Reflexus
/reh-FLEX-us/🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate
Also known as: reflexa, reflexum
A morphological epithet describing a structure that is sharply and abruptly bent backward — more extreme than the gradual curve of recurvus. Reflexed petals and sepals are common in certain lily and cyclamen flowers, where the segments fold back completely. Appears as reflexus (masculine), reflexa (feminine), or reflexum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin reflexus, past participle of reflectere, meaning "to bend back," from re- (back) + flectere (to bend).
Example
“Cyclamen hederifolium has the sharply reflexed petals that are the defining visual feature of all cyclamens, and Phlox reflexa produces the abruptly back-bent floral segments this epithet describes.”