Chinensis
/chy-NEN-sis/🏷️ Taxonomy● Basic
Also known as: chinense
A geographic epithet indicating the plant is native to or was first described from China. Given the extraordinary plant diversity of China, this is one of the most frequently encountered origin epithets in temperate and subtropical horticulture. Appears as chinensis (both genders) or sinensis, which is the Latin form derived from Sinae (China).
Etymology
From New Latin Chinensis, from China, ultimately from Persian Chīn (China).
Example
“Wisteria sinensis, Camellia sinensis (tea plant), Rosa chinensis, and Ginkgo biloba — sometimes referenced with chinensis — all trace their roots to Chinese flora.”