Maculatus
/mak-yoo-LAH-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: maculata, maculatum
A pattern epithet indicating the plant bears distinct spots or blotches on its leaves, petals, stems, or other organs. The spots may be a contrasting color to the background surface and can serve as a key identification feature. Appears as maculatus (masculine), maculata (feminine), or maculatum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin maculatus, past participle of maculare (to spot, to stain), from macula (spot, stain, blemish).
Example
“Pulmonaria saccharata (lungwort) and Arum maculatum (lords-and-ladies) both have distinctive silver-spotted leaves that make them immediately recognisable in the woodland garden.”