For more on Latin Horticulture Terminology, try an RHS book: Latin for Gardeners: Over 3,000 Plant Names Explained & Explored. Now some common terms…
Latin Horticulture Terminology: Colours
Alba White
Ater Black
Atrovirens – Dark green
Aurea Chartreuse
Azur Blue
Caeruleus Blue
Chrysus Yellow
Coccineus Scarlet
Ebenus black
Eburneus Ivory
Erythro Red
Ferrugineus Rusty
Flava Yellow
Gala Milky
Haema Blood red
Lacteus Milky
Leuc White
Lividus Blue-grey
Luridus Pale yellow
Luteus Yellow
Nigra Black/dark
Puniceus Red/purple
Purpureus Purple
Rosea Rose
Rubra Red
Sempervirens Always green
Sulphureus Yellow
Virens Green
Latin Horticulture Terminology: Origins or Habitat
Alpinus Alpine
Canadensis Canada
Chinensis China
Japonica Japan
Littoralis Shore growing
Maritima Sea side
Montana Mountains
Occidentalis West (can also refer to North America)
Orientalis East Asia
Sibirica Siberia
Sylvestris Woodland
Virginiana Virginia
Latin Horticulture Terminology: Form or Habit
Angustifolia Narrow leaf
Baccata Bearing red berries
Contorta Twisted
Globosa Rounded
Gracilis Graceful
Grosso Big
Maculata Spotted
Magnus Large
Nana Dwarf
Officinalis Medicinal
Pendula Weeping
Prostrata Creeping
Reptans Creeping
Suffruticosa – shrub like
Latin Horticulture Terminology: Common Root Words
Anthos Flower
Brevi Short
Fili Threadlike
Flora Flower
Folius Foliage
Grandi Large
Hetero Diverse
Laevis Smooth
Lepto Slender
Macro Large
Medio Intermediate
Mega Big
Micro Small
Mono Single
Multi Many
Phyllos Leaf/Foliage
Platy Flat/Broad
Poly Many
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