Quinquefolius
/kwin-kweh-FOH-lee-us/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: quinquefolia, quinquefolium
A morphological epithet describing a plant with leaves consistently divided into five leaflets — the familiar pattern of Virginia creeper, cinquefoil, and ginseng. Appears as quinquefolius (masculine), quinquefolia (feminine), or quinquefolium (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin quinque (five) + folium (leaf).
Example
“Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) and Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) both carry this epithet for their distinctive five-part leaves that turn brilliant scarlet in autumn.”