetti. - 28, 97 

complanata DSN. Flattened. See Fimbristylis c. 18,566 

compositae - Composite. In COMPOSITAE it refers to the flowerheads - 18,82 

compositarum - DSN. Belonging to the Compositae. Hypericophyllum c. - 5, pl 189 

compressum DSN. Pressed together. See Cyperus c. 

18,560 

comptonii - CSN. Prof. R H Compton. See Streptocarpus polyanthus subsp. c., Protea c., Aster c.- 1,246; 2, 

86; 12, 303; 16, 122d, 448b 

con- - See co-, and cum. - 14, 302, 405 

conchiferum - DSN. Shellbearing, refers to lip. See Angraecum c. 18,126 

concinna DSN. Pretty, neat, elegant. See Disperis c. 

18,368 

concolor - DSN. Of a uniform colour. In Manilkara c. it refers to the leaves. Pachycarpus c. - 2,392; 16,382e; 

18,580 

concreta - DSN. L. From concertus, growing together. See Polystachya c. - 1, 84; 16, 106a; 18242 

concretus - L. Growing together. See concerta. - 1, 84 

condylocarpon - DSN. G. From kondylos, a knuckle or prominence and karpos, a fruit. In Diplorhynchus c. it 

refers to the shape of the fruit. - 16, 308e 

confecta - MSN. Origin unknown. See Rhodohypoxis baurii c. - 16, 78 e-f 

confertifolium - DSN. Closely set with leaves. See Helichrysum c. 18,212 

confusa - DSN. L. Confused, uncertain. See Ochna c. - 1, 178; 16, 266a 

confusa DSN. L. Confused, uncertain. See Ochna c. Also refers to the species often being confused with 

other KZN species with similar dry bracts, especially W.densiflora. See Watsonia c.,Indigofera c. 

1,178; 16,266a; 18,358,388 

congesta - DSN. Congested. In Nuxia c. refers to the dense flowering heads. - 2, 420; 16, 298b 

congestus DSN. Crowded. See Mariscus c. 

18,504 

conis - G. f. Dust. - 14, 273 

conocarpus - DSN.With cone-shaped fruit. - 10, 339 

conopharyngia - DSN. G. From konos, a cone, and pharynx, throat, it refers to the manner in which the 

stamens are grouped in the crown. - 11, 152 

conostomium - DSN. G. From konos, a cone and stoma a mouth, referring to the peristomium teeth that form 

a cone-shaped body. - 1, 256; 3, 154; 16, 400h 

conranthii - CSN. Paul Conrath. - 16, 328d 

contorta DSN. Contorted. See Caesia c. 

18,448 

contra-- contro-. Against. Contraversus, turned against. Greek anti-. - 14, 302, 304 

contractus DSN. L. Compressed or contracted, narrowed. Cyrtanthus c. - 1, 50; 3, 44; 10, 100; 16, 76h; 

18,38 

convallaria - GSN. Of the valley. - 12, 302; 13, 1221 

convolvo - L. To twine around, entwine. See also convolvere, Convolvulus. - 1, 222 

convolvere - From convolvo, to entwine. See genus Convolvulus. - 1, 50; 3, 44; 10, 100; 18,176 

convolvulus - DSN. From convolvo, to twine around, to entwine. - 1, 222; 10, 100; 16, 334a 

conyza - MGN. The ancient name for the genus Inula (dating from Pliny). - 16, 432d, 448e 

conyzoides DSN. Strong smelling. See Ethulia c. 18,440 

cooksonii CSN. Named after Clive Cookson. See Streptocarpus c. 

18,482 

cooperi CSN. Thomas Cooper. See Anthericum c., Ledebouria c., Aloe c., Eulophia c., Disa c., 

Delosperma c, Eriospermum c.,Pterygodium c., Rhynchosia c., Helichrysum c., Disperis c., Erica c.,


Isoglossa c. 1, 28, 30, 42, 80, 90, 94, 106; 3, 20; 16, 40c-d, 48d, 50e, 102g, 112b, 134g; 

18,32,88,90,122,270,312,344,364,368,412,438 

copaifera - MGN. From Copaiba the Brazilian name for the balsam obtained from some of the species. - 11, 

63 

copro- - G. In compounds, relating to dung, excrement. Coprobius, living on dung.. - 14, 407 

coprosma - DGN. From kopros, dung and osme, smell, and alludes to the fetid odour of some species of this 

genus when crushed - 10, 101 

cor DSN. Bedbug. See genus Coreopsis.- 18,318 

coranica - GSN. L. From Korana bushmen. From the Koranna country, an early name for the northern Cape 

and Botswana. Ammocharis c. - 1, 52; 5, pl 19; 17, 74a; 18350 

corbichonia - Origin unknown. - 16, 132g 

corchorus - DGN. G. Jute, a plant in the same genus. - 1, 168; 16, 250d 

cordata - DSN. L. Heart-shaped. See Hermannia c., Ruellia c., Diascia c.,Clutia . - 1, 174; 16,262c, 394e; 

18,428,488,532 

cordatum - DSN. L. Heart-shaped. Eriosema c., In Syzygium c., it alludes to the leaves. - 1,128,186,200b,c; 

16, 278a; 18,274 

cordatus - DSN. Heart-shaped. See cordifolius - 10, 339; 12, 304; 13, 1223 

cordia - CSN. Valerius Cordus. - 11, 161 

cordifolia - DSN. With heart-shaped leaves. See Sida c.,Anredera c.,Aptenia c., Rubia c.-16,252d 

18,136,284,378,558 

cordifolium - DSN. L. With heart-shaped leaves. See Schizoglossum c. - 16, 330e; 18,544 

cordifolius - DSN. Heart-shaped leaves. - 10, 339 

cordyla - DSN. Club-shaped, from kordule, a club, and refers to the fruit. - 2, 156 

cordyle - G. A club. See Cordylogyne. - 16, 330b 

cordyline - DSN. From kordule,a club, and refers to the large root base of some species. - 10, 101 

cordylogyne - DSN. G. From cordyle, a club and gyne, female, possibly due to the shape of the ovary. - 

16,330b 

coreopsis - DGN. From koris, a bug and opsis,appearance, referring to the seed resemblance. - 12,301; 

13,1220 

coriacea DSN. From corium, skin; leathery. In Euclea c. refers to the leaves, Mucuna c. - 2, 398; 18,60 

coriarius - DSN. Of curriers (curries?) or tanners. - 13, 1223 

coriifolia - DGN. L. With leathery leaves [coriacea]. With leaves resembling those of the genus Cornus. See 

Lopholaena c. See also coriacea. In Cissus c. leaves resemble that of Cornus. - 1, 274; 16,248d,434b 

corium DSN. Skin. See Coriacea - 18,60 

corneus - L. Horny [cornis], See clavicornis. - 1, 80; 16, 102d 

corniculata - DSN. Small horn. See Oxalis c. 18,276 

cornigera - DSN. Having thorns. See Datura c. - 10, 125, 339 

-cornis - -cornutus. In L. compounds, -horned. Bicornis, two-horned- 10, 407 

cornu - L. Horn, horn-like process, spur. Adjective cornutus. See Salicornia -14, 407; 18,50,526 

cornus - MGN. The Latin name for C. mas. -10, 103 

cornuta DSN. Horned or spurred. See Disa c., Habenaria c. - 18,456,516 

-cornutus -cornis. In L. compounds, -horned. See also cornu. - 10, 407 

corokia - MGN. A Latinised name derived from the Maori korokia. - 10, 105 

coromandelianum - GSN. Named after the Coromandel coast of India. See Malvastrum c. 18,284 

coronarius DSN. Crowned. See Pachycarpus c. 18,548 

coronatus - DSN. L. Crowned. See Senecio c. - 1, 268; 12, 304; 13, 1223; 16, 426f; 18,322 

coronopifolia DGN. Leaves like Coronopus. See Lobelia c. 18,496 

correa - CSN. Jose Francisco Correa de Serra. - 10, 106 

coryanthes - DSN. G. From korys helmet and anthos flower, in allusion to the shape of the lip. - 28, 98 

corycium - DSN. G. From korykion, a diminutive of korkos, a leather bag. An allusion to the shape of the 

flowers. - 1, 92; 3, 70; 16, 114e 

corylopsis - DGN. From korulos, a hazel and opus, like, because the genus resembles Corylus, the hazel. - 10, 

106 

corylus - DGN. An ancient Latin name for hazel, for genus Corylus. See also genus Corylopsis. - 10, 107 

corymbis - DSN. A cluster. See Corymborkis c. 18,124 

corymbosa - DSN. Having flowers arranged in a corymbs/flat topped inflorescence. See Cassia c., Lotononis 

c.,Macowania c., Rhynchospora c. - 10, 76, 339; 18,258,316,568 

corymbosus DSN. Clusters of flowers. See Schoenoplectus c. 18,564


coryne - G. f. Club. - 14, 273 

cosmos - DGN. From kosmos, beautiful. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

costatum - DSN. L. Ribbed. See Indigastrum c. subsp macrum., Thesium c. - 16, 188h; 18,134 

cotinifolia - DSN. L. Leaves resemble another genus Rhus cotinus, the Sumach. See Dioscorea c. - 3, 212; 

18,108 

cotinus - For genus Cotinus an ancient Greek name of doubtful origin. See also Dias cotonifolia. - 3, 212; 10, 

108 

cotone - G. A quince. See genus Cotoneaster. - 12, 300 

cotoneaster - DGN. From kotonion, quince and ad intstar or aster, similar, means similar to quince. - 10,109; 

12, 300 

cotonifolia - DGN. With ovate-elliptic leaves. The specific name given by Linnaeus because the leaves 

resemble Cotinus, another genus of kotinos the wild olive. Dias c. - 1, 182; 3, 212; 10,121, 339; 16,272f 

cotyle - G. f. Small cup, anything hollow. - 14, 273 

cotyledon - DGN. G. (1). From kotyle, a cavity or small cup, referring to the small cup-like leaves. (2). From 

kotyledon, cup-shaped hollow., referring to the leaves of some of the species. - 1, 118, 122; 16,152c,d, 

156f 

coulteri - CSN. Thomas Coulter. - 12, 303; 13, 1222 

CR 

crabbea - CSN. Named after Rev. George Crabbe, amateur botanist. See genus Crabbea. - 1, 248; 16, 386g; 

18,198 

craspedon - G. n. Edge, border. - 14, 273 

crassicornis DSN. Thick horn, refers to single spur. See Disa c. 

18,366 

crassifolia - DSN. L. Thick-leafed. See Manulea c. subsp c., Ceropegia c. - 16, 374I; 18,172 

crassifolius - DSN. L. Thick-leafed. See Gladiolus c., Tapinanthus c. - 1, 78; 16, 90c; 16, 126c; 18,356,456 

crassipes - DSN. L. Thick-footed. See Ipomoea c., Eichhornia c., Cyperus c. - 1, 222; 16, 334d; 

18,420,448,560 

crassiusculus DSN. Moderately thick. - 14. 409 

crassocephalum - DSN. G. From krasson, thick, forceful, kephale, a head. A thick head. - 1, 270; 16, 456e; 

18,82 

crassocephalum Xpicridifolium - DSN. G. From krasson, thick, forceful, kephale, a head. 

X. picridifolium, with the leaves of the genus Picris. - 16, 456e 

crassula DSN. L. Thickish. Derived from crassus, thick. For the genus Crassula it refers to the fleshy 

leaves. - 1, 116, 120, 122; 3, 84; 16, 150c-e, 152b, 154a,b, 156a-c, 158a; 18,54 

crassus DSN. Thick, refers to fleshy leaves. See genus Crassula. - 1, 116; 3, 84; 14, 409; 18,142,254,386 

crataegifolia DSN. Thorny flowering shrub. See Vernonia c. 18,440 

crataegifolium DGN. Leaves like Crataegus. See Schistostephium c. 

18,320 

crataegus -DSN. From kratos, strength. In this genus the wood is hard. - 10, 111 

crateriformis DSN. L. Bowl-shaped, hemispherical, concave. See Hypocalymma. - 1, 250; 16,388b 

craterocapsa -DSN. G. From krateros, cup-shaped and kapsa, a capsule. - 16, 418f 

craterostigma - DSN. G. From krateros, cup-shaped and stigma, a stigma; a stout stigma. A conspicuous 

stigma is a feature of this genus. - 1, 236; 5, pl 147; 16, 366e, 370ab 

cremnos - G. m. Cliff. - 14, 273 

crenata - DSN. Scalloped, notched. See Kalanchoe c. 18,254 

crescentia - CGN. Crescenzi. - 4, 54 

crinitus DSN. Barbed with long and weak hairs. Having tufts of long weak hair. - 2page ?; 14,409 

crinis DSN. The hair. - 14, 409 

crinon - G. n. Lily. - 14, 274 

crinum - MGN. G. Name for lily. - 1, 54; 3, 44; 5, pl 24, 25; 16, 70a; 16, 72a-c 

crispa -DSN. L. Finely-waved. Curled (leaf margins). See Euclea c., Euclea c. var c. - 1, 192; 2, 398 16,292f 

crispus -DSN. L. Irregularly waved, crisped, See Rumex c., Potamogeton c. 

18,502,526 

crista -G. Crested. See Chamaecrista. - 1,104; 18,256 

cristata -DSN. L Crested, (see cristatum). See Hermannia c. - 1, 174 

cristatum -DSN. L. Having tassel-like tips, crested alluding to the back of the lip. See Satyrium c., Satyrium c 

var c. - 1, 82; 16, 104c; 18,118 

crista-galli -DSN. Cock s comb. See Erythrina c.-g. - 10, 144, 339 

cristata -DSN. L. Crested. In Hermannia c., referring to the fruit. - 16, 262a


crocea - DSN. Saffron-yellow. In Cassine c. refers to the yellow bark. - 2, 276 

crocos - G. Saffron. See genus Crocosmia - 1, 74; 3, 56; 16, 88g; 16, 94f 

crocus - DGN. Chaldean. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

crocosmia DSN. G. From crocos or krokos, saffron and osme, a smell. In Crocosmia it refers to the smell 

the dried flowers have of saffron when placed in warm water. - 1, 74, 78; 3, 56; 16,88g, 94f-g; 18,42 

crossandra - DSN G. From krossoi, a fringe and andros, a male, alluding to the anthers which are fringed. 

Fringed anthers, an allusion to the normally hairy anthers. - 1, 254; 5, pl 168; 16,392f,396a,b,h; 18,78 

crossandriformis - DGN L. Resembling the genus Crossandra, also a member of the Acanthaceae. Barleria 

c. - 16, 396h; 18,76 

crotalaria - DGN. From krotalon castanets, rattle, because the inflated pods, when shaken, rattle. Seeds in 

many species rattle in the pod when ripe. - 1, 124, 140; 2, 162; 10, 113; 16,180i,182f,186i, 198e, 202a 

croton - DSN. G. A tick., referring to the smooth seed. - 1, 156; 16, 224e, 226g 

cruentus DSN. Blood red, dull red. For Gladiolus c. - 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,44 

crustata DSN. L. Encrusted. In Maerua juncea var c. it alludes to the surface of the fruit. - 16,146a; 18,142 

crypt-- G. crypto-. In compounds, covered, hidden, concealed. - 14, 410 

cryptantha - DSN. G. From krypto, to hide and anthos, a flower. See Pearsonia c. - 16, 178a 

crypto DSN. Hidden. See genus Cryptolepis.- 18,166,300 

cryptocarya - DSN. Hidden nut, refers to a calyx completely covering the fruit. See kruptos, hidden. - 2, 98 

cryptolepis - DSN. G. From krypto, to hide and lepis, a scale, alluding to the scales of the corona which are 

deeply sunk in the corolla. - 16, 310c 

cryptomeria - DSN. From kruptos, hidden and meros, part, since all parts of the flower are obscure. - 10,114 

cryptophoranthus - DSN. G. From kryptos hidden, phorus bearing and anthos flower, from the flowers in 

which the sepals are united at the apex and only open by a window at each side. - 28, 99 

CT 

ctenium- - G. cten-, ctenium. In compounds, comb, cock s comb. - 14, 410 

cten-- G. cteno-, ctenium. In compounds, comb, cock s comb. - 14, 410 

cteno- - G. cten-, ctenium. In compounds, comb, cock s comb. - 14, 410 

ctonos - G. m. Murder. - 14, 274 

CU 

cubica DSN. Cubic, refers to the boxlike shape of the lower half of the flowers. See Erica c. 18,412 

cucullata - DSN. Hooded or hood-like, that is having the sides or apex curved inward to resemble a hood. For 

Eulophia c. alludes to the short rounded spur which resembles a monk s cowl or hood. See Asclepias c. - 

5, pl 53; 16, 330g; 18,372,416 

cucumis DSN. L. Ancient Latin name for cucumber. - 1, 262; 16, 412e, 414c; 18,80,308 

cultriforme - DSN. Curved like a scimitar. See Angraecum c. 18,126 

cultriformis - DSN. L. Shaped like knife blade. Knife-like. See Asclepias c., Accacia c. - 1, 210; 10,15,339; 

16, 316g; 18,550 

-cundus - -a, -um. Indicates an aptitude or constant tendency. Fucundus, fruitful, verecundus, bashful. - 

14,308 

cuneata DSN. Wedge-shaped. See Gnidia c. 18,292 

cunninghamii - CSN. (1) Alan Cunningham. (2) Richard Cunningham. - 12, 303 

cuphea - DSN. From kuphos, bent, and it refers to the shape of the capsule. - 10, 115 

cupressus - MGN. From very old Greek word kuparissos, though the Latin Cypressus and the old French 

Ciprès are all names for the Cypress - 10, 116 

cupulare - DSN. L. Cup-like. In Synadenium c. it alludes to the structure in which the flowers are placed. - 

1,156; 16, 226f 

curviflorus - DSN. Name suggests the flowers are curved. Lorunthus c. - 5, pl 63 

cuscuta DSN. Name for dodder. See genus Cuscuta.- 18,302 

cuspidata DSN. Tipped with rigid point, refers to calyx lobes. See Wahlenbergia c. 18,494 

cussonia - CSN. P. Cusson. - 1, 188; 11, 138; 16, 282, 284 

cussonioides DGN. Leaves like Cussonia. See Cissus c. 18,538


CY 

cyan- - G. cyano-. In compounds, blue. - 14, 410 

cyaneus - DSN. G. Dark blue. See Streptocarpus c. - 1, 246; 16, 382d, 384a 

cyano - G. cyan-. In compounds, blue. - 14, 410 

cyanos - G. m. Dark blue colour. - 14, 274 

cyanotis - DSN. G. From kyanos, blue and ous, or otis, an ear; an allusion to the colour and form of the petals 

of these herbs. - 1, 20; 3, 10; 16, 32d-h; 18,340,448 

cyanthos - G. m. Ladle, cup. - 14, 274 

cyanus - DSN. Centaurea c. - 13, 1221 

cyath- - G. & L. In compounds, cup-. Cyathifer, cup-bearing. - 14, 412 

cyathophora DSN. From kyathos,a cup and phorus, bearing. Euphorbia c. -18, 64 

cyathula - DSN. G. Cup-shaped. - 16, 300e-f 

cybe - G. f. Head. - 14, 274 

cyclamen - DSN. A circle. - 13, 1219 

cyclopia - DSN. From kuklops, round-eyed, and possibly refers to the blotch on the standard petals of the 

flowers. - 10, 118 

cyclopogon - DSN. G. From kykos cycle and pogon beard, apparently alluding to the pubescent sepals which 

resemble a circle of beards around the flower when viewed from the front. - 28,100 

cyclos - G. m. Circle. - 14, 274 

cycnium - DGN. G. A swan. Possibly alludes to the white flowers or to the slender furry corolla tube, 

resembling a swan s neck. - 1, 234; 5, pl 148; 16, 364f,g, 366f, 370c 

cygnus - L. Swan. See Cycnium. - 1, 234; 16, 364f 

cylindraceus - DSN. Of cylindrical form. See Plectranthus c. 18,184 

cylindrica - DSN. Cylindrical. See Cyathula c. 18,250 

cymbalaria - DGN. Like Toadflax. See Stachys c. 18,182 

cymbe DSN. Boat. Pachycymbium 

18,586 

cymbidiella - DGN. G. Diminutive of Cymbidium to which the species bears a superficial resemblance and 

were once referred to. - 28, 102 

cymbidium - DSN. G. From kymbes boat-shaped in an allusion to the shape of the lip. - 28, 103 

cymbion - G. Small cup. - 14, 274 

cymosa - DSN. L. With cymes or flower clusters in which the flowers in the centre open first, the remainder 

opening in sucession outwards. - 16, 370e 

cymosum - DSN. In flat topped flower clusters. See Helichrysum c., Dichapetalum c. 

18,312,530 

cynanchum - DSN. G. From kyon, a dog and ancho, to strangle, possibly alluding to some of these species 

being poisonous. - 16, 332b 

cynoglossum - DSN. G. From kyon, a dog and glossa, a tongue, alluding to the texture of the leaves. 

16,340a 

cynorkis - DGN. G. From kynos, a dog and orchis, an orchid, testicle, because of the small testiculate tubers. 

- 1, 88: 16, 112d; 28.,107 

cyperus - DGN.Latin and Greek for sedge. See genus Cyperus.- 1,16; 16, 26a-f; 18, 84,222,502 

cyphia - DSN. G. From kyphos, curved. - 1, 264; 16, 420h, 422a-c 

cyphos - G. Bent, hunch-backed. - 14, 274 

cyphostemma - DSN. G. From kyphos, curved or bent and stemma a wreath or garland, because of the 

structure of the flower. - 1, 164; 3, 106; 16, 242, 244a,c, 246a, 248a-c: 18,66,280 

cypressus - L. Cypress. See genus Cupressus. -10, 116 

cypripedium - MGN. G. From Cypro Cyprus, the island sacred to Venus, and pedilon slipper, corrupted to 

pedium, meaning Venus s slipper orchid. - 28, 108, 348 

cypro - G. Cyprus, the island sacred to Venus. See Cypripedium - 28, 108 

cyrtanthus 

DSN. From kyrtos, curved and anthos, flower and refers to the frequently curved flower tubes. - 

1, 50; 16, 76c-j; 18,38 

cyrtorchis DSN. Curved orchid, all segments are strongly curved. See genus Cyrtorchis.- 18,130 

cystis - G. f. Bladder. - 14, 274 

cytisus - DGN. Possibly from Greek kutisos, a kind of clover. - 10, 118 

cyto- - G. In compounds, relating to the cell. - 14, 412 

cytopodium - DSN. G. From kyrtos a swelling or curve and podion little foot, referring to the shape of the 

column-foot, which curves upwards. - 28.,109


cyrtorchis - DGN. G. From kyrtos a swelling or curve and orchis orchid, probably alluding to the curved 

sepals, petals and lip or possibly to the fleshy leaves and roots of some species - 28,110 

D 

DA 

dacrydium - DGN. From dakrudion a diminutive of dakru, tear, since resin drops are commonly exuded. - 

10, 120 

dactyl- - G. & L. In compounds, finger. Dactylifer, finger-bearing, Tridactyle. - 14, 412; 18,128,246,522 

dactylos - G. Finger. See Tridactyle - 14, 274; 28, 409 

daemia - MSN. The Arabic name for the species daemia. See Pergularia d. - 1, 210; 16, 316f 

dahlia - CSN. Andreas Dahl - 12; 299; 13, 1218 

dais - DGN. G. A firebrand or torch. It resembles a torch about to be lit. OR. The genus name Dias, 

pronounced in two syllables, is because the flower-heads are each placed on a little platform or "dais", 

made by the bracts, which remain on the tree long after the flowers have fallen. - 1,182; 3, 212; 10,121; 

16, 272f 

dakru - G. A tear.See genus Dacrydium. - 10, 120 

dakrudion - G. Diminutive of dakru, a tear. See genus Dacrydium. - 10, 120 

dalechampia - CSN. French botanist Jacques Dalechamps. See genus Dalechampia.- 16, 224f; 18,276 

dalenii 

CSN. Dr Cornelius Dalen. See Gladiolis d. - 1, 76, 78; 3, 58; 18,44 

dalbergia - CSN. N Dalberg. - 11, 69; 16, 176a 

damascenus - GSN. Damascus. - 12, 302; 13, 1221


daphne MGN. G. f. Sweet bay, laurel. Daughter of Peneus. The name has reference to the Bay-Tree, as the 

foliage resembles some of the species. - 10, 122; 13, 1218; 14, 274 

darwinii - CSN. Charles Darwin. - 12, 303; 13, 1222 

dasy- - G. In compounds, shaggy, thick or markedly hairy. Dasyanthus, with thickly hairy flowers. - 14, 413 

dasymallum DSN. G. From dasys, thick and mallos, a fleece, referring to the indumentum. See Helichrysum 

d. - 1, 276; 16, 438a 

dasys -G. Shaggy, hairy, thick-haired. See dasymallum. - 1, 276; 14, 274; 16, 438 

datura - MGN. The name is derived from the Hindu dhatura, also from tatorah, Arabic name of a species of 

the genus Datura. - 10,124; 18,188,588 

davidia - CSN. Père Armand David. - 10, 125 

davyana - CSN. Joseph Burtt Davy. See Aloe d. - 1, 40 

davyi - CSN. Joseph Burtt Davy. See Acacia d. - 16, 164c 

DE 

de- - Downwards, outwards, from descendens, sinking down. Greek apo-, cata-. - 14, 303, 304 

dealbatus DSN. Whitewashed, refers to the colour of some plants. See Pachycarpus d. 18,548 

debilis - DSN. L. Weak. See Dissotis d., Dissotis d.var d. 1, 186; 16, 278c 

deca - G. In compounds, ten. - 14, 274 ,413 

decipiens - DGN. L. Deceiving, deceptive, used of a species closely resembling another. In Monopsis d. they 

used a species that closely resembles another. Lobelia d., deceptive but what it refers to is uncertain. See 

Vigna d. For Allophylus d. because of deceptive resemblance to Rhus - 1, 128, 264; 2,284; 3, 160; 5, pl 

178; 16, 420e; 18,496 

decora - DSN. L. Decorative, pretty. Polygala d., Polygala virgata var d., Kaempferia d. - 1, 152; 5, pl 45; 

16, 218b 

decorum - DSN. L. Decorated, adorned. See Helichrysum d. - 1, 276 

decorus - DSN. Beautiful. See Pachycarpus d. 18,170 

decumbens - DSN. L. From decumbens, trailing with tips erect. See Corbichonia d. - 16, 132g 

decurrens DSN. Running down. See Senecio d. 18,322 

decussata - DSN. Opposite leaves carried in pairs at right angles. See Beaufortia d. - 10, 48, 339 

deformis - DSN.Misshapen, deformed. See Haemanthus d. 18,106 

dekindtiana- - CSN. Dekindt. First recorded collection of Vigna unguiculata Subsp d. in Angola-16, 192b 

delagoense/sis - GSN. From Delagoa Bay, Mozambique. Albertisia d.,Crinum d., Hippocratea d. 

18,140,350,536 

delavayi - CSN. Jean Marie Delavay. - 13, 1222 

delos - G. Exposed, visible. See Delosperma - 1, 106; 16, 134f-g; 18,134,378 

delosperma - DSN. G. From delos, exposed and sperma, seed. - 1, 106; 16, 134f-g 

delphinium - DSN. A dolphin. - 12, 303; 13, 1219 

deltoideus DSN. G. Delta-shaped, triangular. Leaves like the Greek 'D', triangular. See Populus d., Senecio 

d.- 10, 260, 339; 14, 274; 18,322 

demos ? G. A band. See Antidesma. [ ? Maybe this should read desmos and not demos]- 16,220a 

dendr- G. dendro-, -dendron. In compounds, tree. - 14, 414 

dendro- G. dendr-, -dendron. In compounds, tree. - 14, 414 

dendrobium - DSN. G. From dendros tree and bios life meaning tree-life, an allusion to the aerial existence 

of most species. - 28, 110 

dendrochilum - DSN. G. From dendron tree and either cheilos lip or chilos green food, alluding to either to 

their prominent lip, or to the epiphytic habit. - 28, 127 

dendron - DSN. G. n. A tree. See genus Calodendron, Clerodendrum, Leucadendron, Rhododendron, 

Dendrochilum, Dendrophylax, Epidendrum - 1, 226; 10, 65, 96, 208, 278; 12, 300; 13, 1219; 14,274; 

16, 340c; 18,248,470; 28, 127, 128, 137 

-dendron - G. dendr-. In compounds, tree. - 14, 414 

dendrophylax - DSN. G. From dendron tree and phylax guard, probably alluding to the roots which tightly 

clasp the branches of trees. - 28, 128 

dendros G. Tree. See Dendrobium - 28, 110 

denekia CSN. Named after a Dutch botanist friend of Thunberg. See genus Denekia.- 18,210 

dens DSN. m. Tooth, prong. See bidens. -14, 414; 16, 330c 

dense DSN. densus, confertus. Densely, confertrim, spisse. - 14, 414


densiflora - DSN. L. Densely flowered, refers to crowded spike. See Watsonia d., Walafrida d., Selago d. - 1, 

74; 3, 62; 16, 94d, 370g; 18,114,194,358 

densiflorus DSN Densely covered in flowers. See Gladiolus d., Asparagus d., Syncolostemon d., - 8,44;16,92a; 

18,102,424,456 

dentata - DSN. Toothed. See Lavendula d., Quercus d. In Rhus d. it refers to the leaves. - 10,204,275, 339; 

16, 232b 

denticulata - DSN. L. Slightly toothed. See Lightfootia d., Nemesia d. - 1, 264; 16, 420c; 18,428,480 

denticulatus - DSN. L. Finely toothed. - 12, 304; 13, 1223 

denudatus - DSN. L. Bare, naked. See species Cyperus d. - 1, 16; 18,560 

dependens - DSN. Hanging down. See Crassula d. 18,144 

depressa - DSN. L. Flattened, pressed down. See Urginea d., Lobelia d.,Dyschoriste d. 

1, 30, 264; 16, 56d; 18,434 

derma DSN. Skin. See Dermatobotrys - 14, 274; 18,72 

dermatobtrys - DSN. From derma, skin and botrys, bunch of grapes - 18,72 

derris DSN. A skin, leather covering. See genus Pomaderris, Derris. - 10, 259; 18,396 

descaisnea - CSN. Joseph Descaisne. - 10, 125 

desfontainea - CSN. R L Desfontaines. - 10, 126 

-desma - G. In compounds, band. Also bundle. - 14, 415 

desme - G. f. Bundle, handful. - 14, 274 

desmondium - DSN. G. From desmos, bond or chain; fastening, referring to the stamens that are joined 

together. Desmondium, referring to the jointed pod which resembles the links in a chain. - 1, 132; 

16,168c; 18,60 

desmos G. m. Bond, chain, halter, anything used for tying, fastening; referring to the stamens which are 

joined together. See Desmodium, Antidesma, Hexadesmia, Trichodesma. - 1, 132; 3, 96; 14, 274; 

16,220a; 18,60,150,178,394,464,468; 28,157 

detinens - DSN. L. Detain, hold. In Acacia mellifera d. it refers to the recurved thorns. - 1, 142; 

16, 162b 

deuter - G. In compounds, second. - 14, 415 

deutzia - CSN. Johan van der Deutz. - 10, 127 

dewetii - CSN. J F de Wet. See Aloe d. - 18,32 

DH 

dhatura - MGN. Hindu name. - 10, 124 

DI 

di - G. (1). Two. (2). From Zeus. See dianthus. Or two, twice. See Dichrocephala, Diothonea, 

Dicerocaryum, Dicoma, Diascia, Dicliptra. - 1, 108; 3, 76; 16, 136e, 456c; 18,76,220,428,436,446; 28, 

129 

di- - G. In compounds, two-, with stamens two sets, etc. See also bi-. - 14, 415 

di- - dis-, before a consonant. Between, away from. Dissepimentum, partition 

dia- - L. See pel-. G. Through, across. - 14, 303, 304 

dialy- - G. In compounds, separated, disbanded. - 14, 415 

dianthus - DGN. G. From di, for Zeus and anthos a flower; a divine flower. Or from dios, divine and 

anthos,flower, referring to the scent of some species. - 1, 108; 3, 51, 76; 16,136e-g; 18, 382 

diaphainein DSN. To show through, more or less transparent. See genus Diaphananthe.- 18,128,522 

diaphananthe - DSN. G. The membranaceous and often translucent perianth of many species suggests name 

derived from diaphanes transparent and anthos flower. - 28, 128 

diaphanes - G. Transparent. See Diaphananthe - 28, 128 

dicerocaryum - DSN. G. (1). From dikera, two horns and karyon, a nut. A two horned nut. (2). From di, two 

and keras, horn and karyon, a nut, referring to the hard fruit with two spines 

1, 244; 5, pl 162; 16, 378b; 18,76 

dicha - G. dicho-. In two. Dichapetalum, Dichotomus, forked, divided in pairs. - 14, 304; 18,530 

dichilus - DSN. G. From dis, two and cheilos, lip alluding to the calyx which has two distinct lips. - 

16,180a,202j 

dicho - G. dicha-. In two. Dichotomus, forked, divided in pairs. - 14, 304


dichrocephala - DSN. G. From di, two, twice, chroa, coloured and kephale, a head, alluding to the two 

coloured capitula. - 16, 456c 

dichorostachys - DSN. G. Two-coloured flowers. - 1, 130; 2, 142; 3, 197 

dichrostachys - DSN. G. Two-coloured flowers. - 16, 170e 

diclis - DSN. G. Double folding or 2 winged, possibly alluding to the appearance of the corolla lobes. See 

genus Diclis.- 1, 234; 16, 364a; 18,190,428 

dicoma - DSN. L. From dis, two and coma, a tuft. - 1, 266; 16, 424a-c 

dictammus - GSN. Mt. Dicta in Crete. - 12, 301; 13, 1221 

dictyon - G. Net. - 14, 274 

didymos - G. Double, two-fold, twin. - 14, 274 

didymus DSN. Double or twin. See genus Didymoplexis. 

18,124 

dierama - DSN. G. A funnel, referring to the floral, flower, shape. See genus Dierama. - 1, 72; 

3,54;5, pl 36; 16, 90d-f; 18,42,110,354,454 

diervilla - CSN. M Dierville. - 10, 128 

dieterlenii CSN. Named after Anna Dieterlin. See Cineraria d. 

18,320 

dietes G. From di, two and possibly the Latin etum, a plant association. For its dual affinities with Iris and 

Moraea. See genus Dietes. - 3, 51, 76; 18,110,238 

diffusa - DSN. Widely spread. See Boerhavia d. - 10, 339; 18,378 

digitalis - DSN. From digitus, a finger. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

digitata - DSN. L. Hand-like. Fingered. In Rhoicissus d., Adansonia d., Adenia d. all the leaflets from one 

base. - 1, 172, 180; 2, 304; 16, 258, 268a, 270a; 18,68 

digitus 

DSN. A finger. See Digitalis. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

dikera - G. Two horns - [dicer-]. See Dicerocarynum. - 1, 244 

dimidiata - DSN. It means that one half of an organ is so small that the whole organ appears halved. For 

Indigofera d. the organs referred to are the large stipules. - 5, pl 82; 18,388 

dimidiatus DSN. Halved or divided, half the organ smaller than the other. See Carpobrotus d. 

18,378 

dimorphotheca - DSN. G. From dis, twice, morphe, shape and theka, a fruit, alluding to the two kinds of fruit 

found in the fruiting head. - 16, 454d 

dinteri - CSN. Moritz Kurt Dinter. See Brachystelma d. - 1, 214; 16, 320b 

dioecious -G. Having two homes. Male and female flowers separate. - 24, 30 

dios - G. Divine. See genus Diosma, Diospyros, Dianthus. - 1, 194; 10,128; 16, 292g; 18,138,296,382 

dioscorea - CSN. Pedanios Dioscorides, 1 st century AD Greek herbalist. See genus Dioscorea. - 16, 82a-b; 

18,108 

diosma - DSN. Fron dios,divine and osma, smell. The crushed foliage has a pleasant fragrance - 10, 128 

diospyros - DSN. G. From dios, divine and puros, grain, wheat, grain or pear, and it refers to those species 

with edible fruit. [note the differences in meaning for puros given in ref. 10 & 11].- !, 194; 2, 407; 

10,128; 11, 143; 16, 292g: 25, 402 

diothonea - DSN. G. From di two and othone sail, alluding to the two membranes stretched from the column 

to the lip like jibs from the foremast to the bowsprit of a ship. - 28, 129 

dipcadi - MGN. Possibly from the oriental name for the grape-hyacinth. - 1, 22; 16, 50h; 18,510 

dipelta - DSN. From dis, twice and pelte, shield, and it refers to two bracts shielding the seed. 

10, 129 

diplo- - G. In compounds, double. - 14, 417 

diploprora - DSN. G. From diplous double and prora prow, alluding to the conspicuous bifurcate apex of the 

lip in the type species. - 28, 129 

diplorrhynchus - DSN. G. For diplos,doubled and rhynchos, beak or bill, and it refers to the double fruit. - 

11, 152 

diplos - G. Double. See genus Diplorrhynchus. - 11, 152, 16, 308e 

diplorhynchus - DSN. G. From diplos, double and rhynchos, a beak, alluding to the paired somewhat beaklike 

fruit. - 16,308 e 

diplous - G. Double. See Diploprora - 28, 129 

dis - L. Rich dis (dives), or G. double. Referring to two large wings in the style. See Dimorphotheca, 

Disperis,Dipelta, Disanthus, Dicoma, Disa, Dichilus.- 1,82,88,266; 3, 62; 

10,129;16,96a,98e,180a,350g,424a,454d; 18,48,120,364,368,446,456,520,574; 28,130 

dis- - See di-. - 14, 303 

disa - DSN. Origin uncertain, but probably from Latin, dis, rich. Or probably from the Greek dis alluding to 

the two large wings in the style. In Disa possibly from rich and oppulent alluding to the beauty and


magnifiscence of the first species described in this genus - 1, 82, 90, 92, 94; 3, 64; 5, pl 51; 

16,98ef,104f, 112a-b,114ac, 116e; 28, 130, 18,48,240 

disaeformis - DGN. Like a Disa. See Disperis d. 18,122 

disanthus - DSN.From dis, twice and anthos, flower as the flowers are in pairs. - 10, 129 

discolor - DSN. Different colours. Varying in colour, having two different colours. In Lannea d. refers to the 

white underside of the leaves which are of different colours. In Manilkara d. it refers to the leaves. 

Accacia d., Leucadendron d., Pseudopanax d. In Lotus d. having two different colours. In Rhus d., 

Berchemia d. it alludes to the two different colours of the leaf surfaces. - 2, 242, 394; 

10,15,209,271,339; 16, 202c, 232e, 240c; 18,150,534 

disermas - DSN. G. From dis, twice and erma, prop, support. See Salvia d. - 1, 232; 16, 350g 

diskos - G. M. A quoit, circle, disc. See Pterodiscus. - 1, 244; 14, 274; 16, 378c 

dispar - DSN. L. Unequal. In Pelargonium d. indicating that this species is unlike others in the genus. - 

16,206b 

disperis - DSN. G. From dis, twice and pera, pouch, a reference to the pouches on the side sepals. - 1, 88; 16, 

96a, 110f 

dissiti- - G. In compounds, remote, apart. - 14, 417 

dissitus -G. Lying apart, remote, well spaced. -14, 417 

dissos DSN. Two-fold. Dissotis 466 

dissotis - DSN. G. Of two kinds. This is a reference to the stamens, or anthers, which can be markedly 

unequal with the shorter differing structurally from the longer. See 5, pl 116 for more details. - 1, 186; 

5, pl 116; 16, 278c 

distans - DSN. Far apart, straggly. See Zaluzianskya d. 18,190 

disticha DSN. In 2 rows, refers to leaves. See Boophone d. 18,346 

distincta -DSN. L. Distinct. See Ceropegia d., Ceropegia d. subsp haygarthii -1, 212; 16, 318f 

distinctum DSN. Separate. Eriosema d. - -18,60 

diticha - DSN. G. In two rows.Two-ranked fan-shaped leaves which all occur in the same plane. Boophane 

d., Tritonia d. - 1, 60; 3, 36; 5, pl 21; 18,42 

divaricata - DSN. L. Spreading. See Raphionacme d. - 1, 206 

diversifolia DSN. Leaves of more than one kind. See Tithonia d. 

18,318 

dives - DSN. L. dis (dives) rich or plentiful. See Disa d., Habenaria d., Cyperus d. 16,100c; 28,130; 

18,114,560 

divinorum - DSN. Refers the use of Euclea d. by medicine diviners in parts of Africa. - 2, 398 

DO 

dodeca- - G. In compounds, twelve. - 14, 418 

dodonaea - CSN. Rembert Dodaens. - 10, 129 

dolich- - G. dolicho-. In compounds, long-. - 14, 418 

dolicho- - G. dolich-. In compounds, long-. - 14, 418 

dolichopodus DSN. Long stalked. See Plectranthus d. 18,472 

dolichos DSN. G. Long. Also the Greek name for several long-podded beans. - 1, 124, 140; 5,pl72; 14,274; 

16, 182c, 186c, 192a 

dolomiticus - DSN. L. Dolomite-loving. See Plectranthus d. - 16, 352c 

dombeya - CSN. Joseph Dombey. - 1, 174; 3, 209; 10, 130; 11, 121; 16, 262g,h 

domestica - DSN. Belonging to the home. See Nandina d., Sorbus d.- 10, 234, 299, 339 

dominella - DSN. Derivation unclear, perhaps refers to the plant being locally dominant in small areas. See 

Aloe d. 18,228 

donax - G. Decision. See Amphidoxa. - 1, 278 

dongolensis - GSN. Species named after Dongola, a place on the Nile in N Sudan, also a game reserve in the 

Northern Transvaal, now N.Province. See Hibiscus d. - 5, pl 101; 18,286 

dora DSN. Skin. See genus Menodora.- 18,296 

doritis - DSN. G. Either from dory spear , alluding to the lip shape or from Doritis, one of the names of the 

goddess Aphrodite. - 28, 131 

doritis MGN. Doritis, one of the names of the goddess Aphrodite. See Dritis - 28, 131 

doron - G. n. Gift, present. - 14, 274 

dory - G. n. Shaft, spear. See Dritis - 14, 274; 28, 131 

douglasii - CSN. David Douglas. - 12, 303; 13, 1222 

doxa DSN. G. f. Glory, repute or decision. See Amphidoxa, Chionodoxa. - 1, 278; 12, 301; 13,1220; 14,274


-doxa - G. -doxus. In compounds, glory, splendour, good repute. - 14, 418 

doxus DSN. Glory or splendour. See Scadoxus. -3, 36; 16, 62a, 76a; 18,36 

-doxus - G. -doxa. In compounds, glory, splendour, good repute.- 14, 418 

DR 

dracaena - CSN. G. Dragon. - 3, 190 

dracomontana/num - GSN. From the Drakensberg. See Dierama d.,Protea d., Scilla d. 

18,132,354,374,450 

dracydium 

DSN. G. Diminutive word for tear. Refers to its weeping habit. - 4, 59 

drakensbergensis - GSN. L. Pertaining to the Drakensberg range. See Erica d. - 1, 192; 16, 292c 

dregea CSN. Named after Jan Drège. See genus Dregea.- 18,176,588 

dregean - CSN. J F Drège. - 1, 218; 16, 324c 

dregeana - CSN. J F Drège. Dioscorea d., Habenaria d., Asclepias d., Eleocharis d. - 16, 82a; 16,98a; 

18,514,518,550,566 

dregeanum - CSN. J F Drège. See Oxygonum d., Aneilema d.,Desmodium d. - 16, 130c; 18,134,448,464 

dregeanus - CSN. J F Drège. Allophylus d. subsp lanceolatum. - 2, 286 

dregei - CSN. J F Drège. See Sida d., Eriocaulon d., Erianthemum d., Begonia d. 

1,170; 16,126h, 254h; 

18,86,284,374,408 

drepanophylla - DSN. Sicklelike leaves. See Kniphofia d. 18,226 

drimia - DSN. From drymis, acrid or pungent plant as all parts of some species of this genus are poisonous 

and irritants. - 18,96 

drimiopsis - DGN. From Drimia the name of a related genus which this one closely resembles drimys acrid, 

pungent - 16, 40a; 18,344,512 

drimus 

DSN. Acrid. See genus Drimys - 10, 130 

drimys - DSN. From drimus, acrid, pungent. See drimiopsis. In genus Drimys because the bark tastes acrid. - 

10, 130; 16, 40a 

dromos - G. m. Course, running place. - 14, 274 

droseros DSN. Dewy. See genus Drosera.- 18,384 

dryadum - MGN. G. From dryas, a tree-nymph to whom the oak tree was sacred. See Lagynias d. - 1, 260; 

16, 406f 

dryandra - CSN. Jonas Dryander. - 10, 131 

dryas MGN. G. A tree-nymph to whom the oak tree was sacred. See Dryadum. - 1, 260; 16, 406f 

drymis DSN. Acrid or pungent plant. See Drimia - 18,96 

DU 

dubius DSN. Doubtful. See Tragopogon d. 18,338 

duchesnea CSN. Named after Antoine Duchesne, French horticulturalist. See genus Duchesnea.- 18,254 

dumasia CSN. Named after French naturalist M. Dumas. See genus Dumasia.- 18,270 

dunnii - CSN. E J Dunn. See Streptocarpus d. - 1, 246; 16, 380c; 18,76 

duplo-sinuatum DSN. Double- bent. See Solanum d. 18,478 

dura - DSN. L. Hard. See Buchnera d., Crotalaria d. - 1, 234; 16, 364b, 370a; 18,262 

duranta - CSN. Castor Durantes. - 10, 132 

duthieae - CSN. Augusta Vera Duthie. Impatiens d. - 1, 162 

duvalia - CSN. Named after French botanist Henry Auguste Duval. - 1, 208; 16, 314h; 18,584 

duveronia - CSN. J G Devernoy. - 1, 250, 251; 16, 388d, 398c 

DY 

dys - G. Bad or with dificulty. See Dysophylla., Dyschoriste - 1, 230; 16, 394a; 18,434 

dys- - G. Bad-, ill-, difficult. - 14, 304, 274 

dyschoriste - DSN. G. From dys, with difficulty and choristos, separated, alluding to the capsule valves 

which stick together tenaceously. - 16, 394a, 398a,b 

dysophylla -DSN. From dys, bad, phylla, leaf, bad leaf or stunted leaf. In Leonotis d. it refers to the 

aromatic leaves. - 1, 230; 5, pl 141


E 

E 

e- - Before s and d; ef- before f; ex-. L. prefix. In compounds, without, destitute of, not, lacking, from out, un- 

, -less. See also ex, a-. Edentatus, toothless, Evolvulus. - 14, 303, 419; 18,468


EA 

-eae - Suffix added to stem of name or synomyn of type genus to form name of tribe. Datureae. - 14, 419 

EB 

-ebus - Ending of substantive verb meaning mostly 'with' but also 'from, by, in', (when ablative), and 'to, for', 

(when dative). - 14, 420 

EC 

ecbole DSN. Expulsion. Ecbolium.- 18,492 

echidna - G.f. Viper. - 14, 274 

echinacea - DSN. G. From echinos, a porcupine In Berkheya e. subsp e.alluding to the sharp prickles 

scattered throughout these herbs. - 2, 274; 16, 236g, 456f; 18,334 

echinatus - DSN. Armed, or covered, with prickles. In Pterocarpus e. refers to the fruit. See Pterocelastrus e. 

- 2, 274; 16, 236g 

echinos - G. m. Hedgehog, porcupine. See echinacea - 14, 274; 16, 456 

echis - G. m. Viper. See genus Echium.- 14, 274; 18,468 

-ecious - G. Home. See dioecious, monoecious. -24.30 

eckloniana CSN. Named after Christian F. Ecklon. See Commelina e. 

18,448 

ecklonii - CSN. Christian Friederich Ecklon. See Gladiolus e.,Gladiolus e. rehmanii,Plectranthus, Aristea e., 

- 1, 74, 76; 16, 94c, 354a; 18,454,474,572 

ecklonis - CSN. Dr Christian Friederich Ecklon. See Aloe e., Helichrysum e.- 1,48;16, 48e; 18,32;442 

ect- - G. Before vowels; ecto-. On the outside, outwards. - 14, 304 

ecto- - G. See ect-. On the outside, outwards. - 14, 304 

ectos - G. Outside. - 14, 274 

ED 

edentula - DSN. L. Without teeth. See Pavetta e. - 16, 408a 

edes - G. Resembling. See Aerides, Mormodes - 28, 46, 314 

edgeworthia - CSN. M P Edgeworth. - 10, 132 

edinensis - GSN. Of Edinburgh. - 12, 302; 13, 1222 

edulis - DSN. L. Edible. See Gladiolus permeabilis subsp. e., Inocarpus e., Lannea e., Maerua e., Carissa e. - 

1, 78, 160, 3, 58; 4, 78; 10, 339; 13, 1223; 16; 86f, 146d, 234a, 308a 

EF 

ef- - See e-. - 14, 303 

effusus DSN. Spread out. See Juncus e. 

18,506 

EH 

ehretia - CSN. G D Ehret. Ehretia - 1, 224; 161?; 16, 338b 

EI 

eichhornia CSN. Named after Johann Eichhorn, Prussian official.- 18,448 

EK 

ekebergia - CSN. Captain C G Ekeberg - 16, 214a 

ekleipo DSN. Deficient. See genus Eclipta.- 18,216 

EL 

elaeagnus - MGN. G. From elaia, olive and agnos, a Greek name for Vitex agnus-castus: Theophrastus' 

Elaeagnus was a willow. - 10, 133


elaeocarpus - DGN. From elaia, an olive and karpos, fruit, and it alludes to a round fruit enclosing a nut with 

a rugged shell. - 10, 134 

elaia - G. Olive. See genus Elaeagnus, Elaeocarpus. - 10, 133, 134 

elastica - DSN. Yielding latex or rubber. - 10, 339 

elata - DSN. Tall. See Cyphia e. var e., Cyphia e. var glabra., Athrixia e., Geigeria burkei subsp burkei var e., 

Drima e. - 16, 422a; 16, 426a, 452a; 18,96,208 

elatior DSN. Tall. Wurmbea e. - 18,86 

elatus - DSN. Tall. - 10, 339 

elegans DSN. L. Elegant, graceful. See Talbotia e., Erica e., Barleria e. For Striga e. a reference to the 

flowers. See Tabermaemontana e. {ref.3, 140 says; from elegas, elegant but this looks incorrect.} 

68, 204, 238; 3, 140; 5, pl 153; 10, 139, 339; 14, 420; 16, 78d, 306a, 368d; 18,74,108,198 

elegantula - DSN. Elegant flowers. See Justicia e. - 5, pl 169 

eleo- - G. See heleo-. - 14, 274 

elephantina DSN. L. Ivory. In Elephantorrhiza e. it possibly alludes to the colour of white flowers. Or 

thick skinned. See Elephantorrhiza e.- 18,150 

elephantorrhiza - DSN. G. Elephant root. Massive rhizomatous root. - 1, 132; 5, pl 78; 

16,164e,168a 

elingue - DSN. Lacking tongue, refers to the simple appendage-free corona lobes. See Schizoglossum e. 18,166 

elinus DSN. A twiner. Helinus.- 18,536 

elion also helion - To shun. See Phygelius - 18,72 

elionurus - DSN. From eluo, to roll and oura, tail, because the spike-like racemes curl strongly when old. In 

E. muticus it refers to the spike-like racemes which curl strongly when old - 1, 12; 16, 22e 

ellaeanthus - MGN. The Ancient Greek Helle or Helena, daughter of Athamar and Nephrele. - 28, 131 

elliotii CSN. George F Scott-Elliot. See Moraea e., Gladiolus e. -3, 49; 16, 86a; 18,452,456 

elliptica/cum 

DSN. Like an ellipse, oval. See Rafnia e.,Cynanchum e. 18,258,552 

-ellus - Suffix, used to form diminutives; in colour-names indicates a pale tint. - 14, 420 

elongata - DSN. L. Elongated, lengthened. See Tephrosia e., Orbeopsis gerstneri subsp. e., Geigeria e., 

Heliophila e., Zaluzianskya e., Selago e. - 1, 124, 216, 272; 16, 186h, 322c, 430g; 18,58,140,192,194 

elongatum - DSN. L. Elongated, lengthened. See Aptosi, procumbens var e. - 16, 374f-h 

eluo - G. To roll. See genus Elionurus. - 1, 12; 16, 22 e 

elytron - G. Cover, scale or husk - beaked bracts. See genus Rhynchelytrum, Urelytrum. - 1, 12, 14; 16, 24g 

EM 

em-G. Before b and p; en-. In, within. See genus Empodium.- 18,232 

emaragdu- G. Emerald green. See Esmeralda 

emarginata - DSN. L. Notched. For Olinia e., with a shallow notch at the apex of the leaves. 

16,274a 

eminens DSN. Standing out, refers to the large, protruding corona. See Asclepias e. 18,550 

EN 

en - G. Well. See Eulophia e. - 28. 147 

en- - L. See il-. : G. see em-, within. Encephalartos -14, 303, 304; 16, 18; 18,500 

enantio- - G. In compounds, opposite. - 14, 421 

encephalartos 

DSN. en- within, -kephale- a head, -artos bread; alluding to the starchy pith of the cones - 

16, 18 

encyclia - DSN. G. From enkyklein to encircle , referring to the manner in which the lip side lobes encircle 

the column. - 28, 132 

end- - G. endo-. In compounds, within, inside. - 14, 421 

endeca- - G. In compounds, eleven-. - 14, 421 

endo- G. end-. In compounds, within, inside. - 14, 421 

endo- - L. See intra-. - 14, 303 

endo- - G. ento-. In compounds, inside, inwards, within. - 14, 274, 304, 421 

enervis 

DSN. Nerveless. In Olea capensis subsp. e. side veins are not visible. - 2, 412 

engleranum - CSN. Prof Adolph Engler. See Eriosema e. - 5, pl 80 

engleri - CSN. Prof G Adolph Engler. Hibiscus e. - 1, 170; 16, 254b 

1,


enkianthus - DSN. From enkuos, swollen and anthos, a flower, presumably referring to the pouching of the 

base corolla in certain species. - 10, 136 

enkuos DSN. Swollen. See genus Enkianthus. - 10, 136 

enkyklein - G. Encircle. See Encyclia -28, 132 

ennea - G. In compounds, nine-. - 14, 422 

enneaspermus DSN. Nine seeds. See Hybanthuse. 18,408 

ensata DSN. L. Sword-shaped. See Eulophia e. - 1, 88; 16, 110h;18,244 

ensifolia - DSN. L. With sword-shaped leaves. See Kniphofia e. subsp e. - 1, 28; 16,44a-b 

-ensis - -is, -e. Adjectival suffix. Indicates country or place of growth or origin or else habitat, noun base. 

Bononiensis, relating to Bononia (Bologna), Pratensis, growing in meadows, pratum. - 14. 308, 422 

entandophragma - DSN. G. In, male (referring to the stamens), and compartments. - 16, 208e 

ento- - G. endo-. Inside, inwards. - 14, 304 

entos - G. Within, inside. - 14, 274 

EP 

ep- -G. Before vowels and h, epi-. Upon, on, over. -14, 304 

epacridea -DSN. Like the genus Epacris, whose name derives from the Greek for a summit, often the habit 

of these plants, See Wahlenbergia e. -16, 418d 

epacris -DSN. From epi, upon and akros, summit. It is said that this genus, in the wild, grows on top of hills. 

- 10, 137 

ephippio -G. Saddle. Acanthephippium. - 28,40 

ephippium -G. Saddle. In E. orientalis it refers to shape of fruit. - 2, 434 

epi -G. Upon. See Epacris., Epicyparissias, Epilobium., Epidendrum, Epigeneium. - 10, 137; 14,274; 16, 

222g, 280a; 18,160,410; 28, 137, 142 

epi- -G. See epi-. In compounds, upon, on, over, on the top of, added to. - 14, 304, 422 

epicyparissias - DSN. G. From epi, upon and kyparissos, cypress, possibly alluding to the habit resembling 

that of cypress. See Euphorbia e. - 16, 222g; 18,532 

epidendrum -DSN. G. From epi upon and dendron tree, referring to the epiphytic habit of most species in 

this genus. - 28, 137 

epigeneium -DSN. G. From epi upon and geneion chin. The position of the petals and lateral sepals in 

relation to the column-foot. - 28, 142 

epilobium - DSN. G. From epi, upon and lobos, a pod, alluding to the petals of these herbs surmounting the 

pod-like ovary. - 16, 280a 

epipactidea - DSN. The Greek plant name adopted for a genus of terrestrial orchids which sometimes has 

green flowers. See Habenaria e. - 1, 84; 16, 106d; 18,114 

epiphyticus DSN. Growing on another plant; not parasitically. Cyrtanthus e. 18,38 

ER 

er - DSN. Spring. See Eranthis. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

eragrotis - DSN. From eros, love, alluding to the heart-shaped spikelets in some species and agrostis, a kind 

of grass. - 1, 12; 16, 24a, 24b 

eranthis - DSN. From er, spring and anthos, flower. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

erecta/tum 

DSN. Upright. See Berula e.,Dierama e.,Commelina e. 

18,296,354,448 

ereike - G. A word used by Pliny and Theophrastus to describe the genus, which in turn comes from the 

Greek word ereiko, to rend - [Erica]. See Erica - 1, 192; 3, 120; 10, 137 

ereiko - G. To rend. See Erica. - 1, 190; 16, 290a; 18,162,410 

erem- - G. In compounds, desert-. -14, 423 

eremia - G. f. Desert, wilderness. - 14, 274 

eria - DSN. G. From erion wool, which refers to the woolly indumentum of the perianth. - 28, 143 

eriantha - DSN. G. Woolly-anthered. See Lotononis e., Lotononis e.var e. - 1, 140; 16, 182d, 202d; 18,258 

erianthemum 

DSN. Having woolly flowers, from erion, wool and anthemon, flower. For Erianthemum - 

16, 126h ; 18,50 

erica - MGN. From ereiko, to rend, alluding to the ability of some species to break down gall stones. From 

Pliny's erica. When Linnaeus established the genus Erica in 'Species plantarum' (1753), he took up a 

name that has long been used and which was derived from the Greek 'ereiko', a name for heaths used by 

classical writers. - 1, 192; 3, 120; 5, pl 120;


10, 137; 16, 290a,b, 292a-d 

ericoides DGN. Resembling Erica or heather. See Euphorbia e. 18,532 

erigeroides - DSN. To raise. See Felicia e. 18,210 

erinos - G. See erinus. - 16, 420f 

erinus - DSN. G. Liver balsam. From erinos, a name given to the ancient plant by Dioscorides. See Lobelia e. 

- 16, 420f; 18,496 

erio- - G. In compounds, woolly-wool-. - 14, 423 

eriobotrya - DSN.From erion, wool and botrus, a cluster. - 10, 142 

eriocarpa DSN. Woolly fruit. See Lotononis e. 18,460 

eriocaulon - DSN. From erion, wool and caulos, stem and referring to woolly hairs on the rhizome - 18,86 

eriocarpa DSN. From erion, wool and carpa, fruit. For Indigofera e. it refers to the woolly fruits. - 18,56 

eriocarpum - DSN. L. From erion, wool and karpos, a fruit. See Dicerocaryum e. - 16, 378b 

eriocephalus - DSN.From erion, wool and kephale, head, because the seed heads become woolly after 

flowering. See Syncolostemmon e. - 10, 142; 16, 354e 

erioloba - DSN. G. Having woolly-pods. See Acacia e. - 1, 142; 16, 162a 

erion - G. n. Wool. See genus Eriospermum, Eriocephalus, Eriostemon, Eriosema, Erianthemum, Eriocarpa, 

Eriocaulon, Eria - 1, 30, 128; 3, 14; 10 142; 12, 301; 14, 274; 16, 34i-j, 378b; 

18,50,56,60,86,90,226,274,374; 28, 143 

eriopsis - DGN. G. From eria a genus of orchids and opsis appearance. The Eria-like apperance of some 

species of this genus. - 28, 145 

eriopus DSN. Woolly. See Stangeria e. 18,500 

eriosema - DSN. G. From erion, wool and sema sign, 'woolly standard' , an allusion to the woolly or 

hairy nature of the standard petal. - 1, 128; 5, pl 81; 16, 180c. 200b; 18,60 

eriosemopsis DGN. Like Eriosema.- 18,556 

eriospermum - DSN. G. From erion, wool and sperma, seed. Allusion to the genus's woolly seeds. - 3, 14; 

16, 34i-j; 18,90 

eriostemon - DSN. From erion, wool and stemon, stamen, since the stamens are woolly. - 10, 142; 12, 301 

erma - G. Prop, support. See disermas. - 16, 350g 

ernstii CSN. Named after Ernst van Jaarsveld. See Plectranthus e. 18,474 

erogrotis DSN. Er love and agrotis kind of grass. In the genus it alludes to the heart shaped spikelets in 

some species - 16, 22b 

eron DSN. Wool. See genus Eriobotrya - 10, 142 

eros - G. Love, heart shaped. See genus Eragrotis, Eragrostis. - 1, 14; 16, 22b 

erubescens - DSN. L. Becoming red. See Smithia e., Euphorbia, krausiana var e., Senecio e. var e. - 16,190b, 

222f,436a 

eruthros - Also spelt erythros, which see. - 10, 143 

erycinia MGN. Erycinia was the Aphrodite of Mount Eryx in Sicily. See Erycinia - 28, 145 

erythrina - DSN. G. From erythos or eruthros, scarlet or red and inus,possession; referring to the colour of 

the flowers of many of the species. - 1, 126, 138; 3, 199; 10, 143; 11, 70; 16,172e,194a,b, 196; 18,60 

erythrocepala - DSN. Red sepals. See Oenothera e. -16, 208e 

erythrocephalum - DSN. Red head. - 5, pl 185 

erythrophleum -DSN. Red bark. In E. lasianthum refers to red sap. - 2, 144 

erythrophyllum - DSN. G. Having red leaves. See Combretum e. - 1, 184; 3, 199; 16, 276a 

erythrophysa - DSN. G. From erythos, red and physa, bladder, alluding to the red bladder-like fruits. - 1,162; 

16, 238e 

erythros - G. [Also spelt eruthos]. Scarlet or red. See Erythrina, Erythrophysa. 1, 162; 3, 199; 14,274; 16, 

238c; 18,60 

erythroxylum - Red wood. The wood in some species of the family. Erythroxylaceae are red. - 2,178c 

ES 

escallonia - CSN. Señor José Escallon y Flores. - 10, 145; 13, 1219; 12, 299 

-escens - -is, -ep. Present participle ending used in forming adjective to indicate a process of becoming 

without full attainment reached. Indicates process of becoming, hence not fully achieved resemblance, 

often expressed in English by the termination '-ish', verb base, usually itself with a noun or adjectival 

base. Senescens, becoming aged, from senex. - 14, 308, 423 

eschscholzia - CSN. Johann Friederich Eschscholz. - 13, 1219; 12, 299


esculentus - DSN. G. Edible. In Plectranthus e., the roots are eaten. Cyperus e. - 1, 228; 13, 1223; 16,346f; 

18,304,502 

esmeralda - DSN. G. From smaragdus emerald green, probably an allusion to the jewel-like beauty of the 

flowers or alternatively in reference to the deep green colour of the foliage. - 28, 146 

estia - G. House, undergarment. See Hypoestes. - 1,252; 16,390a; 18,200,436 

-estris (-ester) - -is, -e. Indicates place of growth, noun base. Rupestris, dwelling among rocks, rupes. - 

14,309 

ET 

etum - L. A plant association, e. g. Iris and Moraea. See genus Dietes. - 3, 51 

-etum - L. In compounds, indicates place dominated by a given plant. Indicates collective place of growth, 

hence plant association, noun base. Quercetum, oak-wood, from quercus, oak. 14, 306, 423 

EU 

eu - G. Good, well. See genus Eulophia, Eucomis, Euphorbia, Eucryphia, Eucalyptus.- 1, 26, 80; 3, 72; 5, pl 

16; 10, 149; 12, 301; 16, 36a, 96b-c, 98b; 18,126,242,370,458,520,574 

eu- - G. In compounds, well, good, thorough,completely, truly. Good, well, well-developed. Also formerly 

used in a sense of 'true, original, primitive' in subgeneric and sectional names. - 14,274, 304, 423 

euanthe - DSN. G. From euanthes blooming, referring to the showy inflorescence. - 28, 146 

euanthes - G. Blooming. See Euanthe - 28, 146 

eucalyptus - DSN. From eu, well and kalyptos,covered. Or from eukalupto, well covered. Here it refers to the 

"cap" of the calyx which covers the flower stamens before they open, afterwards falling off. - 10,146; 

12, 301 

euclea - DGN. G. From eukleia, glory, fame, referring to the fine ebony-like wood of some species. -1,192; 

16, 292f 

eucomis - DSN. G. Beautiful hair or topknot. From eu, good and kome, hair; implying a beautiful head, and 

refers to the tufted crown of the flowering spike of this genus. Beautiful hair, alludes to the bracts. See 

genues Eucomis. - 1, 26; 5, pl 16; 16, 36a-b, 38a; 18,98,512 

eucryphia - DSN. From eu, well and kruphios,covered and it alludes to the cap formed by the sepals 

covering at their tips. - 10, 149 

eugenia - CGN. Prince Eugène of Savoy. - 4, 18; 10, 149; 12, 299; 18,68 

eugeniamyrtus - DGN. Cross between Eugenia myrtifolia and Myrtus bullata - 10, 150 

eukleia - G. Glory, fame. See Euclea. - 1, 192 

eulophia - DSN. G. From eu, well and lophos, a crest or plume. Referring to the species on which the genus 

was founded. Well developed crest, referring to the crest on the lip which is present in most species of 

Eulophia. - 1, 80, 92, 94, 154, 156, 158; 3, 72; 5, pl 53; 16, 96b-c, 98b-d, 102a-g, 106b-c, 110h,112c, 

114d, 116f; 28. 147 

eulophiella - DGN.Diminutive of Eulophia given for the superficial resemblance of the species to those of the 

latter genus. 

28, 148 

euonumus DSN. Well named. See genus Euonymus - 10, 150 

euonymus - DSN. From the name used by Pliny from the Greek euonumus, well named. -10, 150 

eupatorium - MGN. Named by Pliny to commemorate Eupator, king of Pontus, who found one species to be 

an antidote for poison. - 10, 153 

euphorbia - CGN. Named in honour of Euphorbus, 1 st cent. physician to king Juba I of Mauritania. See 

genus Euphorbia -1,154; 3,104; 10,153; 11,96; 16, 222f,g, 226a-e, 228a-e, 230a-e; 18,64,278,532 

europaea - GSN. L. From Europe. See Olea e. - 1, 194; 16, 296e 

euruops DSN. Having wide eyes. See genus Euryops. - 10, 154 

eurus - G. Broad. See Euryops. - 16, 456a 

euryops 

DSN. Having wide eyes. From eurys, broad and ops, a face, referring to the large yellow flowers. 

Or an allusion to the conspicuous flowers of some species in this genus.-10, 154; 16, 456a; 18,330 

-eus - -a, -um. Indicates material or colour or resemblance in quality; noun base. Melleus, pertaining to honey, 

from mel. This should not be confused with the Greek -eus meaning belonging to or noted for. 

Giganteus, belonging to the giants. - 14, 308 

-êus --a, -um. Indicates possessed by or belonging to, noun base, usually the name of a person. Giganteus, 

huge from giant, gigas. -14, 310 

eutaxia - DSN. Meaning modestly. An allusion to the character of the plants in this genus.


10, 155 

EV 

evansii - CSN. Dr I B Pole Evans, for species Albizzia e. - 11, 54 

evansii - CSN. Maurice Evans. See Kniphofia e., Euryops e. - 18,28,330 

evolvo - L. To unroll or unravel. Evolvulus. - 1, 224 

evolvulus DSN. L. From evolvo, to unroll or unravel because these plants do not twine, as do others in the 

same family. - 1, 224; 16, 334k 

EX 

ex- - See e-. From, out of, away from, through, by reason of . Ex- is always used before vowels, and even 

before consonants it is used quite as commonly as e-. - 14, 303, 424 

ex- - L. Prefix. In compounds, lacking, without, destitute of, un-, -less. See also e-, and an-. - 14,424 

excelsa - DSN. High. See Araucaria e. - 10, 30, 339 

excelsior -DSN. Higher. - 10, 339 

exilis - DSN. Thin, weak. See Microcoelia e. 18,128 

eximia 

DSN. Excellent. - 10,339 

eximius - DSN. Choice, rare. - 12, 304; 13, 1223 

exo - External. See genus Exochorda. - 10, 155 

exo- - See extra-. G. In compounds, outward, outside. Opposite of endo-. - 14, 303, 425 

exochorda - DSN. From exo, external and khorde, wood and it refers to the outside fibres. - 10, 155 

exoleta - L. Mature, dying away. See Utricularia gibba subsp.e. - 1, 248 

exoniensis - GSN. Of Exter. - 13, 1222 

expansa - DSN. L. Expanded, spread. See Crassula e. - 1, 120; 16, 154b; 18,144 

exserta DSN. Producing. Ottelia e.- 18,84 

extra- - On the outside, beyond, over and above. Extraordinarius, out of the common order. 14, 303 

EY 

eylesii - CSN. Fred Eyles. See Streptocarpus e. - 5, pl 165


FA 

fabiana - CSN. Francisco Fabian y Fuero. - 10, 155 

fadogia - Origin unknown. - 16, 402 c,d 

fagus - Beech tree. See Genus Nothofagus. - 10, 235 

faidherbia - Origin unknown . - 16, 160a 

falcatus 

F 

DSN. L. Shaped like a sickle. Sickle-shaped. In Podocarpus f. it alludes to the leaves. In 

Asparagus f. it alludes to the cladodes. See augusticladus. Cyrtanthus f. - 2 page ?; 10 ,339; 14, 510; 

16,20a, 58d; 18,40,100 

falcicornis -DSN. L. Sickle-shaped. With a sickle shaped horn. See Habenaria f., Habenaria f. subsp caffra, 

Dolichos f. - 1, 88; 16, 110b, 182c; 18,116 

falciformis - DSN. L. Sickle-shaped. See Dolichos f. - 1, 140 

falckia CGN. Named after John Peter Falck, pupil of Linnaeus. See genus Falckia.- 18,176 

fallax - DSN. L. Deceptive, false. See Asclepias f. - 16, 330h 

fanninia CSN. Named after George Fannin. See genus Fanninia.- 18,168 

fanniniae - CSN. Named after Marianne (Fannin) Roberts. Disperis f.,Streptocarpus 18,122,482 

fariam- - L. In compounds, -ranked, in a row or line. Infariam, in one row. - 14, 427 

farinosus - DSN. Floury, mealy. Covered in dusting of flour. See Convolvulus f.- 10, 339; 12, 304; 13,1223; 

18,176 

-farius L. In compounds, -ranked. - 14, 427 

farreri - CSN. Reginald J Farrer. - 12, 303; 13, 1222 

fasciculata DSN. In close clusters. See Wahlenbergia f. 18,494 

fassoglense 

GSN. Coming from Fazoghli, a place in the Sudan where it was first collected. See 

Fassoglensis., Tylosema f. - 1, 138; 16, 172d; 18,256 

fassoglensis - GSN. Coming from Fazoghli, the place in Sudan where Tylosema f. was first collected. - 

5,pl.79 

fastigiata DSN. Parallel erect branches, narrowing towards the top. Albuca f., Vernonia f. - 18,92,498 

fastigiatum DSN. Parallel, erect, clustered branches. Indigastrum f. - 18,56 

fatsia - MGN. An adaption of the Japanese name for Fatsia japonica. - 10, 156 

faurea - CSN. W C Faure. - 16, 122e-f 

FE 

feijoa - CSN. Don da Silva Feijoa. - 10, 157 

felicia - CSN. Herr Felix, a German official at Regensburg. See genus Felicia.- 10,158; 16,456b; 

18,210,310,442 

fenestratum - DSN. L. From fenestra, a window. In Limeum f. var. f. it alludes to transparent wings of the 

fruit. - 16, 132c 

-fer - L. In compounds, -carrying, bearing. - 14, 427 

fero - L. I bear, bearing, carrying - [-fera]. See. Indigofera, antennifera. - 1, 86; 10, 190; 16, 108a 

ferox - DSN. Strongly armed with teeth. Feroceous, spiny leaves for Aloe ferox.See also Encephalartos f. - 2, 

42, 56 

ferrugineus - DSN. Rusty. - 12, 304; 13, 1223 

FI 

fibrosa - DSN. Fibre. See Kniphofia f. 18,226 

fici- - L. In compounds, relating to figs. See Fig-. - 14, 428 

ficifolia DGN. Leaves like Ficus. See Ipomoea f. 18,420 

ficifolius - L. Fig-leaved. See fici-, and fig-. - 14, 428 

ficinia CSN. Named after Heinrich Ficinus, a German botanist.- 18,564 

ficinioides DGN. Resembling Ficinia, See Scirpus f. 

18,564 

ficus - DGN. L. Name of small shrubby fig tree in Asia Minor. - 4, 67; 10, 158; 11, 4 

-fidus - L. In compounds, divided, (usually within outer third). - 14, 428 

fig - L. In compounds, syco-. Ficifolius, fig-leaved. - 14, 428 

filago - See filaginea., filagopsis. - 1, 278; 16, 438


filagopsis - DGN. L. Resembling the genus Filago. - 16, 438m 

filaginea - DGN. Resembling the genus Filago. See Amphidoxa f. 1, 278 

fili - L. Thread-like. See filifolia. - 1,50 

fili- - L. In compounds, thread. Filicaulis, with thread-like stem. Filifer, thread-bearing. Filifolius, threadleaved. 

- Filipendulus, hanging by a thread, e.g. the swollen parts of tuberous roots connected by 

narrow thread-like parts. - 14, 428 

filic- - L. In compounds, relating to ferns. - 14, 428 

filifolia - DSN. L. With thread-like leaves, like fern fronds. See Nerine f., Pearsonia sessifolia subsp f., 

Felicia f.subsp f. - 1, 50; 16, 180d, 456b; 18,442 

filiformis DSN. L. Thread-like, narrow form. Hypoxis f. In Passerina f. refers to narrow leaves, Cassytha 

f., Secamone f. 1, 64; 2, 342; 18,528,552 

filipes - DSN. L. With thread-like stalks. See Indigofera f. - 16, 190h 

fimbri- - L. In compounds, fimbriate, [fringed]. - 14, 428 

fimbria G. A fringe. Fimbristylis- 18,566 

fimbriata -DSN. L. Fringed. In Stenoglottis f. alluding to the lip, Huttonaea f. 

fischeri - CSN. G A Fischer. See Dyschoriste f. - 16, 398a,b 

fissi- - L. In compounds, split-. - 14, 429 

FL 

flabellata - DSN.L. Like an open fan. See Setaria f. - 1, 14 

flabellifolius DSN. In the shape of a small fan. See Myrothamnus f. 

flaccida DSN. Limp. See lobelia f. 

18,496 

18,576 

1,82; 16,104g; 18,114,360 

flagellaria - DSN. From flagellum, a whip and aria, like. Refers to the long flexible stems. - 18.26 

flagellifolia - DSN. L. With long, thin whip-like leaves. See Annesorrhiza f. - 16, 288b 

flagellum - DSN. A whip. See Flagellaria - 18, 26 

flanaganiae CSN. Discovered by Mrs. Flanagan, wife of Henry Flanagan. See Impatiens f. 

18,406 

flanaganii - CSN. Named after Henry Flanagan. See Cyrtanthus f.,Geranium f., Selago f., Mystacidium 

f.,Raphionacme f.,Tylophora f. 18,232,398,480,522,542,588 

flava - DSN. Bright, clear yellow. See Justicia f. In Grewia f.it refers to the flowers, Aspidonepsis f. - 1,168, 

252 2, 308; 16, 250b, 390h; 18,300,306 

flavescens - DSN. Yellowish. See Grewia f., Grewia f.var f. - 2, 308; 10, 339; 16, 252a 

flavicaulis - DSN. G. Yellow-stemmed. See Asparagus f. - 16, 58e 

flavida - DSN. Pale yellow. See Dietes f. 18,238 

flavum DSN. Yellow. See Schizoglossum f. 

18,300 

flavus - DSN. Yellow, flaxen. - 10, 339; 12, 304; 13, 1223 

flexuosus - DSN. Winding, bending. See Schizochillus f. 18,118 

flora - DSN. Flower. See multiflora, laniflora. - 1, 34; 16, 328a 

flore pleno - DSN. Double flowered. - 10, 339 

floribunda - DSN. L. Many-flowered, flowering profusely. Many flowers. With a wealth of flowers: freeflowering. 

For Nuxia f. many flowered. See Sutera f., Abelia f., Dipelta f., Malus f., Fraximus 

f.,Ledebouria f., Hermannia f., Kraussia f., Dregea f. - 1, 196, 234; 2, 422; 10, 11, 129, 161,222,339; 16, 

52a, 260d, 298a, 364e, 408c; 18,176,190,512 

floribundus - DSN. Free-flowering. - 12, 304; 13, 1223 

florida - DSN. From floridus, flowery. - 12, 302; 13, 1222 

floridus 

DSN. Flowery. See florida, obtusiflorus. - 1, 16; 12, 302; 13, 1222 

florifera/rum - DSN. Bearing flowers. See Manulea f.,Dierama f. 18,190,454 

flos - L. Flower. See Floscopa -16, 34a; 18,340 

floscopa - DSN. L. From flos flower and scorpa a broom. - 16, 34a 

flumen - L. A river. See fluminense. - 1, 194; 16, 296b 

fluminense - DSN. L. From flumen, a river, because occurs along rivers. See Jasminum f. 

1, 194; 16, 296b 

fluminensis DSN. Running water. See Tradescantia f. 18,340 

fluviatilis - DSN. L. Growing in a river or running water. See Kniphofia f. - 16, 44d; 18,28 

FO 

fockea CSN. Named after Hendrick Focke. 

18,554


foetida - DSN. L. Having an unpleasant or foul smell. In Boscia f. it alludes to the flowers. See 

Momordica f. - 16, 148d, 416a; 18,80 

foetidissima - DSN. L. Having a very unpleasant smell. Kedrostis f. - 16, 416b; 18,78 

foetidum - DSN. L. Bad-smelling. See Brachystelma f. - 1, 214; 16, 320c; 18,582 

folia - L. Leaves. See angustifolia, limifolia, filifolia. - 1, 30, 36, 50 

foliosa - DSN. L. Leafy. Closely clothed in leaves, dense foliage as in Gerrardina f., Eulophia f., 

Lotononis f., Portulaca f., Indigofera f. - 1, 90, 128; 2, 332: 16, 112c, 134m, 200a; 18,56,258,520 

folium -L. Leaves. See tenuifolium, Trifolium.- 1, 32; 18,388 

fontanesia - CSN. M Rènè Louiche Desfontaines. - 10, 159 

forbesii - CSN. John Forbes. - 16, 176c 

forma 

DSN. Form, figure, shape. - 14, 430 

formosa - DSN. From formosus, charming. - 12, 302; 13, 1222 

formosum - GSN. From the island of Formosa, now Taiwan, ,country of origin. See Dierams f., Lillium f. 

- 16, 92d; 18,92 

formosus 

DSN. Charming, beautiful. See formosa, Streptocarpus f. - 12,302; 13,1222; 18,482 

forskaolii - CSN. Named after Peter Forskaöl. See Hypoestes f. 18,200 

forsythia - CSN. William Frosyth. - 10, 159; 13, 1219; 12, 299 

fortunei - CSN. Robert Fortune. - 12, 303; 13, 1222 

foveolatus - DSN. Small pits. Chionanthus f. - 2, 410 

FR 

fragaria - DSN. L. Fragrant. F. vesca (strawberry). - 9, 97 

fragilis - DSN. L. Brittle, fragile. See Crassula expansa subsp. f., Ipomoea obscura var f., Cissus f. - 

1,120, 222; 16, 334b; 18,538 

fragilus - DSN. Fragile, brittle. In Crassula f. it refers to the stems. - 10, 339; 16, 154b 

fragrans - DSN. Fragrant. See Adenandra f., Clerodendrum f., Viburnum f., Genista f., Osmanthus f., 

Disa f. - 10, 23, 96, 168, 239, 309, 339; 18,366 

fragrantissima DSN. Very fragrant. See Diaphananthe f. 18,522 

franksiae - CSN. Named after Millicent Franks (Mrs.Flanders). See Brachystelma f. 18,172 

fraxinus 

DSN. Old Latin name for Ash Tree. - 10, 160 

freesia - CSN. Dr F H T Freese. - 18,46 

fremontia - CSN. Col John Charles Fremont. - 10, 161 

frenum - L. Rein or strap.. See Bifrenaria. - 28, 60 

freylinia - CSN. Count L de Freylino. - 16,374a,b 

frigida - DSN. Ice-cold. - 10, 339 

frithia - CSN. Frank Frith. - 1, 106; 16, 134b 

fritillaria 

DSN. A dice-box. 

12, 300; 13, 1219 

frondosa - DSN. With rich foliage. Mussaenda f. - 10, 232, 339 

frutescens - DSN. Shrubby. Growing like a shrub. Vigna f., Orphium f., Sutherlandia f., Vigna f. subsp f. 

var f. - 5, pl 87; 10, 238, 309, 339; 13, 1223; 16 192c, 200f; 18,464 

fruticans - DSN. Shrubby. In Nemesia f. it refers to the habit. - 16, 374d 

fruticosa - DSN. L. Shrubby or bushy. See Asclepias f., Stylosanthes f., Polygala f., Plectranthus f. - 

1,206; 16 188a, 312d; 18,268,404,474 

fruticosus - DSN. Shrubby. - 12, 304 

fruticulosa - DSN. L. Shrubby, small and dwarf. In Crossandra f. it alludes to the habit. - 16,396b; 18,78 

FU 

fuchsia - CSN. Leonard Fuchs. - 10, 162; 12, 299; 13, 1219 

fulgens - DSN. L. Shining, glistening, brilliant. See species Mariscus f., Senecio f., Malaleuca f., Fuchsia 

f., Euphorbia f., Cyperus f., Kleinia f. - 1, 16, 272; 10, 153, 162, 226, 339; 16,26f, 430b; 18,82 

fulleri CSN. Named after Claude Fuller. See Hyobanche f. 

18,434 

fulvus - DSN. Tawny. - 12, 304; 13, 1223 

fumaria - DSN. L. From fumus, smoke. - 16, 142e 

fumus - L. Smoke. Refers to smoky scent of some species. See Fumaria. - 16, 142e; 18,384 

fusc- - L. fusco-. In compounds, dark, or dark brown. - 14, 433 

fusco- - L. fusc-. In compounds, dark, or dark brown. - 14, 433


G 

GA 

gal- - G. gala-, galacto-.In compounds, milk, milky (referring either to milky colour or production of latex). - 

14, 433 

gala - G. Milk..See Polygala, Galanthus, Ornithogalum., Galium, Ornithogaloides - 1, 32, 152; 10, 259; 12, 

301; 13, 1220; 16, 34b, 42e, 404d; 18,98,90,404,512,556 

galea - G. Helmet-shaped. See Galeandra - 28, 148 

galeandra - DSN. L. From galea helmet-shaped. Referring to the anther-cap of the type species. - 28, 148 

galacto- - G. gala-, gala-.In compounds, milk, milky (referring either to milky colour or production of latex). 

- 14, 433 

galanthus - DSN. From gala, milk and anthos flower. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

galee - G. Polecat, weasel. - 14, 274 

galium - DSN. G. From gala, milk , alluding to the fact that yellow bedstraw (Galium verum) was used to 

curdle milk for cheese-making. - 16, 404d,e 

gallicus - GSN. Gaul (France). - 12, 302; 13, 1221 

galphimia - MGN. Related to Malpighia and the same letters - transposed gives the genus Galphimia. - 10, 

166 

galpinia - CSN. Dr E E Galpin. . -12, 298 

galpinii - CSN. Dr E E Galpin. See Anthericum g., Barleria g., Bauhinia g., Cyrtanthus g. Eriospermum g., 

Hypoxis g., Kniphofia g.,Raphionacme g., Schizoglossum bidens subsp g., Streptocarpus g., Vernonia g, 

, Cyrathus g., Tinnea g. Diospyros g., Lotononis g., Selago g. - 1, 28, 50, 66, 130, 206, 246, 274; 5, pl 

73; 11, 128; 16, 34j; 16,44f;16, 52f; 16, 76j; 16, 78d, 170a, 310a, 312j, 330c, 382b, 394h, 398j, 434h, 

436f; 18,40,70,296,460,480,542 

galtonia - CSN. Sir Francis Galton - 18,96,510 

gamo- - G. In compounds, united. - 14, 433 

gangetica - GSN. Ganges River in India. See Asystasia g. 18,200 

gardenii CSN. Named after Major Robert Garden. See Streptocarpus g. 

18,482 

gardeniifolia - DSN. L. With leaves resembling those of the genus Gardinia. See Pavetta g., Pavetta g.var g. 

-1, 258; 16, 406d 

gardenia - CSN. Dr Alexander Garden. - 1, 256; 3, 221; 10, 166; 11, 173; 12, 299; 16, 400c 

gardenii - CSN. Major Robert Garden. See Clivia g. -18,36 

garipense - GSN. From the Gariep area in the Northern Cape. - 16, 404d 

garrya - CSN. Nicholas Garry. - 10, 167 

garuleum DSN. Corruption of coeruleus. Refers to deep blue colour of marginal female florets. See genus 

Garuleum.- 18,444 

gaster - G. f. Belly. See genus Gasteria., Gastrochilus. - 1, 36; 14, 274; 18,342; 28, 149 

gasteria 

DSN. L. From gaster, belly an allusion to the large swelling at the base of the plant. - 1,36; 16,50c 

gastrochilus - DSN. G. From gaster belly and cheilos lip, referring to the lip shape. - 28, 149 

gayana - CSN. J. E. Gay. See Chloris g. - 1, 12; 16, 22f 

gazania - DSN. G. Wealth, alluding to the golden flowers of many species. CSN. Theodore Gaza. - 5, pl 184; 

16, 454f; 18,332,334 

gazensis -GSN. Area where C F M Swynnerton discovered this species, Gladiolus g., called Gazaland 

Delagoa Bay to Umvumvumvu to Lusitu and Buzi rivers, the sea on East and Sabi river on West. See 

Protea g. covering the same area. - 5, pl 37, 59 

GE 

geigeria - CSN. Dr L Geiger. - 1, 272; 16, 430g, 452a,b; 18,316 

geiton DSN. Neighbour. See Potamogenton, Apongeton - 3, 2; 18,84,502 

-gena - L. Born. See nubigena. - 1. 48; 16, 48f 

-geneus -G. -genus. In compounds, of a particular kind. homogeneus, all of the same kind. 

14, 434


geneion - G. Chin. See Epigeneium - 28, 142 

geniculatum DSN. Abruptly bent. See Solanum g. 18,478 

genlisea CSN. Named after Comtesse de Genlis, author of La Botanique Historique et Literature . See 

genus Genlisea.- 18,486 

-genus - G. -geneus. In compounds, of a particular kind. - homogeneus, all of the same kind. 

14, 434 

geniosporum - DSN. G. The seeds having protuberances. - 1, 228; 16, 346j, 356c 

genista - MGN. Celtic. Latin name for broom used by Virgil. - 10, 167; 13, 1220 

gentiana - CGN. Gentius, King of Illyria. - 12, 297; 13, 1218 

geometricum DSN. Geometric shape. See Cynoglossum g. 18,468 

-ger - L. In compounds, carrying, bearing. ramus floriger, flowering branch. - 14, 434 

geranioides - DGN. Resembling Geranium. See Begonia g. 18,156 

geranium DSN. G. From geranos, a crane. See Geranium a crane's bill referring to the seed vessel. 

Alluding to the long beak formed by the carpels. - 1, 148; 3, 102; 13, 1220; 16,204a,206a 

geranos - G. A crane. See Geranium. - 1, 148; 3, 102; 16, 204a; 18,398,466 

gerbera - CSN. Traugott Gerber, died 1743, German naturalist. See genus Gerbera.- 18,82,220,446; 23,30,31 

Describes how it got its name. 

gerbera - CSN. Franz Gerber. - 1, 270, 278; 3, 189; 5, pl 186; 16, 428a, 446b,d,e, 450a-e, 454I 

gerrardanthus CSN. Named after William Gerrard.- 18,558 

gerrardi CSN. N. Gerrard. See Acacia g. var. g., Cynanchum. g., Senecio g. - 11, 4, 44; 16,164d,332b,436b 

gerrardii CSN. Named after William Gerrard. See Xyris g., Leucospermum g., Aspalathus g., Hermannia 

g., Strophanthus g., Schizochilus g., Athrixia g., Secamone g.,Brachystelma g.- 

18,222,248,260,290,298,364,442,552,582 

gerras DSN. Old age. See Agaratum. - 16, 434d 

gerstneri - CSN. Rev. Father Jacob Gerstner. See Orbeopsis g., Orbeopsis g. subsp elongata, Aloe g. - 

1,216; 16, 322c; 18,32 

gesneria CSN. N. Gesner. See also gesnerioides. - 1, 238; 16, 368g,h 

gesnerioides - CSN. Resembling Gesneria, which in turn is named after Conrad Gesner. See Striga g. - 

1,238; 16, 368g,h;18,432 

geton - G. m. Neighbour. - 14, 274 

-geton - G. In compounds, neighbour, a dweller. Potamogeton, river-neighbour. - 14, 434 

gettliffei - CSN. George Frederick Rawson Gettliffe. See Strapelia g. - 1, 210; 16, 316d 

geuo DSN. Tasty. See genus Geum.- 18,254 

GI 

gibba - DSN. L. Swollen on one side, humped on one side. See Asclepias g., Asclepias g. var g., Utricularia 

g. - 1, 220, 248; 16, 326c, 386c; 18,170 

giga- - G. gigant-. In compounds, giant, very large. Gigalobius, very large pods. - 14, 434 

gigalobius - G. from giga-.very large pods. - 14, 434 

gigant- - G. giga-. In compounds, giant, very large. Gigalobius, very large pods. - 14, 434 

gigantea - DSN. L. Very large. See Ansellia g., Stapelia - 1, 96; 16, 314g;18,302 

gilfillanii - CSN. D F Gilfillan. - 16, 408e 

ginkgo - DGN. Chinese name for genus Ginko. --10, 168; 12, 301; 13, 1220 

gisekia - CSN. P D Giseke - 16, 132.a b 

giton - G. m. Neighbour. - 14, 274 

GL 

glaber - DSN. Smooth. - 12, 304; 13, 1223 

glabra - DSN. L. Without hairs. Acalypha angustata var. g., Cyphia elata var g. - 1, 154; 16, 228g, 422b 

glabrata - DSN. L. Smooth, without hairs. See Acalypha g., Leucas g. var. g.,Tragia g., Centella g. - 2, 226; 

16, 224g, 360d; 18,182,530,540 

glabratum DSN. To make smooth, deprive of hair or bristles. See Ecbolium g. 

18,492 

glabrum - DSN. L. Without hairs, smooth. See Conostomium natalense var. g. Smooth in Macrotyloma 

axillare subsp g. - 1, 256; 16, 202l, 400h 

glabrus - DSN. Smooth. - 10, 339 

gladiatus DSN. Sword. See gladiolus, gladiformis.


gladiiformis - DSN. Sword-shaped. Short sword used by the Roman gladiators. In Casearia g. it refers to the 

leaf shape. - 2, 338; 5, pl 37 

gladioloides DGN. Like Gladiolus. For Watsonia g. - 18,46 

gladiolus DSN. A little or small sword. In Gladiolus alluding to the shape of the leaves. Sword-like leaves. 

- 1, 70; 3, 58; 5, pl 37; 12, 300; 13, 1219; 16, 84a, 86a-f; 88a-c, 92a-c, 94c; 

18,44,110,238,356,456,516,572 

glandufolia DSN. Leaves bearing small glands. Acalypha g. - 18,62 

glanduliferum DSN. Bears glands. See Aspidoglossum g. 18,580 

glanduligera - DSN. L. Gland-bearing. See Hermannia g. - 16, 260c 

glandulosa - DSN. Having glands. See Platylepis g. 18,124 

glauca - DSN. G. Bluish- or greenish -grey. Having a bloom (a white powdery substance covering the 

leaves). In Albuca g. it alludes to the leaves. In Monsonia g., Adenia g. it alludes to the bloom. - 1, 22; 

16, 34g, 204b, 268b 

glaucophylla - DSN. G. Having grey-green leaves. See Triaspis g. - 16, 216a 

glaucus - DSN. Blue-green grey. See Bolboschoenus g. - 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,566 

gleditsia - CSN. J G Gleditsch. - 4, 72; 10, 169 

glob- - L. globi-. In compounds, ball-like, globose. Globifer, globe-carrying. - 14, 436 

globi- - L. glob-. In compounds, ball-like, globose. Globifer, globe-carrying. - 14, 436 

globifera - DSN. Bearing balls, globose. See Crotalaria g. 18,262 

globosa - DSN. L. Round. In Cordylogyne g. it refers to the shape of the flower-head. - 16, 330b 

globularioides - DSN. L. Like a small sphere or ball, See Crassula g. - 1, 122 

globulus - DSN. Round. - - 10, 339 

glochidiata - DSN. A projecting point, refers to nutlets. Afrotysonia g. 18,180 

glochin - G. f. Projecting point. - 14, 275 

gloeo- - G. In compounds, glue, sticky. - 14, 436 

glomerata DSN. Club-shaped,clustered into a head. See Floscopa g., Platycarpha g., Roella g. 

18,340,446,492 

glomeratum - DSN. L. From glomeratum, clustered into more or less round heads. See Limeum viscosum 

subsp viscosum var g., Helichrysum g. - 16, 132d;18,312 

gloriosa DSN. From gloriosus, handsome. See Gloriosa - 1, 26; 16, 36b; 18,26 

gloriosus DSN. Handsome. See Gloriosa. - 18,26,222 

glossa DSN. G. f. Tongue. [Glottis, a tongue]. See Ornithoglossum, Microglossa, Isoglossa, Brachyglottis, 

Schizoglossum, Aspidoglossum, Cynoglossum, Odontoglossum, Porroglossum, Symphyglossum, 

Miraglossum, Periglossum - 1, 36, 206; 3, 152, 166; 10, 56; 14, 275; 16,50g,312a,340a; 

18,166,200,210,300,438,468,544,546,578,580; 28, 319, 381, 404 

glosso- - G. In compositions, tongue-. - 14, 436 

glossostelma - DSN. It refers to the tongue-like lobes in the corona. - 5, pl 128 

glotta DSN. G. A tongue, see also gloss., See Sarcoglottis, Scaphyglottis, Spathoglottis, Stenoglottis, 

Trichoglottis. - 1, 82; 16, 104g; 18,360; 28, 389, 391, 398, 403, 407 

glottis DSN. G. f. Mouth of the windpipe [A tongue?] . See glossa. - 3, 152, 166; 14, 275 

glumis DSN. L. Glumes. See species grandiglumis. - 1, 12 

glutinosus - DSN. Sticky. See Mimulus g. - 10, 231, 339 

glyco- - G. In compounds, cut into. - 14, 437 

glypto- - G. In compounds, sweet of taste or smell. - 14, 437 

glycys - G. Sweet to the taste or smell. - 14, 275 

GN 

gnaphalium -DSN. G. Greek name for this downy plant . - 16, 438m 

gnestis DSN. Scratch. (Itch). - 2, 118 

gnidia - GSN. G. The name of a Greek city (Knidos) where a kind of laurel grew. The ancient Greek term for 

a species of Daphne. See genus Gnidia.- 1,182; 3,114; 5,pl 108; 16,272a-e; 18,292 

GO 

godetia - CSN. C H Godet. - 12, 300; 13, 1219 

goetzei - CSN. Dr Walter Goetze. - 16, 422d 

gomesa - CSN. Dr Bernardino Antonio Gomes. - 28, 151


gomphos DSN. Club, refers to flower heads, see genus Gomphrena, Gomphocarpus. In genus 

Gomphostigma it refers to the club-shaped stigma. - 1, 196; 16, 298c; 18,134,164,168,546 

gomphostigma - DSN. G. From gomphos, bolt and stigma, style. - 1, 196; 16, 298c 

gone DSN. G. f. Offspring, reproductive organs, womb. - 14, 275 

-gône - G. -gonium. In compounds, reproductive organs. - 14, 275, 437 

gongylodes DSN. G. Roundish. - 14, 275 

gongyloides DSN. G. Roundish. - 14, 275 

-goni - G. -gonia.. In compounds, angled, angular. - 14, 437 

-gonia - G. -goni.. In compounds, angled, angular. See genus Oxygonum.- 14, 275,437; 18,134 

gonion DSN. Angle or knee. See genus Gonatopus 18,570 

-gonium - G. -gône. In compounds, reproductive organs. - 14, 275, 437 

gonu DSN. A knee joint. See genus Polygonatum. - 13, 1220 

gony DSN. G. n. Knee, node (of grass). - 14, 275 

goodyeara - CSN. John Goodyear, 1592-1664. - 28, 152 

gordon-grayae - CSN. Named after Kathleen Gordon-Gray, SA botanist. See Asclepias g. 18,170 

gordonia - CSN. James Gordon. - 10, 169 

gossypium - DGN. G. Ancient name for the cotton plant, or Latin name for cotton. See genus Gossypium.- 5, 

pl 96; 16,256e; 18,288 

gouanii - CSN. A Gouan. See Conyza g. - 16, 448e 

GR 

gracile - DSN. L. Slender, graceful. See Brachystelma g., Mystacidium g., Nothoscordum g. - 1,214; 16,96h, 

320h, 330a; 18,92,130 

gracilifolia - DSN.With slender or graceful leaves. See Pavetta g. - 16, 406c; 18,204 

gracilis - DSN. Slender, graceful. See Deutzia g., Kniphofia g., Tapinanthus g., Mimulus g., Rhinacanthus - 

10, 127, 339; 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,28,48,92,132,192,438 

gracillimum - DSN. L. Most graceful. See Dipcadi g. - 1, 22 

graderia - MGN. George Bentham transferred Gerardias scabra to a new genus , which he named graderia, 

an anagram of Gerardia. - 1, 238; 5, pl 149; 16, 368c, 370 f; 18,430 

grallatus - DSN. L. Stems rodlike, stilted. See Plectranthus g. - 16, 354b; 18,186 

gramen 

DSN. Grass. See gramminicola. 

graminicola - DSN. L. Grass-dwelling [gramen - cola]. Inhabitant of grassland.. Crinum g., Moraea g. - 

1,54; 5, pl 24; 16, 70a; 18,236,350 

graminifolia - DSN.L. With leaves like grass. See ledebouria g. - 16, 52b 

graminifolium DSN. Grasslike. See Ornithogalum g. 

18,512 

gramma DSN. G. n. Written character, letter, mark, writing. See Gammangis, Grammatophyllum - 14,275; 

28, 153 

grammangis - DSN. G. From gramma letter or mark and angos vessel, possibly referring to the conspicuous 

red-purple lines of the lip. - 28, 153 

grammatophyllum - DSN. G. From gramma letter or mark and phyllon leaf, referring to the dark and 

conspicuous markings of the sepals and petals. - 28, 153 

gramme 

DSN. G. f. Line, stroke of a pen. - 14, 275 

grandi- - L. In compounds, large, big . See species grandiglumis, grandiflora. - 14, 437 

grandialata - DSN. L. With broad wing-like angles. See Eulophia g. - 1, 158; 16, 230a 

grandicornis - DSN. Large thorns. See Euphorbia g. 18,278 

grandicornuta - DSN. Big thorns. For Acacia g. refers to Zulu name meaning, resembling horns. - 2, 130 

grandidentata - DSN. L. Having large teeth. See Plectranthus g. - 1, 230 

grandidentatum DSN. Having large teeth. Osteospermum g. 

18,332 

grandidentatus - DSN. L. Having large teeth. In Plectranthus g. alluding to the leaf margins. - 16,348c; 

18,186 

grandiflora - DSN. L. Having large flowers. See Anomatheca g., Tephrosia g., Pyrenacantha g., Limosella 

g.Faogia, Tetraquetra var g., Freesia g.,Dietes g., Wahlenbergia g., Brunsvigia g., Zephyranthes g. - 1, 

74, 132, 162; 16, 94a, 168b, 238a, 366g, 402d; 18,46,110,192,206,348,392,494 

grandiflorum - DSN. L. With large flowers. See Becium g. var obovatum. - 16, 346i 

grandiflorus - DSN. L. With large flowers. Large-flowered. See Pachycarpus g., Pachycarpus g. var g. 

Trichocladus g., Pachycarpus g. var g. tormentosus. - 1, 220; 2, 114; 12, 304; 13, 1223; 16,158c,326a, 

328c; 18,580


grandifolia - DSN. L. With large leaves. See Pearsinoia g. - 16, 180f; 18,462 

grandiglumis - DSN. From grandi, long and glumis, glumes. For Trichoneurea g - 1, 12 

grandis - DSN. L. Large. In Sebaea g it refers to the large flowers of this species. See Banksia g., 

Streptocarpus g. - 1, 198; 10, 45, 339; 16, 300a,b; 18,164,298,482 

grandistipula - DSN. L. Having large stipules (a basal appendage of a petiole [Petiole-stem of leaf or fruit]). 

See Hermannia g. - 1, 174; 16, 262d; 18,290 

grantii - CSN. Named after William Grant. See Isoglossa g. 18,200 

graphe DSN. G. f. Drawing, picture, writing. See Graphorkis. - 14, 275; 28,154 

graphis DSN. G. f. Pencil. - 14, 275 

graphorkis - DGN. G. From graphe writing and orchis orchid. The significance of this name is obscure as 

there are no markings on the flowers of the type species. - 28,154 

gratissimum DSN. Very pleasing. See Ocimum g. 

18,556 

gratissimus - DSN. L. Very pleasant. See Croton g., Croton g.var g. - 1, 156, 2, 220; 16, 226g 

graveolens - DSN. L. Fragrant. See Pelargonium g., Apium g. - 16, 204g; 18,160 

greatheadii - CSN. Dr. J B Greathead. See Aloe g. - 16, 48g 

greenii CSN. Named after Dave Green. See Barleria g. 

18,436 

greenstockii - CSN. Cannon William Greenstock. See Crossandra g. - 16, 392f, 396a; 18,78 

grevillea - CSN. Charles F Greville. - 10, 170; 12, 300 

grewia - CSN. Nehemiah Grew. - 1, 168; 3, 207; 10, 173; 11, 114; 16, 250a,b, 252a,b 

greyia - CSN. Sir George Grey for genus Greyia - 1, 162; 10, 173; 16, 238d 

griselinia - CSN. Francisco Griselini. - 10, 173 

griseola - DSN. L. Greyish. See Eulophia g., Euphorbia g. - 1, 156; 16, 226c 

griseum 

DSN. Somewhat grey. Helichrysum g. - 18,82 

grobya - CSN. Lord Grey of Groby, England. - 28, 

groenewaldii - CSN. B H Groenewald. See Eulophia.g., Euphorbia g. - 1, 158, 16, 230d 

GU 

gueinzii - CSN. Dr Wilhelm Gueinzius. Keetia g., Barleria g., Gladiolus g. - 3, 224; 16, 398e; 18,356,488 

guerichiana - CSN. George Gürich. See Eulophia.g., Euphorbia g. - 1, 158; 16, 230e 

guineense - GSN. L. From Guinea, where Syzygium g. was first collected. - 1, 186; 16, 278b 

gummiferum - DSN. Gum-bearing. See Ceratopetalum g. - 10, 83, 339 

gunnera - CSN. J E Gunnerus. - 13, 1219; 18,578 

guttata - DSN. With oil-glands or drops. See Beloperone g. - 10, 48, 339 

guyana - Origin unknown. See Chloris g. - 1, 12 

GY 

gymno- - G. In compounds, naked. Gymnocarpus, with the fruit naked, Gymnosporia. - 14, 438; 18,154 

gymnocarpus - G. With naked fruit from gymnos, naked. - 14, 438 

gymnos -G. Naked, unclad. See Gymnosperm. - 14, 275; 24, 12 

gymnosperm - G. From gymnos, naked, and sperm, seed. Describes plants that bear their ovules on open 

scales, such as cycads, gingkos and conifers. - 24, 12 

gynandra - DSN. Both sexes. See Cleome g. 18,142 

gyne - G. f. Woman, female. See Cordylogyne, Coelogyne. - 14, 275; 16, 330b; 28, 92 

gypsophila - MGN. A lover of chalk. - 12, 302; 13, 1221 

gyrocarpus 

DSN. G. 'Draaiende vrug' or turning-fruit. Having a rotating fruit. Gyrocarpus has this 

characteristic. - 11, 31; 16, 142c 

gyros - G. Rounded, curved. - 14, 275 

gyros - G. m. Ring, circle. - 12, 275


H 

HA 

habena - L. Rein, reins, or strap. See Habenaria. - 1, 84; 16, 98a; 18,114,516; 28, 155 

habenaria - DSN. L. From habena a rein or strap an allusion to the strap-like divisions of the petals and lip, 

or alluding to the long strap-like spur in some species. - 1, 84; 16,98a,100cd,110a-b; 28, 155 

hadiensis - GSN. L. Named after Hadiyah mountains in Yemen. See Plectranthus h. var tomentosus, where 

this plant was first collected. - 16, 354c; 18,186 

hadros - G. Thick or stout. See Adromischus. - 16, 158b 

haemanthus - DSN. G. From haima, blood and anthos, a flower. Blood flower. - 1, 62; 3, 34; 5pl30; 16,60ab 

haema - G. n. Blood. - 14, 275 

haematocephalus DSN. Blood red head. See Cyperus h. 

18,560 

haima - G. Blood. See genus Haemanthus.- 1, 62; 3, 34; 16 60a-b; 18,232,346 

hakea - CSN. Baron von Hake. - 10, 173; 12, 300 

halicacabum - MSN. The Latin version of the old Greek name halikakaban for the genus Physalis., alluding 

to the fruits of this species being similar to those of Physalis. - 16, 238b 

hallackii - CSN. Named after Russell Hallack. See Satyrium h., Satyrium h. subsp ocellatum - 1,94; 16,116c; 

18,118,362 

halleria - CSN. Albrecht von Haller. - 1, 236; 3, 218; 16, 366a 

hallii - hama- - G. Together with. - 14, 304 

halo-G. In compounds, Salt. - 14, 439 

halos - G Hals. m. Salt. - 14, 275 

hals - G Halos. m. Salt. - 14, 275 

halsia - CSN Stephen Hales. - 10, 175 

hamamelis - DSN. G. Ancient Greek name for the pear-shaped fruit. - 10, 175 

hamatum DSN. Hooked, possibly refers to petals. See Schizoglossum h. 

18,578 

hapalo- - G. In compounds, soft. - 14, 440 

haplo- G. In compounds, single, spread out. See Haplocarpha.- 14, 440; 18,332 

haplocarpha - DSN. G. From haploos, single, spread out and karphos, any small,dry body, twigs, referring to 

the pappus. OR. It means , single scale, and refers to the ring of hairs or pappus of the achene or seed. 

[Pappus downy or feathery appendage on fruit, seeds etc] - 1, 270; 5, pl 187; 16,428g 

haploos - G. Single, spread out. See Haplocarpha. - 1, 270; 16,428g 

haraella - CSN. Yoshi Hara. - 28, 156 

hardenbergia - CSN. Countess Hardenberg. - 12, 300 

hardyi - CSN. David Spencer Hardy. Cyphostemma h., Orbeanthus h. - 1, 164, 208; 16, 242, 314i 

hare - G. See Lagos. - 14, 275 

harmsiana - CSN. Named after Herman Harms. See Rhynchosia h. 18,270 

harpagophytum - DSN. G. From harpagos, hook or grapple and phyton, a plant referring to the hooked 

thorns on the fruit. - 1, 244; 5, pl 163; 16, 378g, 380a,b 

harpagos CSN. G. Hook. See harpagophytum. - 1, 244; 16, 378g 

harpe 

DSN. G. A sickle. See Harpephyllum, Arpophyllum. - 10, 176; 28, 56 

harpephyllum - G. From harpe, sickle and phyllon, a leaf, referring to the leaf shape. - 2, 242; 10,176 

harveya - CSN. Dr. William Henry Harvey, chief author of early volumes of Flora Capensis. See genus 

Harveya. - 1, 236; 12, 298; 16. 364k, 372g; 18,74,196,434 

harveyanum - CSN. Dr W H Harvey. See Argyrolobium h. - 16, 202h; 18,266 

harveyanus - CSN. Dr. William Henry Harvey. See species Aster h., Sclerochiton h. - 1, 268; 

16,398d,426j,454c


harveyi - CSN. W H Harvey for species Albizzia h., Rhus h. - 11, 56; 18,576 

hasta DSN. L. Spear. See hastatum - 1, 82 

hastatum - DSN. L. Spear-shaped. See Pterygodium h. - 1.82; 16, 104a; 18,124 

haworthia - CSN. Adrian H. Haworth, English botanist and writer on succulents.- 1, 36; 16, 50a-b; 18,342 

haygarthii - CSN. Walter. J. Haygarth. See Ceropegia distincta subsp. h.,Anthericum h., 

Senecio h., Streptocarpus h. - 1, 212; 16, 318f; 18,88; 18,172,322,482 

HE 

hebe MGN. Pubescent. [Soft down on plant or animal].Thought to honour the Goddess of Youth, daughter 

of Jupiter and wife of Hercules. See also hebeclada. - 1, 142;10, 176; 13,1218; 16, 162d 

hebeclada - DSN. G. From hebe, pubescent and klados, a branch. In Acacia h. subsp. h. it refers to the hairy 

branches. - 1, 142; 16, 162d 

hebenstretia - CSN. Johan Ernest Hebenstreit. See genus Hebenstretia. - 1, 234; 16, 364j, 370h; 18,194 

hederaceum - DGN. L. Resembling ivy (hadera). See Chascanum h. - 1, 226; 18,180 

hederaceus - DGN. L. Resembling ivy (hadera). See Plexipus h. var h. - 16, 340e, 342f 

hedyantha DSN. Sweet flowered. Indigofera h. - 1, 124; 16, 186e; 18,56 

hedys - G. Pleasant to taste or smell. - 14, 275 

helenium - CGN. Helen of Troy. - 13, 1218 

heleo- - G. helo-. In compounds, marsh. - 14, 440 

heleos G. Marsh. See genus Eleocharis.- 18,566 

helianthos DSN. From helios, sun and anthos,a flower for Helianthos. - 13,1220 

helianthus - DSN. From helios, sun and antho.- 12, 301 

helic- - G. In compounds, coiled, spirally twisted.. - 14, 440 

helica - DSN. L. From helicum horse-collar or yolk. Referring to the hollow hairy pit at the base of the lip 

which, when seen from in front, looks, with the anther and column, like an old-fashioned Elizabethan 

headdress of horse-collar decorated with ribbons. - 28, 156 

helicoides - G. Of winding, or spiral form. - 14, 275 

helichrysopsis DGN. Like Helichrysum. See genus Helichrysopsis.- 18,212 

helichrysum - DSN. G. From helios, the sun and chrysos, gold, or golden sun as many species have bright 

yellow involucral bracts. 1, 276; 3, 169; 5, pl 188; 16, 438a-l, 440a-h, 442a-d, 446a 

helicum - L. Horse-collar or yolk. See Helica - 28, 156 

helinus - DSN. G. A twiner. - 16, 240f 

heliophilia - DSN. G. From helios, sun and philein, to love, alluding to this plant's habit. 

16,142f-g 

heliopsis DSN. Like the sun. See Senecio h. 18,324 

helios - DSN. G. m. The sun. Part of Helichrysum, Helichrysopsis,Heliotropium, Helianthos., Phygelius., 

Heliophilia 1,224,236, 276; 3, 169; 10, 176; 12, 300, 301; 13, 1219, 1220; 14, 275; 

18,212,310,422,442,460; 16,142f-g,338c,366b, 438; 18,140,178 

heliotropium - DSN. G. From helios, the sun and trope, turning. In genus Heliotropium from old idea that 

flowers turn to face the sun. - 1, 224; 10, 179; 16,338c 

helix - G. Anything of spiral shape. See genus Helixanthera. - 14, 275; 18,132 

hellion also elion DSN. To shun. See Phygelius - 18,72 

helminthioides DSN. Like a worm. See Senecio h. 18,324 

helmuthii - CSN. Helmuth Meyer. - 12, 303 

helo- -G. heleo-. In compounds, marsh. - 14, 440 

helodes - G. Frequenting marshes. - 14, 275 

hem - G. See loma. - 14, 275 

hemera - G. f. Day. See genus Hemerocallis. - 12, 301; 13, 1220; 14, 275 

hemerocallidea - DGN. Resembling Hemerocallis, the Day Lily. Hypoxis h. 18,234 

hemerocallis - DGN. From hemera,day and kallos, beauty, (day-lily). - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

hemi - G. Half. See Hemizygia. - 1, 228; 16, 346a; 18,426 

hemi-L. See semi-. Or. G. In compounds, half-. -14, 275, 303, 304, 401 

hemizygia - DSN. G. From hemi, half and zygon, a yoke, join. - 1, 228; 16, 346a,b, 358d, 360a-c 

henkellii - CSN. Dr J S Henkel. See Podocarpus h. - 2, 48 

henryi - CSN. Augustus Henry. - 12, 303; 13, 1222 

hepta- -G. In compounds, seven-. - 14, 441 

heptalobium - DSN. Seven-lobed. See Schistostephium h. - 1, 268; 16, 426I


herbacea DSN. Succulent stem, herblike. See Oldenlandia h. 18,202 

herbaceum - DSN. L. Herbaceous, not woody. Also means yellow-green and in Helichrysum h. it refers to 

the involucral bracts which are yellowish-green. See Gossypium h. subsp africanum., Anthospermum . - 

1, 276; 5, pl 191; 16, 256e; 16, 438; 18,288,314,556 

herbeum - DSN. L. Grass-coloured. Delosperma h. - 1, 106; 16, 134f 

hereroenis - GSN. L. Of Hereroland, Namibia. See Eulophia h., In Combretum h. this is where this tree was 

first found. In Plectranthus h. this is where the plant is found. - 1, 84; 16,106b,274d, 152b 

hermannia - CSN. Paul Hermann, prof. of botany in Leyden, one of the first collectors to visit the Cape. See 

genus Hermannia. 1,174; 12, 298; 16, 260b-e, 262a-f; 18,66,288,466 

hermbstaedtia CSN. S F Hermbstadt. SeeHermbstaedtia - 16, 300h-I; 18,50 

herschelia - CSN. Sir John Frederick William Herschel. - 1, 80 

herschelianthe - CSN. Named after Sir John Herschel, eminent astronomer who spent some time at the Cape 

in the 1830s and collected and illustrated some of the wild flowers. - 16, 102h; 18,458 

hespera - G. Evening. See genus Hesperantha. - 1, 72; 3, 54; 16, 90e 

hesperantha - DSN. G. From hespera, evening and anthos, flower. - 1, 72; 3, 54; 16,, 90e-f 

hesperos - G. Of evening, western. See genus Hesperantha. - 14, 275, 18,352 

heteracantha - DSN. G. Having different thorns. Acacia tortilis subsp. h. -1, 144; 2, 140 

hetero- - G. In compounds, different, other, uneven etc. - 14, 441 

heteromorpha - DSN. G. Having different forms, referring to the very variable nature of the genus. - 1, 190; 

2, 382; 16, 286b 

heterophyllla - DSN. Different, diverse, leaves. See Maytenus h., Gymnosporia h., Cyphia h. 

2, 266; 16, 236c; 18,154,208 

heteros - G. Of another kind, different. - 14, 275 

heterotricha -DSN. G. [hetero-, trich-]. Diverse haired. With more than one kind of hair. See 

Crassula perfoliata var h. - 1, 116; 16, 150e; 18,146 

hewittia CSN. Named after John Hewitt, naturalist, director of Albany Museum for 40 years. See genus 

Hewittia.- 18,302 

hex - G. Six. See Hexamita, Hexadesmia, Hexisea - 16, 252a; 28,157 

hexa - G. In compounds, six. -14, 442 

hexadesmia - DSN. G. From hex six and desmos chain or bond, referring to the six pollinia joined in two 

groups. - 28,157 

hexalobus DSN. G. Six-lobed. - 16, 142a 

hexamita - DSN. G. From hex, six and mitis, lobes, threads. - 16, 252b 

hexisea - DSN. G. From hex six and isos equal, referring to the six more or less equal perianth segments. - 

28.157 

HI 

hibiscifolia - DGN. Leaves like Hibiscus. See Montanoa h. 18,216 

hibiscus - MGN. G. Genus Hibiscus from the Greek name for 'marsh mallow', ibiskos. - 1, 170; 3,111; 5,pl97; 

10, 179; 16, 254a-g, 256b-d; 18,66,156,284,408 

hiemalis - DSN. Of winter, referring to midwinter flowering. See Moraea h. - 12, 304; 13, 1223, 18,236 

hilaris 

DSN. L. Cheerful, gay. See Indigofera h. - 1, 136; 3, 90; 5, pl 83; 16, 184b, 188g; 18,58,390 

hildebrandtii - CSN. Named after Johan Hildebrandt. See Cienfuegosia h.18,288 

hilliardiae - CSN. Named after Olive Hilliard, SA botanist. See Schizoglossum h., Plectranthus h.- 

18,168,474 

himanto- - G. In compounds, Strap-shaped. - 14, 442 

hippobromus 

DSN. Horse stench. H. pauciflorus refers to the common name for Clausena anisata 

(perdepis). The leaves have a pleasant aromatic scent. - 2, 292 

hippocratea - CGN. After Hippocrates, Greek physician and author, father of science and pharmaceutical 

botanist. See genus Hippocratea.- 16, 236f; 18,536 

hircicornis DSN. Goat-horn. See Disa h. 

18,574 

hirpex - L. A harrow. See Hirpicium. - 1, 270; 16,428a; 18,220 

hirpicium - DSN. L. From hirpex, a harrow. - 1, 270; 16,428a 

hirsuta - DSN. L. Rough hairy. See Vernonia h., Piloselloides h., Jatropha h. var h., Raphionacme h., 

Crabbea h., Clutia h., Fuirena h. - 1, 274, 278; 3, 162; 16, 220e, 312h,j, 434c; 

18,198,276,278,468,498,564 

hirsutum DSN. Rough hairy. See Epilobium h., Clerodendrum h. 18,410,470


hirsutus - DSN. Hairy. See Cucumis h., 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,308 

hirta - DSN. L. Hairy. Cleome h., Barleria h., Rhynchosia h. - 1, 114, 130; 5, pl 71,pl 166; 

16, 144b, 170d 

hirtella 

DSN. L. Rather hairy. Coccinia h. - 16, 414b; 18,80 

hirti- - L. In compounds, hairy, particularly with long distinct hairs. - 14, 442 

hirtum - DSN. Rough. See Delosperma h. 18,136,380 

hispanicus - GSN. Hispania, (Spain). - 13, 1221 

hispera 

DSN. Evening. See genus Hisperantha. - 3, 54 

hisperantha - DSN. G. From hispera meaning evening, and anthos a flower. - 3, 54 

hispida - DSN. L. Covered with coarse bristles or rough hairs. See Acrotome h., Pterostyrax h., Robina h. -1, 

228; 10, 272, 287, 339; 16, 346g 

hispidulum - DSN. L. Covered with stiff hairs. See Anthospermum h. - 16, 408d 

hispanicus - GSN. Hispania, Spain. Spanish. - 10, 339; 12, 302 

hispida - DSN. With stiff hairs or bristles, shaggy, rough. See Acrotome h.,Cotula h., Polygala h.- 

18,180,320,404 

hispidula DSN. Small bristles, shaggy or rough. See Genlisea h.,Bulbostylis h. 18,486,568 

HO 

hochstetteri - CSN. Christian Ferdinand von Hochstetter. See Ipomoea h., Impatiens h. subsp h. - 

16,238e,334f; 18,406 

hockii - CSN. A Hock. See Aneilema h. - 1, 20; 16, 32I 

hoffmannseggia CGN. Named in honour of Ioannis de Hoffmannsegg. 18,388 

hohere 

DGN. Maori name houhere for genus Hoheria. - 10, 181 

hoheria - DGN. Maori name houhere for genus Hoheria. - 10, 181; 12, 301; 13, 1220 

hollandii - CSN. Mr F H Holland. See Gladiolus h. - 16, 88b 

holmskioldia - CSN. Theodor Holmskoid. - 1, 226; 10, 182 

holo- - G. In compounds, entire, complete, whole, undivided. - 14, 442 

holos - G. Whole or entire. See Holothrix. - 1, 88; 14, 275; 16,100e; 18,240,362,516 

holothrix - DSN. G. From holos, whole or entire and thrix, a hair. Refers to the hairiness of the stems, leaves 

and sepals. Whole hair, for hairiness of the type species. - 1, 88; 5, pl 50; 16,100e, 110c-d 

holstii - CSN. Carl H E W Holst. See Ochna h. - 16, 264c 

holubia - CSN. Dr Emil Holub. - 1, 244; 16, 378f 

holubii - CSN. Emil Holub. Turbina h., Indigofera h. - 5, pl 135:16, 190g, 336e 

homalium - DSN. Even, regular, referring to stamens evenly divided into clusters. - 2, 332 

homalos - G. Even, level. - 14, 275 

homeo- - G. homo-, homoio-. In compounds, like, of the same kind, agreeing. - 14, 442 

homeria - CGN. After the Greek poet, Homer, or from omereo, to meet together. Refers to filaments united 

around the style. See genus Homeria. 

1,76; 16, 90g; 18,238 

homio - G. homo-, homoeo-. In compounds, like, of the same kind, agreeing. - 14. 442 

homo- - G. homoeo-, homoio-. In compounds, like, of the same kind, agreeing. - 14. 442 

homoios - G. Like - [-omia] - [omoea], alluding to the creeping habit. See Peperomia, Ipomoea. - 1,98,222; 

16, 120a,334b; 18,178,304,420,468,524 

homonyma DSN. With the same name. See Begonia h. 18,408 

hookeri CSN. Sir Joseph Hooker. Trochomeria h., Pseudarthria h. - 5,pl.86; 16,192d; 

18,80,396 

horizontalis - DSN. Prostrate in growth. See Cotoneaster h. - 10, 108, 339 

horsfallii CSN. Named after J.B.Horsfall. See Eulophia h. 

18,372 

hortensis - GSN. Of gardens. - 12, 304; 13, 1223 

hoslundia - MGN. (1). Origin unknown. (2). CSN. O Hoslund-Smith. - 16, 356g; 18,72 

hottentotica - GSN. L. Named from, or pertaining to, the land of the Hottentots. Nidorella h. -16,452d 

hottentotta - GSN. Named from, or pertaining to, the land of the Hottentots, the Khoi-khoi, who occupied a 

region in the Cape. See Polygala h. - 1, 152; 16, 218c,d; 18,404 

houlletia - CSN. M Houllet. - 28, 158 

houstonianum - CSN. Dr William Houston. See Agaratum h. - 16, 434d 

houtteana - CSN. Van Houtte of Ghent. See Sonerilla bertolina x betolina houtteana - 20, 1881 

hovea - CSN. A P Hove. - 10, 183


HU 

hudor DSN. Water. See genus hydrangea - 10, 183; 10, 183; 12, 301; 13, 1220 

huernia - CSN. After Dutch missionary Justus Huernius. - 1, 208; 12, 298; 16, 314a-I; 18,586 

humeana - CSN. N. Sir Abraham Hume. See Erythrina h. - 1, 138; 3, 200; 16, 172e 

humen - G. Membrane. See genus Hymenosporum, Hymenocardia - 2, 214; 10, 186 

humilis - DSN. L. Low-growing, low, lowly, humble, small. See Xerophyta h., Chironia purpurascens subsp 

h., Rivina h.(small), Eucomis h. (low), Asclepias h., Haemanthus h., Eucomis h. - 1, 68, 198; 5,pl 121; 

10, 339; 16, 78c, 300e; 18,52,98,170,346,512 

huntleya - CSN. Rev J T Hunt. - 28. 158 

hupo DSN. Under. See genus Hypocalymma. - 10, 187 

huttonaea CSN. Named after Caroline Hutton, who collected with her husband who was an officer during 

the frontier war and later a Cape civil servant. See genus Huttonaea. 18,114 

huttonii - CSN. Justice Henry Hutton. See Cyrtanthus h., Harveya h, Eulophia acculeata subsp h., Moraea 

h. - 1, 50, 236; 16, 76i, 98d, 364k; 18,236 

huttonii - CSN. Named after Caroline Hutton. See Anagallis h. 18,162 

HY 

hyacinthus - CGN. The youth accidently slain by Apollo. - 13, 1218 

hyacinthoides - DGN. G. Resembling a hyacinth. See Sanseveria h. - 1, 34; 16,42b; 18,100 

hyalos - G. f. Glass. - 14, 275 

hybos DSN. A hump. See genus Hybanthus.- 18,408 

hybridus - DGN. Sharing characters of 2 species. See Amaranthus h. - 12, 304; 13, 1223; 18,526 

hydnora - DGN. Described by Thunberg, 1775, and derived from the Greek for truffle because lower part 

eaten by Hottentots, viverrae, foxes and other animals. See genus Hydnora.- 23, March 2003, pp12; 

18,576 

hydro- - G. In compounds, water. See Hydranea, Phylohydrax. - 14, 443; 8,Dec 2001 pp119; 18,204 

hydor - G. n. Water. - 14, 275 

hydros G. Water. See genus Hydrocotyle.- 18,540 

hydrangea - DGN. Hudor, water and aggos or angeion a vessel; being a reference to the cup shaped seed 

heads or seed-vessel in genus Hydrangea. - 10, 183; 10, 183; 12, 301; 13,1220; 8. Dec 2001 p 119 

hygro- - hygros - G. Wet, moist. - 14, 275 

hygrophila DSN. Water loving. See genus Hygrophila.- 18,488 

hygrophilus DSN. Moisture loving. See Senecio h. 

18,324 

hyle - G. Wool or stuff. See Leucohyle - 28, 289 

hyle - G. f. Forest, woodland. - 14, 275 

hymen - G. m. Thin skin, membrane. - 14, 275 

hymen- - G. In compounds, membrane, membranous, shinny. - 14, 443 

hymenocardia - DSN. G. From humen, membrane and hinge. In H. ulmoides it refers to the fruit. 

2, 214 

hymenosporum - DSN. From humen, a membrane and spora, a seed and the species in this genus have a 

membranous seed. - 10, 186 

hyp- - G. hypo-. In compounds, below, under, lower, beneath. See genus Hypoxis.- 14,444; 18,232 

hyper - G. Over, above. See Hyperacanthus. - 14, 275; 16, 400d 

hyper- - G. In compounds, beyond, above, over. Latin super-. - 14, 303, 304, 444 

hyperacanthus - DSN. G. From hyper, above and akantha, a thorn. - 16, 400d 

hypericophyllum - DGN. With leaves like a Hypericum. - 5, pl 190 

hypericum - MGN. Genus Hypericum from the classical Greek name uperikon for St John's wort. Used for 

decorating religious images. - 1, 178; 5, pl 106; 10, 186; 16, 266d-f; 18,290 

hypo- - G. hyp-. In compounds, below, under, lower. Latin infra-, sub-. - 14, 304, 444 

hypo - G. Under, beneath. See Hypocalymma, Hypoestes, Hypochaeris. - 1, 250, 252, 252; 14, 275; 16,388b, 

390a; 18,200,338,338,436 

hypocalymma - From hupo, under and kaluptra, a veil, an allusion to the calyx falling off like a veil or cape. 

- 10, 187 

hypochaeris - DSN. G. Greek name for 'succory'. Hypo, beneath and chaeris, young pig. See Hypochaeris - 

18, 338


hypocraterformis - DSN. From hypo (G), under and craterformis (L), bowl-shaped or hemispherical and 

concave. Salver-shaped. In Ruspolia h. referring to a flower which has a long narrow tube expanding 

into a short open trumpet.. - 1, 250; 5, pl 172; 16, 388b 

hypoestes - DSN. G. From hypo under and estia, house, referring to the covering of the calyx by the bracts. - 

1, 252; 16, 390a 

hypogea - DSN. G. Underground, developing underground. Babiana h.has an inflorescence which is 

underground before the flower opens. Also Babiana h. var h. - 1, 72; 5, pl 35; 

16,94I 

hypoleucum - DSN. Leaves white beneath. See Cyphostemma h.,Helichrysum h. 18,280,314 

hypoxis - G. Below and sharp. See Rhodohypoxis. DGN. For Hypoxis, 'sharp below', suggesting this refers to 

the base of the capsule which is acute and sharp. Another theory is that it applies to the sharp apices of 

the lower petals. - 1, 66; 3, 46; 5, pl 33; 16, 78a-d, 78e 

hypsi- - G. On high, aloft. - 14, 275 

hyptis DSN. Laid back. See genus Hyptis.- 18,184 

hyssopsis - DGN. Hebrew. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

hystera - G. Womb. - 14, 275 

hystrix - DSN. G. Porcupine, prickly. See Pyrostria h., Huernia h., Huernia h. var h. - 1, 208; 2,480; 

16,314d; 18,586 

IA 

-ias - Indicates a close connection, noun base. Asclepias. - 14, 306 

iatros - G. A physician. See Jatropha. - 16, 220c 

IB 

iberis - GSN. Iberia, (Spain). - 13, 1221 

ibericus - GSN. Iberia, (Spain and Portugal). - 12, 302; 13, 1221 

-ibilis - -is, -e. See bilis - 14, 308, 309 

ibiskos - G. Marsh Mallow. See Hibiscus. - 3, 111 

iboza - DSN. From iboza, the name given to the plant by the Zulus. - 1, 232 

-ibus - Verb ending. Meaning mostly 'with' but also 'from, by, in'. - 14, 444 

I 

IC 

-icans - Indicates process of becoming or resemblance to something so close as to be almost identical, 

participle suffix with verb base from noun base. Nigricans, blackish from nigricare, to be blackish, from 

niger, black. - 14, 309 

ichopensis GSN. Named after Ixopo, where the plant was first discovered. See Kniphofia i. 

18,508 

-icius - -a, -um; -itius, -a, -um. Indicates result of action, verb base. Adventicius, come from abroad, foreign or 

out of the ordinary, from to arrive or to come, advenire. - 14, 309 

-icus - -a, -um. indicates belonging to, noun base. Arcticus, arctic from Arctos, the Great Bear constellation. - 

14, 310 

ID 

-ides - Indicates resemblance, noun base. - 14, 306 

idesia - CSN. E Y Ides. - 10, 187 

-idion - G. In compounds, a diminutive suffix. Oinidion, poor wine. - 14, 275 

-idium - Diminutive; noun base. Ascidium, from acos, a sack, refers to rostellum lobes in genus Mystacidium 

- 14, 306; 18,130,522 

-idus - -a, -um. Indicates a state or action in progress, verb, noun or adjectival base. Albidus, whiteish from 

albus, white. - 14, 309


IE 

-ies - Indicates a thing formed, verb base. Series, row, from serere, to put in a row. - 14, 306 

IG 

igneum DSN. Flame coloured. See Dierama i. 18,354 

IL 

il- - Before l; im- before b, p, m; in- before vowels and most constanants; ir- before r. In, into, for, contrary. 

Illegitimus, unlawful. Greek en-. - 14, 303 

Ilex - MGN. L. Old Roman name for the evergreen 'holm oak', Quercus ilex - 4, 76; 10, 188; 16, 236a 

ilicifolia - DGN. Leaves like ilex, holly. See Rinorea i. - 2, 320 

-ilis - -is, -e. Indicates capacity or ability, hence a property or quality, verb base. Fragilis, easily broken from 

frangere, to break. - 14. 309 

illus - -a, -um. Diminutive, like -cellus q. v. - 14, 308, 309 

Ilys - G. Mud, slime. See Ilysanthes. - 1, 236 

ilysanthes - DSN. G. From ilys, mud, slime and anthos, a flower. - 1, 236 

IM 

im- - See il-. - 14, 303 

imbricata - DSN. Covered in scales arranged like tiles of house. See Phaulopsis i. 18,198 

impatiens - MGN. L. Impatient. A metaphorical name given to the genus in allusion to the force with which 

the capsule bursts and scatters their seeds. - 1, 162; 3, 106; 16, 238e,f; 18,406 

IN 

in- - See il-. - 14, 303 

-inae - Adjective nominative f. plural ending added to stem of a name of synomym of type genus to form the 

name of subtribe. Rutinae, from Ruta. - 14, 447 

inamoena - L. Nopt showy. See Eragrostis i. - 16, 22b 

inapertus - DSN. L. Closed. See Agapanthus i. - 1, 22; 16, 54a; 18,450 

incanum - DSN. L. Hoary, white. Geranium i., Solanum i., Desmodium i. - 1, 148; 16, 204a; 18,304,394 

incarnus - DSN. Grey, hoary. - 12, 304; 13, 1223 

inclinata DSN. Refers to stem which is bent at base, inclined at a 45 degree angle. See Watsonia i., Moraea 

i. 18,360,452 

indica GSN. L. Of India. See Morinda, Nymphoides i., Nymphoides i. subsp occidentatalis., Duchesnea 

Melilotus i. 1,198; 4, 95; 16, 300e; 18,254,268 

indicus - DSN. Indian. - 10, 339 

indigastrum - Origin unknown. - 16, 188h 

indigo 

DSN. A blue dye. See genus Indigofera. - 3, 90; 10, 190; 16, 184b 

indigofera - DSN. From indigo, a blue dye that is obtained from several species of this genus and fero, I bear. 

Producing indigo. For the genus Indigofera a blue dye is obtained from several species of this genus, 

including I. tinctoria and I. arrecta which occur in Rhodesia. - 1,124,136; 2, 162; 3, 90; 5, pl82; 10, 

190; 16, 184b, 186d-f, 188c-g, 190f-h, 198b; 18,56,150,388 

-ineae - Nominative f. plural ending added to stem of type of family to form name of suborder. Malvineae, 

from Malvaceae. - 14, 448 

-ineus - -a, -um. Indicates material or colour or close resemblance, like -eus q.v., noun base. Coccineus, 

scarlet, coccus. - 14, 308, 309, 310 

inezia - CSN. Inez Clare Verdoon. - 16, 442f 

infausta - DSN. L. Unlucky. For Vangueria i. refers to the tribal superstition, magical properties, regarding 

this tree. In the case of Vanueria i. subsp i., for its supposed magical properties. - 1, 258; 2, 470; 16,406a 

inflata - DSN. L. Inflated, swollen. See Acrotome i. - 1, 230; 16, 348f 

inflexa - DSN. Bent abruptly. See Utricularia i. 18,198 

infra- - Below. Infranodis, below a node. Greek hypo-. - 14, 303 

ingens - CSN. L. Huge. Eulophia i., Euphorbia i. - 1, 154; 16, 228a


inflexa - DSN. Bent abruptly. See Utricularia i. 18,198 

innovans - DSN. Sprouting. See Leucospermum i. 18,248 

inocarpus - DSN. Fibrous fruit. - 4, 78 

inornatus DSN. Modest. See Senecio i. 18,324 

insigniflora - DSN. L. With remarkable or distinguished flowers. Huernia i. - 1, 208; 16, 314e 

insigne DSN. Remarkable, outstanding or notable. See Dierama i. 18,354 

insignis - DSN. Noticeable, distinguished. See Pachystegia i., Berkheya i. - 12, 304; 10, 240; 13,1223; 18,334 

insipidum - DSN. L. Without taste. Pentarrhinum i. - 1, 206; 16, 312c; 18,550 

integerrima DSN. Perfect. See Diascia i. 

18,428 

integri- - L. In compounds, entire. - 14, 450 

integrifolia - DSN. With entire leaves. See Blepharis i. var i., Inezia i., Dichrocephala i. subsp i., - 16,394i; 

16, 442, 456c; 18,490 

integrifolius - DSN. Leaves with smooth unbroken margins. See Helinus i. - 12, 304; 13, 1223; 16,240f; 

18,536 

inter- - Between. Interjectus, thrown between. - 14, 303 

intermedia - DSN. Intermediate between. For Leonotis i. Between L.leonorus and L. nepetifolia - 18,72 

intra- - Within. Intra-axillaris, within the axil. Greek endo-. - 14, 303 

inula - Genus. See Conyza. - 16,432d 

inus - Possession. See Erythrina - 18,60 

-inus - -a, -um. (1) Indicates possession or resemblance, noun base. Marinus, belonging to the sea, mare. (2) 

Indicates material or colour resemblance or possession. noun base. Hyalinus, transparent from glass, 

hyalos. - 14, 309, 310 

involucratum DSN. Refers to reflexed petals that resemble an involucral bract. 

See Xysmalobium i. 18,166 

IO 

-io - f. Indicates the abstract or general result of an action, verb base. Collectio, a collecting together, from 

colligere, to gather together. - 14, 306 

io- - See ion-. - 14, 452 

iochroma - DSN. From ion, violet and khroma, colour, and it refers to the colour of the flowers in some 

species.- 10, 190 

ion 

DSN. G. Violet. See Iochroma, Ionopsis - 10, 190; 14, 275; 28.,159 

-ion - Indicates occurrence, noun base. - 14, 306 

ion- - G. io-. In compounds, violet-coloured. Ionandrus, with violet stamens. - 14, 452 

ionantha - DSN. With violet- like flowers. Sainpaula i. - 7, 4 

ionopsis - DSN. G. From ion violet and opsis appearance, referring to the flowers which somewhat resemble 

violets, viola species. - 28.,159 

ios - G. Poison, rust. Also, alone, one, equal. See Oianthum. - 1, 218; 3, 152; 14, 275 

IP 

ipomoea -DSN. G. From ips, a worm and homoios, like, alluding to the trailing habit. Similar to bindweed. 

The lesser bindweed in Europe is Convolvulus arvensis.- 1, 222; 3, 124; 5, pl 130; 16,334bg, 336d 

ips - G. A worm. See Ipomoea. - 1, 222; 16, 334b; 18,178,304,420,468 

IR 

ir- - See il-. - 14, 303 

iridifolia - DSN. L. Iris-leaved. See Hypoxis i. - 16, 78b 

iris - MGN. The goddess of the rainbow. - 13, 1218 

IS 

-is - Indicates a close connection, noun base. - 14, 306 

isatideus DGN. Resembles the genus Isatis, family Cruciferae/Brassicacae. See Senecio i. 

isatidioides - DSN. Resembling the genus Isatis, a member of the Brassicaceae. - 16,432b 

isatis - Genus. See Senecio isatidioides. - 16,432b 

18,324


ischno- - G. In compounds, thin, slender. - 14, 452 

-iscus DSN. Diminutive, noun base. Astericus, from aster, a star. - 14, 306 

isia DSN. In connection, with Prince Albert of Belgium. See genus Albertisia.- 18,140,252 

iso - G. Equal. See Isochilus, Isoglossa,Isolepis. 18,200,438,566; 28, 160 

iso- - G. In compounds, equal, like. - 14, 452 

isochilus - DSN. G. From iso equal and cheilos, as the lip more or less equals the other floral segments in 

length. - 28, 160 

isoglossa - DSN. G. From isos, equal and glossa a tongue for genus Isoglossa. - 3, 152 

isopogon - DSN. From isos, equal and pogon, a beard, as in this genus the inflorescense has a beard-like 

fringe. - 10, 191 

isos - G. Equal. See genus Isoglossa, Isopogon, Hexisea - 3, 152; 10, 191; 14, 275; 28.157 

IT 

italica - GSN. L. From Italy. See Cassia i. subsp. arachnoides., Senna i. - 1, 140; 16, 182e; 18,256 

-itas - -ita, -ities, -itudo. Indicates a concept or quality, adjectival or participle base. Affinitas, relationship, 

from affinis, bordering. - 14, 306 

-ites - -itis. Indicates a close connection, noun base. - 14, 306 

ithos - G. Bird. See Ornithocephalus, Ornithophoroa - 28, 344, 345 

-iticus --a, -um. Indicates fitness or capability of something or possession of. 

IU 

-ium - Diminutive, noun base. Resembling. Corycium, Aspidium, from aspis, a shield. - 14, 306; 18,574 

-ius - -a, -um. Means 'characteristic of', hence indicates connection or resemblance noun base. Regius, royal 

from king, rex. - 14, 309, 310 

IV 

-ivus - -a, -um. Indicates capacity, ability, possession by or property of; verb or noun base. Sensitivus, capable 

of feeling, sentire - 14, 309 

IZ 

-izans - Means 'becoming like, resembling, forming', noun base. Graecizans, imitating the Greeks, Graeci. - 

14, 309


J 

JA 

jacaranda - DGN. Derived from Jacaranda, the name of one species in Brazil. - 10, 192 

jach - Celtic. Salutary -ago in Selago.Refers to supposed medicinal properties. - 1, 240; 16, 376a; 

18,194,430,480 

jacottetianum - CSN. Helen Jacottet. See Satyrium longicaunda var j. - 16, 100b 

jacobina - GSN. Name from Jacobina in South America. - 10, 192 

jamesbrittenia - CSN. Named after British botanist James Britten. See genus Jamesbrittenia. - 

16,364c,d,368i,j; 18,74,190480,588 

jamesonii - CSN. Robert Jameson. See Gerbera j. - 1, 270; 16,428a 

japonicus - DSN. Japanese. See Euonymus j. - 10, 151, 339 

jasminum - MGN. Persian.Arabic name from which have come Jasmin and Jasminum. The latinised form of 

the Persian name yasmin for these sweet-scented shrubs and climbers. See genus Jasminum.-1, 194; 12, 

301; 13, 1220; 16, 296a-d; 18,162 

jatropha - DSN. G. From iatros, a physician and trophe, food, alluding to some species which have 

medicinal properties. - 16, 220c-e 

jatros DSN. Physician. See genus Jatropha.- 18,276 

javanica - GSN. L. From Java. See Lippia j. - 1, 226; 16, 342c; 18,180 

JO 

johannis GSN. Named after Port St.Johns, where it was first collected. See Streptocarpus j. 

johnsonii - CSN. W H Johnson. See Androstachys j. - 16, 222c 

jovellana - CSN. D C M Jovellanos. - 10, 193 

JU 

18, 484 

jucunda DSN. Lovely. See Dimorphotheca 18,446 

jucundum - DSN. L. Pleasing, agreeable. See Osteospermum.j. - 1, 268; 16, 426c 

juga DSN. Juga, paired leaves. See multijuga. - 21, 52 

juglands - MGN. L. Corruption of Jovis glans, Jupiter's acorn, meaning highly esteemed. - 4,79;9,85 

jumellea - CSN. Dr Henri Jumelle. - 28, 160 

juncea - DGN. Resembling a rush. See Russelia j., Maerua j. - 10, 291, 339; 16, 146a; 18,142 

junceus DGN. Rushlike. Aponogeton j. - 18,84 

juncus DSN. Rush. See genus Juncus.- 18,570 

juncifolium DGN. Leaves like rushes. Ornithogalum j. - 18,98


jungere DSN. To join. Juncus.- 18,506 

juniperus - MGN. The ancient name used by Virgil is said to mean rough, referring to the bark of most of the 

species. - 10, 194 

junodii CSN. Named after Rev.Junod. See Striga j. 

18,432 

justicia - CSN. James Justice, Scottish horticulturalist. See genus Justicia.- 1,250, 252; 5, pl 169; 

16,390h,394 c,d, 396d; 18,200,306,438,492 

K 

KA 

kadhab - Arabic. Common name of one of the genus. See Cadaba. - 1, 114; 16, 144g 

kaempferi - CSN. Engelbert Kaempfer. - 12, 303; 13, 1222 

kaempferia - CSN. Engelbert Kaempfer. - 5, pl 45 

kalachariensis - GSN. L. From the Kalahari. See Plicosepalus k. - 16, 126g 

kalanchoe - MGN. Chinese name of one species of Kalanchoe. - 1, 116, 118, 120; 3, 86; 

16,150a,b,152a,154c,d; 18,54 

kallistos 

DSN. Most beautiful. See genus Callistephus, Callistemon. - 13, 1220; 12, 301 

kallos - DSN. Beauty. See genus Calliandra, Callicarpa, Callilepis,Callistemon, Callitris, Alosthamnus, 

Hemerocallis. - 10, 61, 62, 64, 66; 12, 300, 301; 13, 1219, 1220; 18,216 

kalmia - CSN. Peter Kalm. - 10, 196; 12, 300; 13, 1219 

kalos DSN. Fair. See genus Calocephalus, Calanthe,Calopsis.- 10, 65; 18,458,570; 28, 72 

kallunein DSN. To sweep. See genus Calluna. - 10, 64; 13, 1221 

kaluptra DSN. A veil. See genus Hypocalymma. - 10, 187 

kalux DSN. Calyx. See genus Calycanthus, Calythrix - 10, 66, 67 

kalyptos 

DSN. Covered. See genus Eucalyptus. - 12, 301 

kalyptra - G. Veil or covering. See Calyptrochilum - 28, 74 

kamarotis - G. Arched. See Camarotis. - 28, 74 

kanahia - MGN. From knakk the Arabic name for these plants. - 16, 328a 

kanaval DSN. Malabar name. Canavalia 

18,576 

kapnos DSN. Smoky. See genus Cysticapnos.- 18,384 

kapsa - G. A capsule. See Craterocapsa. - 16, 418f 

karasbergensis - GSN. Of the Karasberg. - 12, 302 

kardia - G. Heart. See Cardiospermum. - 16, 238b; 18,536 

karomia - MGN. Origin unknown. - 16, 342d 

karphos - G. Scale. Any small, dry body, twigs. Refers to pappus. See Haplocarpha, Platycarpha. - 1, 270; 

18,332,446 

karpos - G. Fruit. See genus Sphedamnocarpus, Pachycarpus, Streptocarpus, Callicarpa, Carpobrotus, 

Elaeocarpus, Podocarpus, Stenocarpus, Symphoricarpos, Rhamphicarpa, Lonchocarpus, 

Kyphocarpa,Osyridicarpos. And species adenocarpus., ricinocarpa, eriocarpum, haplocarpa, 

alysicarpus - 1, 150, 210, 236, 246, 276; 3, 146; 10, 61, 134, 258; 10, 304, 31; 16, 20a, 174d, 210c, 

252c, 316b, 378b, 428g; 18,60,134,196,250,276,300,378,482 

karroo - GSN. L. Pertaining to the Karroo. See Acacia k. - 1, 144; 16, 160f 

karuon DSN. Nut. See genus Caryopteris. - 10, 75


karya - G. A nut-tree - [carya]. See Sclerocarya. - 1, 160; 16, 234e 

karyolphollon - G. The name of a clove tree and is given to the 'Pinks' because of their scent. See Family 

Caryophyllaceae. - 3, 76 

karyon - G. A nut. See Dicerocarynum. - 1, 244; 18,76 

kasia 

DSN. Bark strips. Ancient Greek name for genus Cassia, used by Dioscorides. - 10, 75; 12, 301 

kassnerana - CSN. Theodor Kassner. See Cynorkis k. - 1, 90: 16, 112d 

kata - G. Down. See Catasetum - 28, 75 

katharinae - CSN. Named after Katharine Saunders. See Scadoxus m. subsp k., Clutia k. - 18,36,530 

katharos DSN. Pure. See genus Catharanthus.- 18,416 

kaulos - G. A stem. See villicaulis., Caularthron - 16, 224; 28, 85 

KE 

keanothus - G. For spiny plant. See genus Ceanothus. - 10, 79 

kedros DSN. Cedar. See genus Cedrela, Cedrus. - 4, 39, 40; 10, 81, 82 

kedrostis - MGN. (1). Origin unknown. (2). Greek for the plant Bryonia dioica - 16, 416b; 18,78 

kefersteinia - CSN. Herr Keferstein. - 28, 281 

keithii CSN. Named after D.R. Keith. See Pachycymbium k. 18,586 

kentaniensis GSN. Named after Kentani, on the Transkei coast. See Streptocarpus k. 18,484 

kentrocaulos - DSN. Refers to the small purple tubercles found on the stems, or having a prickly , hairy 

stem.See Merremia k. - 5, pl 134; 16, 336c 

kentron - G. Spur. See Ascocentrum, Trichocentrum - 28, 57, 406 

kephale - G. A head - [cephale]. See genus Cephalaria, Calocephalus, Calodendron, Eriocephalus, 

Cephalanthus, Encepalartos, Dichrocephala, Crassocephalum, Ornithocephalus, Ceratostylis, 

Dicerocaryum. Also species sericocephala, microcephala. - 1, 182, 256, 260; 3, 156; 10, 65, 142; 16, 

18, 400a, 410a, 456c,e; 18,76,204,500; 28,85,344 

keras - G. For keras or kerato Horn. See genuses Ceratotheca, Ceratopetalum, Ceratostigma, Cerastium. - 3, 

145; 10, 83, 84; 18,76,136 

keration DSN. A horn or pod. See genus Cerationia,Ceratiosicyos.- 10, 83; 18,540 

kerato - G. From kerato or keras horn. See Ceratostylis, Ceratotheca.- 18,434; 28, 85 

kermesina - DSN. L. Carmine. See Portulaca k. - 1, 108; 16, 134p 

keros - G. Wax. See Ceropegia. - 1, 212; 18,172,584 

kerria - DSN. William Kerr. - 10, 197 

kestron - See Cestrum. - 10, 85 

kewensis - GSN. Of Kew. - 12, 302; 13, 1222 

KG 

kgadi DSN. Tswana name for a drink prepared from the roots of this plant. See Khadia. 

16,134e18,380 

KH 

1,106 

khadia DSN. From kgadi, the Tswana name for a drink prepared from the roots of this plant. - 1,106; 

16,134e 

khaino DSN. To gape. See genus Chaenomeles. - 10, 86 

khamai DSN. On the ground. See genus Chamaecyparis. - 10, 87 

kheimon DSN. Winter. See genus Cimonanthus. - 10, 92 

khion - G. Snow. See genus Chionanthus. - 10, 92 

khorde DSN. A tough spring. Wood. See genus Chordospartum, Exochorda . - 10, 93, 155 

khoros DSN. A dance. See genus Chorizema. - 10, 94 

khroma DSN. Colour. See genus Iochroma. - 10, 190 

khypho DSN. Bent. See genus Kyphocarpa.- 18,134 

KI 

kiepersol DSN. Portuguese for parasol or sunshade. - 3, 213 

kigelia - MGN. L. Latinised from the Mozambique vernacular name Kigeli-keia. - 1, 242; 11, 165


kiggelaria - CSN. Francois Kiggeler. - 16, 264e 

kilimandscharicus - GSN. From Mount Kilimanjaro, where the type specimen of Dolichos k. was collected. - 

5, pl 72 

kinamon 

DSN. Hebrew name for genus Cinnamomum - 10, 95 

kingdium - CSN. Sir George King. - 28, 281 

kirkia - CSN. Sir John Kirk. - 11, 83 

kirkii - CSN. Sir John Kirk. Huernia k., Momordica k., Ormocarpum k. - 1, 208; 5, pl 177; 16, 190a 

kirrhos - G. Orange-tawny or pale yellow. See Cirrhopetalum - 28, 88 

kirsion DSN. A kind of thistle. Cirsium.- 18,446 

kissos - G. A climber, ivy. See Cissampelos, Cissus, Parthenos, Rhiocissus - 1, 166; 12, 301; 13,1220; 

16,136h, 244b, 314c; 18,52,252,538 

kistos - Ancient greek name for plant of genus Cistus. - 10, 95 

kithara - G. Lyre. See genus Citharexylum. - 10, 96 

kituiensis - GSN. From Kitui, a village about 150 km east of Nairobi, See Ipomoea k. - 5, pl 130 

KL 

kladon - G. A branch. See Trichocladus, Oeceoclades - 16, 158c 

klados - G. A branch. See hebeclada. - 1, 142; 16, 162d; 28, 325 

kleinia - CSN. DR. J T Klein. - 16, 430b,f; 18,82 

kleio DSN. To shut. See genus Dicliptera.- 18,436 

kleistos - G. Closed. See Cleisostoma - 28, 90 

klema - G. A vine - [clema-), branch or twig, used as a cutting or graft. See Clematopis, Clematis. - 

1,112;3,78; 16, 140d; 18,140 

kleois - G. Glory. See genus Clianthus. - 10, 99 

kleros - G. A chance - [clero-] See genus Clerodendrum. -1, 226; 10, 96; 16, 340c; 18,470 

KN 

knightia - CSN. Thomas Knight. - 10, 198; 12, 300 

kniphofia - CSN. Johan Hieronymus Kniphof, prof.of medicine at Erfurt University. See Kniphofia. - 

1,28,34; 3, 16; 5, pl 17;12, 300; 13, 1219; 16, 42c, 44a-f; 18,26,226,508.572 

kniphofioides DGN. Resembling Kniphofia. See Aloe k. - 18,34 

knobelii - CSN. J. C.J. Knobel. See Eulophia.k., Euphorbia k. - 1, 158; 16, 230b 

knowltonia - CSN. N. T Knowlton, English horticulturalist. See genus Knowltonia. - 1, 112; 16,140a; 18,140 

knuthii CSN. Named after Paul Knuth. See Euphorbia k. 18,532 

KO 

kochlioides - G. Spiral; snail-shell. See Cochleanthes, Cochliod - 28, 91, 92 

koellensteinia - CSN. Capt Kellner von Koellenstein. - 28, 282 

koelreuteria - CSN. Joseph Koelreuter. - 10, 198 

kohautia - CSN. Francisci Kohaut, plant collector, inventor. See genus Kohautia [formerly Oldenlandia] - 1, 

256; 3, 154; 16, 400f,g, 404c; 18,202 

koilia - G. Abdomen. See Microcoelia - 28, 311 

koilos - G. Hollow. See Coelogyne - 28, 92 

kokkos - DSN. A berry. See genus Sarcococca, Coccinia.- 10, 293; 12, 300; 13, 1219; 18,308 

koleos - G. A sheath. See genus Coleonema. - 10, 100 

kolkwitzia 

CSN. N. R Kollwitz for genus Kolkwitzia. - 10, 199 

kolos - G. Stunted. See genus Syncolostemon. - 16, 354e; 18,188,424 

koloutea - G. See genus Colutea. - 10, 100 

komatiensis - GSN. Of Komati. - 12, 302 

kombe - DSN. An African vernacular name for Strophanthus k. - 5, pl 126 

kome - G. Tuft of hair - [comis]. See genus Chrysocoma, Eucomis, Dicoma.- 1,26; 5,pl 16; 16,36a; 

18,220,310,446 

kommi - G. Gum. See Commiphora, Commicarpus.- 16, 212a;18,378 

koneion DSN. Plant, and the poison derived from it Poison Hemlock . See genus Conium.- 18,160 

koniza DSN. A strong smelling plant. See genus Conyza.- 18,310


konos - G. A cone. See genus Conostomium, Conopharyngia. - 1,256; 3,154; 11 152; 16,400h; 18,202,492 

kopros - G. Dung. See genus Coprosma. - 10, 101 

kordule - G. A club. See genus Cordyline. See cordyla, club-shaped. - 10, 101 

koreo DSN. To purge. See genus Corchorus.- 18,282 

koris DSN. A bug. See genus Coreopsis. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

korkos DSN. A leather bag. See Corycium. - 1, 92; 3, 70 

korokia DSN. Maori name, see Genus Corokia. - 10, 105 

koros DSN. Helmet. See Brachycorythis.- 18,362,456 

korulos DSN. A hazel. See genus Corylopsis. - 10, 106 

korykos - G. A leather bag. See Corycium. - 1, 90; 3, 70; 16, 114e 

korykion - G. Diminutive of korykos, a leather bag. See Corycium. - 1, 90, 92; 3, 70 

korymbos DSN. A cluster. See genus Corymborkis.- 18,124 

korys - G. Helmet. See Coryanthes, Corycium.- 18,574; 28,98 

kosmos DSN. Beautiful. See genus Cosmos. - 12, 301; 13, 1220 

kotonion - Quince. See genus Cotoneaster . - 10, 109 

kotule DSN. A cup. See genus Cotula.- 18,218,320 

kotyle - G. A cavity or small cup. See Cotyledon, Hydrocotyle.- 1, 118; 18,540 

kotyledon DSN. Cup-shaped hollow. See Cotyledon - 18,54 

kotzei - CSN. J J Kotze. - 16, 404b 

KR 

krasson - G. Thick, forceful. See Crassocephalum. - 16, 456e 

kratos DSN. Strength. See genus Crataegus. - 10, 111 

krateros - G. Cup-shaped, mouth of volcano - [crateros-]. See Ceratostigma., Craterocapsa. - 1,236; 

16,366e, 418f; 18,194,494 

kraussia - CSN. Dr Ferdinand Friedrich von Krauss. - 16, 408c 

kraussiana - CSN. Dr Ferdinand Friedrich von Krauss. See Gnidia k., Gnidia k var k., Euphorbia k. var 

erubescens., Xylotheca k.,Jamesbrittenia k. - 1, 182; 3, 114; 5, pl 108; 16, 222f, 264f, 272a; 

18,190,280,292 

kraussianum CSN. Named after Christian Krauss. See Eriosema k. 18,274 

kraussianus - CSN. Christian Krauss for Tapinanthus k. - 18,48,248 

kraussii - CSN. Named after Christian Krauss. See Teucrium k.,Aloe k.,Helichrysum k., Wurmbea k., Scilla 

Juncus k.. 18,180,228,314,342,450,570 

kraussii - CSN. Dr Ferdinand Friedrich von Krauss. See Combretum k., Helichrysum k - 16,274c,440h 

krebsiana - CSN. G L E Krebs. See Gazania k., - 5, pl 184; 16, 454f,g; 18,332 

krebsii CSN. Named after Georg Krebs. See Chironia k., Wahlenbergia k. 18,414,494 

krinon DSN. Lily. See genus Crinum 18,106,348 

krokos - Saffron. See Crocosmia. - 18,42 

krookianum CSN. After P Krook. Chlorophytum k. - 18,90 

krossos DSN. Fringe. See Crossandra 

krotalon - G. A rattle - [crotal]. A castinet. An allusion to the seeds rattling in the pod when ripe. See genus 

Crotalaria. - 1, 124; 10, 113; 18,262 

kruphios DSN. Covered. See genus Eucryphia. - 10, 149 

kruptos DSN. Hidden. See genus Cryptomeria. - 10, 114 

krypto - G. To hide. See cryptantha., Cryptolepis - 16, 178a, 310c 

kryptos - G. Hidden. See Cryptophoranthus - 28, 99 

krytos - G. A swelling or curve. See Crytopodium, Cyrtorchis - 28.,109, 110 

kteis,kten DSN. A comb. See genus Ctenomeria.- 18,530 

KU 

kukulops - G. Round-eyed. See genus Cyclopia. - 10, 118 

kuntzei - CSN. Named after Carl Kuntz. See Stachys k. 18,182 

kunzea - CSN. Gustav Kunze. - 10, 199 

kuparisos DSN. Greek name for Cypress. See genus Chamaecyparisis, Cupressus. - 10, 87, 116 

kuphos DSN. Bent. See genus Cuphea. - 10, 115 

kurtos - G. Curved - [cyrt]. See genus Cyrtanthus. - 1, 50; 16, 76c-j


kutisos - G. A kind of clover. See genus Cytisus. - 10, 118 

KY 

kyanos - G. Blue -[cyan]. See genus Cyanotis. - 1, 20, 3, 10; 16, 32d 

kyathos DSN. Cup. See genus Cyathula.- 18,250 

kyknos - G. Swan. See genus Cycnium, Polycycenis. 

kykos - G. Cycle.. See Cyclopogon - 28, 100 

kyllinga - CSN. Peter Kylling. - 1, 16; 16, 26g; 18,84 

kymbes - G. Boat-shaped. See Cymbidium - 28, 103 

kymbion 

18,196,432; 28, 377 

DSN. G. A small cup. See Androcymbium, genus Androcymbiu.. - 1, 22; 16, 54b-c ; 18,86 

kynos - G. Dog. See Cyclopogon, Cynorkis, Cynanchum.- 1, 90: 16,112d; 18,552; 28,107 

kyon - A dog. See Cynanchum, Cynoglossum.- 16, 332b, 340a; 18,468 

kyparissos - G. Cypress. See epicyparissias - 16, 222g 

kypeiros DSN. A rush or sedge. Cyperus 18,560 

kyphos - G. A twiner, bent, curved - [cyph-]. Cyphostemma, Cyphia. - 1, 164, 264; 3, 106; 16,242,420h; 

18,208,280,438 

kyptos DSN. Bent. See Cyptostemma - 18,66 

kyrtos DSN. Curved. See Cyrtanthus - 18,38,232 

kystis DSN. Bladder. See genus Cysticapnos.- 18,384

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botanical names and their meanings - BioScience Communications

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