Citrinus
/SIT-rih-nus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: citrina, citrinum
A dual-purpose epithet that may describe either a lemon-yellow color or a lemon-like citrus fragrance. Context determines which meaning applies, though sometimes both are relevant in the same plant. Appears as citrinus (masculine), citrina (feminine), or citrinum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin citrinus, meaning "lemon-colored" or "of the citron," from citrus (the citron tree), from Greek kitron.
Example
“Callistemon citrinus (crimson bottlebrush) has lemon-scented foliage despite its red flowers, and Cytisus 'Citrinus' selections bear the clear, pale lemon-yellow blooms that give the color meaning its currency.”