Meaning: Named for Gustav Friedrich Hermann Maass, 19th century German botanist
Latin Pronunciation: MAH-see-eye

Meaning: The vernacular name of this plant in Philipines
Latin Pronunciation: mah-kar-AN-guh

Meaning: Named for Richard Maack, a 19th century Russian naturalist
Latin Pronunciation: MAK-ee-eye
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:MAHK-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for John MacAdam, 19th century Australian chemist and lecturer
Latin Pronunciation: mak-uh-DAY-mee-a

Meaning: Named for James Francis Macbride, 19th century South Carolina botanist
Latin Pronunciation: mak-bride-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for James Francis Macbride, 19th century South Carolina botanist
Latin Pronunciation: mak-BRIDE-ee-a

Meaning: Named for James Francis Macbride, 19th century South Carolina botanist
Latin Pronunciation: mak-bride-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for James Francis Macbride, 19th century South Carolina botanist
Latin Pronunciation: mak-BRIDE-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for John Macdougal, botanist with the Missouri Botanical Gardens
Alternative Meaning:Named for DT MacDougal, director of the Desert Laboratory, Tucson Arizona (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-DOOG-uh-lee-eye
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-doog-AL-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for James Francis Macbride, 19th century South Carolina botanist
Latin Pronunciation: mak-bride-ee-AH-nus

maquis (syn. macchia)

A dense type of growth typically made up of low evergreen shrubs and oaks of dry Mediterranean areas--maquis is the French term, in Italy the term is macchia.

Meaning: Discovered by Carl Purpus and subsequently named by Dr. Rose for reasons that are not clear
Latin Pronunciation: mak-doog-al-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for Tom MacDougall, who discovered the species in the mid-20th century
Latin Pronunciation: mak-doo-GALL-ee-eye

Meaning: Of or from Macedonia
Latin Pronunciation: mas-eh-DON-ih-kuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-eh-DON-ih-kuh

Meaning: Of or from Macedonia
Latin Pronunciation: mas-eh-DON-ih-kum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-eh-DON-ih-kum

Meaning: Of or from Macedonia
Latin Pronunciation: mas-eh-DON-ih-kus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-eh-DON-ih-kus

Meaning: Named for James Macfadyen, 19th century Scottish botanist in Jamaica
Latin Pronunciation: mak-fad-ee-EN-uh

Meaning: Named for Sir William MacGregor, 19th century Scottish-born medical officer and later government official in British New Guinea
Alternative Meaning:Named for Richard Crittenden MacGregor, 19th century American ornithologist and assistant editor of the Philippine Journal of Science
Latin Pronunciation: mak-GREG-or-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Dr William David Kerr Macgillivray, 20th century physician, eminent ornithologist and naturalist
Latin Pronunciation: mak-gil-liv-RAY-ee

Meaning: Having dagger-like foliage
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ee-ree-ee-FOH-lee-a

Meaning: From the Greek machaira (dagger, sword) and phyllon (leaf)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ee-ro-FILL-um

machete

A large powerful knife used to clear brush, e.g., trails through jungle areas.

Meaning: Thin, lean, meager
Latin Pronunciation: mas-il-LEN-tum

Latin Pronunciation: mas - il - lent - us
Meaning: lean, meagre.

Meaning: Named for Mackay, but not sure which one
Latin Pronunciation: mak-AY-eye

Meaning: Named for John Maclean, 19th century Scottish merchant who exported plants from Lima, Peru
Latin Pronunciation: mak-LAY-nee-uh

Meaning: Named for Mackay, but not sure which one
Latin Pronunciation: mak-AY-eye

Meaning: Thin, lean, meager
Latin Pronunciation: mas-il-LEN-tuh

Meaning: Named for James Townsend Mackay, 19th century Scottish botanist and gardener
Latin Pronunciation: MAK-kay-uh

Meaning: Named for Alexander Macleay, 18th century secretary of the Linnean Society
Latin Pronunciation: ma-klay-ee-AY-na

Meaning: Derivation of Greek macro (long), referring to the long lip
Latin Pronunciation: MAK-oh-deez

Meaning: Named for Alexander Macleay, 18th century secretary of the Linnean Society
Latin Pronunciation: ma-kLAY-ee

Meaning: Named for Peter MacOwan, 19th century botanical gardens director and later Professor of botany at South Africa College,
Latin Pronunciation: ma-kow-AN-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for John Macoun, 19th century Irish-born Canadian explorer and naturalist
Latin Pronunciation: ma-KOWN-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for John Macoun, 19th century Irish-born Canadian explorer and naturalist
Latin Pronunciation: ma-kown-ee-AY-na

Meaning: Large spines
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ra-KAN-tha

Meaning: Prefix meaning large
Latin Pronunciation: mak-r

Meaning: Large
Latin Pronunciation: MAK-ruh

Meaning: Large spines
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ra-KAN-thus

Meaning: Large spines
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ra-KAN-thum

Meaning: Large glands
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ra-DEE-nee-um
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-ra-DEN-ee-um

Meaning: Large glands
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ra-DEE-nee-us
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-ra-DEN-ee-us

Meaning: Having large glands (foliage)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ra- dee-num

Latin Pronunciation: mak-rad-deen-us
Meaning: with large glands.

Meaning: Large-flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mak-RAN-ther-a

Meaning: Large-flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mak-RAN-ther-um

Meaning: Large flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mak-RANTH-os

Meaning: Large-flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mak-RAN-ther-us

Meaning: Large flowered
Latin Pronunciation: ma-KRAN-tha

Latin Pronunciation: mak - ranth - us
Meaning: large-flowered.

Meaning: Large flowered
Latin Pronunciation: ma-KRAN-thum

Meaning: Suffix meaning large or big
Latin Pronunciation: MAK-roh

Meaning: With large thorns or spine; epithets also spelled macrocantha and macracantha
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-uh-KAN-tha

Meaning: Large-spined
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-KAN-tha

Latin Pronunciation: mak - roh - kanth - us
Meaning: large-thorned.

Meaning: Large calyx (covering)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-KAL-iks

Meaning: From the Greek macros (large) and kapnos (smoke)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-KAP-nos

Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-boh-triss
Meaning: large-clustered.

Meaning: Large-fruited
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-KAR-pon

Meaning: Large fruit
Latin Pronunciation: ma-kro-KAR-pa

Meaning: Large fruit
Latin Pronunciation: ma-kro-KAR-pum

Meaning: Large head
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-SEF-uh-lum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-roh-KEF-uh-lum

Meaning: Large (flower) head
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-SEF-uh-luh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-roh-KEF-uh-luh

Meaning: Large head
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-SEF-uh-lus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-roh-KEF-uh-lus

Meaning: Large bristled
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ro-KEY-tuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-ro-chay-tuh

Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-dak-til-us
Meaning: large-fingered.

Meaning: Big tooth
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-DON-tus

Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-karp-us
Meaning: large- fruited.

Meaning: Big tooth
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-DON-tum

Meaning: Big tooth
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-DON-ta

Meaning: Big tongue
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-GLOS-um

Meaning: Big tongue
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-GLOS-us

Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-don-tus
Meaning: large-toothed.

Meaning: Large-angled
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-GON-us

Meaning: Big tongue
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-GLOS-uh

Meaning: Large-lobed
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-LOH-bum

Meaning: Large-lobed
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-LOH-buh

Meaning: Large-angled
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-GON-uh

Meaning: Large-lobed
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-LOH-bus

Meaning: Large thread
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-NEE-muh

Latin Pronunciation: mak-krom-er-iss
Meaning: with large or many parts.

Meaning: Big petals
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-PET-uh-luh

Meaning: Big petals
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-PET-uh-lum

Latin Pronunciation: mak- roh -pet-al-us
Meaning: large-petaled

Meaning: Big leaf
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-FIL-uh

Meaning: Big leaf
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-FIL-um

Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-fill-us
Meaning: largeleaved.

Meaning: From the Greek macros (large) and podes (foot), referring to Macropus (Kangaroo genus)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-PID-ee-uh

macrophytes

All visible plants in any habitat, not microscopic bacteria or algae.

Meaning: Large foot
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-POH-dee-a

Meaning: Large foot
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-POH-dee-um

Meaning: Big foot
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-POH-da

Meaning: Large foot
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-POH-dee-us

Meaning: Big foot
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-POH-dum

Latin Pronunciation: mak-krop-od-us
Meaning: largestalked.

Latin Pronunciation: mak-krop-ter-us
Meaning: largewinged.

Meaning: Large wing
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-TER-uh

Meaning: Large wing
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-TER-um

Meaning: Large root (sometimes spelled macrorrhizum)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-RY-zum

Meaning: From the Greek macro (large) and ptilon (feather)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-rop-TIL-ee-um

Meaning: Large root (sometimes spelled macrorrhiza)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-RY-zuh

Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-rye-zus
Meaning: with a large roots tock.

Meaning: Large root
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-RY-zuh

Meaning: mak-roh-RY-zos
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-RY-zos

Meaning: Large root
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-RY-zum

Meaning: Large root
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-RY-zus

Meaning: Large-seeded
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-SPERM-uh

Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-spay-dix
Meaning: with large spadix.

Meaning: Large-seeded
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-SPERM-us

Meaning: Large-seeded
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-SPERM-um

macrospore

The larger kind of spore in Selaginellaceae, etc.

macrosporangium

The receptacle in which macrospores are developed.

Meaning: From the Greek macros (large) and stachys (spike)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ro-STAK-iss
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-ro-STAY-kiss

Meaning: With a large tube
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-SY-fon

Meaning: Large (flower) spike
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ro-STAK-yuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-ro-STAY-kee-uh

Meaning: Large (flower) spike
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ro-STAK-yum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-ro-STAY-kee-um

Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-stee-mus
Meaning: with large filaments.

Meaning: From the Greek macro (large) and strobilos (cone)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-STROH-bil-us

Meaning: From the Greek macros (large) an Thelypteris (genus name meaning female fern)
Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-the-LIP-ter-is

Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-stye-lus
Meaning: large- styled.

Meaning: With a large mouth
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ro-STOH-muh

Latin Pronunciation: mak-roh-yew-rus
Meaning: large-tailed.

Meaning: long tail
Latin Pronunciation: mah-kroh-OOR-uh

Meaning: Large ears
Latin Pronunciation: mak-ROH-tis

Meaning: Spotted
Latin Pronunciation: mak-yuh-LAH-tuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-yuh-LAY-tuh

maculate

Blotched with broad, irregular patches of color.

Meaning: Spotted
Latin Pronunciation: mak-yuh-LAH-tum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mak-yuh-LAY-tum

Latin Pronunciation: mak-yew-lay-tus
Meaning: spotted.

Meaning: Spotted
Latin Pronunciation: mak-yoo-LOH-sum

Meaning: Spotted
Latin Pronunciation: mak-yoo-LOH-suh

Latin Pronunciation: mak-yew-loh-sus
Meaning: spotted.

Meaning: Of or from Madagascar
Latin Pronunciation: mad-uh-gas-KAR-ee-EN-sis

Meaning: Of or from Madeira Island
Latin Pronunciation: ma-der-EN-sis

Meaning: Of or from Madeira Island
Latin Pronunciation: ma-der-EN-see

Meaning: Of or from Madeira
Latin Pronunciation: ma-DREN-see
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:ma-DREN-say

Meaning: Of or from Madeira
Latin Pronunciation: ma-DREN-sis

Meaning: Of or from the Magellan Straits area, Chile
Latin Pronunciation: ma-jell-AN-ee-kuh

Meaning: Of or from the Magellan Straits area, Chile
Latin Pronunciation: ma-jell-AN-ee-kum

Meaning: From the Arabic vernacular name maas
Latin Pronunciation: MAY-suh

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning great or large
Latin Pronunciation: MAG-na

Latin Pronunciation: maj-el-lan-ik-us
Meaning: of region of Straits of Magellan (So.America).

Meaning: Magnificent
Latin Pronunciation: mag-NIH-fee-kuh

Meaning: Large or magnificent bracts
Latin Pronunciation: mag-nih-brak-tee-AY-ta

Latin Pronunciation: mag-niff-ik-us
Meaning: showy, magnificent.

Meaning: Magnificent
Latin Pronunciation: mag-NIH-fee-kum

Meaning: Large flowers
Latin Pronunciation: mag-NEE-flor-uh

Meaning: Large flowers
Latin Pronunciation: mag-NEE-flor-um

Meaning: Large flowers
Latin Pronunciation: mag-NEE-flor-us

Meaning: Large leaves
Latin Pronunciation: mag-nee-FOH-lee-a

Meaning: Large leaves
Latin Pronunciation: mag-nee-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Large leaves
Latin Pronunciation: mag-nee-FOH-lee-us

Meaning: Having leaves like Magnolia
Latin Pronunciation: mag-noh-lee-eye-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Variant spelling of magnoliifolia; having leaves like Magnolia
Latin Pronunciation: mag-no-lee-ay-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Mahogany
Latin Pronunciation: mah-HAH-go-nye

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning great or large
Latin Pronunciation: MAG-nus

Meaning: The Latinized form of Maihuen, the native name for this plant
Latin Pronunciation: may-hew-EN-ee-uh

Meaning: Resembles Maihuenia (a related genus)
Latin Pronunciation: may-hew-en-ee-OP-sis

Meaning: For Chinese plants, named for Edouard Ernest Maire, 19th century missionary in Yunnan, China where he collected many specimens
Alternative Meaning:For North African plants, named for Rene C. J. E. Maire, 20th century professor of Botany in Algeria
Latin Pronunciation: MAIR-ay-AH-na

Meaning: For Chinese plants, named for Edouard Ernest Maire, 19th century missionary in Yunnan, China where he collected many specimens
Alternative Meaning:For North African plants, named for Rene C. J. E. Maire, 20th century professor of Botany in Algeria
Latin Pronunciation: MAIR-ay-AH-num

main shoot

A basal cane or a strong lateral cane.

Meaning: For Chinese plants, named for Edouard Ernest Maire, 19th century missionary in Yunnan, China where he collected many specimens
Alternative Meaning:For North African plants, named for Rene C. J. E. Maire, 20th century professor of Botany in Algeria
Latin Pronunciation: MAIR-ay

Meaning: May
Latin Pronunciation: maj-AY-lee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:maj-AY-lay

Latin Pronunciation: maj-ay-liss
Meaning: of May (May- blooming).

Latin Pronunciation: may-jor (may-jus)
Meaning: greater, larger.

Meaning: For Chinese plants, named for Edouard Ernest Maire, 19th century missionary in Yunnan, China where he collected many specimens
Alternative Meaning:For North African plants, named for Rene C. J. E. Maire, 20th century professor of Botany in Algeria
Latin Pronunciation: MAIR-ay-AH-nus

Meaning: Larger
Latin Pronunciation: MAY-jor

Meaning: Of or from Majorca
Latin Pronunciation: maj-JOR-ih-kum

Meaning: Larger
Latin Pronunciation: MAY-jus

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning rather large; diminutive of major (majuscule as opposed to miniscule)
Latin Pronunciation: ma-JUS-kuh-lum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:ma-JUS-kyoo-lum

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning rather large; diminutive of major (majuscule as opposed to miniscule)
Latin Pronunciation: ma-JUS-kuh-luh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:ma-JUS-kyoo-luh

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning rather large; diminutive of major (majuscule as opposed to miniscule)
Latin Pronunciation: ma-JUS-kuh-lus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:ma-JUS-kyoo-lus

Meaning: Of or from the Makay Massif, in Mozambique (Madagascar)
Latin Pronunciation: ma-kay-EN-see

Meaning: Named for Jacob Makoy (or Maquoi) Lambert, 19th century sponsor of plant collecting trips into Brazil
Latin Pronunciation: mak-koy-AH-nuh

Meaning: Named for Tomitaro Makino, 20th century Japanese botanist
Latin Pronunciation: MACK-kin-oy

Meaning: Named for Jacob Makoy (or Maquoi) Lambert, 19th century sponsor of plant collecting trips into Brazil
Latin Pronunciation: mak-koy-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Jacob Makoy (or Maquoi) Lambert, 19th century sponsor of plant collecting trips into Brazil
Latin Pronunciation: mak-koy-AH-nus

Meaning: Of or from the Malabar Coast, southern India
Latin Pronunciation: mal-uh-BAR-ih-kuh

Meaning: Of or from the Malabar Coast, southern India
Latin Pronunciation: mal-uh-BAR-ih-kum

Meaning: Of or from the Malabar Coast, southern India
Latin Pronunciation: mal-uh-BAR-ih-kus

Meaning: Of or from the Malabar Coast, southern India
Latin Pronunciation: mal-uh-BATH-ree-kum

Meaning: Native from Malacca, the region including the island of Sumatra and continental Asia.
Latin Pronunciation: muh-lack-EN-see
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:muh-lass-EN-see

Meaning: Variant of the Greek malache (Malva)
Latin Pronunciation: mal-AK-ra

Meaning: Resembles Malachra (malva)
Latin Pronunciation: mal-a-KROY-deez

Meaning: From the Greek malakos (soft) and dendron (tree); at one time, it was applied to the crabtree genus (now Malus)
Latin Pronunciation: mah-lah-koh-DEN-dron

Latin Pronunciation: mal-ak-koy-deez
Meaning: mucilajinous.

Meaning: From the Greek malakos (soft) and phyllon (leaf)
Latin Pronunciation: mah-lah-koh-FILL-a

Meaning: From the Greek malakos (soft) and phyllon (leaf)
Latin Pronunciation: mah-lah-koh-FILL-us

Meaning: From the Greek malakos (soft) and sperma (seed)
Latin Pronunciation: mal-uh-ko-SPER-muh

Meaning: From the Greek malakos (soft) and sperma (seed)
Latin Pronunciation: mal-uh-ko-SPER-mum

Meaning: From the Greek malakos (soft) and sperma (seed)
Latin Pronunciation: mal-uh-ko-SPER-mus

Meaning: From the Greek malakos (soft) and thamnos (shrub)
Latin Pronunciation: mal-a-ko-THAM-nus

Meaning: From the Greek malakos (soft) and thrix (hair)
Latin Pronunciation: mah-lah-koh-TRY-kum

Meaning: From the Greek malakos (soft) and thrix (hair)
Latin Pronunciation: mah-lah-koh-TRY-kus

Meaning: From the Greek malakos (soft) and thrix (hair)
Latin Pronunciation: mah-lah-koh-TRY-ka

Meaning: Of or from Malaysia (formerly Malaya)
Latin Pronunciation: ma-lay-ee-AH-na

Meaning: From the Greek word for soft or softening, referring to the soft, tender, herbaceous leaves
Latin Pronunciation: mal-AKS-is

Meaning: Named for William Malcolm, English plantsman
Latin Pronunciation: mal-KOLM-ee-uh

Meaning: From the Greek male (armhole) and phorein (to bear) referring to the seed pockets of the fruit
Latin Pronunciation: mal-eh-FOR-uh

Meaning: Of or from the Maldives (off the coast of India), which is where the plant was thought to have originated; later determined to be a native of the Seychelle Islands in the Indian Ocean near East Africa
Latin Pronunciation: mal-DY-vih-kuh

Meaning: Named for Petra S. Malesevich, modern-day Senior Herbarium Assistant at the Missouri Botanical Gardens
Latin Pronunciation: mal-es-eh-VIK-ee-ay

Meaning: Of or from Maldonado, Uruguay
Latin Pronunciation: mal-doh-nah-DEN-sis

male cone

The conical, pollen-bearing male element of a conifer.

Latin Pronunciation: may-lif-form-iss
Meaning: Apple- formed.

Meaning: Of or from the Maling River, near Xingyi City, China
Latin Pronunciation: ma-ling-EN-sis

mallee

A growth form in which several stems arise from a lignotuber.

malpighiaceous hairs

Hairs which are straight and oppressed but attached by the middle.

Meaning: The Malva (mallow) family
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VAY-see-ay

Meaning: Mallow-like
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VAY-see-um

Latin Pronunciation: mal-vay-see-us
Meaning: Mallow (Malva)-like.

Meaning: Mallow-like
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VAY-see-us

Meaning: Mallow-like
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VAY-see-uh

Meaning: Apple
Latin Pronunciation: MAL-us

Latin Pronunciation: mal-vee-floh-rus
Meaning: Mallow-flowered.

Meaning: Diminutive of Malva (Mallow genus)
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VEL-luh

Meaning: Mallow- flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VEE-flor-uh

Meaning: Sticky mallow
Latin Pronunciation: mal-vuh-VIS-kus

Meaning: Mallow- flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VEE-flor-uh

Meaning: Mallow- flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VEE-flor-uh

Meaning: Mauve
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VY-nuh

Meaning: Mauve
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VY-nus

mamillate (syn. mammillar)

Convex with a short projection in the center.

Meaning: Mauve
Latin Pronunciation: mal-VY-num

Meaning: Having nipples or breasts
Latin Pronunciation: mam-mil-LAIR-ee

Meaning: Having nipples or breasts
Latin Pronunciation: mam-mil-LAIR-iss

Meaning: Having large breasts
Latin Pronunciation: mam-OH-sum

mammillate (alt. mammillated)

Shaped like a nipple.

Meaning: Having large breasts
Latin Pronunciation: mam-OH-suh

Latin Pronunciation: mam-moh-sus
Meaning: with nipple- or breast-like parts.

Meaning: Latinized form of manzanilla, the diminutive of manzana (the Spanish name for apple)
Latin Pronunciation: man-sin-EL-luh

Meaning: Having many nipple-like projections
Latin Pronunciation: mam-yoo-LOH-sus

Meaning: An old name for this plant
Latin Pronunciation: man-DRAG-or-uh

Meaning: Of or from Manchuria, a region on the borders of Russia and Northern China; also spelled mandshurica
Latin Pronunciation: man-SHEU-ree-ka

Meaning: Of or from Manchuria, a region on the borders of Russia and Northern China; also spelled mandshuricum
Latin Pronunciation: man-SHEU-ree-kum

Meaning: Of or from Manchuria, a region on the borders of Russia and Northern China; also spelled mandshuricus
Latin Pronunciation: man-SHEU-ree-kus

Meaning: Of or from Manchuria, a region on the borders of Russia and Northern China; also spelled mandschurica
Latin Pronunciation: man-SHEU-ree-ka

Latin Pronunciation: mand-shoor-ik-us
Meaning: of Manchuria.

Meaning: Possibly a latinization of the word "mangue", mangrove
Latin Pronunciation: MANG-leh

Meaning: Of or from Manescau, Pyrenees (sometimes spelled manescavi)
Latin Pronunciation: man-ess-KAV-ee-eye

Meaning: Of or from Manescau, Pyrenees
Latin Pronunciation: man-ESS-kav-ee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:man-ess-KAV-ee

Meaning: With a sleeve
Latin Pronunciation: man-ih-KAR-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for James Mangles, 19th century naturalist who spent time in Western Australia
Latin Pronunciation: man-GELS-ee-eye

Meaning: Long sleeved
Latin Pronunciation: mah-nuh-KAH-tuh

Meaning: Long sleeved
Latin Pronunciation: mah-nuh-KAH-tum

Latin Pronunciation: man - ik - kay - tus
Meaning: long- sleeved (often referring to tube-like calyx).

Meaning: Of or from the Manica (Manik) Region of Mozambique
Latin Pronunciation: man-eek-EN-sis

Meaning: Alternate spelling of Manilkara, the Latinized form of the South American vernacular name for Malabar
Latin Pronunciation: man-il-KAR-uh

manila coin envelopes

Small easily labeled containers for otherwise easily lost parts of plant specimens such as seeds, individual flowers, leaves, etc.

Meaning: Latinized form of the South American vernacular name for Malabar; also spelled Manilcara
Latin Pronunciation: man-il-KAR-uh

Meaning: Of or from Manchuria, a region on the borders of Russia and Northern China; also spelled mandschurica
Latin Pronunciation: man-SHEU-ree-kuh

Meaning: Of or from Manchuria, a region on the borders of Russia and Northern China; also spelled mandschuricus
Latin Pronunciation: man-SHEU-ree-kus

Meaning: Of or from the Sierra da Mantiqueira (Brazil)
Latin Pronunciation: man-tee-kwee-ER-ay

Meaning: Of or from Manchuria, a region on the borders of Russia and Northern China; also spelled mandschuricum
Latin Pronunciation: man-SHEU-ree-kum

Meaning: Named for Paolo Mantegazzi, 19th century Italian etnographist
Latin Pronunciation: man-tee-gaz-zee-AH-num

Meaning: Diminutive form of the Spanish word manzana (apple)
Latin Pronunciation: man-za-NEE-tuh

Meaning: Genus named for the flowers' resemblance to the Mantid insect
Latin Pronunciation: man-TIS-ee-uh

manure

Animal dung used as a fertilizer.

maquis (syn. macchia)

A dense type of growth typically made up of low evergreen shrubs and oaks of dry Mediterranean areas--maquis is the French term, in Italy the term is macchia.

Meaning: Bitter
Latin Pronunciation: MAIR-uh

Meaning: Of or from the Rio Mara?on, a river in Peru
Latin Pronunciation: mar-a-NON-ih-ka

Meaning: Maranta (named for Bartolommeo Maranti, a 16th century Venetian botanist) and chloa (grass)
Latin Pronunciation: muh-ran-toh-KLOH-uh

Meaning: Latinized form of the female name Margaret; the specific person commemorated depends on the plant
Latin Pronunciation: mar-GAR-et-tay

Latin Pronunciation: mar-sess-senz
Meaning: withering.

Meaning: Named for Professor Eugenio de Jes?s Marcano, 20th century botanist from the Dominican Republic
Latin Pronunciation: mar-KAH-no-ee

Latin Pronunciation: mar-sid-us
Meaning: withering (not falling).

Meaning: From the Latin name for pearl
Latin Pronunciation: mar-gar-EE-tuh

marcescent

Withering but persistent.

Latin Pronunciation: mar-gar-it-tay-see-us
Meaning: pearly.

Meaning: Pearl-like
Latin Pronunciation: mar-gar-ee-tuh-KEE-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mar-gar-ee-tuh-SEE-uh

Latin Pronunciation: mar-gar-rye-tus
Meaning: pearly.

margin

An edge of a flat structure, such as a leaf.

Latin Pronunciation: mar-gar-it-tif-er-us
Meaning: pearl-bearing (of flowers or fruit).

Meaning: Pertaining to margins and marginal land (water margins)
Latin Pronunciation: mar-gin-AH-lee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mar-gin-AH-lay

marginal

Situated on, or close to the margin of a leaf, frond, or other lobe.

marginal rays

Fully developed ray florets which establish and determine the maximum diameter of a flower, as distinguished from the immature central rays (used in describing dahlias.)

Latin Pronunciation: mar-jin-nay-liss
Meaning: margined, with distinct or different margins.

Meaning: Margined
Latin Pronunciation: mar-jen-AY-tuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mar-jeh-NAH-tuh

marginate

With a border of a different color.

Latin Pronunciation: mar-jin-nell-us
Meaning: somewhat margined.

Meaning: Margined
Latin Pronunciation: mar-jen-AY-tum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mar-jeh-NAH-tum

Latin Pronunciation: mar-jin-nay-tus
Meaning: margined.

Meaning: Of St. Mary
Latin Pronunciation: mar-ee-AH-nuh

Latin Pronunciation: mar-ee-ay-nus
Meaning: referring to Virgin Mary.

Meaning: Named for Marian Marloth, wife of South African botanist Dr. Rudolph Marloth
Latin Pronunciation: mair-ee-AN-ay-ee

Meaning: Named for a water nymph
Latin Pronunciation: MAR-ee-kuh

Meaning: Named for Queen Mary
Latin Pronunciation: mar-ee REE-jin-ay

Meaning: Of St. Mary
Latin Pronunciation: mar-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Referring to Maryland (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: mar-i-LAND-ih-kum

Latin Pronunciation: mar-il-land-ik-us
Meaning: of or from Maryland.

Meaning: Referring to Maryland (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: mar-i-LAND-ih-ka

Meaning: Of the sea
Latin Pronunciation: mar-EE-nuh

Meaning: Of the sea
Latin Pronunciation: mar-EE-num

Meaning: From the aborignal name for the palm
Latin Pronunciation: mar-REE-pa

Meaning: Of the sea
Latin Pronunciation: mar-EE-nus

maritime

Describes climate mainly influenced by the sea, generally with mild winters, cool summers, and frequent rain.

Meaning: Of or from the sea
Latin Pronunciation: muh-RIT-tim-mum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mar-ih-TEE-mum

Meaning: Butterfly
Latin Pronunciation: mar-ee-PO-suh

Meaning: Of or from the sea
Latin Pronunciation: muh-RIT-tim-muh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mar-ih-TEE-muh

Meaning: Named for Dr. C.F. Marks, amateur plant collector in Queensland
Latin Pronunciation: marks-ee-AH-na

Latin Pronunciation: mar-rit-im-us
Meaning: of the sea or shore.

marl

A mixture of clay and the carbonates of calcium and magnesium, from precipitation in acidic waters, and from dissolved shells and limestone.

Meaning: Named after Hermann Wilhelm Rudolph Marloth, 19th century German botanist and author in South Africa
Latin Pronunciation: mar-LOTH-ee-eye

Meaning: Marbled
Latin Pronunciation: mar-mor-RAY-tuh

Meaning: Marbled
Latin Pronunciation: mar-mor-RAY-tum

Latin Pronunciation: mar-moh-ray-tus
Meaning: mottled, marbled.

Meaning: Marbled
Latin Pronunciation: mar-MOH-ree-uh

Latin Pronunciation: mar-moh-ree-us
Meaning: marbled.

Latin Pronunciation: mar-mar-oh-fill-us
Meaning: leaves marbled.

Meaning: Marbled
Latin Pronunciation: mar-MOH-ree-um

Meaning: Named for Anne Therese Marnier-Lapostolle, first wife of Julien Marnier-Lapostolle; 20th century owner of famous plant collection
Latin Pronunciation: mar-nee-air-ee-AH-nuh

Meaning: Of or from Morocco
Latin Pronunciation: mar-oh-KAN-uh

Meaning: Named for Julien Marnier-Lapostolle, famous 20th century French plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: MAR-nee-air lah-pos-STOL-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Anne Therese Marnier-Lapostolle, first wife of Julien Marnier-Lapostolle; 20th century owner of famous plant collection
Latin Pronunciation: mar-nee-air-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Of or from Marojejy, Madagascar
Latin Pronunciation: mar-oh-JEJ-ee-a

Latin Pronunciation: mar - rok - kay - nus
Meaning: of Morocco.

Meaning: Having foliage like Marrubium
Latin Pronunciation: ma-roo-bee-eye-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Named for Humphrey Marshall, 18th century American botanist and dendrologist from Pennsylvania
Latin Pronunciation: MAR-shal-ee

Meaning: Named for Marshall, possibly Humphrey Marshall, 18th century American botanist and dendrologist from Pennsylvania
Latin Pronunciation: mar-SHALL-ee-eye

Latin Pronunciation: mar-tag-on
Meaning: from Italian word for turban.

Meaning: Named for Dr. Moses Marshall, nephew of American botanist Humphrey Marshall
Latin Pronunciation: mar-SHALL-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Baron Friedrich August Marschall von Bieberstein, 19th century German explorer in southern Russia
Latin Pronunciation: mar-SHALL-ee-ay-nuh

Meaning: Honors various women named Martha, depending on the genus
Latin Pronunciation: MAR-thay-ee

Meaning: Named for Karl (or Carl) Friedrich Philipp von Martius, 19th century Austrian botanist in Brazil, and author ofFlora Brasiliensis
Latin Pronunciation: mar-shee-AY-num

Meaning: Named for Karl (or Carl) Friedrich Philipp von Martius, 19th century Austrian botanist in Brazil, and author ofFlora Brasiliensis
Latin Pronunciation: mar-SHOO-see-uh

Meaning: Named for Dr. John Martyn, 18th century professor of Botany at Cambridge University
Latin Pronunciation: mar-TIN-ee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: mass
Meaning: male.

Meaning: Of or from the Barranco de Masca, Chile
Latin Pronunciation: mas-kay-EN-see

Meaning: Of or from the Barranco de Masca, Chile
Latin Pronunciation: mas-kay-EN-sis

Meaning: Masculine, not delicate; red
Latin Pronunciation: MASK-oo-luh

Latin Pronunciation: mas-kew-lay-tus
Meaning: masculine.

Meaning: Masculine, not delicate; red
Latin Pronunciation: MASK-oo-lum

Latin Pronunciation: mass-kew-lus
Meaning: male, masculine.

Meaning: Of or from the Masoala Peninsula, in northeast Madagascar
Latin Pronunciation: mas-oh-AH-la

Meaning: Named for Herbert Louis Mason, 20th century professor of botany at Berkeley, California (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: may-SON-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Miss Marianne Mason and her brother Edward Mason, who collected the species in 1911; also spelled masonorum
Latin Pronunciation: may-son-ee-OR-um

Meaning: Of Marseilles (ancient Massilia), France
Latin Pronunciation: mas-sil-ee-EN-see

massula (pl. massulae)

Structures associated with megaspores or enclosing and trapping microspores to increase the likelihood of fertilization.

Meaning: Named for Maurice Mason, 20th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: mas-oh-nee-AH-uh

Meaning: Of Marseilles (ancient Massilia), France
Latin Pronunciation: mas-sil-ee-EN-sis

mat

A thick tangle.

Meaning: Named for Miss Marianne Mason and her brother Edward Mason, who collected the species in 1911; also spelled masonorum
Latin Pronunciation: may-son-OR-um

Meaning: Named for Brian Mathew, British botanist, taxonomist writer, and former Principal Scientific Officer of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
Latin Pronunciation: math-EW-ee-eye

Meaning: Derivation is obscure
Latin Pronunciation: ma-TEL-ee-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:ma-TEE-lee-uh

matorral

The term used for the dry land vegetation of Chile. Though similar to chaparral, it is less dense and extends from coastal areas to the Andean foothills; The term used in Spain to describe maquis vegitation.

Meaning: Of or from Matape, Mexico
Latin Pronunciation: mat-uh-PEN-sis

Meaning: Like the genus Matricaria
Latin Pronunciation: mat-ri-kar-ee-OY-deez

matrix

The natural material in which any metal, gem, crystal, fossil, or pebble is embedded.

Meaning: Belonging to a married woman; or pertaining to March 1st
Latin Pronunciation: mah-tro-NAH-lee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mah-tro-NAH-lay

Latin Pronunciation: mat-roh-nay-liss
Meaning: sedate (sometimes hoary).

Meaning: Named for Japanese botanist Sadahisa Matsudo, who cataloged many plants of China
Latin Pronunciation: mat-soo-DAY-nuh

matted

Formed into a mat.

Meaning: Named for C Matteucci, 19th century Italian physicist
Latin Pronunciation: mat-TEW-kee-uh

Meaning: Named for Pierandrea Mattioli, 16th century Italian physician and botanist
Latin Pronunciation: ma-the-OH-luh

Meaning: Named for the Pervuian city of the same name
Latin Pronunciation: mat-oo-KAN-uh

mattock

A waist-high tool with a metal head consisting of a horizontal blade with one end twisted as a dull axe and the other end flat or pointed. It is used for breaking hard soil, digging roots, and other heavy work.

maturation

The process leading from juvenile stage to ripening or the adult status of a fruit or plant.

Meaning: Of or from Matucana, Peru
Latin Pronunciation: mat-oo-kan-EN-sis

Meaning: Of or from Matucana, Peru
Latin Pronunciation: mat-oo-kan-EN-see

Meaning: Named for Catalina Pancratia Maurandy, 18th century botanist and wife of the director of the Cartagena botanic garden
Latin Pronunciation: maw-ran-DEL-luh

Meaning: Named for Benjamin Maund, 19th century botanical artist
Latin Pronunciation: MAWN-dee-uh

Meaning: Named for Catalina Pancratia Maurandy, 18th century botanist and wife of the director of the Cartagena botanic garden (also spelled Maurandia)
Latin Pronunciation: maw-RAN-dee-uh

Meaning: Of a North Africa area, now covered by Fez and Morocco
Latin Pronunciation: maw-rih-TAWN-ee-kuh

Meaning: Of a North Africa area, now covered by Fez and Morocco
Latin Pronunciation: maw-rih-TAWN-ee-kus

Meaning: Latinized from the Surinam vernacular Mauritii-boom
Latin Pronunciation: mor-REE-tee-uh

Meaning: Of Mauritius, a North Africa area now covered by Fez and Morocco
Latin Pronunciation: maw-rih-tee-AY-nuh

Meaning: From the Latin, maximum
Latin Pronunciation: maks

Meaning: Named for Max Burret, 20th century palm collector
Latin Pronunciation: maks-bur-RET-ee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: maw-rit-ee-ay-nus
Meaning: Is. of Mauritius.

Meaning: Largest
Latin Pronunciation: MAKS-ih-muh

Latin Pronunciation: max-il-/ay-riss
Meaning: pertaining to jaw.

Meaning: Largest (also spelled maximilianii)
Latin Pronunciation: maks-ih-mill-ee-ANE-ee

Meaning: Largest
Latin Pronunciation: maks-ih-mill-ee-eye

Meaning: Largest (also spelled maximiliani)
Latin Pronunciation: maks-ih-mill-ee-ANE-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Carl Johann Maximowicz, 19th century Russian botanist and director of St. Petersberg botanic garden
Latin Pronunciation: maks-im-oh-wiks-ee-AY-nuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:max-im-oh-wiks-ee-AH-nuh

Latin Pronunciation: max-im-us
Meaning: very large.

Meaning: Named for Carl Johann Maximowicz, 19th century Russian botanist and director of St. Petersberg botanic garden
Latin Pronunciation: maks-im-oh-WIKS-ee-eye

Meaning: Largest
Latin Pronunciation: MAKS-ih-mum

Meaning: Our mother
Latin Pronunciation: maze

Meaning: From the Greek for teat; referring to the swollen corolla
Latin Pronunciation: MAZ-us

Meaning: From the French Guiana vernacular name
Latin Pronunciation: may-AH-ka

Meaning: named for Dr. Richard Mead, 18th century English physician
Latin Pronunciation: MEE-dee-ah

mealy

Farinose.

mealybug

Any of the scale insect belonging to the family Pseudococcidae that have a white powdery covering and are destructive plant pests, particularly toward fruit trees.

meadow

Typically, a level grassland or field within a larger ecosystem, such as a forest. Often, the grass grown on its natural, low-lying, moist areas is used for forage or fodder or cut for hay.

maze (syn. maze garden)

A confusing intricate network of passages, particularly one created with tall, dense hedges forming the walls and separating the pathways.

Meaning: Named for Edgar Mearns 20th century American naturalist.
Latin Pronunciation: MEARN-zee-eye

Meaning: Named for Williams McCart, who collected the species in the 1960s
Latin Pronunciation: mak-KART-ee-eye

median

Refers to the central crosswise area of a leaf, as 'median width' would be the broadest width at midpoint.

median leaf-cells

Cells from the middle of the leaf.

Meaning: Average, middle
Latin Pronunciation: MEED-ee-uh

Meaning: Medical
Latin Pronunciation: MED-ee-kuh

medicinal herb

Any herb which is used as a curative or preventative.

Meaning: Medical
Latin Pronunciation: MED-ee-kus

Latin Pronunciation: med-it-er-ray-nee-us
Meaning: of the Mediterranean region.

Latin Pronunciation: mee-dee-us
Meaning: intermediate.

medifixed

Attached by or at the middle.

Meaning: Medical
Latin Pronunciation: MED-ee-kum

medlar

The Eurasian treeMesipilus germanica; also, its crab apple-like fruit which is used in preserves.

medulla

1. The central tissue of a structure, generally referring to the pith. 2. The inner part of the thallus of a lichen.

Meaning: Pithy
Latin Pronunciation: med-yoo-LAIR-ee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:med-yoo-LAIR-ay

Latin Pronunciation: med-ul-lay-riss
Meaning: pertaining to the center (also marrow orpith).

medullary

Made up of pith, spongy.

Meaning: Average, middle
Latin Pronunciation: MEED-ee-um

Meaning: Prefix meaning large
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh

Meaning: Named for Thomas Meehan, 19th century American nurseryman and horticultural writer
Latin Pronunciation: mee-HAN-ee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: meg-ak-kanth-us
Meaning: large- thorned.

Meaning: Large fruit
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-KAR-pus

Meaning: Large fruit
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-KAR-puh

Meaning: From the Greek mega (large) and kephale (head)
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-SEF-uh-lum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:meg-uh-KEF-uh-lum

Meaning: Large fruit
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-KAR-pum

Meaning: From the Greek mega (large) and kephale (head)
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-SEF-uh-lus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:meg-uh-KEF-uh-lus

Meaning: From the Greek mega (big, wide) and klinion (a little bed), referring to the flattened inflorescence
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-KLY-nee-um

megagametophyte

The female gametophyte, formed by vegetative growth of the megaspore of a heterosporous plant.

Meaning: Large flowers
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-LAN-thum

Meaning: Large thorns
Latin Pronunciation: meg-al-uh-KANTH-uh

Latin Pronunciation: meg-al-lanth-us
Meaning: large- flowered.

Meaning: Large flowers
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-LAN-tha

Latin Pronunciation: meg-al-fill-us
Meaning: large- leaved.

Meaning: Large star
Latin Pronunciation: meg-AL-as-ter

Meaning: Large river
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-poh-TAM-ih-kuh

Meaning: Large river
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-poh-TAM-ih-kum

Latin Pronunciation: meg-ap-poh-tam-ik us
Meaning: referring to (a) large river.

Meaning: Of the big river (Rio Grande Brazil)
Latin Pronunciation: meg-uh-poh-TAN-ee-kum

Meaning: Genus name now Bergenia
Latin Pronunciation: meg-GAS-ee-uh

Meaning: Having leaves like Megasea (old genus name for Bergenia)
Latin Pronunciation: meg-gas-ee-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: From the Greek mega (large) and skepasma (covering), referring to the conspicuous bracts
Latin Pronunciation: me-gas-kee-pas-muh

Latin Pronunciation: meg-ar-rye-zus
Meaning: large-rooted.

Latin Pronunciation: meg - ass - sperm - us
Meaning: large-seeded.

megasporangium (pl. megasporangia)

The female sporangium containing the megaspores.

megaspore

The female spore of a heterosporous plant. See also: microspore.

Latin Pronunciation: meg-ass-stay-kee-us
Meaning: large-spiked.

megasporangium (pl. megasporangia)

The female sporangium containing the megaspores.

megasporophyll

The leaf bearing the megasporangia.

Latin Pronunciation: meg-ass-stig-mus
Meaning: with large stigma.

meiosis

Cell division; the nuclear division that halves the chromosome number.

meiotanglum

The sporangium or gametangium in which meiosis occurs.

Meaning: Named for Carl Friedrich Meisner, 19th century Swiss professor of Botany at Basle and expert on protea and other Australian plants
Latin Pronunciation: MIZE-ner-ee

Meaning: Named for Carl Friedrich Meisner, 19th century Swiss professor of Botany at Basle and expert on protea and other Australian plants
Latin Pronunciation: mize-NER-ee-a

Meaning: Named for Carl Friedrich Meisner, 19th century Swiss professor of Botany at Basle and expert on protea and other Australian plants
Latin Pronunciation: mize-ner-ee-AY-na

Meaning: Named for Carl Friedrich Meisner, 19th century Swiss professor of Botany at Basle and expert on protea and other Australian plants
Latin Pronunciation: mize-ner-ee-AY-ns

Meaning: Spotted like Guinea Fowl
Latin Pronunciation: mel-AH-gree
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mel-AH-gray

Meaning: Named for Carl Friedrich Meisner, 19th century Swiss professor of Botany at Basle and expert on protea and other Australian plants
Latin Pronunciation: mize-ner-ee-AY-num

Meaning: Named for Dr. Isidoro Meijia, from whose garden the plant was first collected and described
Latin Pronunciation: mee-JEE-ay-ee

Meaning: Spotted like Guinea Fowl
Latin Pronunciation: mel-AH-griss

Meaning: Prefix meaning black
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an

Meaning: From the Greek melas (black) and pyros (wheat); referring to the black-coloured bread that results from adding the seeds to flour made from other grains
Latin Pronunciation: mel-am-PY-rum

Meaning: Black spine
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-uh-KAN-tha

Meaning: Black spine
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-uh-KAN-thum

Meaning: Black-anthered
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-ANTH-uh

Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-nanth-us
Meaning: black-flowered (or black-marked flowers).

Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-ko/-ik-us
Meaning: hanging, drooping.

Meaning: Black spine
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-uh-KAN-thus

Meaning: Black-anthered
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-ANTH-um

Meaning: From the Greek melas (black) and andros (man) referring to the dark stamen
Latin Pronunciation: mel-AN-dree-um

Meaning: Black fruit
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-KAR-pum

Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-kaw-lon
Meaning: black-stemmed.

Meaning: Black fruit
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-KAR-puh

Meaning: From the Greek melas (black) and kentron (spur)
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-KEN-trus

Meaning: From the Greek melas (black) and kentron (spur)
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-KEN-tra

Meaning: Dark gold
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-KRIS-um

Meaning: From the Greek melas (black) and leukos (white)
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-LEW-ka

Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-karp-us
Meaning: black-fruited.

Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-kaw-kus
Meaning: black-berried.

Latin Pronunciation: mel - an - oh - lew-kus
Meaning: black-and-white.

Meaning: From the Greek melas (black) and leukos (white)
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-LEW-kus

Latin Pronunciation: mel - an - oh - zye - Ion
Meaning: black-wooded.

Meaning: Black-anthered
Latin Pronunciation: mel-ANTH-er-uh

Meaning: From the Greek melanos (black) and selinum, an old name for the carrot/parsley family
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-oh-SEL-in-um

Latin Pronunciation: mel-/anth-er-us
Meaning: blackanthered.

Meaning: From the Greek melas (black) and uros (tail)
Latin Pronunciation: mel-an-YOOR-us

Meaning: From the Greek melas (black) and sphaerula (a small ball); for the small black bulbs
Latin Pronunciation: mel-uh-SFAY-roo-luh

Latin Pronunciation: mel-ee-ay-griss
Meaning: speckled.

Meaning: The Melia family (from the Greek name for Ash, due to the similarity of the leaves
Latin Pronunciation: me-lee-AY-see-ay

Meaning: Honey flower
Latin Pronunciation: me-lee-AN-thuh

Meaning: Honey flower
Latin Pronunciation: me-lee-AN-thum

Meaning: From the Greek meli (honey) and kytos (hollow container); refers to the staminal nectaries of the flowers
Latin Pronunciation: mel-ee-SY-tus

Meaning: From the Greek meli (honey) and kope (a division), referring to four gland near the ovaries)
Latin Pronunciation: mel-ee-KO-pay

Meaning: Flowing with honey
Latin Pronunciation: mel-IF-loo-uh

Meaning: From the Greek meli (honey) and kokkos (berry), referring to the sweet fruit
Latin Pronunciation: mel-ih-KOK-a

Meaning: From the Greek meline (name for millet)
Latin Pronunciation: ME-lin-iss

Meaning: Having foliage like Melissa (genus name, from the Greek word for honeybee)
Latin Pronunciation: mel-iss-ih-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Smells like Melissa
Latin Pronunciation: mel-iss-oh-DOR-uh

Meaning: Bee leaf
Latin Pronunciation: mel-iss-oh-FIL-um

Meaning: Having foliage like Melissa (genus name, from the Greek word for honeybee)
Latin Pronunciation: mel-iss-ih-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Bee leaf
Latin Pronunciation: mel-iss-oh-FIL-uh

Meaning: Bee leaf
Latin Pronunciation: mel-iss-oh-FIL-us

Meaning: From the Greek meli, meaning honey
Latin Pronunciation: MEL-ee-uh

Meaning: Of or from the islands of Malta
Latin Pronunciation: mel-ih-TEN-sis

Meaning: Of or from the islands of Malta
Latin Pronunciation: mel-ih-TEN-see

Latin Pronunciation: mell-ee-us
Meaning: pertaining to honey.

Meaning: Bearing honey
Latin Pronunciation: mel-IF-er-uh

Meaning: Bearing honey
Latin Pronunciation: mel-IF-er-ee

Meaning: Bearing honey
Latin Pronunciation: mel-IF-er-iss

Meaning: Bearing honey
Latin Pronunciation: mel-IF-er-um

mellitophily

Pollination by bees.

Meaning: From the Greek melo (apple-shaped melon) and odorum (fragrant or scented)
Latin Pronunciation: mel-oh-DOR-um

Latin Pronunciation: mel-/if-er-us
Meaning: honey-bearing.

Latin Pronunciation: mel-oh-form-iss
Meaning: melon- shaped.

Meaning: An apple-shaped melon
Latin Pronunciation: MEL-oh

Meaning: Honey-tree
Latin Pronunciation: mel-lee-oh-DEN-dron

Meaning: Corrupted Latin for mad apple
Latin Pronunciation: mel-ON-gen-uh

Meaning: Melon-shaped
Latin Pronunciation: mel-OH-for-mee

Meaning: Named for Melville
Latin Pronunciation: mel-VIL-ee-uh

Meaning: Skin-like
Latin Pronunciation: mem-bran-AY-see-a

Meaning: Skin-like
Latin Pronunciation: mem-bran-AY-see-um

membranaceous (syn. membranous)

Like a membrane; thin, rather soft, and more or less translucent.

Latin Pronunciation: mem-bran-nay-see-us
Meaning: thin, somewhat translucent, memored.

membranous (alt. membraneous, alt. membranaceous)

Thin in texture, soft and pliable.

Meaning: Skin-like
Latin Pronunciation: mem-bran-AY-see-us

Meaning: In remembrance
Latin Pronunciation: mem-or-ee-AL-is

Meaning: Derivatin obsucre; possibly referring to Mengtz (Yunnan province, China)
Latin Pronunciation: mengtz-ee-AH-na

Latin Pronunciation: men-iss-sif-foh-lee-us
Meaning: crescent-leaved.

meniscoidal

Thin and concavo-convex, like the crystal of a watch.

Meaning: Having foliage like Mentha, (genus name derived from the name of a Greek nymph who turned into mint)
Latin Pronunciation: men-thih-FOH-lee-um

mentum

A chin-like extension on a flower, particularly in Orchidaceae.

Meaning: Having foliage like Mentha, (genus name derived from the name of a Greek nymph who turned into mint)
Latin Pronunciation: men-thih-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Smaller or weaker spines
Latin Pronunciation: me-on-uh-KAN-thus

Meaning: Named for Archibald Menzies, 19th century Scottish botanist
Latin Pronunciation: menz-ESS-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Merck
Latin Pronunciation: MERK-ee-eye

Meaning: From the Latin merenda (midday meal), referring to the flowering time serving to warn shepherds to head home in autumn
Latin Pronunciation: mer-en-DAY-ruh

mericarp

One of the achene-like carpels of Umbelliferae.

Meaning: Of noon, midday
Latin Pronunciation: mer-id-ee-AY-nuh

Meaning: Of noon, midday
Latin Pronunciation: mer-id-ee-AY-num

Meaning: Of noon, midday
Latin Pronunciation: mer-id-ee-AY-nus

Meaning: Of noon, mid-day
Latin Pronunciation: mer-id-ee-oh-NAL-ee

meristem cloning (n. mericlone)

Artificial propagation of a plant using cells taken from the meristem of a parent plant and yielding genetically identical offspring.

meristem (alt. apical meristem)

The undifferentiated tissue from which new cells are formed, e.g., the tips of roots or stems; the growing tip.

Meaning: Of noon, mid-day
Latin Pronunciation: mer-id-ee-oh-NAL-iss

Meaning: Possibly from a form of the Hebrew name Miriam, which was Latinised to Mary in later years; the plant is commonly referred to as the Virgin Mary plant
Latin Pronunciation: me-REE-mee-uh

Meaning: Named for Aldo Merola, former director of the Naples Botanical Garden
Latin Pronunciation: mer-OH-lay

Meaning: Named for Clinton Hart Merriam, early 20th century American scientist and explorer in the western U.S.
Latin Pronunciation: mer-ee-AM-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Dr. Elmer Drew Merrill, early 20th century American plant researcher in the Philippines
Latin Pronunciation: mer-IL-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Francis Karl Mertens, early 18th century German botanist and professor of Botany at Bremen
Latin Pronunciation: mer-ten-see-AH-nuh

Meaning: Named for Francis Karl Mertens, early 18th century German botanist and professor of Botany at Bremen
Latin Pronunciation: mer-ten-see-AH-nus

Merrill cases

Cardboard containers purchased flat for easy transport, then opened in the field when needed to hold plant specimens.

Meaning: Named for Francis Karl Mertens, early 18th century German botanist and professor of Botany at Bremen
Latin Pronunciation: mer-TEN-see-eye

Meaning: Of or from Mesa Verde, an area in Colorado named by Spanish explorers; the name means "green table"
Latin Pronunciation: MAY-say VER-day

Meaning: From the Greek merytos (glomerate) referring to the male flowers crowded together
Latin Pronunciation: mer-RY-tuh

Meaning: Resembles plants of the Mesembryanthemaceae family
Latin Pronunciation: mess-em-bree-AN-them-OY-deez

Meaning: Referring to the Mescalero Apache native American indians, or their tribal land in New Mexico
Latin Pronunciation: mes-ka-LER-ee-um

mesic

Of, or adapted to, a temperate, moderately moist habitat; neither xeric nor hydric.

mesocarp

The fleshy, middle portion of the wall of a succulent fruit between the skin and the stony layer.

Meaning: Named for William Mesny, 19th century Chinese General and plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: MES-nee-eye

Latin Pronunciation: mess-of-/ew-kus
Meaning: mixed with white.

mesochile

Refers to the middle part of orchids, such asStanhopea, which have three distinct parts to the complex lip.

Meaning: From the Greek meso (middle) and chloa (grass)
Latin Pronunciation: mess-oh-KLOH-a

mesophyll

The middle and photosynthetic tissue of a leaf.

mesophyte

Dryland plants, xerophytes, have adaptations to survive for months with no water; water plants, hydrophytes, live in water; mesophytes are all other plants--which need small amounts of water on a regular basis.

mesosperm

The middle layer of the coat of a seed.

metabolism

The physical and chemical processes in protoplasm.

Meaning: Metallic
Latin Pronunciation: meh-TAL-ih-kuh

Meaning: Metallic
Latin Pronunciation: meh-TAL-ih-kum

Latin Pronunciation: met - tal - ik - us
Meaning: metallic (sheen).

Meaning: From the Greek meta (akin to) and Panax (genus name, meaning panacea or cure-all)
Latin Pronunciation: met-uh-PAN-aks

metaxylem

The primary xylem formed after the protoxyle.

Meaning: From the Greek meta (akin to) and Sequoia (named for Sequoia, a famous Native American of the Cherokee tribe)
Latin Pronunciation: met-uh-see-KWOY-uh

Meaning: The Arabic vernacular name for the fruit of this plant
Latin Pronunciation: MET-el

metes and bounds

A surveyor's term meaning the legal circumscribing lines setting the outer limits of a tract of land.

Meaning: Like Datura metel
Latin Pronunciation: met-el-OY-deez

Meaning: From the Greek metra (pith or heart of a tree), and xylon (wood), referring to the pith in the trunk
Latin Pronunciation: met-ro-ZY-lon

Meaning: Of or from Mexico
Latin Pronunciation: meks-sih-KAY-num

Latin Pronunciation: mex-ik-kay-nus
Meaning: of or from Mexico.

Meaning: Named for Franz Julius Ferdinand Meyen, 19th century Prussian physician, botanist and professor at Berlin
Latin Pronunciation: mey-en-ee-AY-nuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mey-en-ee-AH-nuh

Meaning: Named for Franz Julius Ferdinand Meyen, 19th century German plant physiologist who collected on a voyage that went around the world
Latin Pronunciation: mey-EN-ee-a

Meaning: Named for Franz Julius Ferdinand Meyen, 19th century Prussian physician, botanist and professor at Berlin
Latin Pronunciation: mey-en-ee-AY-nus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mey-en-ee-AH-nus

Meaning: Named for Franz Julius Ferdinand Meyen, 19th century Prussian physician, botanist and professor at Berlin
Latin Pronunciation: mey-en-ee-AY-num
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mey-en-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Carl Anton Meyer or Ernst Heinrich Friedrich Meyer, both were 19th century German botanists
Latin Pronunciation: MY-er-eye

Meaning: Named for Franz Julius Ferdinand Meyen, 19th century Prussian physician, botanist and professor at Berlin
Latin Pronunciation: mey-YEN-ee-eye

Meaning: Of or from the Miami pinelands area of Florida (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: my-am-ee-EN-see

Meaning: Named for Ernst Heinrich Friedrich Meyer, 19th century German botanist
Latin Pronunciation: my-er-ee-AY-num

Meaning: Of or from the Miami pinelands area of Florida (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: my-am-ee-EN-sis

Meaning: Named for Andre Michaux, 18th century French botanist
Latin Pronunciation: miss-SHOW-ee-eye
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mee-SHOW-ee-eye

Latin Pronunciation: mye-kanz
Meaning: glittering, sparkling.

Meaning: Of or from Michigan, U.S.
Latin Pronunciation: mish-uh-gah-NEN-see

Meaning: Named for Wilhelm Micholitz, early 20th century orchid collector
Latin Pronunciation: mik-oh-LIT-zee-eye

Meaning: Of or from Michoacán, a state in Mexico
Latin Pronunciation: mee-cho-ah-KAH-na

Meaning: Of or from Michoacán, a state in Mexico
Latin Pronunciation: mee-cho-ah-KAH-nus

Meaning: Of or from Michoacán, a state in Mexico
Latin Pronunciation: mee-cho-ah-KAH-num

Meaning: Like the genus Miconia (named for Francisco Mino, 16th century Spanish physician and botanist)
Latin Pronunciation: mik-on-ee-OY-deez

Meaning: Prefix meaning tiny
Latin Pronunciation: my-kr

Meaning: Tiny flower
Latin Pronunciation: my-KRANTH-uh

Meaning: From the Greek mikros (small) and anthemon (flower)
Latin Pronunciation: mik-KRAN-thee-mum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:my-KRAN-thee-mum

Meaning: Tiny flower
Latin Pronunciation: my-KRANTH-um

Meaning: Named for Wilhelm Micholitz, early 20th century orchid collector
Latin Pronunciation: mik-oh-lit-zee-AY-nuh

Latin Pronunciation: mye-kranth-us
Meaning: small-flowered.

Meaning: From the Greek mikros (small) and biota the Greek name for the conifer Thuja
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-by-OH-tuh

Meaning: From the Greek, meaning small bud or catkin, referring to the minute male cones
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-KAY-krys

Meaning: Tiny fruit
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-KAR-pum

Meaning: Tiny flower head
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-SEF-uh-lum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:my-kro-KEF-uh-lum

Latin Pronunciation: mye-kroh-karp-us
Meaning: small-fruited.

Meaning: Tiny fruit
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-KAR-puh

Meaning: Tiny (flower) head
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-SEF-uh-luh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:my-kro-KEF-uh-luh

microclimate

Climate specific to a small area; may var. significantly from that of surrounding areas.

microconidia

Bacilliform cells produced in pycnidia.

Meaning: Small helmet
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-KOR-rys

Meaning: Small and bushy
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-DAS-is

Latin Pronunciation: mye - kroh - don
Meaning: small- toothed.

Latin Pronunciation: mye-kroh-seff-al-us
Meaning: small-headed.

microenvironment

The environment of a very small area.

microevolution

Evolution as a result of very small genetic variations, which may cause the formation of a new subspecies.

microgametophyte

The male gametophyte, formed by vegetative growth of the microspore of a heterosporous plant.

Latin Pronunciation: mye - kroh - gloss - us
Meaning: small-tongued.

microfossil

A microscopic fossil, e.g., that of a pollen grain.

Meaning: From the Greek mikros (small) and laina (cloak), referring to the minute glumes
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-LAY-nuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:my-kroh-LAY-en-uh

microhabitat

A very small habitat, such as a rock crevice or a clump of grass.

Meaning: From the Greek micro (small) and meris (a part)
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-MER-a

Latin Pronunciation: mye-krol-ep-iss
Meaning: small- scaled.

Meaning: Of or from Mexico
Latin Pronunciation: meks-sih-KAY-nuh

Latin Pronunciation: mye-krom-er-iss
Meaning: with few or small parts.

Meaning: Little banana
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-MEW-suh

Meaning: Of or from Micronesia, a series of hundreds of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-NES-ee-ka

Meaning: With small (tiny) petals
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-PET-uh-luh

Meaning: From the Greek micro (small) and myrtus (myrtle)
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-MUR-tus

Meaning: With small (tiny) petals
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-PET-al-lum

micronutrient

An organic compound, such as a vitamin, essential in minute amounts to the growth and health of a living organism.

Latin Pronunciation: mye - kroh -pet- al- us
Meaning: small-petaled.

Meaning: Small leaf
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-FIL-uh

microphyll

A very small leaf.

Latin Pronunciation: mye-kroh-fill-us
Meaning: small- leaved.

Meaning: Small leaf
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-FIL-um

Latin Pronunciation: mye-krop-ter-us
Meaning: small- winged.

micropropagation

Propagation of plants through tissue cultures.

Meaning: Small-winged
Latin Pronunciation: my-KROP-ter-um

Latin Pronunciation: mye - kroh - sep - al-us
Meaning: large-sepaled.

micropyle (adj. micropylar)

1. A minute opening on the ovule through which the pollen tube usually enters. 2. The point upon the seed at which was the orifice of the ovule.

Meaning: From the Greek mikros (small) and seris (genus name for a lettuce-like plant)
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-SER-iss

Meaning: Variant of microsorium, meaning small sori (spores on the underside of fern fronds)
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-SOR-um

Meaning: Small tube
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-SY-fon

Meaning: Small sori (spores on the underside of fern fronds); also spelled microsorum
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-SOR-ee-um

Meaning: Tiny spadix (a clublike spike with tiny flowers and often enclosed within a sheath-like spathe)
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-SPAY-diks

Meaning: Small-winged
Latin Pronunciation: my-KROP-ter-uh

Meaning: Small-seeded
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-SPERM-uh

Meaning: Small-seeded
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-SPERM-um

microspore

The male spores produced by heterosporous plants. See also: megaspore.

Meaning: Small-seeded
Latin Pronunciation: my-kro-SPERM-us

microsporophyll

The leaf bearing the microsporangi.

microsporangium (pl. microsporangia)

The male sporangium in which microspores are developed.

Meaning: From the Greek micros (small) and stachys (ear of corn or a flower spike), alluding to the small male strobili
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-STAK-iss
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:my-kroh-STAY-kiss

Meaning: From the Greek micro (small) and strobilos (cone)
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-STROH-bil-a

Latin Pronunciation: mye - kroh - steem - us
Meaning: with small filaments or stemlets.

Meaning: Small stigma
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-STIG-muh

Meaning: From the Greek mikros (small) and sterizo (to support), referring to the small size of the plant
Latin Pronunciation: my-KROH-ster-iss

Meaning: From the Greek micro (small) and strobilos (cone)
Latin Pronunciation: my-kroh-STROH-bil-us

Meaning: From the Greek mikros (small) and otus (ear) referring to the small membranous auricles on the column
Latin Pronunciation: my-KRO-tis

Meaning: Named for Alexander Theodor von Middendorff, 19th century zoologist in Siberia
Latin Pronunciation: mid-den-dorf-ee-AY-nuh

Meaning: Named for Alexander Theodor von Middendorff, 19th century zoologist in Siberia
Latin Pronunciation: mid-den-dorf-ee-AY-nus

Meaning: Named for Alexander Theodor von Middendorff, 19th century zoologist in Siberia
Latin Pronunciation: mid-den-dorf-ee-AY-num

Meaning: Named for Alexander Theodor von Middendorff, 19th century zoologist in Siberia
Latin Pronunciation: mid-den-DOR-fee-eye

midrib

The central or main rib of a leaf.

Meaning: Named for Nicolas Mihanovich, 20th century Yugoslavian shipping magnate and patron of botany
Latin Pronunciation: me-han-oh-VIK-ee-eye
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:my-han-oh-VIK-ee-eye

Meaning: Variant spelling of mikanioides; resembles Mikania (named for Joseph Gottfried Mikan, 19th century Bohemian botanist)
Latin Pronunciation: mik-kay-NOY-deez

Meaning: Resembles Mikania (named for Joseph Gottfried Mikan, 19th century Bohemian botanist); also spelled mikanoides
Latin Pronunciation: mik-kay-nee-OY-deez

Meaning: Pertaining to millet; millet-like
Latin Pronunciation: mil-ee-AY-see-uh

Meaning: Pertaining to millet; millet-like
Latin Pronunciation: mil-ee-AY-see-um

mildew

A fungus that leaves a thin white coating on the surface where it grows.

Meaning: Pertaining to millet; millet-like
Latin Pronunciation: mil-ee-AY-see-us

Meaning: Pertaining to soldiers; like a soldier
Latin Pronunciation: mil-ih-TAIR-ee

Meaning: Named for M. le baron Milius, Governor of ?le Bourbon, present-day ?le de la R?union (Reunion Island)
Latin Pronunciation: MIL-ee-eye

midvein

The principal vein in the blade of leaf, pinnule, or segment.

Meaning: Pertaining to soldiers; like a soldier
Latin Pronunciation: mil-ih-TAIR-iss

Meaning: Ancient Latin name for Millet
Latin Pronunciation: MIL-lee-um

Meaning: Many-flowered; thousand flowers
Latin Pronunciation: mil-le-FLOR-uh

Meaning: Many-flowered; thousand flowers
Latin Pronunciation: mil-le-FLOR-us

Meaning: Many-flowered; thousand flowers
Latin Pronunciation: mil-le-FLOR-um

Meaning: Many-leaved; thousand leaves
Latin Pronunciation: mil-le-foh-lee-AY-tuh

Meaning: Many-leaved; thousand leaves
Latin Pronunciation: mil-le-foh-lee-AY-tum

Meaning: Thousand leaves
Latin Pronunciation: mill-ee-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Thousand leaves
Latin Pronunciation: mill-ee-FOH-lee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: mil-ef-foh-lee-ay-tus
Meaning: thousand-leaved.

Meaning: Many (million) lobes
Latin Pronunciation: mil-le-lo-BAY-ta

Meaning: Many (million) lobes
Latin Pronunciation: mil-le-lo-BAY-tus

Latin Pronunciation: mil-ef-foh-lee-us
Meaning: many (thousand)-leaved.

Meaning: Named for JA Millett, 18th century French botanist who collected the first specimen
Latin Pronunciation: mil-LET-ee-uh

Meaning: Originally called Miltonia, named for Viscount Milton (later Lord Fitzwilliam), 19th century patron of gardening
Latin Pronunciation: mil-toh-nee-OP-sis

Meaning: From the Greek word meaning an imitator
Latin Pronunciation: MIM-et-teez

Meaning: Mimosa leaf
Latin Pronunciation: mim-moh-sih-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Mimosa leaf
Latin Pronunciation: mim-moh-sih-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Mimosa leaf
Latin Pronunciation: mim-moh-sih-FOH-lee-us

Meaning: Resembling Mimulus (genus name meaning monkey)
Latin Pronunciation: mim-yoo-LOY-deez

Meaning: Many possibilities - possibly for Joseph Mina, or all/mine, enamelled; beauty/woman, or a form of currency
Latin Pronunciation: MEE-nuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:MY-na

Latin Pronunciation: mye-nax
Meaning: forbidding, repellent.

Meaning: Of Mindoro Island, Philippines
Latin Pronunciation: min-dor-EN-sis

Meaning: Of or from Mindoro Islands, Philippines
Latin Pronunciation: min-dor-EN-see

ming

A dwarfed evergreen conifer grown as bonsai.

Meaning: Small flower
Latin Pronunciation: min-ee-FLOR-uh

mimosiform (alt. mimosoid)

With round or conical flower heads having inconspicuous sepals and petals but conspicuous stamens, as found in the genusMimosa.

Meaning: Red colored
Latin Pronunciation: min-ee-AH-tum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:min-ee-AY-tum

Meaning: Red colored
Latin Pronunciation: min-ee-AH-tuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:min-ee-AY-tuh

Meaning: Very small
Latin Pronunciation: MIN-eh-mum

Latin Pronunciation: min-ee-ay-tus
Meaning: Vermilion.

Latin Pronunciation: min-im-us
Meaning: very small.

Meaning: Very small
Latin Pronunciation: MIN-eh-muh

minimum viable population

The isolated population of least numbers which has a good chance of surviving despite the foreseeable effects of demographic, environmental, and genetic events and natural catastrophes.

Latin Pronunciation: mye-nor
Meaning: rather small.

Latin Pronunciation: mye-new-tiss-im-us
Meaning: very tiny, infinitesimal.

Meaning: Small, minute
Latin Pronunciation: min-yoo-ah-tum

Meaning: Small, minute
Latin Pronunciation: min-yoo-ah-ta

Meaning: Named for Jean Minuart, 18th century Spanish botanist and apothecary
Latin Pronunciation: min-you-AR-tee-uh

Meaning: Small, minute
Latin Pronunciation: min-yoo-ah-tuss

Latin Pronunciation: mye-nus
Meaning: rather small.

Meaning: Very small
Latin Pronunciation: min-oo-SKYOO-luh

Meaning: Very small
Latin Pronunciation: min-oo-SKYOO-lum

Meaning: Very small
Latin Pronunciation: min-oo-SKYOO-lus

Meaning: Minute, tiny
Latin Pronunciation: min-YOO-tum

Meaning: Minute, tiny
Latin Pronunciation: min-YOO-tuh

Latin Pronunciation: ,aye-new-tus
Meaning: tiny, minute.

Meaning: Named for Friedrich AW Miquel, 19th century Dutch botanist and plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: me-kwel-ee-AY-nuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mik-kwel-ee-AH-nuh

Meaning: Wonderful
Latin Pronunciation: mih-RAB-ih-ley

misapplied

Refers to the usage of a taxon name for an incorrect plant; such names are homonyms and also synonyms of the plants to which they truly describe.

Meaning: Stem flower
Latin Pronunciation: miss-KANTH-uh

Latin Pronunciation: mir-rab-il-iss
Meaning: unusual, ex traordinary.

Meaning: Stem flower
Latin Pronunciation: miss-KANTH-um

Meaning: Alternate spelling of missurica; of or from Missouri (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: mis-SUR-ee-ka

Meaning: Alternate spelling of missuricus; of or from Missouri (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: mis-SUR-ee-kus

Meaning: Alternate spelling of missuricum; of or from Missouri (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: mis-SUR-ee-kum

Meaning: Of or from Missouri (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: miss-oor-ee-EN-see
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:miss-oor-ee-EN-say

Meaning: Of or from Missouri (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: miss-oor-ee-EN-sis

Meaning: Of or from Missouri (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: mis-SUR-ee-ka

Meaning: Of or from Missouri (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: mis-SUR-ee-kum

Meaning: Of or from Missouri (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: mis-SUR-ee-kus

Meaning: Mild, without spines
Latin Pronunciation: MIT-ee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:MIT-ay

mitochondrion (pl. mitochondria, syn. chondriosome)

Cytoplasmic structure containing enzymes used in converting food to energy.

Latin Pronunciation: mye-tiss
Meaning: mild, tender (gentle).

mitogenic

Refers to herbal preparations that can affect cell division.

mitosis

Cell division in which the number of chromosomes in the daughter cells is the same as that of the parent cell. See also: meiosis.

Meaning: Turbaned
Latin Pronunciation: my-TRAY-tuh

Meaning: From the Greek mitra (a turban or headdress) and karpos (fruit)
Latin Pronunciation: my-tra-KAR-pus

Meaning: Turbaned
Latin Pronunciation: my-TRAY-tum

mitriform

Shaped like a mitre or cap.

Latin Pronunciation: mye-tray-tus
Meaning: turbaned.

Meaning: From the Greek mitra (mitre, cap, turban) and phyllon (leaf)
Latin Pronunciation: my-tro-FIL-um

Meaning: Shaped like a mitre
Latin Pronunciation: mit-ri-FOR-me

Meaning: Mixed
Latin Pronunciation: MIKS-tuh

Meaning: From the Greek mitra (mitre, cap, turban) and stigma
Latin Pronunciation: my-tree-oh-STIG-ma

Meaning: Shaped like a mitre
Latin Pronunciation: mit-ri-FOR-miss

Meaning: Mixed
Latin Pronunciation: MIKS-tum

Meaning: Named for Kingo Miyabe, 19th century Japanese taxonomist and botanist
Latin Pronunciation: my-yah-bee-AH-num

moat

A ditch filled with water and usually acting as a barrier.

Meaning: Named for Dr. Kingo Miyabe, first director of the botanical garden at Hokkaido University
Latin Pronunciation: mi-YA-bee-eye

Latin Pronunciation: mix-tus
Meaning: mixed.

Meaning: Mild, modest
Latin Pronunciation: mo-DES-tuh

Meaning: Mild, modest
Latin Pronunciation: mo-DES-tum

Meaning: From Moesia, classical name of a northern Balkan region, now Serbia and Bulgaria
Latin Pronunciation: mee-shee-AH-kuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mee-see-AH-kuh

Latin Pronunciation: mod-dest-us
Meaning: shy, inconspicuous.

Meaning: From Moesia, classical name of a northern Balkan region, now Serbia and Bulgaria
Latin Pronunciation: mee-shee-AH-kum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mee-see-AH-kum

Meaning: From the Latin modiolus (hub of a wheel) referring to the shape of the fruit
Latin Pronunciation: mo-DY-oh-la

Meaning: Of or from the Mohave (Mojave) Desert (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: moh-hahv-EN-see

Meaning: Of or from the Mojave Desert (U.S.); also spelled mohavense
Latin Pronunciation: moh-hahv-EN-see

Meaning: Of or from the Mohave (Mojave) Desert (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: moh-hahv-EN-sis

Meaning: Of or from Moldavia
Latin Pronunciation: mol-DAV-ee-kuh

Meaning: Of or from the Mojave Desert (U.S.); also spelled mohavensis
Latin Pronunciation: moh-hahv-EN-sis

Meaning: Named for Dr. Charles Mohr, 19th century plant collector and author of Plant Life of Alabama
Latin Pronunciation: MOR-ee-eye

Meaning: Of or from Moldavia
Latin Pronunciation: mol-DAV-ee-kum

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning troublesome, bothersome
Latin Pronunciation: mol-ESS-tuh

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning troublesome, bothersome
Latin Pronunciation: mol-ESS-tus

Latin Pronunciation: mol-dav-ik-us
Meaning: of Moldavia (Rumania)

Meaning: Named for Juan Ignacio Molina, 19th century Chilean naturalist and scientist
Latin Pronunciation: mol-IN-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Dr. Antonio Molina, 20th century Honduran botanist and collector
Latin Pronunciation: mol-LIN-ee

Meaning: Soft
Latin Pronunciation: MAW-ley

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning troublesome, bothersome
Latin Pronunciation: mol-ESS-tum

Latin Pronunciation: mol-lee-oy-deez
Meaning: seemingly soft-hairy.

Latin Pronunciation: moll-iss
Meaning: soft (soft-hairy).

Meaning: Softest
Latin Pronunciation: maw-LISS-ih-mum

Meaning: Softest
Latin Pronunciation: maw-LISS-ih-muh

Meaning: An old name for the Galium genus, transferred to this genus in the Aizoaceae family (reclassified into its own family by Jepson)
Latin Pronunciation: mol-LOO-go

Latin Pronunciation: mol-Liss-im-us
Meaning: very soft- hairy.

Meaning: Of or from the Molucca Islands, which is where the plant was first believed to have been from
Latin Pronunciation: mol-yoo-SELL-uh

Meaning: Of or from the Molucca Islands
Latin Pronunciation: mol-oo-SAN-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mol-oo-KAN-uh

Meaning: The Greek name of an herb of uncertain identity, not related toAllium moly
Latin Pronunciation: MO-lee

Latin Pronunciation: mon - ak - kanth - us
Meaning: single-thorned.

Meaning: From the Greek word meaning brothers as one, referring to a single group of joined stamens
Latin Pronunciation: mon-ah-DEL-fuh

monadelphous

Describes stamens which are united by their filaments into a tube or column.

Meaning: From the Greek word meaning brothers as one, referring to a single group of joined stamens
Latin Pronunciation: mon-ah-DEL-fum

Meaning: From the Greek monos (one) and aden (gland), referring to the solitary gland
Latin Pronunciation: mon-uh-DEE-nee-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mon-uh-DEN-ee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: mon-ad-delf-us
Meaning: in one group (as with stamens).

Meaning: From the Greek monos (one) and aden (gland), referring to the solitary gland
Latin Pronunciation: mon-uh-DEE-nee-um

Latin Pronunciation: mon-nand-rus
Meaning: with one stamen.

Meaning: One-flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mon-ANTH-uh

Meaning: One stamen
Latin Pronunciation: mon-AN-druh

Meaning: One-flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mon-ANTH-os

Meaning: One-flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mon-ANTH-us

Meaning: One-flowered
Latin Pronunciation: mon-ANTH-um

Meaning: From the Greek monos (one) and anthos (flower); referring to the type species that was solitary-flowered, but can bear up to 8 flowers per stem
Latin Pronunciation: mon-AN-theez

Meaning: Namesake is obscure; also frequently spelled monellii
Latin Pronunciation: mon-NEL-ee

Meaning: Namesake is obscure; less frequently spelled monelli
Latin Pronunciation: mon-NEL-ee-eye

Latin Pronunciation: mon-goll-ik-us
Meaning: of Mongolia.

Meaning: Of or from Mongolia, Central Asia
Latin Pronunciation: mon-GOL-ik-um

Meaning: Of or from Mongolia, Central Asia
Latin Pronunciation: mon-GOL-ik-uh

Meaning: Origins in the mountains
Latin Pronunciation: mon-TEE-ger-um

Meaning: Bearing a necklace
Latin Pronunciation: mon-ee-LIF-er-a

Latin Pronunciation: mon-il-/iff-er-us
Meaning: bearing a "necklace."

Meaning: Bearing a necklace
Latin Pronunciation: mon-EE-lif-er

Meaning: In the form of a necklace, referring to the alternate swellings and indentions
Latin Pronunciation: mon-il-lee-FOR-mee

moniliform

Resembling a string of beads; cylindrical with contractions at intervals.

Meaning: Bearing a necklace
Latin Pronunciation: mon-ee-LIF-er-um

Meaning: In the form of a necklace, referring to the alternate swellings and indentions
Latin Pronunciation: mon-il-lee-FOR-mis

Meaning: One fruit
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-KAR-puh

Meaning: Prefix meaning one
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh

monocarpellary

Refers to fruit with one female organ.

Meaning: Named for Monnier, most likely for Louis Guillame Le Monnier, French physician, naturalist, and professor of botany at the Jardin des plantes in Paris.
Latin Pronunciation: mon-ee-ER-ee

Meaning: One fruit
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-KAR-pus

Meaning: One fruit
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-KAR-pum

monocarpic

Describes a plant that dies after flowering just once.

Latin Pronunciation: mon - oh - sef - al - us
Meaning: single-headed.

monocephallic (alt. monocephalous)

Bearing a single flower head.

Meaning: From the Greek mono (single) and chaite (bristle)
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-KAY-tum

monochasial cyme

Like a dichasial cyme, but with branches on only one side.

monocephallous

Having a single flower head.

monochasium (pl. monochasia, adj. monochasial)

A cyme with a single flower on each axis of the inflorescence.

monochlamydeous

Describes a flower which has a single whorl of perianth parts.

Meaning: From the Greek monos (single) and chloa (grass)
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-KLOH-a

Meaning: From the Greek monos (one) and chori (separate, apart)
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-KOR-ee-a

monoclinous (alt. monoclinus)

Having pistils and stamens in the same flower.

monocolpate

Refers to pollen grains with a single furrow.

Meaning: From the Greek mono (single) and costus (genus name derived from the Sanskrit name Kushtha)
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-KOS-tus

monocotyledon (alt. monocot, adj. monocotyledonous)

A plant with one cotyledon or seed leaf.

monocotyledon (alt. monocot, adj. monocotyledonous)

A plant with one cotyledon or seed leaf.

monocotyledon (alt. monocot, adj. monocotyledonous)

A plant with one cotyledon or seed leaf.

monoecious (alt. monoicous)

Having stamens and pistils in separate flowers on the same plant.

monoculture

The agricultural practice of planting a field or other land mass with a single crop, all of the same age, like wheat or pine trees. Single crop planting often leads to increased infestation by disease or insects.

monoembryonic

Refers to seeds or ovules with a single germ cell or embryo.

Meaning: One ovary; one seed
Latin Pronunciation: mon-NO-gy-nuh

Latin Pronunciation: mon-noj-in-us
Meaning: with one pistil.

monogeneric

Refers to a family or taxon of higher rank made up of a single genus.

Meaning: One ovary; one seed
Latin Pronunciation: mon-NO-gy-num

Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-eye-kus
Meaning: monoeceus (male and female flowers separate but on same plant).

Meaning: From the Greek mono (single) and lopos (covering), referring to the involucres
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-LOH-pee-uh

monolete

Describes spores having a single, unbranched scar.

monomial

The single word designation such as genusIris, or family Iridaceae. See also: binomial.

monopetalous

In the strictest sense, refers to a flower with a single petal; however, it is often used to refer to gamopetalous flowers in which several petals are united to form a tube.

monomorphic

Having one shape.

monophyletic

Descended from a single ancestral line. See also: polyphyletic.

Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-pet-al-us
Meaning: one- petaled.

Meaning: One-leaved
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-FIL-um

Latin Pronunciation: mon - oh - fill-us
Meaning: one- leaved.

Meaning: One-leaved
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-FIL-uh

monopodium (pl. monopodia, adj. monopodial)

The main axis of a stem or rhizome maintaining a single direction of growth and giving off lateral branches or stems. See also: sympodium.

monopodium (pl. monopodia, adj. monopodial)

The main axis of a stem or rhizome maintaining a single direction of growth and giving off lateral branches or stems. See also: sympodium.

monoploid

Having a single set of chromosomes.

Latin Pronunciation: mon - opt - er - us
Meaning: one- winged.

Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-sep-al-us
Meaning: onesepaled.

monospecific

Refers to a genus which has a single species.

Meaning: Single-seeded
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-SPER-muh

Meaning: From the Greek monos (single) and ptilon (feather)
Latin Pronunciation: mon-OP-ti-lon

Meaning: One spike
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-STAK-ee-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mon-oh-STAY-kee-uh

Meaning: One spike
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-STAK-ee-um
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mon-oh-STAY-kee-um

Meaning: Single-seeded
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-SPER-mum

Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-sperm-us
Meaning: one-seeded.

Meaning: From the Greek monos (one) and tokos (birth), alluding to the single-celled ovary
Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-TOH-kuh

Latin Pronunciation: mon-oh-stak-ee-us
Meaning: one-spiked.

monotypic

A taxonomic division that has only one subdivision, as a family containing only one genus, or a genus with a single species.

Meaning: Named for Lady Ann Monson, 18th century plant collector on the Cape of Good Hope and in Bengal
Latin Pronunciation: mon-SOH-nee-uh

Meaning: Of Montpellier, in southern France (Latinized to Mons Pessulanus)
Latin Pronunciation: monz-pel-ee-EN-see

Meaning: Of Montpellier, in southern France (Latinized to Mons Pessulanus)
Latin Pronunciation: monz-pess-yoo-LAN-uh

Meaning: Of Montpellier, in southern France (Latinized to Mons Pessulanus)
Latin Pronunciation: monz-pel-ee-EN-sis

Meaning: Of Montpellier, in southern France (Latinized to Mons Pessulanus)
Latin Pronunciation: monz-pess-yoo-LAN-um

Meaning: Of Montpellier, in southern France (Latinized to Mons Pessulanus)
Latin Pronunciation: monz-pess-yoo-LAN-us

Meaning: Monstrous
Latin Pronunciation: mon-STROW-suh

Meaning: Monstrous
Latin Pronunciation: mon-STROW-sum

Latin Pronunciation: mon-stroh-sus
Meaning: huge, abnormal or deformed.

Meaning: Of the mountains
Latin Pronunciation: MON-tah-nuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mon-TAY-nuh

Meaning: Variant of Montanoa, named for Luis Monta?a, 19th century Mexican politican
Latin Pronunciation: mon-tan-NAY-yuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mon-TAY-nyuh

Latin Pronunciation: mon-tay-nus
Meaning: of mountainous regions.

Meaning: Of the mountains
Latin Pronunciation: MON-tah-num
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:mon-TAY-num

montane

Of, growing in, or inhabiting mountain areas.

Meaning: Of or from Montevideo, Uruguay
Latin Pronunciation: mon-tay-vid-EN-see

Meaning: Named for Antoine Francois Ernest Conquebert de Montbret, 18th century botanist who accompanied Napoleon's invasion of Egypt
Latin Pronunciation: mont-BRET-ee-uh

Meaning: Of or from Montevideo, Uruguay
Latin Pronunciation: mon-tay-vid-EN-sis

Meaning: Mountain dweller
Latin Pronunciation: mon-TEE-ko-lum

Meaning: Mountain dweller
Latin Pronunciation: mon-TEE-ko-luh

Latin Pronunciation: mon-tik-ol-us
Meaning: native to mountains.

Meaning: Mountain-born
Latin Pronunciation: mon-TEE-gen-uh

Meaning: Mountain-born
Latin Pronunciation: mon-TEE-gen-um

Meaning: Mountain-born
Latin Pronunciation: mon-TEE-gen-us

Meaning: Named for Giuseppe Monti, 18th century Italian naturalist and professor of Botany in Bologna
Latin Pronunciation: MON-tee-eye

Meaning: Resembles Montia (genus named for Giuseppe Monti, 18th century Italian botanist and naturalist)
Latin Pronunciation: mon-tee-OP-sis

moor

1. A heath. 2. A boggy area, especially one that is peaty and dominated by grasses and sedges.

Meaning: Named for William Moorcroft, 19th century British veterinarian who explored Ladakh and Tibet with the East India Company
Latin Pronunciation: moor-kroft-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for William Moorcroft, 19th century British veterinarian who explored Ladakh and Tibet with the East India Company
Latin Pronunciation: moor-KROFT-ee-a

Meaning: Named for William Moorcroft, 19th century British veterinarian who explored Ladakh and Tibet with the East India Company
Latin Pronunciation: moor-kroft-ee-AH-nus

Meaning: Named for William Moorcroft, 19th century British veterinarian who explored Ladakh and Tibet with the East India Company
Latin Pronunciation: moor-kroft-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Frederick William Moore, 20th century British horticulturist and director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Edinburgh
Latin Pronunciation: moor-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for William Moorcroft, 19th century British veterinarian who explored Ladakh and Tibet with the East India Company
Latin Pronunciation: moor-KROFT-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Charles Moore, 19th century director of the Sydney Botanic Gardens
Alternative Meaning:Named for David Moore, brother to Charles and Curator of the Glasnevin Garden, Scotland
Latin Pronunciation: MOOR-eye

Meaning: Of or from Minas de Moran, near Sierra de Pachuca in Hidalgo, Mexico
Latin Pronunciation: mor-an-EN-sis

Meaning: Of or from Minas de Moran, near Sierra de Pachuca in Hidalgo, Mexico
Latin Pronunciation: mor-an-EN-see

Meaning: Named for Dr. Meredith Morgan, who first grew the species
Latin Pronunciation: mor-gan-ee-AY-num

Meaning: Most likely a diminutive of Morus (Mullberry genus)
Latin Pronunciation: mor-EL-a

Meaning: Having leaves like Morus (Mulberry)
Latin Pronunciation: mor-ee-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Named for Mo?se Etienne Moricand, 19th century Swiss botanist and zoologist
Latin Pronunciation: mor-ee-KAN-dee-uh

Meaning: Having leaves like Morus (Mulberry)
Latin Pronunciation: mor-ee-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Named for Giuseppe Giacinto Moris, 19th century author and professor of botany at Turin
Latin Pronunciation: mor-ISS-ee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: moh-rif-foh-lee-us
Meaning: Mulberry-leaved.

Meaning: Named for Louis Morin
Latin Pronunciation: mor-IN-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:moh-REEN-uh

morphocline

A graded series of character states of a homologous character.

Meaning: Named for Morris Clint, 20th century self-taught botanist and horticulturist in Texas (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: mor-ris-KLINT-ee-eye

morphology

The study of the form and structure of an organism.

Meaning: Named for P.F. Morris
Latin Pronunciation: mor-RIS-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Dr. James Morrow, 19th century agriculturist on Com. Matthew Perry's expedition to Japan
Latin Pronunciation: mor-ROW-ee-eye

Meaning: From the Latin morsus (bite) and rana (frog); referring to the tendency of frogs to hunt for food among the plants
Latin Pronunciation: MOR-sus RAN-ay
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:MOR-sus RAN-ee

Meaning: Named for Samuel George Morton, 19th century American physician and naturalist
Latin Pronunciation: mor-TON-ee-a

Meaning: Ancient Latin name for mulberry
Latin Pronunciation: MOR-russ

mosaic (alt. mosaic virus)

A virus disease of plants such as raspberries, characterized by light and dark mottling of the foliage.

Meaning: Colored like a mosaic
Latin Pronunciation: moh-ZAY-ee-ka

Latin Pronunciation: moh-zay-ik-us
Meaning: with definite color pattern.

Meaning: Colored like a mosaic
Latin Pronunciation: moh-ZAY-ee-kum

Meaning: Musk-scented
Latin Pronunciation: MOSS-kuh-tuh

Meaning: Of or from Mozambique, South Africa
Latin Pronunciation: moh-sam-bee-KEN-sis

Meaning: Of or from Mozambique, South Africa
Latin Pronunciation: moh-sam-bee-KEN-see

Meaning: Musk-scented
Latin Pronunciation: MOSS-kuh-tum

Meaning: Musky (referring to the plant's smell when wet)
Latin Pronunciation: mos-ket-el-LEE-nuh

Latin Pronunciation: mos - kay - tus
Meaning: musky (odor).

moss

A small nonflowering plant of the class Musci.

Meaning: Musk-scented
Latin Pronunciation: mos-KEW-tos

mother-cell

The cell that gives rise to a particular structure or particular reproductive units.

mother bulb

A mature bulb which has produced small offset bulbs.

mottled

With variegated coloring.

motile

Actively moving or capable of moving spontaneously.

mother plant

1. A mature plant from which cuttings are taken. 2. The female ancestor of a hybrid.

mound layering

A method of propagation whereby a branch or stem is scored and then brought into contact with the soil to spur rooting.

Meaning: Of or from Moupin (or Muping; now Paohing) in the Sichuan Province of China
Latin Pronunciation: mu-pin-EN-sis

Meaning: Of or from Moupin (or Muping; now Paohing) in the Sichuan Province of China
Latin Pronunciation: mu-pin-EN-see

mouth

Any opening resembling an oral cavity, like the mouth of a jar, or where a river meets the sea.

mount

1. The completed plant specimen. 2. To arrange parts of a plant specimen to allow inspection of various parts to best advantage, fastening them in place on the herbarium sheet with small strips of white cloth and herbarium glue.

mucilage (adj. mucilaginous)

A viscous, slimy material exuded by certain plants.

moxa

A Chinese herbal process of burning dried herbs on or above the skin to stimulate an acupuncture point or serve as a counterirritant.

Latin Pronunciation: mew-koh-sus
Meaning: mucilaginous, slimy.

mucous

Slimy; viscous.

mucro