Meaning: Named for Prof. E.J. von Wachendorff, 18th century Utrecht botanist and chemist
Latin Pronunciation: wak-en-DOR-fee-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:wach-en-DOR-fee-uh

Meaning: Named for Dr. Herbert Windsor Wade, 20th century doctor working in the Philippines, who brought this species to the attention of its author
Latin Pronunciation: WADE-e-eye
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:WADE-eye

Meaning: Named for Warren Wagner, American botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wag-ner-ee-AH-nus

Meaning: Named for Warren Wagner, American botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wag-ner-ee-AH-nuh

Meaning: Named for Warren Wagner, American botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wag-ner-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Count von Waldstein-Wartenberg, early 19th century German botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wald-stine-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Count von Waldstein-Wartenberg, early 19th century German botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wald-stine-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for Count von Waldstein-Wartenberg, early 19th century German botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wald-STINE-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Horace Waller, 19th century missionary in central Africa
Latin Pronunciation: wall-er-ee-AH-nuh

Meaning: Named for Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, early 19th century Danish plant hunter, botanist and physician
Latin Pronunciation: wal-ik-ee-AH-nuh

Meaning: Named for Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, early 19th century Danish plant hunter, botanist and physician
Latin Pronunciation: wal-ik-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, early 19th century Danish plant hunter, botanist and physician
Latin Pronunciation: wall-IK-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, early 19th century Danish plant hunter, botanist and physician
Latin Pronunciation: wall-IK-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Eddie Waras, a Brazilian plant collector and grower
Latin Pronunciation: wa-rass-ee-i

Meaning: Named for a Walter; in some species for Thomas Walter, 18th century South Carolina botanist
Latin Pronunciation: WAL-ter-ee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:wal-TER-ee

Meaning: Named for Frank Kingdon-Ward, 20th century English botanist in Asia
Latin Pronunciation: WAR-dee-eye

Meaning: Named for Gustav Wallis, 19th century German botanist who collected plants in South America
Latin Pronunciation: wal-LIS-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Barton H. Warnock, 20th century American botanists and authority on the flora of the Trans-Pecos region of Texas.
Latin Pronunciation: wor-NOK-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Warren Loose, a Bromeliad nurseryman
Latin Pronunciation: Wa-ren-loose-ee-i

warren hoe

A lightweight hoe with a triangular blade, fastened to the handle on the flat side.

Wardian case

A case of glass sides and top used to maintain the humidity necessary for growing tropical and subtropical plants in temperate region buildings. A popular feature of Victorian homes, used often to display ferns.

Meaning: Named for Joseph Warsczewica, 19th century Polish political activist, later collecting orchids in South America before returning home to become Inspector of the botanic gardens in Krakow
Latin Pronunciation: vark-zeh-wik-ZEE-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:var-shev-VICH-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Joseph Warsczewica, 19th century Polish political activist, later collecting orchids in South America before returning home to become Inspector of the botanic gardens in Krakow
Latin Pronunciation: vark-zeh-wik-ZEE-eye
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:var-she-VICH-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Joseph Warsczewica, 19th century Polish political activist, later collecting orchids in South America before returning home to become Inspector of the botanic gardens in Krakow
Latin Pronunciation: vark-zeh-wik-ZEE-eye
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:var-shev-VICH-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Joseph Warsczewica, 19th century Polish political activist, later collecting orchids in South America before returning home to become Inspector of the botanic gardens in Krakow
Latin Pronunciation: vark-zeh-wik-ZEE-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:var-shev-VICH-ee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: wash-ing-ton-ee-ay-

watergarden (alt. water garden)

Planting where aquatic species predominate, or built around a pool or stream as the central feature.

Meaning: Named for Sir William Watson, 18th century English botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wat-son-ee-AY-nuh

watershed

The complete area from which runoff drains to feed a stream or body of water.

Meaning: Named for Sir William Watson, 18th century English botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wat-son-ee-AY-num

Meaning: Named for Sir William Watson, 18th century English botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wat-SON-ee-eye

water table

The upper boundary of a free body of groundwater, at atmospheric pressure.

Meaning: Named for Waterer Nursery in Knaphill, England
Latin Pronunciation: wat-er-er--eye

water sprout

A sucker produced on the trunk, stem, or large branch of a plant, particularly fruit trees, usually growing straight and at a right angle to the axis. These rapidly growing suckers are generally removed to allow a more open tree and to provide better nutrition to the fruit.

wavy-edged

With shallow, rounded undulations.

Meaning: Named for Ann Wayman, 21st century Hoya grower and author
Latin Pronunciation: way-MAN-ee-ay

wavy

See also: undulate.

wavy-toothed

Wavy-edged but with more tooth-like projections; crenate.

Meaning: Named for Philip Barker Webb, 19th century botanist and the first person to collect in the Tetuan Mountains of Morocco
Latin Pronunciation: web-bee-AY-num

Meaning: Named for Philip Barker Webb, 19th century botanist and the first person to collect in the Tetuan Mountains of Morocco
Latin Pronunciation: WEB-bee-eye

Meaning: Named for Philip Barker Webb, 19th century botanist and the first person to collect in the Tetuan Mountains of Morocco
Latin Pronunciation: web-bee-AY-nuh

Meaning: Named for Hughes Algernon Weddell, 19th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wed-del-ee-AY-nuh

Meaning: Named for Hughes Algernon Weddell, 19th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wed-del-ee-AY-num

Meaning: Named for Hughes Algernon Weddell, 19th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wed-del-ee-AY-nus

Meaning: named for Fréderic Albert Constantin Weber, 19th century French surgeon and botanist noted for his study of Mexican flora
Latin Pronunciation: WEB-er-eye

Meaning: Named for Philip Barker Webb, 19th century botanist and the first person to collect in the Tetuan Mountains of Morocco
Latin Pronunciation: web-bee-AY-nus

Meaning: Named for Georg Wolfgang Wedel, 18th century German Professor of Botany at Jena
Latin Pronunciation: wee-DEE-lee-uh

Meaning: Named for Hughes Algernon Weddell, 19th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wed-DEL-lee-eye

weeding hoe

A lightweight hoe with a narrow blade fastened in the middle to the handle, one side being flat, the other with two long points.

Meaning: Named for Frank Weinberg, early 20th century Californian who collected in Mexico
Latin Pronunciation: wine-BERG-ee-eye

weed

A plant growing where it is not wanted, often to the detriment of a crop or the disfigurement of a landscape design.

Meaning: Named for Johann Wilhelm Weinmann, 17th century German pharmacist and botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wyn-MAHN-nee-a

Meaning: Leaves like the ones of Weinmannia (genus named for Johann Wilhelm Weinmann, a 17th century German pharamcist and botanist)
Latin Pronunciation: wyn-man-nee-FOH-lee-a

Meaning: Named for Ludwig van Welden, 19th century Austrian military master of ordnance
Latin Pronunciation: wel-DEE-nee-uh

weeping

Having drooping branches.

Meaning: Named for Karl (Carlos) Werckl?, early 20th century investigator of the flora of Costa Rica
Latin Pronunciation: werk-lee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Karl (Carlos) Werckl?, early 20th century investigator of the flora of Costa Rica
Latin Pronunciation: werk-lee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for Karl (Carlos) Werckl?, early 20th century investigator of the flora of Costa Rica
Latin Pronunciation: WERK-lee-eye

Meaning: Named for Dr. Erich Werdermann, 20th century German professor of botany in Berlin
Latin Pronunciation: ver-der-man-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for Wendland, possibly Hermann Wendland, 19th German botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wend-LAND-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Karl (Carlos) Werckl?, early 20th century investigator of the flora of Costa Rica
Latin Pronunciation: WERK-lee-a

Meaning: Named for Dr. Friedrich Martin Josef Welwitsch, Austrian-born expert on proteas
Latin Pronunciation: vel-VITCH-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Abraham Gottlob Werner, 18th century German geologist
Latin Pronunciation: WER-ner-ee

Meaning: Named for Dr. Erich Werdermann, 20th century German professor of botany in Berlin
Latin Pronunciation: ver-der-MAN-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Johan Bartholomew Westerhout, 19th century Dutch Assistant Resident of Malacca
Latin Pronunciation: wes-ter-HOOT-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Dr. Erich Werdermann, 20th century German professor of botany in Berlin
Latin Pronunciation: ver-der-man-ee-AH-nus

Meaning: Named for Johan Peter Westring, early 19th century Swedish botanist and physician to the King of Sweden
Latin Pronunciation: west-RING-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Abraham Gottlob Werner, 18th century German geologist
Latin Pronunciation: wer-NER-ee-uh

wetland

An area where saturation or repeated inundation of water is the determining factor in the nature of the soils, as well as the plants and animals living there. Included in the term are marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, bay heads, wet meadows, potholes, sloughs, bayous, river flood plains, estuaries, and lake margins.

wettable powder

A finely ground pesticide or herbicide that can be mixed with water in order to spray plants. Some may be used either as a powder or dust.

wet beach

The section of shoreline repeatedly covered by water action, usually flat, firm, and without plants.

wetting agent

A substance added to water that increases its solubility, allowing powders, waxes, and oils to be dissolved for spraying.

Meaning: Named for Heinrich Weyrich, 19th century Russian naval surgeon
Latin Pronunciation: wey-RIK-ee-eye
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:vy-RIK-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for George Montague Wheeler, 19th century surveyor and director of U.S. Army surveys of the Western U.S.
Latin Pronunciation: WHEE-ler-ee

wheel hoe

A garden implement with one large wheel and two handles which is pushed to cultivate the soil.

Meaning: Named for Lt. Amiel Weeks Whipple, 19th century American surveyor and engineer
Latin Pronunciation: WHIP-lee-a

Meaning: Named for Dr. ET Wherry, 20th century American botanist who discovered the species
Latin Pronunciation: WHER-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Lt. Amiel Weeks Whipple, 19th century American surveyor and engineer
Latin Pronunciation: whip-pel-AH-num
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:whip-pel-AY-num

Meaning: Named for Lt. Amiel Weeks Whipple, 19th century American surveyor and engineer
Latin Pronunciation: WHIP-lee-eye

Meaning: Named for Lt. Amiel Weeks Whipple, 19th century American surveyor and engineer
Latin Pronunciation: whip-pel-AH-nus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:whip-pel-AY-nus

whitefly (pl. whiteflies)

Insects whose adults resemble tiny moths but are related to aphids; nymphs that suck sap and damage leaves.

Meaning: Named for Loran M. Whitelock, present-day author, expert and collector of cycads
Latin Pronunciation: white-lok-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for Loran M. Whitelock, present-day author, expert and collector of cycads
Latin Pronunciation: white-LOK-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Edward Whittall, 19th century botanist and plant collector in Asia
Latin Pronunciation: whit-TAL-ee-eye

whole

Having all its proper parts or components, often describing a flower.

Meaning: Named for Thomas Whitfield, collector in Africa
Latin Pronunciation: wit-FEELD-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Alexander Whyte, 19th century British botanist who established the first Botanic Garden in Zomba, Africa
Latin Pronunciation: WY-tee-eye

whorl (adj. whorled)

An arrangement of leaves, petals, sepals, etc., in a circle around the stem.

Meaning: Named for Edward Wriddington, 19th century captain of the Royal Navy, botanist and author
Latin Pronunciation: wid-dring-TOH-nee-a

wicking

Conveying by capillary action, as a stem pulls moisture upward.

Meaning: Named for Dr. Ira Wiggins
Latin Pronunciation: wig-GIN-see-uh

wildfire

A fire that is out of control, such as a forest fire or a burn through a grassland, often threatening houses or farms.

Meaning: Named for Ernest Norton Wilcox, 20th century plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: wil-KOKS-ee-eye

wildflower

A flowering plant growing and usually propagating itself outside of cultivation. Often, but not always, refers to plants native to a region.

Meaning: Named for Hermann Josef Wildpret, 19th century Swiss botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wild-PRET-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Queen Wilhelmina, early 20th century queen of the Netherlands
Latin Pronunciation: wil-helm-MEE-nah ree-JIN-ay-ee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:vil-helm-MEE-nah ree-JIN-ay-ee

Meaning: Named for Admiral Charles Wilkes, 19th century American naval officer and explorer in the South Pacific
Latin Pronunciation: wilk-see-AY-nuh

Meaning: Named for Carl Ludwig von Willdenow, 19th century German botanist and director of the Berlin Botanical Garden; also spelled willdenowii
Latin Pronunciation: wil-den-OV-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Williams; the specific honoree depends upon the plant
Latin Pronunciation: wil-YUMS-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Carl Ludwig von Willdenow, 19th century German botanist and director of the Berlin Botanical Garden; also spelled willdenovii
Latin Pronunciation: wil-den-OV-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for James (Jim) Hamlyn Willis, 20th century Australian botanical collector and author
Latin Pronunciation: wil-lis-ee-AY-na

Meaning: Named for Heinrich Moriz Willkomm, 19th century German botanist and explorer in Spain and Portugal
Latin Pronunciation: wil-KOM-mee-eye

Meaning: Named for Ellen Ann Willmott, early 20th century English gardener
Latin Pronunciation: wil-mot-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Ellen Ann Willmott, early 20th century English gardener
Latin Pronunciation: wil-MOT-ee-ay

Meaning: Named for John Wilson, 18th century amateur botanist and author ofA Synopsis of British Plants, published in 1744
Latin Pronunciation: wil-SON-ee-a

Meaning: Named for Ernest 'Chinese' Wilson, early 20th century plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: wil-SON-ee-ay

Meaning: Named for Maria Wilman, 20th century director of the McGregor Museum in South Africa, and explorer and collector
Latin Pronunciation: wil-MAN-ee-ay

Meaning: Named for Ernest 'Chinese' Wilson, early 20th century plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: wil-son-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for Ernest 'Chinese' Wilson, early 20th century plant collector
Alternative Meaning:Named for Norman C. Wilson, 19th century American who collected plants in the western U.S. for Edward Lee Greene, American botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wil-son-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Ernest 'Chinese' Wilson, early 20th century plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: WIL-son-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Ernest 'Chinese' Wilson, early 20th century plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: wil-son-ee-AH-nus

wilt

Any of several plant disorders characterized by the drooping and shriveling of soft tissues, often caused by a soil fungi.

window box

A box holding soil for growing plants on a windowsill.

wind setup

Wind pushing water to one side of a lake with a corresponding drop in water level of several feet on the other side. See also: storm surge.

windward shore

The shore from which the prevailing winds are blowing. The boat is protected from strong wave action until the wind changes direction. See also: lee shore.

wing

1. A thin, dry, leaf-like membrane found on many fruits, seeds, and leafstalks; any membranous or thin expansion bordering or surrounding an organ. 2. The lateral petal of a papilionaceous corolla.

winged

With projecting thin flat membranes or corky outgrowths.

windward

The side from which the wind blows. See also: leeward.

Meaning: Named for Phya Winit Wanandorn, 20th century Thailand botanist
Latin Pronunciation: win-IT-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Hildegarda Winter, sister of Freidrich Ritter, well-known cactus expert and collector
Latin Pronunciation: win-TER-ee

winter annual

A plant from autumn-sown seed which blooms and fruits in the following spring then dies.

Meaning: From the old Maori vernacular name for this orchid
Latin Pronunciation: WIN-ee-kuh

wireworms

Long, thin, leathery, beetle larvae that attack roots and stems.

winter kill (alt. winterkill)

The dying back of a plant or part of a plant due to harsh winter weather.

Meaning: Named for Frederick Adolf Wislizenus, 19th century German physician and amateur botanist who collected in the southwestern U.S.
Latin Pronunciation: wis-liz-EN-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Frederick Adolf Wislizenus, 19th century German physician and amateur botanist who collected in the southwestern U.S.
Latin Pronunciation: wis-LIZ-en-ee

Meaning: Latinized form of Australian aborignal name
Latin Pronunciation: wod-YET-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Johann Friedrich Wolff, 18th century German botanist and physician
Latin Pronunciation: WOLF-ee-a
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:wol-FEE-a

Meaning: Named for Michael Wohlschlager
Latin Pronunciation: wol-SHLAG-er-ee

Meaning: Diminutivve of Wolffia, named for Johann Friedrich Wolff, 18th century German botanist and physician
Latin Pronunciation: wolf-ee-EL-a

Latin Pronunciation: wol-gay-rik-us
Meaning: nus
Meaning: from Washington (state).

Meaning: Named for Alexander Frederick Richmond ("Sandy") Wollaston, 20th century British explorer and naturalist
Latin Pronunciation: wol-luh-STON-ee-eye

wood

The hard, fibrous inner tissue of the trunk and branches of a tree or shrub.

Meaning: Named for Samuel Washington Woodhouse, 19th century explorer, surgeon, naturalist and author
Latin Pronunciation: wood-HOUSE-ee

Meaning: The namesake varies according to specific plant.
Latin Pronunciation: wud-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for the Wollemi National Park, near Sydney, Australia
Latin Pronunciation: wol-EM-ee-uh

woodland (syn. woods)

An area primarily covered with trees.

woodland (syn. woods)

An area primarily covered with trees.

Meaning: Named for Robert E. Woodson, Jr., 21st century American botanist and authority on the milkweed (Asclepediaceae) family
Latin Pronunciation: wood-son-ee-AY-nus

Meaning: Named for Robert E. Woodson, Jr., 21st century American botanist and authority on the milkweed (Asclepediaceae) family
Latin Pronunciation: wood-son-ee-AY-num

Meaning: Named for Robert E. Woodson, Jr., 21st century American botanist and authority on the milkweed (Asclepediaceae) family
Latin Pronunciation: wood-SON-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Robert E. Woodson, Jr., 21st century American botanist and authority on the milkweed (Asclepediaceae) family
Latin Pronunciation: wood-son-ee-AY-na

woolly

Clothed with long and tortuous or matted hairs.

woody plant

With the stems and limbs containing lignin.

Meaning: Named for Elmer Otis Wooton, 20th century professor of chemistry and biology at the New Mexico College of Agriculture, and curator at the National Herbarium
Latin Pronunciation: woo-ton-EL-la

woody

Forming stems that mature to wood.

Meaning: Named for Elmer Otis Wooton, 20th century professor of chemistry and biology at the New Mexico College of Agriculture, and curator at the National Herbarium
Latin Pronunciation: woo-ton-ee-AY-na

Meaning: Named for Elmer Otis Wooton, 20th century professor of chemistry and biology at the New Mexico College of Agriculture, and curator at the National Herbarium
Latin Pronunciation: woo-TON-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Elmer Otis Wooton, 20th century professor of chemistry and biology at the New Mexico College of Agriculture, and curator at the National Herbarium
Latin Pronunciation: woo-TON-ee-a

wort

A plant; usually used in combination, as in liverwort, lousewort, milkwort, etc.

worked

Grafted.

Meaning: Named for William Wright, 19th century Scottish physician and botanist
Latin Pronunciation: RITE-ee-a

Meaning: Named for Charles (Carlos) Wright, who collected and surveyed in Texas
Latin Pronunciation: rite-ee-AY-num

Meaning: Named for 19th century American botanist Charles (Carlos) Wright, who collected and surveyed in Texas
Latin Pronunciation: RITE-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for 19th century American botanist Charles (Carlos) Wright, who collected and surveyed in Texas
Latin Pronunciation: rite-ee-AY-na

Meaning: Named for Professor Franz Xavier, Freiherr von Wulfen, 18th century Austrian naturalist, botanist and Jesuit abbot
Latin Pronunciation: wool-FEN-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Friedrick Wilhelm von Wurmb, merchant and botanist in 18th century Batavia (Jakarta)
Latin Pronunciation: WURM-bay-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:WURM-bee-uh

Meaning: Named for Heinrich Wydler, 19th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: WYD-ler-eye

Meaning: Named for Heinrich Wydler, 19th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wyd-ler-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for Heinrich Wydler, 19th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: wyd-ler-ee-AH-num