Variegatus
/var-ee-eh-GAH-tus/🏷️ Taxonomy● Basic
Also known as: variegata, variegatum
An epithet applied to plants that display two or more distinct colors on their foliage, flowers, or other organs — typically green with white, cream, or yellow markings. While variegation often arises in cultivation, some species are naturally variegated. Appears as variegatus (masculine), variegata (feminine), or variegatum (neuter).
Etymology
From Latin variegatus, past participle of variegare, meaning "to make of various colors," from varius (varied, diverse) + agere (to make).
Example
“Euonymus fortunei 'Variegatus', Phalaris arundinacea var. picta, and many hostas bear this epithet for their multicolored foliage that brings light to shaded garden corners.”