Obtusus
/ob-TOO-sus/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: obtusa, obtusum
A morphological epithet describing leaves, petals, or other organs that have a blunt, rounded, or broadly rounded apex rather than a point. It contrasts directly with acuminatus and mucronatus. Appears as obtusus (masculine), obtusa (feminine), or obtusum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin obtusus, past participle of obtundere (to blunt, to dull), from ob- (against) + tundere (to strike).
Example
“Abies koreana 'Obtusum' and various sedges described as obtusa have the characteristically blunt, non-pointed tips that make them immediately distinguishable from sharp-leaved relatives.”