Mexicanus
/mek-sih-KAH-nus/🏷️ Taxonomy● Basic
Also known as: mexicana, mexicanum
A geographic epithet indicating the plant is native to or most strongly associated with Mexico and the broader Mesoamerican region. Mexico's extraordinary climatic diversity — from high cloud forests to coastal deserts — has produced a flora of outstanding richness and horticultural importance. Appears as mexicanus (masculine), mexicana (feminine), or mexicanum (neuter).
Etymology
From New Latin Mexicanus, from Mexico (from Nahuatl Mexihco, the Aztec heartland).
Example
“Dahlia mexicana, Tagetes mexicana (Mexican marigold), and Salvia mexicana are among the many beloved garden plants whose origins in the rich flora of Mexico are recorded in this epithet.”