Skip to main content

    Odoratus

    /oh-doh-RAH-tus/
    🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate

    Also known as: odorata, odoratum

    A specific epithet meaning the plant is notably fragrant, distinguishing it from unscented relatives. It can refer to scented flowers, aromatic foliage, fragrant roots, or even fragrant wood. Appears as odoratus (masculine), odorata (feminine), or odoratum (neuter). Related epithets include fragrans, suaveolens, and aromaticus.

    Etymology

    From Latin odoratus, meaning "fragrant" or "scented," from odor (smell, scent).

    Example

    Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) is famous for its intensely sweet perfume, which drove Victorian gardeners to breed ever more fragrant varieties.