Humilis
/HYU-mih-lis/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: humile
A size or habit epithet indicating the plant grows low to the ground or is significantly shorter than other members of its genus. Unlike nanus (which specifically means dwarf), humilis implies modest, low stature rather than genetic dwarfism. Appears as humilis (both genders).
Etymology
From Latin humilis, meaning "low," "on the ground," or "humble," from humus (ground, soil).
Example
“Chamaerops humilis (dwarf fan palm), the only palm native to Europe, and Phoenix humilis are classic examples of naturally low-growing palms bearing this aptly humble epithet.”