Ellipticus
/el-LIP-tih-kus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: elliptica, ellipticum
A leaf shape epithet describing a symmetrically oval leaf — widest at the middle and tapering equally toward both ends, like a geometric ellipse. Appears as ellipticus (masculine), elliptica (feminine), or ellipticum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin ellipticus, from Greek elleiptikos (elliptical).
Example
“Magnolia stellata and Photinia elliptica both have the symmetrically oval, middle-widest leaf outline that is one of the most common shapes in temperate trees and shrubs.”