Magnificus
/mag-NIH-fih-kus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: magnifica, magnificum
An aesthetic superlative epithet meaning the plant is magnificent — splendid, grand, and impressive beyond the ordinary. Like nobilis and regalis, it reflects the genuine admiration of the botanist who first named the plant. Appears as magnificus (masculine), magnifica (feminine), or magnificum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin magnificus, meaning "magnificent," "splendid," or "grand," from magnus (great) + facere (to make).
Example
“Magnolia (the entire genus) shares the same magn- root, and Dahlia 'Magnifica' and Rhododendron magnificum both carry this epithet for the sheer splendor of their floral displays.”