Contortus
/kon-TOR-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: contorta, contortum
A morphological epithet describing a plant with conspicuously twisted, contorted, or spirally distorted stems, branches, or leaves. Plants bearing this epithet are prized as curiosities and for dramatic winter silhouettes when leafless. Appears as contortus (masculine), contorta (feminine), or contortum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin contortus, past participle of contorquere, meaning "to twist" or "to whirl," from con- (together) + torquere (to twist).
Example
“Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) was named for its twisted timber, and Corylus avellana 'Contorta' (corkscrew hazel) is planted specifically for its dramatically twisted winter stems.”