Lanceolatus
/lan-see-oh-LAH-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy● Basic
Also known as: lanceolata, lanceolatum
A leaf shape epithet describing a leaf several times longer than wide and tapering to a point at both ends — the outline of a lance head. One of the most widely used leaf-shape epithets. Appears as lanceolatus (masculine), lanceolata (feminine), or lanceolatum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin lanceolatus, from lanceola (a small lance), diminutive of lancea (lance).
Example
“Plantago lanceolata (ribwort plantain) is the classic example — its long, narrow, tapering leaves the perfect shape the epithet describes.”