Costatus
/kos-TAH-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: costata, costatum
A morphological epithet describing a surface with prominent ribs — raised longitudinal ridges on stems, leaves, or fruit. Ribbed structures are often associated with added mechanical strength. Appears as costatus (masculine), costata (feminine), or costatum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin costatus, meaning "ribbed," from costa (a rib, a side).
Example
“Carex costata and Fritillaria costata both have the distinctive raised, longitudinal ribs on their stems or capsules that make this epithet immediately visually and tactilely verifiable.”