Alatus
/a-LAH-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: alata, alatum
A morphological epithet describing a plant with thin, flat, wing-like extensions — most commonly on the stem ridges, seed pods, or fruit. Winged seeds disperse by wind, and winged stems often create dramatic visual effects. Appears as alatus (masculine), alata (feminine), or alatum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin alatus, meaning "winged," from ala (wing).
Example
“Euonymus alatus (winged spindle) has the striking corky wing-ridges along its stems that give it its name, and Acer saccharinum has the winged samaras typical of maples described as alata.”