Skip to main content

Chrysanthus

/kry-SAN-thus/
🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate

Also known as: chrysantha, chrysanthum

A Greek-derived compound epithet meaning golden-flowered — specifically the deep, rich gold of pure gold metal rather than a pale lemon-yellow. One of several chryso- compounds in botanical Latin. Appears as chrysanthus (masculine), chrysantha (feminine), or chrysanthum (neuter).

Etymology

From Greek chrysos (gold) + anthos (flower), meaning "golden-flowered."

Example

Crocus chrysanthus (golden crocus) and Erica chrysantha both carry this epithet for their rich, true-gold flowers — a warmth and depth of yellow closer to molten metal than to pale primrose.