Mucronatus
/myoo-kroh-NAH-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: mucronata, mucronatum
A leaf apex epithet describing a leaf or other organ that terminates abruptly in a short, stiff, sharp point — a mucro — that appears as if tacked on rather than gradually tapering. Distinct from acuminatus (long-tapered) and obtusus (blunt). Appears as mucronatus (masculine), mucronata (feminine), or mucronatum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin mucronatus, meaning "furnished with a sharp point," from mucro/mucronii (a sharp point, tip of a sword).
Example
“Ilex aquifolium (holly) with its leaf tips that terminate in a sharp spine, and Juniperus mucronata with its prickle-tipped needles, both illustrate the abrupt, needle-sharp point the epithet describes.”