Some Latin plant names give away important clues about the nature of the plant. Here are a few of the more commonly used names, and perhaps a few rare ones, to broaden your knowledge of the wonderful world of Latin. coccinea = Scarlet Salvia coccinea – Scarlet sage sulphureus = Sulphur-colored Cosmos sulphureus – Cosmos rotundifolia = Round-leaved Tithonia rotundifolia – Mexican sunflower communis = Growing in common; general Ricinus communis – Castor bean cylindrica = Cylindrical Luffa cylindrica – Luffa sponge tuberosum = Tuberous Allium tuberosum – Garlic chives sativum = Cultivated; planted deliberately Coriandrum sativum – Cilantro/Coriander vulgare = Vulgar; common Foeniculum vulgare – Fennel officinalis = Medicinal; of the pharmacopoeia Melissa officinalis – Lemon balm Paniculatum = having flowers in a cluster, with each flower borne on a separate stalk Koelreuteria paniculata – Goldenrain tree Place names: sinensis or sinicus = of or from China Camellia sinensis…
