Pulvinatus
/pul-vih-NAH-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy●●● Advanced
Also known as: pulvinata, pulvinatum
A growth habit epithet describing a plant that forms a tight, rounded, dome-shaped or cushion-like mound — the characteristic growth form of many alpine and Arctic plants responding to cold and wind. Cushion plants are highly adapted to harsh environments and prized in rock gardens. Appears as pulvinatus (masculine), pulvinata (feminine), or pulvinatum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin pulvinus (a cushion, pillow) + -atus (having the form of).
Example
“Silene acaulis (moss campion) and Armeria caespitosa both form the characteristic tight, cushion-like mounds typical of plants that have evolved to reduce wind resistance and retain heat in alpine environments.”