Biology:List of plant genus names (A–C)

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Short description: Wikipedia list article
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Canistrum (from the Greek for "basket")

Since the first printing of Carl Linnaeus's Species Plantarum in 1753, plants have been assigned one epithet (name) for their species and one for their genus (a grouping of related species).[1] Many of these genera (genuses) are listed in Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. William Stearn (1911–2001) was one of the pre-eminent British botanists of the 20th century: a Librarian of the Royal Horticultural Society, a president of the Linnean Society and the original drafter of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants.[2][3]

The first column below lists seed-bearing genera from Stearn's Dictionary, excluding those names that no longer appear in more modern works, such as Plants of the World by Maarten J. M. Christenhusz (lead author), Michael F. Fay and Mark W. Chase.[4] Plants of the World is also used for the family and order classification for each genus. The second column gives either a meaning or the derivation of the word, such as a namesake or a language of origin. The last two columns indicate citations to The A to Z of Plant Names by Allen Coombes and The Names of Plants by David Gledhill.[5][6] The four-volume CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names by Umberto Quattrocchi is also a source for almost every genus in the table, except as noted.

Key

Latin: = derived from Latin (otherwise Greek, except as noted)
C = listed in Coombes's The A to Z of Plant Names
G = listed in Gledhill's The Names of Plants

Genera

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Abronia
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Acacia
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Acanthus
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Actinidia
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Actinotus
in a suspended crate
Aerangis
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Aeranthes
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Aerides
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Aeschynanthus
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Agalmyla
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Agastache
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Agrostemma
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Aichryson
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Alloplectus
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Alopecurus
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Alphitonia
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Ammocharis
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Ammophila
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Androstephium
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Anemone
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Angophora
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Antirrhinum
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Aphyllanthes
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Archontophoenix
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Arctostaphylos
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Ardisia
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Argyroderma
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Artabotrys
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Asperugo
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Aspidistra illustration←
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Aster
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Astrophytum
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Aurinia
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Baptisia
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Bidens
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Biscutella
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Bombax seed and silk←
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Borago
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Brabejum
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Brachychiton
on a post
Bulbophyllum
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Buphthalmum
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Bupleurum
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Bursaria
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Caiophora
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Calathea
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Calceolaria
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Calliandra
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Calocephalus
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Calotropis
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Calytrix
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Campanula
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Canistrum
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Cardiocrinum
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Cardiospermum
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Catasetum
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Celosia
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Centranthus
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Centropogon
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Cephalanthus
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Ceratopetalum
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Ceratophyllum
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Cercocarpus fruits←
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Potted Cereus
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Ceroxylon
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Chasmanthe
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Chelone
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Chilopsis
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Chimonanthus
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Chiococca
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Chionanthus
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Chrysanthemum
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Chrysothamnus
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Cladanthus
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Cleistocactus
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Clianthus
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Coccinia
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Cocculus
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Codonopsis
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Conandron
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Coryanthes
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Cremanthodium
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Cyananthus
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Cypripedium
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Cyrtanthus
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Cyrtopodium
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Cyrtostachys
Genus[7][8][lower-alpha 2] Meaning or derivation Family[4] Order[4] C G
Abeliophyllum Abelia-like leaves Oleaceae Lamiales C G
Abelmoschus from Arabic for musky (the seeds) Malvaceae Malvales C
Abies Latin: rising. Latin name.[lower-alpha 3] Pinaceae Pinales C G
Abobra Brazilian name Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitales G
Abroma inedible Malvaceae Malvales G
Abronia dainty (the bracts) Nyctaginaceae Caryophyllales G
Abrophyllum dainty leaves Rousseaceae Asterales G
Abrus from an Arabic name or Greek Fabaceae Fabales G
Abutilon Arabic name Malvaceae Malvales C G
Acacia sharp tips. Greek name. Fabaceae Fabales C G
Acaena thorns Rosaceae Rosales C G
Acalypha Greek name Euphorbiaceae Malpighiales C G
Acampe unbending (the flowers or stems) Orchidaceae Asparagales
Acanthocereus thorn-Cereus Cactaceae Caryophyllales
Acantholimon thorn-Limonium Plumbaginaceae Caryophyllales G
Acanthophoenix thorn-Phoenix Arecaceae Arecales
Acanthostachys thorn spike (the bracts) Bromeliaceae Poales
Acanthus thorns[4] Acanthaceae Lamiales C G
Acca Peruvian name Myrtaceae Myrtales C
Acer Latin name Sapindaceae Sapindales C G
Achillea Achilles of mythology Asteraceae Asterales C G
Achimenes unknown Gesneriaceae Lamiales C G
Achlys Achlys of mythology Berberidaceae Ranunculales C G
Acineta motionless (the lips) Orchidaceae Asparagales
Ackama Māori name Cunoniaceae Oxalidales
Acokanthera sharp-tipped anthers Apocynaceae Gentianales G
Aconitum Greek name Ranunculaceae Ranunculales C G
Acorus Latin name[4] Acoraceae Acorales C G
Acrocomia top lock of hair (the leaves) Arecaceae Arecales
Acronychia end claw (on the petals) Rutaceae Sapindales
Acrophyllum end leaves Cunoniaceae Oxalidales
Actaea Greek and Latin name Ranunculaceae Ranunculales C G
Actinidia radiating (the styles)[4] Actinidiaceae Ericales C G
Actinotus radiating (the bracts) Apiaceae Apiales G
Adenandra glandular male parts Rutaceae Sapindales
Adenanthera glandular anthers Fabaceae Fabales
Adenium Arabic name Passifloraceae Malpighiales G
Adenocarpus glandular (sticky) fruit Fabaceae Fabales G
Adenostoma glandular mouth (the calyx) Rosaceae Rosales
Adonis Adonis of mythology Ranunculaceae Ranunculales C G
Adoxa without stature[4] Adoxaceae Dipsacales G
Aechmea pointed (the calyx) Bromeliaceae Poales G
Aegilops Greek name Poaceae Poales G
Aegle Aegle, a Naiad of mythology Rutaceae Sapindales G
Aegopodium goat's foot (the leaves) Apiaceae Apiales C G
Aeonium Latin name Crassulaceae Saxifragales C G
Aerangis air cups Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Aeranthes air flowers Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Aerides air Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Aerva Arabic name Amaranthaceae Caryophyllales
Aeschynanthus blushing flowers Gesneriaceae Lamiales G
Aesculus Latin name Sapindaceae Sapindales C G
Aethionema odd filament (the stamens) Brassicaceae Brassicales C G
Aframomum African Amomum Zingiberaceae Zingiberales G
Agalmyla glory of the forest Gesneriaceae Lamiales
Aganisia gentleness Orchidaceae Asparagales
Aganosma gentle scent Apocynaceae Gentianales
Agapanthus love flowers Amaryllidaceae Asparagales C G
Agapetes loved ones Ericaceae Ericales G
Agastache remarkable or plentiful (flower) spikes Lamiaceae Lamiales C G
Agathis ball of thread (the catkins) Araucariaceae Pinales C G
Agathosma good scent Rutaceae Sapindales G
Agave praiseworthy (the flowers) Asparagaceae Asparagales C G
Ageratum never-aging (the flowers) Asteraceae Asterales C G
Aglaia Aglaea of mythology Meliaceae Sapindales
Aglaonema shining thread (the stamens) Araceae Alismatales C G
Agonis congregation (the seeds) Myrtaceae Myrtales
Agrimonia Greek name Rosaceae Rosales G
Agrostemma field wreaths Caryophyllaceae Caryophyllales C G
Agrostis Greek name Poaceae Poales G
Aichryson ever-gold. Greek name. Crassulaceae Saxifragales C G
Ailanthus Moluccan name Simaroubaceae Sapindales C G
Aiphanes ragged (the leaves) or ever-shining (the flowers) Arecaceae Arecales G
Aira Greek name Poaceae Poales G
Ajuga Latin name Lamiaceae Lamiales C G
Akebia Japanese name Lardizabalaceae Ranunculales C G
Alangium Keralan name Cornaceae Cornales G
Alcea Greek and Latin name Malvaceae Malvales C G
Alchemilla Arabic name Rosaceae Rosales C G
Aletris meal-grinder (they are powdery) Nartheciaceae Dioscoreales G
Aleurites floury (they are sometimes powdery) Euphorbiaceae Malpighiales G
Alisma Greek name[4] Alismataceae Alismatales C G
Alkanna Arabic name Boraginaceae Boraginales G
Allium Latin name Amaryllidaceae Asparagales C G
Alloplectus diverse weaving (the overlapping sepals) Gesneriaceae Lamiales
Alnus Latin name Betulaceae Fagales C G
Alocasia separate from Colocasia Araceae Alismatales C G
Aloe Arabic name Asphodelaceae Asparagales C G
Aloinopsis like Aloe Aizoaceae Caryophyllales G
Alopecurus fox tails (the grass) Poaceae Poales G
Alphitonia mealy (the fruit) Rhamnaceae Rosales
Alseuosmia grove scent[4] Alseuosmiaceae Asterales G
Alternanthera Latin: alternating anthers (are fertile) Amaranthaceae Caryophyllales C G
Althaea Greek name Malvaceae Malvales C G
Alyssum Latin and Greek name Brassicaceae Brassicales C G
Alyxia chain (the fruits), possibly Apocynaceae Gentianales
Amaranthus unfading (long-lasting)[4] Amaranthaceae Caryophyllales C G
Amaryllis Amaryllis, a Greek shepherdess from classical poetry[4] Amaryllidaceae Asparagales C G
Ambrosia ambrosia Asteraceae Asterales G
Amelanchier French name Rosaceae Rosales C G
Ammi Greek and Latin name Apiaceae Apiales C G
Ammobium sand-living Asteraceae Asterales G
Ammocharis sand beauty Amaryllidaceae Asparagales G
Ammophila sand-loving Poaceae Poales C G
Amomum Greek name Zingiberaceae Zingiberales G
Amorpha deformed (the corollas) Fabaceae Fabales C G
Amorphophallus deformed phallus Araceae Alismatales C G
Ampelopsis vine-like Vitaceae Vitales C G
Anacampseros Greek name[4] Anacamp­serotaceae Caryophyllales G
Anacamptis bending back (possibly the orchid's spur) Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Anacardium Greek name[4] Anacardiaceae Sapindales G
Anacyclus flowerless circle (the corollas) Asteraceae Asterales C G
Anagyris Greek and Latin name Fabaceae Fabales G
Ananas Tupi (South American) name Bromeliaceae Poales C G
Anaphalis Greek name Asteraceae Asterales C G
Anastatica resurrection (it recovers quickly from drought) Brassicaceae Brassicales G
Anchusa Greek and Latin name Boraginaceae Boraginales C G
Andira Brazilian name Fabaceae Fabales G
Andrachne Greek name Phyllanthaceae Malpighiales G
Andromeda Andromeda of mythology Ericaceae Ericales C G
Andropogon man beard (the spikelets) Poaceae Poales C G
Androsace Greek name Primulaceae Ericales C G
Androstephium male-parts crown (the stamens) Asparagaceae Asparagales
Anemarrhena without filaments (the stamens) Asparagaceae Asparagales G
Anemone blood-red Ranunculaceae Ranunculales C G
Anemonopsis like Anemone Ranunculaceae Ranunculales C G
Anemopaegma windy playfulness Bignoniaceae Lamiales G
Anemopsis like Anemone Saururaceae Piperales C
Anethum Greek name Apiaceae Apiales C G
Angelica Latin: angelic Apiaceae Apiales C G
Angelonia South American name Plantaginaceae Lamiales C G
Angophora vessel-bearing (fruit-bearing) Myrtaceae Myrtales
Angraecum Malay name Orchidaceae Asparagales C G
Ania troublesome (maybe taxonomically) Orchidaceae Asparagales
Anigozanthos wide-open flowers, perhaps Haemodoraceae Commelinales G
Anisotome jagged (the leaves) Apiaceae Apiales G
Annona Taíno name[4] Annonaceae Magnoliales G
Anoda perhaps a Sinhalese name Malvaceae Malvales G
Anoectochilus open lips Orchidaceae Asparagales
Anredera unclear Basellaceae Caryophyllales
Antennaria Latin: antenna-like (the bristles) Asteraceae Asterales C G
Anthemis Greek name Asteraceae Asterales C G
Anthericum Greek name Asparagaceae Asparagales C G
Anthoxanthum flowers of yellow Poaceae Poales C G
Anthriscus Greek name Apiaceae Apiales C G
Anthurium flower tail (the spikes) Araceae Alismatales C G
Anthyllis Greek name Fabaceae Fabales C G
Antiaris Javanese derivation Moraceae Rosales G
Antidesma unclear Phyllanthaceae Malpighiales G
Antigonon perhaps angled or zig-zag Polygonaceae Caryophyllales G
Antirrhinum nearly a nose (the flowers) Plantaginaceae Lamiales C G
Anubias Anubis Araceae Alismatales G
Aotus earless (the simple calyx) Fabaceae Fabales
Aphanostephus inconspicuous adornment (the flower heads) Asteraceae Asterales
Aphelandra simple male part (the anthers) Acanthaceae Lamiales C G
Aphyllanthes leafless flower (the long, bare stalks) Asparagaceae Asparagales G
Apios pear (the shape of the tubers) Fabaceae Fabales C G
Apium Latin name[4] Apiaceae Apiales C G
Aplectrum spurless (the orchid flowers) Orchidaceae Asparagales
Apocynum Greek name[4] Apocynaceae Gentianales G
Aponogeton near (hot springs at) Abano Terme[4] Aponogetonaceae Alismatales G
Aptenia wingless (the capsules) Aizoaceae Caryophyllales G
Aquilegia eagle Ranunculaceae Ranunculales C G
Arabidopsis like Arabis Brassicaceae Brassicales G
Arabis Arabian Brassicaceae Brassicales C G
Arachis Greek name Fabaceae Fabales G
Aralia French-Canadian name[4] Araliaceae Apiales C G
Araucaria Araucanos (now Mapuche) Araucariaceae Pinales C G
Arbutus Latin name Ericaceae Ericales C G
Archonto­phoenix lordly palm Arecaceae Arecales G
Arctium Greek and Latin name Asteraceae Asterales G
Arctostaphylos bear grapes Ericaceae Ericales C G
Arctotis bear's ear (the scales) Asteraceae Asterales C G
Ardisia pointed (the anthers) Primulaceae Ericales C G
Areca Malabar name[4] Arecaceae Arecales G
Arenaria Latin: sand Caryophyllaceae Caryophyllales C G
Arenga Malayan or Moluccan name Arecaceae Arecales G
Arethusa Arethusa Orchidaceae Asparagales
Argania Moroccan name Sapotaceae Ericales
Argemone Greek name Papaveraceae Ranunculales C G
Argyranthemum silver flowers Asteraceae Asterales C G
Argyreia silvery (the backs of the leaves) Convolvulaceae Solanales G
Argyroderma silver-skin (the leaves) Aizoaceae Caryophyllales G
Ariocarpus fruit like Sorbus aria Cactaceae Caryophyllales
Arisaema Arum-blood Araceae Alismatales C G
Arisarum Greek name Araceae Alismatales C G
Aristea Greek: best, Latin: pointed, or awned (the bracts) Iridaceae Asparagales C G
Aristolochia best childbirth (for which some species used to be prescribed)[4] Aristolochiaceae Piperales C G
Armeria French and Latin name Plumbaginaceae Caryophyllales C G
Armoracia Latin name Brassicaceae Brassicales C G
Arnebia Arabic name Boraginaceae Boraginales G
Arnica Latin name Asteraceae Asterales C G
Aronia Greek name Rosaceae Rosales C G
Arpophyllum sickle-shaped leaves Orchidaceae Asparagales
Arracacia Spanish name Apiaceae Apiales
Arrhenatherum male bristle (the male awns) Poaceae Poales C G
Artabotrys supported (suspended) bunched fruit Annonaceae Magnoliales G
Artemisia Latin name Asteraceae Asterales C G
Arthrocereus jointed Cereus Cactaceae Caryophyllales
Arthropodium jointed foot (the flower stalks) Asparagaceae Asparagales C G
Artocarpus bread fruit Moraceae Rosales G
Arum Greek and Latin name[4] Araceae Alismatales C G
Aruncus Latin name Rosaceae Rosales C G
Arundinaria like Arundo Poaceae Poales C G
Arundo Latin: reeds Poaceae Poales C G
Asarina Spanish name Plantaginaceae Lamiales C G
Asarum Greek and Latin name Aristolochiaceae Piperales C G
Asclepias Greek and Latin name Apocynaceae Gentianales C G
Asimina Indian name Annonaceae Magnoliales C G
Asparagus Latin name[4] Asparagaceae Asparagales C G
Asperugo rough (the leaves) Boraginaceae Boraginales G
Asperula little rough Rubiaceae Gentianales G
Asphodeline like Asphodelus Asphodelaceae Asparagales C G
Asphodelus Greek name[4] Asphodelaceae Asparagales C G
Aspidistra small shield (the stigmas) Asparagaceae Asparagales C G
Aster Latin: stars[4] Asteraceae Asterales C G
Asteranthera star anthers Gesneriaceae Lamiales C G
Astilbe dull (the leaves) Saxifragaceae Saxifragales C G
Astragalus Greek and Latin name Fabaceae Fabales G
Astrantia possibly Medieval Latin: stars Apiaceae Apiales C G
Astroloba star lobes Asphodelaceae Asparagales
Astrophytum star plant Cactaceae Caryophyllales C G
Asyneuma not joined (the corolla lobes) Campanulaceae Asterales G
Atalantia Atalanta Rutaceae Sapindales G
Athamanta probably Athamas Apiaceae Apiales G
Atherosperma awned seeds, or a reference to the fruit[4] Athero­spermataceae Laurales G
Atriplex Latin name Amaranthaceae Caryophyllales C G
Atropa Atropos Solanaceae Solanales C G
Attalea unclear Arecaceae Arecales
Aucuba Japanese name Garryaceae Garryales C G
Aurinia Latin: golden (flowers) Brassicaceae Brassicales C G
Avena Latin name Poaceae Poales C G
Azolla dry-killing (drought kills them) Salviniaceae Salviniales C G
Babiana from Afrikaans Iridaceae Asparagales C G
Baccharis Bacchus Asteraceae Asterales C G
Bacopa South American name Plantaginaceae Lamiales G
Bactris walking stick Arecaceae Arecales G
Balaka Fijian name Arecaceae Arecales
Ballota Greek name Lamiaceae Lamiales C G
Bambusa Malayan name Poaceae Poales G
Baphia dye Fabaceae Fabales G
Baptisia (indigo) dyeing Fabaceae Fabales C G
Basella Malabar name[4] Basellaceae Caryophyllales G
Bellis Latin: attractive Asteraceae Asterales C G
Bellium like Bellis Asteraceae Asterales G
Berberidopsis like Berberis[4] Berberidop­sidaceae Berberidopsidales C G
Berberis Arabic name[4] Berberidaceae Ranunculales C G
Beta Latin name Amaranthaceae Caryophyllales C G
Betonica from the name of a Spanish plant Lamiaceae Lamiales G
Betula Latin name[4] Betulaceae Fagales C G
Bidens Latin: two teeth (on the dried fruit) Asteraceae Asterales C G
Bifrenaria double bridle (the pollinia stalks) Orchidaceae Asparagales
Biscutella Latin: two dishes (the shape of the fruits) Brassicaceae Brassicales G
Bistorta Medieval Latin name Polygonaceae Caryophyllales G
Bixa Carib name[4] Bixaceae Malvales G
Blyxa gushing (the habitat), possibly Hydrocharitaceae Alismatales
Bombax silk (the seed capsules' stuffing) Malvaceae Malvales G
Borago Latin: hairy clothes, possibly (the leaves)[4] Boraginaceae Boraginales C G
Borassus spadix of the date palm Arecaceae Arecales G
Brabejum sceptre or prize Proteaceae Proteales
Brachychiton short coat (including the scales) Malvaceae Malvales G
Brachyscome short lock of hair (the pappuses). Previously Brachycome. Asteraceae Asterales C G
Brassica Latin name[4] Brassicaceae Brassicales C G
Briza Greek name Poaceae Poales C G
Bromus Greek name Poaceae Poales C G
Brosimum edible Moraceae Rosales G
Bryonia Greek name Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitales G
Bulbine Greek name Asphodelaceae Asparagales C G
Bulbinella little Bulbine Asphodelaceae Asparagales C G
Bulbophyllum bulb leaves Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Bunium Greek name Apiaceae Apiales G
Buphthalmum ox eye Asteraceae Asterales C G
Bupleurum ox rib. Greek name. Apiaceae Apiales C G
Bursaria purse (the fruits) Pittosporaceae Apiales G
Butia Brazilian name Arecaceae Arecales G
Butomus ox-cutting (the inedible leaves harm cattle)[4] Butomaceae Alismatales C G
Buxus Greek and Latin name[4] Buxaceae Buxales C G
Cabomba Guianese name[4] Cabombaceae Nymphaeales G
Caiophora (hairs) causing a burn Loasaceae Cornales G
Cajanus Malay name Fabaceae Fabales G
Caladium Malay name Araceae Alismatales C G
Calamus Greek name Arecaceae Arecales G
Calanthe attractive flowers Orchidaceae Asparagales C G
Calathea basket (the bracts) Marantaceae Zingiberales C G
Calceolaria slipper (the flowers) Calceolariaceae Lamiales C G
Calendula first day of the month Asteraceae Asterales C G
Calla attractive Araceae Alismatales C G
Calliandra attractive stamens Fabaceae Fabales G
Callicarpa attractive fruit Lamiaceae Lamiales C G
Callicoma attractive hair Cunoniaceae Oxalidales G
Callirhoe Callirrhoe Malvaceae Malvales C G
Callisia beauty Commelinaceae Commelinales C G
Callistemon attractive stamens Myrtaceae Myrtales C G
Callistephus attractive crown (the flowers) Asteraceae Asterales C G
Callitriche attractive hair Plantaginaceae Lamiales G
Callitris attractive triples (the leaves, for instance) Cupressaceae Pinales G
Calluna tidying or beautifying Ericaceae Ericales C G
Calocedrus attractive cedar Cupressaceae Pinales C G
Calocephalus attractive head (the flowers) Asteraceae Asterales G
Calochortus attractive grass Liliaceae Liliales C G
Calodendrum attractive tree Rutaceae Sapindales G
Calophaca attractive lentil Fabaceae Fabales G
Calophyllum beautiful leaves[4] Calophyllaceae Malpighiales G
Calopogon attractive beard (on the lips) Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Calothamnus attractive shrub Myrtaceae Myrtales G
Calotropis attractive boat Apocynaceae Gentianales G
Caltha Latin name Ranunculaceae Ranunculales C G
Calycanthus calyx flower (the sepals are like the petals)[4] Calycanthaceae Laurales C G
Calypso Calypso Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Calytrix Hairy calyx. Previously Calythrix. Myrtaceae Myrtales G
Camassia Chinookan name Asparagaceae Asparagales C G
Campanula Latin: little bell (the flowers)[4] Campanulaceae Asterales C G
Camphorosma camphor-scented Amaranthaceae Caryophyllales G
Campsidium Campsis-like Bignoniaceae Lamiales G
Campsis curved (the stamens) Bignoniaceae Lamiales C G
Cananga Malayan name Annonaceae Magnoliales G
Canarina Canary Islands Campanulaceae Asterales G
Canavalia Malabar name Fabaceae Fabales G
Canella little Canna[4] Canellaceae Canellales G
Canistrum Latin: basket (the bracts) Bromeliaceae Poales G
Canna Irish Celtic word for a reed or cane[4] Cannaceae Zingiberales C G
Cannabis Greek and Latin name[4] Cannabaceae Rosales G
Cantua Peruvian name Polemoniaceae Ericales C G
Capparis Greek name[4] Capparaceae Brassicales G
Capsicum bite (the spiciness) Solanaceae Solanales C G
Caragana Mongol name Fabaceae Fabales C G
Caralluma Telugu name, possibly Apocynaceae Gentianales G
Cardamine Greek name Brassicaceae Brassicales C G
Cardiocrinum heart lily (the leaves) Liliaceae Liliales C G
Cardiospermum heart seed (white spots on the seeds) Sapindaceae Sapindales C G
Carduncellus little Carduus Asteraceae Asterales G
Carduus Latin name Asteraceae Asterales G
Carex Latin name Cyperaceae Poales C G
Carica Latin name[4] Caricaceae Brassicales G
Carissa originally from Sanskrit Apocynaceae Gentianales G
Carpinus Latin name Betulaceae Fagales C G
Carpobrotus edible fruit Aizoaceae Caryophyllales C G
Carpodetus constricted fruit (narrower in the middle) Rousseaceae Asterales G
Carthamus from Arabic Asteraceae Asterales G
Carum Greek name Apiaceae Apiales C G
Carya Greek name Juglandaceae Fagales C G
Caryopteris nut wing (the wings on the fruit) Lamiaceae Lamiales C G
Caryota nut Arecaceae Arecales G
Cassia Greek name Fabaceae Fabales G
Cassiope Cassiopeia Ericaceae Ericales C G
Castanea Greek and Latin name Fagaceae Fagales C G
Castanopsis Castanea-like Fagaceae Fagales G
Castano­spermum Castanea seed Fabaceae Fabales G
Casuarina From a Malaysian word for cassowary[4] Casuarinaceae Fagales G
Catalpa Native American name Bignoniaceae Lamiales C G
Catananche Greek name Asteraceae Asterales C G
Catasetum bristles pointing down (on the columns) Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Catha Arabic name Celastraceae Celastrales G
Caulophyllum stem-leaf (the single large leaf) Berberidaceae Ranunculales G
Ceanothus Greek name Rhamnaceae Rosales C G
Cecropia Cecrops I Urticaceae Rosales G
Cedrela Latin: little cedar Meliaceae Sapindales G
Cedronella Latin: little cedar Lamiaceae Lamiales G
Cedrus Greek and Latin name Pinaceae Pinales C G
Ceiba South American name Malvaceae Malvales G
Celastrus Greek name[4] Celastraceae Celastrales C G
Celmisia Celmisios, whose mother was the Greek nymph Alciope Asteraceae Asterales G
Celosia burning (the hues of the flowers) Amaranthaceae Caryophyllales C G
Celtis Greek name Cannabaceae Rosales C G
Centaurea centaur Asteraceae Asterales C G
Centaurium centaur Gentianaceae Gentianales G
Centradenia spur gland (on the anthers) Melastomataceae Myrtales G
Centranthus spur flowers Caprifoliaceae Dipsacales C G
Centropogon spur beard (on the stigmas) Campanulaceae Asterales G
Centrosema spur standard Fabaceae Fabales G
Cephalanthus head of flowers Rubiaceae Gentianales G
Cephalaria (flower) heads Caprifoliaceae Dipsacales C G
Cephalocereus head Cereus Cactaceae Caryophyllales C G
Cephalo­stachyum head spike (the flower spikes) Poaceae Poales
Cephalotaxus head Taxus Cephalotaxaceae Pinales G
Cerastium horn (the shape of the capsules) Caryophyllaceae Caryophyllales C G
Ceratonia Greek name Fabaceae Fabales G
Ceratopetalum horned (antler-shaped) petals Cunoniaceae Oxalidales G
Ceratophyllum horned (antler-shaped) leaves[4] Ceratophyllaceae Ceratophyllales C G
Ceratostigma horn stigmas Plumbaginaceae Caryophyllales C G
Ceratozamia horn Zamia (the horned scales) Zamiaceae Cycadales G
Cercidiphyllum with leaves like Cercis siliquastrum[4] Cercidiphyllaceae Saxifragales C G
Cercis weaver's shuttle (the pods) Fabaceae Fabales C G
Cercocarpus tail (-shaped) fruit Rosaceae Rosales G
Cereus Latin: wax candle (the shape) Cactaceae Caryophyllales G
Cerinthe wax Boraginaceae Boraginales G
Ceropegia wax fountain (the flowers) Apocynaceae Gentianales C G
Ceroxylon wax (-coated) wood Arecaceae Arecales G
Cestrum Greek name Solanaceae Solanales C G
Chaenomeles gaping apples Rosaceae Rosales C G
Chaenorhinum gaping Antirrhinum (the flowers are more open) Plantaginaceae Lamiales C G
Chaerophyllum pleasing leaves (the scent) Apiaceae Apiales G
Chamaebatia Greek name Rosaceae Rosales G
Chamaecyparis dwarf cypress Cupressaceae Pinales C G
Chamaedaphne dwarf Daphne Ericaceae Ericales C G
Chamaedorea ground gift (the easily accessible fruit) Arecaceae Arecales C G
Chamaelirium dwarf lily Melanthiaceae Liliales C G
Chamaeran­themum dwarf Eranthemum Acanthaceae Lamiales
Chamaerops dwarf bush Arecaceae Arecales C G
Chamelaucium unclear Myrtaceae Myrtales
Chasmanthe wide-open flowers Iridaceae Asparagales G
Chelidonium swallow Papaveraceae Ranunculales C G
Chelone turtle Plantaginaceae Lamiales C G
Chenopodium goose foot (the leaves) Amaranthaceae Caryophyllales C G
Chiastophyllum crosswise leaves Crassulaceae Saxifragales G
Chiliotrichum a thousand hairs Asteraceae Asterales G
Chilopsis lip-like (the calyx) Bignoniaceae Lamiales G
Chimaphila winter-loving (evergreen) Ericaceae Ericales G
Chimonanthus winter-flowering Calycanthaceae Laurales C G
Chimono­bambusa winter Bambusa Poaceae Poales C G
Chiococca snow berries Rubiaceae Gentianales G
Chionanthus snow-white flowers Oleaceae Lamiales C G
Chionophila snow-loving (the habitat) Plantaginaceae Lamiales G
Chironia Chiron Gentianaceae Gentianales G
Chlidanthus luxury flowers Amaryllidaceae Asparagales C G
Chloraea green (the flowers) Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Chloris Chloris Poaceae Poales G
Chlorogalum green milk (the sap) Asparagaceae Asparagales G
Chlorophytum green plant Asparagaceae Asparagales C G
Chorizema separated filaments (on the stamens) Fabaceae Fabales G
Chrozophora bearing (turnsole) dye Euphorbiaceae Malpighiales G
Chrysanthemum gold flowers Asteraceae Asterales C G
Chrysobalanus gold acorns[4] Chryso­balanaceae Malpighiales G
Chrysocoma gold hair Asteraceae Asterales G
Chrysogonum gold knees (yellow flowers, and the stems have joints) Asteraceae Asterales C G
Chrysopsis like gold Asteraceae Asterales G
Chrysothamnus gold shrub Asteraceae Asterales G
Chusquea Colombian name Poaceae Poales G
Chysis melting (the fused pollinia) Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Cicer Latin name Fabaceae Fabales G
Cicerbita Italian name Asteraceae Asterales C G
Cichorium Arabic and Greek name Asteraceae Asterales C G
Cicuta Latin name Apiaceae Apiales G
Cineraria ashen (the leaves) Asteraceae Asterales G
Cinnamomum Greek name Lauraceae Laurales G
Cipura uncertain[lower-alpha 4] Iridaceae Asparagales G
Cirrhaea tendril (the long rostella) Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Cirsium Greek name Asteraceae Asterales G
Cissus Greek name Vitaceae Vitales C G
Cistus Greek and Latin name[4] Cistaceae Malvales C G
Citharexylum lyre wood Verbenaceae Lamiales G
Citropsis like Citrus Rutaceae Sapindales G
Citrullus from Citrus Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitales C G
Citrus Latin name Rutaceae Sapindales C G
Cladanthus branch (-end) flowers Asteraceae Asterales G
Cladium little branches Cyperaceae Poales G
Cladrastis fragile twigs or shoots. Stearn's spelling is Cladastris. Fabaceae Fabales C G
Cleistocactus closed cactus (the flowers) Cactaceae Caryophyllales G
Clematis Greek name Ranunculaceae Ranunculales C G
Clematoclethra Clematis and Clethra Actinidiaceae Ericales G
Cleome brilliance[4] Cleomaceae Brassicales G
Clerodendrum chance tree (the medical uses) Lamiaceae Lamiales C G
Clethra Greek name[4] Clethraceae Ericales C G
Clianthus brilliant flowers Fabaceae Fabales C G
Clitoria Latin: clitoris Fabaceae Fabales G
Cneorum Greek name Rutaceae Sapindales G
Cnicus Greek name Asteraceae Asterales G
Coccinia scarlet (the fruit) Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitales G
Coccoloba Greek name Polygonaceae Caryophyllales G
Coccothrinax berry Thrinax Arecaceae Arecales
Cocculus little berry (the fruit) Menispermaceae Ranunculales G
Cochlearia spoonlike (the lower leaves) Brassicaceae Brassicales G
Cochliostema Spiral male parts. Stearn's spelling is Cochleostema. Commelinaceae Commelinales
Cochlo­spermum spiral seeds Bixaceae Malvales
Cocos Portuguese: mask Arecaceae Arecales G
Codiaeum Moluccan name Euphorbiaceae Malpighiales C G
Codonopsis like a bell (the flowers) Campanulaceae Asterales C G
Coelia hollow Orchidaceae Asparagales
Coelogyne hollow female parts Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Coffea Arabic name Rubiaceae Gentianales G
Coix Greek name Poaceae Poales C G
Cola West African name Malvaceae Malvales G
Colchicum Colchis[4] Colchicaceae Liliales C G
Coleonema sheath thread (the staminodes) Rutaceae Sapindales G
Coleotrype sheath hole Commelinaceae Commelinales G
Collomia glue (the seeds, which can be sticky) Polemoniaceae Ericales G
Colocasia Greek name, from Arabic Araceae Alismatales C G
Colutea Greek name Fabaceae Fabales C G
Combretum Latin name[4] Combretaceae Myrtales G
Comesperma hairy seeds Polygalaceae Fabales G
Conandron cone stamens Gesneriaceae Lamiales
Conicosia conical Aizoaceae Caryophyllales
Conium Greek and Latin name Apiaceae Apiales G
Conophytum cone plant Aizoaceae Caryophyllales G
Consolida Medieval Latin name Ranunculaceae Ranunculales G
Convallaria Latin: valley Asparagaceae Asparagales C G
Convolvulus Latin: twining[4] Convolvulaceae Solanales C G
Copaifera Brazilian name Fabaceae Fabales G
Copiapoa Copiapó, Chile Cactaceae Caryophyllales G
Coprosma dung smell (the leaves) Rubiaceae Gentianales C G
Coptis cutting (divisions of the leaves) Ranunculaceae Ranunculales G
Corchorus Greek name Malvaceae Malvales G
Cordyline club (the roots) Asparagaceae Asparagales C G
Corema broom-like Ericaceae Ericales G
Coreopsis like a bug (the seeds) Asteraceae Asterales C G
Coriandrum Greek and Latin name Apiaceae Apiales C G
Coriaria Latin: leather (for tanning)[4] Coriariaceae Cucurbitales C G
Cornus Latin name[4] Cornaceae Cornales C G
Corokia Māori name Argophyllaceae Asterales C G
Coronilla little crown (the flowers) Fabaceae Fabales C G
Cortaderia Argentine name Poaceae Poales C G
Coryanthes helmet flowers Orchidaceae Asparagales G
Corydalis crested lark (the spurs) Papaveraceae Ranunculales C G
Corylopsis like Corylus Hamamelidaceae Saxifragales C G
Corylus Greek name Betulaceae Fagales C G
Corynocarpus club fruit[4] Corynocarpaceae Cucurbitales G
Corypha summit (the highest fronds) Arecaceae Arecales
Coryphantha summit flowers Cactaceae Caryophyllales
Cosmos ornament Asteraceae Asterales C G
Costus Latin name[4] Costaceae Zingiberales G
Cotinus Greek name Anacardiaceae Sapindales C G
Cotoneaster Greek and Latin name Rosaceae Rosales C G
Cotula small cup (the leaves and flowerheads) Asteraceae Asterales C G
Cotyledon cup-shaped depression (the leaves) Crassulaceae Saxifragales C G
Coutarea Guyanese name Rubiaceae Gentianales
Crambe Greek and Latin name Brassicaceae Brassicales C G
Craspedia fringe (the pappus) Asteraceae Asterales G
Crassula Latin: little thick (the leaves)[4] Crassulaceae Saxifragales C G
Crataegus Greek name Rosaceae Rosales C G
Cremanthodium hanging flowerheads Asteraceae Asterales G
Crepis Greek and Latin name Asteraceae Asterales C G
Crinodendron lily tree (the flowers) Elaeocarpaceae Oxalidales C G
Crinum Greek name Amaryllidaceae Asparagales C G
Crithmum Greek name Apiaceae Apiales G
Crocosmia Crocus scent Iridaceae Asparagales C G
Crocus Greek name, from a Semitic name Iridaceae Asparagales C G
Crossandra fringed male parts Acanthaceae Lamiales G
Crotalaria rattle (the sound of the seed pods) Fabaceae Fabales G
Croton tick (the seeds) Euphorbiaceae Malpighiales G
Crucianella little cross (the crosswise leaves) Rubiaceae Gentianales G
Crupina Belgian or Dutch name Asteraceae Asterales
Cryptantha hidden flowers Bromeliaceae Poales G
Cryptanthus hidden (lower parts of the) flowers Bromeliaceae Poales G
Cryptocoryne hidden club (the spadix) Araceae Alismatales G
Cryptomeria hidden parts Cupressaceae Pinales C G
Cryptostegia hidden cover (scales inside the corolla) Apocynaceae Gentianales G
Cucumis Latin name Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitales C G
Cucurbita Latin name[4] Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitales C G
Cuminum Greek name Apiaceae Apiales G
Cunila Latin name Lamiaceae Lamiales G
Cuphea curved (the seed pods) Lythraceae Myrtales C G
Cupressus Greek and Latin name[4] Cupressaceae Pinales C G
Curculigo Latin: weevil-like (the ovaries) Hypoxidaceae Asparagales G
Curcuma Arabic name Zingiberaceae Zingiberales G
Cuscuta Medieval Latin name Convolvulaceae Solanales G
Cyananthus blue flowers Campanulaceae Asterales C G
Cyanella blue Tecophilaeaceae Asparagales G
Cyanotis blue ear (the petals) Commelinaceae Commelinales G
Cyathodes cup-like Ericaceae Ericales G
Cycas Greek name[4] Cycadaceae Cycadales C G
Cyclamen Greek name Primulaceae Ericales C G
Cyclanthera circle of anthers Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitales G
Cyclanthus circle of flowers[4] Cyclanthaceae Pandanales G
Cyclopia circle foot (the base of the calyx) Fabaceae Fabales
Cydonia Greek and Latin name Rosaceae Rosales C G
Cymbalaria like a cymbal (the leaves) Plantaginaceae Lamiales C G
Cymbidium boat-shaped (the lips) Orchidaceae Asparagales C G
Cymbopogon boat-beard (the spikelets) Poaceae Poales G
Cynanchum dog-strangling (the poisonous herbs) Apocynaceae Gentianales G
Cynara Greek and Latin name Asteraceae Asterales C G
Cynodon dog tooth (the blades) Poaceae Poales G
Cynoglossum dog tongue (the leaves) Boraginaceae Boraginales C G
Cypella chalice (the flowers) Iridaceae Asparagales G
Cyperus Greek name[4] Cyperaceae Poales C G
Cypripedium Aphrodite's slipper (the flowers) Orchidaceae Asparagales C G
Cyrtanthus arched flowers Amaryllidaceae Asparagales C G
Cyrtopodium arched foot (the lips) Orchidaceae Asparagales
Cyrtostachys arched spikes Arecaceae Arecales
Cytisus Greek name Fabaceae Fabales C G

See also

  • Glossary of botanical terms
  • List of descriptive plant epithets: A–H, I–Z
  • List of plant genera named for people: A–C, D–J, K–P, Q–Z
  • List of Greek and Latin roots in English
  • List of Latin and Greek words commonly used in systematic names

Notes

  1. Clicking on ← moves you to the table row for the given genus.
  2. Page numbers for references are omitted, since all the references list genera alphabetically except for Plants of the World, which is mainly cited for genera that match their family names.
  3. "(Language) name" means the name of some plant originally, not necessarily in this genus.
  4. Not listed in Quattrocchi

Citations

References

Further reading

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