latifolia
/lat-ih-FOH-lee-uh/🏷️ Taxonomy● Basic
A leaf epithet marking notably wide leaves, most useful in genera holding both broad- and narrow-leaved species where width is the quickest field distinction. This is the feminine form, paired with feminine genus names. Appears as latifolius (masculine), latifolia (feminine), or latifolium (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin latus (wide, broad) + folium (leaf).
Example
“Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel) carries broad leathery leaves, wider than those of its narrow-leaved relatives.”