Erectus
/eh-REK-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy● Basic
Also known as: erecta, erectum
A habit epithet indicating the plant grows in a distinctly upright, vertical fashion. It is often applied to selected columnar or fastigiate forms within a species to distinguish them from spreading or weeping relatives. Appears as erectus (masculine), erecta (feminine), or erectum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin erectus, past participle of erigere, meaning "to set upright," from e- (up) + regere (to direct, to rule).
Example
“Prunus lusitanica 'Erecta' and Lonicera nitida 'Elegant' (syn. erecta) are upright selections valued where a strongly vertical form is needed for tight spaces.”