Cristatus
/kris-TAH-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: cristata, cristatum
A morphological epithet describing a plant that bears a crest, cockscomb, or comb-like growth — whether on petals, seeds, anthers, or the overall habit. Crested forms are often striking ornamental curiosities. Appears as cristatus (masculine), cristata (feminine), or cristatum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin cristatus, meaning "having a crest" or "crested," from crista (a crest, tuft, plume).
Example
“Celosia argentea var. cristata (cockscomb) produces the extraordinary brain-like, fan-shaped crests that make it unmistakable, and Iris cristata (crested dwarf iris) has the raised, fringed crest on its falls the epithet describes.”