Lepidotus
/lep-ih-DOH-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy●●● Advanced
Also known as: lepidota, lepidotum
A texture epithet describing a surface covered in minute, powdery, or flaky scales — finer than squamosus and often creating a mealy or dusty appearance. Common in many Rhododendron species on the leaf undersides. Appears as lepidotus (masculine), lepidota (feminine), or lepidotum (neuter).
Etymology
From Greek lepidotos, meaning "scaly" or "covered in scales," from lepis/lepidos (a scale).
Example
“Rhododendron lepidotum and many other lepidote rhododendrons have the characteristic mealy, scurfy covering of minute scales on their leaf undersides that distinguishes them from the elepidote (scale-free) species.”