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Etymology of Cacti Species
Etymology Dictionary of Epithets of Cactus and Succulent Species, Subspecies, Forms and Varieties
This etymology of Cacti Species was put together by CactiGuide.com forum moderator, John Chippindale of Leeds England.


In biology the binomial nomenclature is a standard convention that identifies each species by a scientific name of two words, Latin in form and usually derived from Greek or Latin roots. The scientific name of a species is formed by the combination of two terms. The first name (capitalized) is the genus of the organism, the second (not capitalized) is its species.

In the classification of living organisms the species is the fundamental unit of classification and consists of populations of related individuals that resemble one another. These are able to breed among themselves, but are not able to breed with members of another species. Populations within a species that show recognizable, inherited differences but are capable of interbreeding freely are called subspecies, races, or varieties.
splendens (n) (For example: Haworthia magnifica var. splendens)
acanthodes A Latin word meaning spiny. (For example: Ferocactus acanthodes)
aceguaensis Comes from Acegua, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
aciculatus Needle-shaped, broad.
acorrugatum Not puckered, lack of cross-wise furrow. (For example: Gymnocalycium acorrugatum)
acutangularis "Acutely angled", refers to it's ribs.
acutatus Means making an acute angle.
acutus Refers to the ribs.
adustus "Sun burned."
agavoides Like and Aloe. (For example: Ariocarpus agavoides)
agnetae Named after Agnes Roggen, the wife of Sr. P. A. Roggen - author of the assistance research. (For example: Notocactus agnetae, syn. of Parodia concinna)
albatus White.
albiareolatum White areole. (For example: Gymnocalycium albiareolatum).
albiareolatum v ramosum Growing like grass. (For example: Gymnocalycium albiareolatum v. ramosum).
albiareolatus White areole. (For example: Gymnocalycium albiareolatum).
albiarmatus "White, armed", refers to the white spination.
albicans "Tending towards white", refers to the white spination.
albiflorus White flowered. (For example: Turbinicarpus albiflorus).
albilanatus White, woolly.
albisetus White bristles.
albispinum From the Latin words albus, meaning white and spina, meaning thorn or prickle. (For example: Gymnocalycium albispinum).
albispinus White spined.
albolanatus White, wool, probably refers to white areolar wool.
albus White.
alegretensis Comes from Alegrete, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
allosyphon Other, another, tube, probably refers to some part of the flower.
alonsoi Discovered by Alonso García Luna, a young Mexican boy who found the plant on the expedition of the famous plant explorer, Charles Glass. (For example: Turbinicarpus alonsoi).
alotensis Comes from Serra de Alto.
ambatoense Named after habitat in Argentina, Prov. Catamarga, Sierra Ambato. (For example: Gymnocalycium ambatoense).
amerhauseri Named after H. Amerhauser. (For example: Gymnocalycium amerhauseri).
amplicostatus Ample or abundant ribs.
andersonii Discovered by Edward F. Anderson. (For example: Turbinicarpus andersonii).
andreae Named after W. Andreae (For example: Gymnocalycium andreae).
andreae fa. svecianum Named after F. Svec (For example: Gymnocalycium andreae fa. svecianum).
andreae subsp. carolinense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. San Luis, Sierra de San Luis, Carolina (For example: Gymnocalycium andreae subsp. carolinense).
andreae var. grandiflorum Large flowered. (For example: Gymnocalycium andreae var. grandiflorum).
angelae Named after Angeles Gracilea Lopez, wife of Roberto Kiesling. (For example: Gymnocalycium angelae).
anisitsii Named after Prof. J. Daniel Anisits. (For example: Gymnocalycium anisitsii).
anisitsii subsp. multiproliferum Making lots of offsets. (For example: Gymnocalycium anisitsii subsp. multiproliferum).
Annemarniera Named to honour Anne Therese Marnier-Lapostelle, the first wife of Julien Marnier-Lapostolle - owner of famous plants collection "Jardin Botanique des Cedres" in Cap Ferrat (France). President of "Association Francaise des Amateurs de Cactees" (Marniera gen., Opuntia marnierana, Parodia marnierana, Mammillaria marnierana), For example (Cleistocactus subgen. Annemarniera).
anniana Named after Anni Lau, the wife of Alfred B. Lau - explorer and expert of Mexican cacti; discovered and described dozens of new species (Copiapoa laui, Coryphantha laui, Echinocereus laui, Echinomastus laui, Epiphyllum laui, Eriosyce laui, Lobivia laui, Mammillaria laui, Melocactus laui, Parodia laui, Parodia salmonea v. lau-multicostata, Rebutia laui, Sulcorebutia breviflora v. laui, Sulcorebutia vizcarrae v. laui, Turbinicarpus laui)
antherosthele A flowering pillar. (For example: Gymnocalycium antherosthele).
applanatus Flattened.
apricus Exposed to the sun.
arachnites "Spider like", refers to the spider like spination.
arapeyensis Comes from Arapey.
arbolitoensis Comes from Arbolito, Cerro Largo, Uruguay.
arbuscula A Latin word meaning small tree or bush. (For example: Opuntia arbuscula).
arechavaletae Named to honour José Arechavaleta. (For example: Notocactus arechavaletae).
arevaloensis Comes from Arevalo.
armatum Armed. (For example: Gymnocalycium armatum).
arnostianus Named to honour Dr. Arnost Janousek. (For example: Notocactus arnostianus).
artigas Named after habitat, Uruguay, Dept. Artigas. (For example: Gymnocalycium artigas).
asterias Derives from the Greek name aster which means "a star" an aster type plant and the Greek suffix ias meaning "like to, comparable, similar" (The specific name implies: "star like (like an aster)").
(For example Astrophytum Asterias).
Referring to the Aster (Aster amellus) (Asterias is also the name of a genus of starfish)
asteroides Derives from the Greek name aster which means "a star" an aster type plant and the Greek suffix oides meaning "like, resemble" (The specific name implies: "star like (like an aster)").
(For example Frailea asteroides).
Referring to the Aster (Aster amellus) (Asterias is also the name of a genus of starfish)
atrispinus Dark spined.
attenuata Attenuated.
atypicus Not typical. Abnormal.
aurea The specific name means golden flowered. (For example: Mediolobiva aureiflora).
aureiflora The specific name means golden flowered. (For example: Mediolobiva aureiflora).
aureispinus Golden spined.
aureus Golden spined.
aurisetus Golden yellow bristles.
azureus Blue body. (For example: Pilosocereus azureus).
baldianum Named after Baldi (a colleague of Spegazzini). (For example: Gymnocalycium baldianum).
baldianum var. albiflorum White flowered. (For example: Gymnocalycium baldianum var. albiflorum).
ballenaeensis Comes from Punta Ballena, Uruguay.
barbarae (barbarensis) Named in honour of Barbara Antesberger, the daughter of Prof. Dr. Helmut Antesberger - Austrian explorer of Caribbean cacti, especially Melocactus (Mammillaria antesbergeriana). For example: (Melocactus barbarae synonym of Melocactus macracanthus).
basilaris Derives from the Latin basilis which means "basal" and the suffix "-aris". (The specific name implies: "from the base").
(For example: Opuntia basilaris).
batoviensis Comes from Batovie, Rivera, Uruguay. (For example: A variety of Notocactus).
bayrianum Named after A. Bayr. (For example: Gymnocalycium bayrianum).
beateae Named after Beate Olma, the wife of Dr. Pierre J. Braun (Pierrebraunia brauniorum, Cephalocereus braunii, Coleocephalocereus braunii, Pilosocereus braunii, Tacinga braunii), German explorer and expert of Brazilian cacti, that alone or together the Brazilian Mr. Eddie Esteves Pereira discovered and described dozens of new species. For example: (Arrojadoa beateae synonym of Arrojadoa dinae ssp. Eriocaulis).
beguinii Discovered by Abbe Beguin. (For example: Turbinicarpus beguinii).
berchtii Named after L. Bercht. (For example: Gymnocalycium berchtii).
berlinensis Comes from Nuevo Berlin/Estrela, Rio Negro, Uruguay.
bertinii Named after Captain Bertinin, 1861. (For example: Austrocactus Bertinii)
bertramii Named to honour Paul Bertram.
bezrucii Named to honour the Czech poet Peter Bezruc.
bicolour Two coloured. (For example: Thelocactus bicolour).
bicostatum (f) The cultivars name has been chosen referring to the Tao symbol (the image of yang and yin) for its resemblance to the form of this peculiar plant.
bicostatum (m) The variety name bicostatum derives from the Latin prefix "bi" which means "twice, two" and the Latin adjectives costatus meaning "ribbed" ( From the Latin word costa a rib. The specific name implies: "two ribbed")
bicostatum (n) (For example: Astrophytum myriostigma bicostatum)
bigelovii John Milton Bigelow, surgeon/botanist with the Mexican Boundary and Pacific Railroad surveys
blaauwianus Named to honour Harry Blossfeld.
blomianus Named in honour of Mrs. Duby Blom, whose husband (?) was a well-known anthropologist specializing in Mayan cultures in Mexico. She was active in efforts to preserve the rain-fores of Chiapas (Mexico). (For example: Heliocereus aurantiacus v. blomianus).
bocasana For the Sierra de Bocas Mountain range in Mexico. (For example: Mammillaria bocasana).
bodenbenderianum Named after H. Bodenbender. (For example: Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum).
Bodenbenderianum subsp. intertextum Entangled. (For example: Gymnocalycium bodenbenderianum subsp. intertextum).
bokei Derives from the name of Dr. Norman H. Boke of the University of Oklahoma prof. in Biology-Plant Science
(For example: Epithelantha bokei)
bombycina From the Latin word bombycinus, meaning silken or 'of silk'. (For example: Mammillaria bombycina).
bommeljei Named to honour Bommelje.
bonatzii Discovered by H.J. Bonatz. (For example: Turbinicarpus bonatzii).
bonkerae Discovered by Mrs. Frances Bonker co-author of The Fantastic Clan, an early book on the cactus family (1932). (For example: Echinocereus bonkerae)
bonnieae Derives from the name of one of the discoverers: Mrs. Bonnie Brunkow (moreover "bonnie" means beautiful).
(For example: Puna bonnieae)
booleanus Named after George Boole Hinton. (For example: Turbinicarpus booleanus).
borthii Named after H. Borth. (For example: Gymnocalycium borthii).
brandegeei Named after Townsend Stith Brandegee
brasiliensis Coming from or originating in Brazil.
brauniorum Named for Pierre J. Brawn and his wife Beate Olma. (For example: Pierrebraunia brauniorum).
bravoae Named a after Prof. HELIA BRAVO-HOLIS 1901-2001 (Institute of Biology Mexico-Chapultepec), author of monograph of Mexican cacti, member IOS . (For example: Echinofossulocactus bravoae; Opuntia bravoana; Ariocarpus bravoanus
bravoana Named a after Prof. HELIA BRAVO-HOLIS 1901-2001 (Institute of Biology Mexico-Chapultepec), author of monograph of Mexican cacti, member IOS . (For example: Echinofossulocactus bravoae; Opuntia bravoana; Ariocarpus bravoanus
bravoanus Named a after Prof. HELIA BRAVO-HOLIS 1901-2001 (Institute of Biology Mexico-Chapultepec), author of monograph of Mexican cacti, member IOS . (For example: Echinofossulocactus bravoae; Opuntia bravoana; Ariocarpus bravoanus
brederooianus Named to honour A.J. Brederoo.
brevihamatus "Short, barbed", refers to the hooked spines.
brevisetus Short bristles.
brevispinus Short spines.
brigittae Named after Brigitte Piltz, the wife of Joerg Piltz - known German seed retailer. (For example: Gymnocalycium bruchii var. brigittae).
bruchii Named after C. Bruch.
bruchii var. niveum Snow white. (For example: Gymnocalycium bruchii var. niveum).
brunninspinus Brown spined.
buenkeri Named after H. Buenecker. (For example: Gymnocalycium bruchii var. niveum).
buingioide Similar to buiningii.
buiningii For Dutch collector and author Alfred F.H. Buining (1902-1976). (For example: Uebelmannia buiningii).
bullingtoniana Named after Mrs. Eunice Bullington, she was a great help to the authors in study of the plant in the southern part of New Mexico. (For example: Mammillaria heyderi v. bullingtoniana).
cacapavensis Comes from Cacapava, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
cactiforme (n) Derives from the word cactus (an old genus name) and the Latin word forma which means "form, figure, and shape". (The specific name implies: "with the form of a Cactus").
(For example: Larryleachia cactiformis)
cactiformis (f) Derives from the word cactus (an old genus name) and the Latin word forma which means "form, figure, and shape". (The specific name implies: "with the form of a Cactus").
(For example: Larryleachia cactiformis)
cactiformis (m) Derives from the word cactus (an old genus name) and the Latin word forma which means "form, figure, and shape". (The specific name implies: "with the form of a Cactus").
(For example: Larryleachia cactiformis)
cadeiaensis Comes from Morro de Cadeia, Rio Grande do Sul.
caespitosus Offsetting freely.
callianthus Beautiful flowers.
calvescens "Bald", relates to the tendency of the plant to loose its spines.
cambaraensis Comes from Cambara, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
campestrensis Comes from Campestra, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
campoensis Comes from Campo Era, on the border between Santa Catarina and Parana, Brazil.
candicans The specific name means glossy white> (For example: Trichocereus candicans).
candidus "Pure white", refers to the white spination.
capillaense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Corduba, Sierra Chica, Capilla del Monte. (For example: Gymnocalycium capillaense).
capricorne From the Latin words capra, meaning billy goat and cornu, meaning horn or trumpet. (For example: Astrophytum capricorne).
caputprolifera The head, producing offsets readily.
carambeiensis Comes from Carambei, Parana, Brazil.
cardenasianum Named after Prof. M. Cardenas. (For example: Gymnocalycium cardenasianum).
carmenae Named after Prof. Carmen Gonzales-Castaneda, the wife of Marcelino Castaneda - author of the description of species and genus Neogomesia. (For example: Mammillaria carmenae).
carmeniana Named after Mrs. Carmen Rosa Estrade (University Salta, Argentina). (For example: Rebutia nigricans v. carmeniana).
castanea (f) From the Latin name castanea which means "chestnut" and refers to dark reddish-brown colour. (the latin "Castanea" derives f rom the Greek. "kastaneia", which meant either "nut from Castanea" in Pontus (eastern Greece) or "nut from Castana" in Thessaly, but probably both places are named for the trees, and the word is probably borrowed from a language of Asia Minor. (For example: Frailea castanea)
castaneum (n) From the Latin name castanea which means "chestnut" and refers to dark reddish-brown colour. (the latin "Castanea" derives f rom the Greek. "kastaneia", which meant either "nut from Castanea" in Pontus (eastern Greece) or "nut from Castana" in Thessaly, but probably both places are named for the trees, and the word is probably borrowed from a language of Asia Minor. (For example: Frailea castanea)
castaneus (m) From the Latin name castanea which means "chestnut" and refers to dark reddish-brown colour. (the latin "Castanea" derives f rom the Greek. "kastaneia", which meant either "nut from Castanea" in Pontus (eastern Greece) or "nut from Castana" in Thessaly, but probably both places are named for the trees, and the word is probably borrowed from a language of Asia Minor. (For example: Frailea castanea)
castellanosii Named after Prof. A. Castellanos. (For example: Gymnocalycium castellanosii).
castellanosii var. armillatum Armed, with strong spination. (For example: Gymnocalycium castellanosii var. armillatum).
castellanosii var. bozsingianum Named after F. Bozsing. (For example: Gymnocalycium castellanosii var. bozsingianum).
catalanensis Comes from Catalan Grande.
catamarcense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Catamarca. (For example: Gymnocalycium catamarcense).
catamarcense subsp. acinacispinum Sabre-like spination. (For example: Gymnocalycium catamarcense subsp. acinacispinum).
catamarcense subsp. catamarcense fa. belense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Catamarca, western slopes of Cuesta da Belen. (For example: Gymnocalycium catamarcense fa. belense).
catamarcense subsp. catamarcense fa. ensispinum Violent spination. . (For example: Gymnocalycium catamarcense fa. ensispinum).
catamarcense subsp. catamarcense fa.montanum Mountain. (For example Gymnocalycium catamarcense fa. montanum).
catamarcense subsp. schmidianum Named after H. Schmid. (For example: Gymnocalycium catamarcense subsp. Schmidianum).
catararinensis Comes from Santa Catarina, Brazil.
catharinense Katharina Maly, the wife of know Austrian gardener Gerard Maly - accompanied Walter Rausch on his journeys in 1970. (For example: Notocactus catharinense).
caveraensis Comes from Cavera, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
centangularis "Many, angled", perhaps refers to a large number of ribs.
centricirrah The specific name means in the centre, central. (For example: Mammillaria centricirrah).
cephalophorus Head, bearing.
chiquitanum Named after habitat, Bolivia, Prov. Chiquitos. (For example: Gymnocalycium catamarcense subsp. schmidianum).
christinae Named after Mrs. Christina Tejon, explorer, draftswoman (Museum La Plata, Argentina). For example: Lobivia steinmanii v. christinae
chrysacanthion The specific name means golden spined. (For example: Parodia chrysacanthion).
chrysanthus Golden yellow flower.
chrysocomus Golden yellow "hair."
chuquisacanum Named after habitat, Bolivia, Dept. Chuquisaca. (For example: Gymnocalycium chuquisacanum).
cirrhiferus "Tendril bearing", possibly referring to the tendril like spination. (For example: Turbinicarpus cirrhiferus).
clavaroides Club shaped.
claviceps "Club shaped", refers to the body shape of a mature plant.
cloverae Dr. Elzada Urseba Clover (1897-1980), the American botanists, a specialist on succulents, explorer, writer. (For example: Sclerocactus cloverae).
cobrensis Named for a Copper mine near the locality and the colour of the central spines of many plants. (Cobre = Spanish for Copper) .
colorspinus Self explanatory, coloured spines.
compressa Compressed. (For example: Opuntia compressa).
comptoniana Named in honour of Prof. R. H. Compton.
(For example: Haworthia emelyae var. comptoniana)
concinna The specific name means gentle. (For example: Parodia concinnus).
concinnioides Similar to concinnus.
concinnus The specific name means gentle. (For example: Parodia concinnus).
concinnus Elegant.
congregatus Growing together.
conjungens Fusing.
conoidea From the Greek word conos, meaning a cone. (For example Neolloydia conoidea).
convexicostatus "Convex, ribs", probably refers to a outward bulging of the ribs.
corniger Referring to horns (spines).
coryne A Latin word meaning club. (For example: Stetsonia coryne).
corynodes Referring to a club (shape).
covillei For F.V. Coville (1867-1937), botanist and curator of U.S. National Herbarium. Coville was the botanist for the 1893 Death Valley Expedition. He also contributed to blueberry cultivation. (For example: Ferocactus covillei).
cowperae Mrs. Jane Katharine Cowper (b. 1932), the wife of James Denis Cowper, prominent English expert of cacti (especially Mammillaria). (For example: Mammillaria cowperae).
crassigibbus "Thick, humped", refers to the large humps on the ribs.
crispatus From the Latin word crispus, meaning curled. (For example: Echinocactus crispatus).
cristatoides "Cristate, similar to", refers to the appearance similar to a cristate plant.
crucicentrus "Cross shaped, central", refers to the central spines being arranged in the shape of a cross.
cunapiruensis Comes from Arroio de Cunapiru, Tacuarembo, Uruguay.
cupreatus "Coppery", refers to the colour of the epidermis when grown in full sun.
curtinensis Comes from Curtina, Tacuarembo, Uruguay.
curvispinus Curved spines.
cylindraceus Root word is Cylindrus, term means resembling a cylinder. (For example: Ferocactus cylindraceus).
cymbiformis The specific name means boat-shaped. (For example: Haworthia cymbiformis).
daenkerianus Named to honour Albert Ulrich Daeniker
damsii Named after E. Dams. (For example: Gymnocalycium damsii).
Damsii var. multiproliferum Rich sprouting. (For example Gymnocalycium damsii var. multiproliferum).
darilhoensis Originates from Darilho.
decipiens A Latin word meaning deceiving. (For example: Mammillaria decipiens).
deeszianum Named after F. De Laet. (For example: Gymnocalycium deeszianum).
denegrii The name is in honour of the Mexican Minister of Agriculture Denegri. (For example: Obregonia denegrii).
densispinus "Dense, spines", referring to the dense spination.
denudatum Bare, naked. (For example: Gymnocalycium denudatum).
denudatum x Jan Shuba Named after J. Shuba. (For example: Gymnocalycium denudatum x Jan Shuba).
denudatus "Bare", referring to the lack of (many) spines.
depressus "Lying flat", refers to it's flattened appearance.
despainii Derives from the name of the discoverers: K. Despain
(For example: Pediocactus despainii )
diademata A Greek word meaning many crowns. (For example: Opuntia diademata).
dickisoniae Discovered by Mrs. Shirley Dickison (San Saba, Texas, USA). (For example: Epithelantha dickisoniae).
difformis "Irregularly or unevenly or differently formed".
dinae Dina Buining, the wife of Albert H. Buining - prominent Dutch expert of Brazilian cacti. (For example: Arrojadoa dinae).
disciforme (For example: Strombocactus disciformis)
disciformis From the Latin adjective disciformis which means "disk-shaped, circular, flat,". ( The specific name implies: "disk shaped")
discophalium "With a discus like cephalium", refers to the thick wool covering of the plants apex. This is not a true cephalium.
donae-antoniae Dona Antonio, the last queen of the Calusa Indians of Florida. (For example: Harrisia donae-antoniae).
dorisiae Doris Amerhauser, the wife of Helmut Amerhauser, an Austrian collector of Gymnocalycium Doris has also a great collection of other cacti. (For example: Gymnocalycium pflanzii ssp. Dorisiae).
dorotheae This species of Lithop was first collected in 1935 by Mrs. Aletta Helena Eksteen and named after her daughter Dr. Dorothea van Huyssteen. (For example: Lithops dorotheae).
dragai Drahomira (Draga) Fri?, the wife of Albert V. Fri? - well-known Czech collector of cacti. (For example: Lobivia dragai).
durispinus Hard, spines.
eastwoodiae Alice Eastwood (1859-1953) distinguished Californian botanist, collector (plants of Western United States), author of a lot articles, editor of "Zoe", Curator and Head of the Department of Botany, her main botanical interest were American Liliaceae. (For example: Ferocactus acanthodes v. eastwoodiae).
echinocarpa From the Greek words echinos, meaning hedgehog and karpos, meaning fruit. (For example: Opuntia echinocarpa).
echinoidea From the name echinoidea a class of (spiny) marine invertebrates, e.g. starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers, referring to the porrett central spines reminding of a hedgehog
(The specific name implies: "like an (spiny) sea urchin")
(For example: Coryphantha echinoidea)
elachisanthus Small flower.
electracanthus Yellow spined.
elegans Elegant.
ellisae Named after Natalia V. Ellis, a cactus enthusiast from the Ukraine. (For example: Turbinicarpus ellisae).
elongata Meaning elongated. (For example: Mammillaria elongata)
elongatus Meaning elongated. (For example: Mammillaria elongata)
emelyae Named after Mrs. Emely Ferguson, Riversdale, RSA
(For example: Haworthia emelyae var. comptoniana)
emmae Named after Emma Backeberg, the wife of Curt Backeberg - known German expert and collector of cacti (7 expeditions), author of articles and books (monograph "Die Cactaceae"). (For example: Lobivia emmae).
engelmannii For George Engelmann, a German-American botanist. (For example: Opuntia engelmannii).
engleri Discovered by Adolf Engler
enneacanthus From the Greek words ennea, meaning nine and akantha, meaning thorn. (For example: Echinocereus enneacanthus).
erectocylindicus Erect, cylindrical, probably refers to a cylindrical stature.
eremiticus Coming from the desert.
erinaceum Like a hedgehog. (For example: Gymnocalycium erinaceum).
erinaceum var. paucisquamosum A bit scaly. (For example: Gymnocalycium erinaceum var. paucisquamosum).
erinaceus Like a hedgehog. (For example: Gymnocalycium erinaceum).
erizo From the Spanish for Hedgehog.
erubescens "Becoming red", refers to the tendency for the body to redden in the sun.
erythracanthus Red spined.
erythrinus Red.
erytranthus Red flowered.
esperanzae Named after Dona Esperanza Benavides deVelasquez, from Xichu. (For example: Strombocactus disciformis ssp. esperanzae).
estevesii Named after E. Esteves Pereira. (For example: Pilosocereus estevesii).
eugeniae Discovered by Eugenia vanVliet, the wife of Dirk van Vliet - Dutch collector of cacti (especially Notocacti) (Notocactus vanvlietii). (For example: Notocactus (Parodia mammulosa ssp.) eugeniae).
eurypleurum Wide ribs. (For example: Gymnocalycium eurypleurum).
eurypleurus Wide ribs. (For example: Gymnocalycium eurypleurum).
euvelenovskyi "True velenovskyi". This name was needed because of the confusion of the correct application of the name "velenovskyi".
evae Dr Eva (Visnyovszky) Meszaros, microbiologist, worked in Cuba (1973-1975), the wife of Zoltan Meszaros - Hungarian botanist, expert and collector of Cuban cacti. (For example: Melocactus evae).
evae Eva Milt, the wife of J.MILT, Czech lover of cacti. (For example: Gymnocalycium damsii ssp. Evae).
eyriesii Named in honour of A. Eyries, cactus collector who brought it to the Havre in 1830. (For example: Echinopsis eyriesii).
famatimensis The name "famatimensis" derives from the "Sierra de Famatima" (LA RIOJA in Argentina) from which the species is native.
fasciata The specific name means banded. (For example: Haworthia fasciata).
fasciulatus The specific name means clustered.
ferrari Named after O. Ferrari. (For example: Gymnocalycium eurypleurum).
ferrugineispinus "Red brown spines".
ferrugineus "Red brown", refers to the colour of the spination.
fickeiseniae Named after Mrs. and Mr. Fickeisen. (For example: (Pediocactus peeblesianus ssp. Fickeiseniae).
fimbriatiflorus Fringed flower.
flagelliformis The name means whip-like. (For example: Aporocactus flagelliformis).
flavidispinus A reference to the colour of the spines. (For example: Thelocactus flavidispinus).
flaviflorus The species name means yellow flowered. (For example: Turbinicarpus flaviflorus).
flavifuscus Dark yellow.
flavispinus Yellow spined.
flavopurpurea (f) (The specific name implies: "Yellow and purple coloured")
flavopurpureum (n) (For example: Stapelia flavopurpurea)
flavopurpureus (m) Derives from the Latin words flavus meaning "yellow " and purpureus meaning "purple"
flavus Yellow.
floricomus "Flower, long hair", perhaps refers to the hairy flowers of all members of this genus.
fortalezensis Comes from Fortaleza Rio Grande do Sul.
fricii Discovered by Alberto Vojtech Fric.
fulleri This Lithops was found by a Mr. Fuller. (For example: Lithops fulleri).
fuscispinus Dark brown spines.
fuscus Dark brown.
gaillardae Named after Mrs. M. M. Gaillard, who collected the original plant in Panama (1909). (For example: Epiphyllum gaillardae).
Geometricus (m) Geometrica (f) Geometricum  (n) Derives from the Latin adjective "geometricus" meaning "geometric"
(The specific name implies: "geometrical")
(For example Tephrocactus geometricus)
gerloffianus Named to honour Norbert Gerloff.
gertrudae Named by Austrian expert and collector of cacti (especially Gymnocalycium) Gert Neuhuber. (For example: Gymnocalycium monvillei v. gertrudae).
gertrudianum Named after Gertrude Beahm, the wife of Sherman E. Beahm, both well known epiphyllum growers and one of the founders of the Epiphyllum Society of America. (For example: Epiphyllum gertrudianum).
gibberulus "Small, humped", refers to the small humps on the ribs.
gibbosum Humpy. (For example: Gymnocalycium gibbosum).
gibbosum subsp. ferox Strongly armed. (For example: Gymnocalycium gibbosum subsp. ferox).
gibbosum subsp. gibbosum var. brachypetalum Short crown-petals. (For example: Gymnocalycium gibbosum subsp. gibbosum var. brachypetalum).
gibbosum subsp. gibbosum var. chubutense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov., Chubut. (For example: Gymnocalycium gibbosum subsp. gibbosum var. chub tense.).
gibbosum subsp. gibbosum var. gibbosum fa. cerebriforme Skull-like shape. (For example: Gymnocalycium gibbosum subsp. gibbosum var. gibbosum fa. cerebriforme).
gielsdorfianus Named after Karl Gielsdorf. (For example: Turbinicarpus gielsdorfianus)
gigantea A Latin word, meaning giant. (For example: Carnegia gigantea).
gilviflorus Dull yellow flower.
giselae Named after Gisela Gallegos Hernandez de Martinez, the wife of the J.G. Martinez-Avalos (senior author of plant). (For example: Mammaillaria schiedeana v. giselae).
gladiatus Referring to a sword, relates to the spines.
glauca (f) (For example: Sclerocactus glaucus, Acanthocalycium glaucum).
glaucinus "With a waxy bloom", refers to the waxy coating on the epidermis.
glaucum (n) (For example: Sclerocactus glaucus, Acanthocalycium glaucum).
glaucus (m) From the Greek word glaucos meaning "bright, gleaming; grayish, bluish-green" (for plants, a white bloom giving a bluish-grayish appearance)
globularis "Globular", refers to the shape of the plant.
glochidatus "Glochidate, provided with barbs", perhaps the spines are hooked or bent
glomeratus "Clustered", refers to the tendency to form offsets.
gonzalezii Discovered by Miguel Angel González Botello. (For example: Turbinicarpus gonzalezii).
gracilis Slender, possibly referring to the slender spines and/or tubercles? (For example: Turbinicarpus gracilis).
gracilispinus Slender spined.
gracilor Slender, possibly referring to the slender spines and/or tubercles? (For example: Turbinicarpus gracilis).
graessneri Discovered by Robert Graessner. (For example: Notocactus graessneri).
graessneri Named after the well-known cactus grower Graessner of Perleberg. (For example: Parodia graessneri).
grandicornis "Large, horned", perhaps refers to large spines. (For example: Euphorbia grandicornis).
grandicostatus Large ribbed.
grandiflora Latin words Grand meaning large and folium meaning leaf. (For example: Pereskia grandifolia).
grandiflorus Latin words Grand meaning large and folium meaning leaf. (For example: Pereskia grandifolia).
grandifolia Latin words Grand meaning large and folium meaning leaf. (For example: Pereskia grandifolia).
gravior "Heavy, weighty", referring to the greater size.
grusonii For Hermann Gruson, a cactus collector in Magdeburg, Germany. (For example: Echinocactus grusonii).
guaibensis Comes from Guaiba, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
guanchinense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov., La Rioja, Cuesta Guachin. (For example: Gymnocalycium guanchinense).
guerkianum Named after Prof. M. Gurke. (For example: Gymnocalycium guerkianum).
gutierrezii Discovered by Antonio Gutierrez.
hahniana For Hahn. (For example: Mammillaria hahniana).
hallii This species was described Dr. H. W. de Boer in 1957 from specimens collected by harry Hall in 1956. (For example: Lithops hallii).
hamatacanthus Barbed spines.
hamatum Hooked. (For example: Gymnocalycium hamatum.)
hamesterii Discovered by Hamester.
hamiltonhoytea (hamiltonhoytiae) A. Sherman-Hoyt (born Minerva Hamilton), organizer (from 1926) the exhibition of Wild American Plant in Los Angeles. (For example: Mammillaria hamiltonhoytea)
harmonianus Comes from Harmonia, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
haselbergii Discovered by Dr. F. von Haselberg. (For example: Notocactus haselbergii).
haseltonianus Named to honour Scott Haselton.
hazelii Named after HAZEL JOHNSON (1903-1974), the wife of Harry Johnson, American gardener and explorer of cacti (Johnson-hybrid's - Lobivia x Echinopsis), owner of big garden in Fallbrook, California. (For example: Arequipa hazelii).
heeriana Named after Mrs. E. Heer, Swiss lover of cacti, long standing member of Schweizerische Kakteen-Gesellschaft. (For example: Mammillaria heeriana).
heidae Discovered by Heidi Krähenbühl, the wife of Felix Krähenbühl - Swiss amateur of cacti, expert of Mammillaria. (For example: Mammillaria heidae).
heidiae x Named after Heidemarie Neuhuber, wife of G. Neuhuber. (For example: Gymnocalycium heidiae x.)
helenae Mrs. Helen O’Gorman, a Mexican collector and Cactophile. (For example: Heliocereus schrankii v. helenae).
heliabrovoana Named after Prof. Helia Bravo-Holis. For example: Opuntia heliabrovoana).
hennisii Discovered by Wilhelm Hennis.
heptacanthus Seven spined. (For example: Discocatus heptacanthus).
herteri Discovered by Prof. Guillermo Herter.
higginsiana Named after Mrs. Vera Higgins (Higg.) (1892-1968), prominent author and translator of cacti work, President National Cactus and Succulent Society of England (1949-1962). (For example: Lobivia higginsiana.)
hildegardiae Named after Hildegarda Winter (1893-1975) the sister of Friedrich Ritter prominent expert and discoverer of many cacti (Ritterocereus gen., Aztekium ritteri, Cereus ritteri, Cleistocactus ritteri, Echinoceresus ritteri, Echinopsis ritteri, Espostoa ritteri, Eulychnia, Matucana ritteri, Melocactus violaceus ssp. ritteri, Notocactus securituberculatus v. ritteri, Neoporteria ritteri, Opuntia ritteri, Oreocereus ritteri, Parodia ritteri, Sulcorebutia ritteri, Frailea ritteriana, Mammillaria ritteriana, Gymnocalycium ritterianum), (For example: Cleistocactus hildegardiae).
hintonii Named in honour of George S. Hinton. (For example: Aztekium hintonii). Turbinicarpus hintoniorum).
hintoniorum Named in honour of George S. Hinton. (For example: Aztekium hintonii). Turbinicarpus hintoniorum).
hircinus “Smelling like a goat.”
hoferi Discovered by Anton Hofer. (For example: Turbinicarpus hoferi).
horizonthalonius Horizontal or flat and level.
horrida The specific name means frightening. (For example: Euphorbia horrida).
horridispinum Wild spines. (For example: Gymnocalycium subsp. horridispinum).
horripilus With harsh (rough) hair, probably in referring to the spines. (For example: Turbinicarpus horripilus).
horstii Named after l. Horst. (For example: Gymnocalycium horstii.)
horstiorum Named after Leopold and Melita Horst. (For example: Discocactus zehntneri v. horstiorum).
hossei Named after Prof. C. Hosseus. (For example: Gymnocalycium hossei.)
hyptiacanthum Cling (spine shaped). (For example: Gymnocalycium heptacanthus.)
ibicuiensis Comes from near the Rio Ibicui, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
ilseae Ilse Hochstätter, the wife of Fritz Hochstätter, German expert of cacti (especially Pediocactus, Sclerocactus). (For example: Sclerocactus wetlandicus v. ilseae).
inaiae Ina Y. Craig, the wife of Dr. Robert T. Craig (California) - expert of Mammillaria (For example: Mammillaria craigii, Mammillaria kewensis v. craigiana)
indranus Indra Hochstätter, the daughter of Fritz Hochstätter. (For example: Pediocactus simpsonii v. indranus).
inerme (n) (For example Notocactus scopa f. inermis)
inermis (f) (The specific name implies: “not spiny”)
inermis (m) Derives from the Latin adjective inermis meaning unarmed, weaponless, defenceless; toothless; stingless, spineless”
infernensis Comes from Rincao de Inferno, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
intermedia Intermediate.
intermedius Intermediate.
janae Jana Hora?ek, the wife of Ladislav Hora?ek, Czech lover of cacti. (For example: Borzicactus janae).
jaquiranensis Comes from Jaquirana.
jarmilae Jarmila Haldova, the wife of Josef J. Halda, Czech expert of cacti, author of the description of species. (For example: Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus v. jarmilae).
jasminiflorus Jasmine, flower.
jauernigii Discovered by J. Jauernig. (For example: Turbinicarpus jauernigii).
johnsonii For Harry Johnson, a gardener in Fallbrook, CA. (For example: Echinopsis johnsonii).
jolantana Jolanta Swoboda, Pole by birth from Warsaw, the wife of Heinz Swoboda (Austria) (Sulcorebutia swobodae, Turbinicarpus swobodae). (For example: Sulcorebutia jolantana).
joossenianum Named after Joossens. (For example: Gymnocalycium joossenianum).
jussieuii The name is in honour of prof. A. L. Jussieu of Paris. (For example: Neochilenia jussieuii).
juvenaliformis Juvenile form, refers to the plant looking like a young form of the plant.
kainradliae Mrs. Andrea E. Kainradl, accompanied Gert Neuhuber on his journeys to Argentina within the years 1988 and 1991. (For example: Gymnocalycium subsp. achirasense v. kainradliae).
kermesina Carmine red. (for example: Pseudolobivia kermesina).
kieslingii Named after Dr. R. Kiesling. (For example: Gymnocalycium Kiesling).
kieslingii fa. albiareolatum White pad spination. (For example: Gymnocalycium kieslingii fa. albiareolatum).
kieslingii fa. castaneum Chestnut. (For example: Gymnocalycium kieslingii fa. castaneum).
klinkerianus Named after Christian Klinker. (For example: Turbinicarpus klinkerianus).
knippelianus Named to honour Carl Knippel.
knizei Named after the plants discoverer Karel Knize who collect and found many new species of cacti in South and North America. (For example: Cintia knizei).
knuthianus Named after Count F. M. Knuth of Knuthenborg in Bandholm (Denmark). (For example: Turbinicarpus knuthianus).
kovarikii Discovered by F. (Frantisk ?) Kovarik.
krainzianus Named after Hans Krainz. (For example: Turbinicarpus krainzianus).
kruegeri Discovered by Anna Maria Kruger, German-Bolivian. (For example: Sulcorebutia (Aylostera, Rebutia) Krueger).
kubesi Named after a Mr. Kubes, Josef J. Halda's travel agent perhaps!! (For example: Turbinicarpus kubesi).
kupcakii Named after Peter Kupcák . (For example: Turbinicarpus kupcakii).
kupperiana Named in honour of Professor Kupper of the Munich Botanical gardens. (For example: Aylostera kupperiana).
kurtzianum Named after Dr. F. Kurtz. (For example: Gymnocalycium kurtzianum).
kvetae Kveta Chvastek the wife of Jaromir Chvastek, Czech lover of cacti, author of the description of species. (For example: Gymnocactus horripilus ssp. kvetae).
ladae Lada Hora?ek, the daughter of Ladislav Hora?ek. (For example: Parodia ladae).
laetivirens Lightly, green, refers to the light green colour of the body.
lafaldense For Mount La Falda in Argentina. (For example: Gymnocalycium lafaldense).
lanata From the Latin word lanatus, meaning woolly. (For example: Espostoa lanata).
lanatus From the Latin word lanatus, meaning woolly. (For example: Espostoa lanata).
langsdorfii Discovered by Grigorij Ivanovitsch Langsdorf.
lasiacantha From the Latin adjective lasios, meaning wooly and the Latin word acantha, meaning thorn or thistle. (For example: Mammillaria lasiacantha).
latispinus From the Latin words latus, meaning broad or wide and spina, meaning thorn or prickle. (For example: Ferocactus latispinus).
laui Discovered by Alfred Lau. (For example: Turbinicarpus laui).
lausseri Discovered by Alfons Laußer. (For example: Turbinicarpus lausseri).
leeanum Named after J. Lee. (For example: Gymnocalycium leeanum).
leeanum var. brevispinum Short spination. (For example: Gymnocalycium leeanum var. brevispinum).
leeanum var. netrelianum Named after G. Netrels. (For example: Gymnocalycium leeanum var. netrelianum).
leei Named after Willis T. Lee (famous geologist sent on the National Geographic expeditions in the 1920s to assess Carlsbad Cavern for national park status)
(For example Escobaria sneedii v. leei) which was first collected by Lee in 1925
leninghausii For Frederico Guilermo Leninghaus, a Brazilian collector who discovered the cactus. For example: Notocactus leninghausii).
leprosorum Of the lepers, locality is near the leper colony of Port Alegre.
leptanthum Thin flowered. (For example: Gymnocalycium leptanthum).
leptocaulis From the Greek word lepto, meaning thin and the Latin word caulis, meaning stem. (For example: Opuntia leptocaulis).
leucocarpus White, pale fruit.
liliputanus Small enough to inhabit lilliput, refers to its lack of size.
limiticola Mud or marshes, inhabitant of, found growing near marshes.
lindanus Lindevalda Borges Pereira, the wife of Eddie Esteves Pereira (Arthrocereus melanurus ssp. estevesii, Coleocephalocereus estevesii, Discocactus estevesii, Facheiroa estevesii, Leocereus estevesii, Melocactus estevesii, Opuntia estevesii, Pilosocereus estevesii, Siccobaccatus estevesii), Brazilian explorer and expert of Brazilian cacti, that (since 1973) together P. J. Braun and others, discovered and published dozens of new cacti species from Brazil (LINDA= beautiful, is a Brazilian nick name to Lindevalda. (For example: Discocactus lindanus).
linkii Discovered by Dr. Heinrich Friedrich Link.
longimamma The names means long nippled. (For example: Dolichothele longimamma).
longispinus Long spines.
lophophoroides Lophophora like, looks very much like a Lophophora with spines. (For example: Turbinicarpus lophophoroides).
louisae Discovered by Mrs. Louisa Hutchinson, the mother of Theodore [Ted] Hutchison (1904-1974), she explored in Baja California with son in 1930. (For example: Mammillaria hutchisoniana ssp. Louisae).
lourencoensis Comes from Sao Lourenco, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
lupina The specific name means wolf-like. (For example: Faucaria lupina).
luteo-roseus Pale yellow, rose coloured, refers to the two colours of the flower.
luteus Deep yellow.
luthieniae Named after Luthien Tinuveil, the Tolkien elfish princess, (For example: Mammillaria luthieniae).
luzmariae Luz Maria Villarreal de Puga (b.1913), Mexican botanist, director of the Botanical Institute of the Universidad de Guadalajara and a founding member and organizer of the cactological society of Jalisco and coordinator of the project Cactological Flora of the State of Jalisco (For example: Heliocereus luzmariae).
macambarensis Comes from Macambara, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
machadoensis Comes from Pinheiro Machado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
macracanthus Large spines.
macrohele Large-clawed, referring to the claw like spination. (For example: Turbinicarpus macrohele).
macrorhiza (f) From the Greek adjective "macros" meaning "large, long, tall, high, deep, far,", and the Greek word "rhiza" meaning "root, stem, origin"  The specific name implies: "large rooted.
 (For example Opuntia macrorhiza v. pottsii).
macrorhizum (n) From the Greek adjective "macros" meaning "large, long, tall, high, deep, far,", and the Greek word "rhiza" meaning "root, stem, origin"  The specific name implies: "large rooted.
 (For example Opuntia macrorhiza v. pottsii).
macrorhizus (m) From the Greek adjective "macros" meaning "large, long, tall, high, deep, far,", and the Greek word "rhiza" meaning "root, stem, origin"  The specific name implies: "large rooted.
 (For example Opuntia macrorhiza v. pottsii).
maculata The specific name means spotted. (For example: Gasteria maculata).
magnificus Magnificent.
major Larger than usual.
maldonadensis Comes from Maldonado, Uruguay.
mammulosus "Having many nipple like projections", refers to the humps on the ribs. (For example: Notocactus mammulosa).
mandragora Refers to the Mandrake like shape of the tap root. (For example: Turbinicarpus mandragora).
marchesii Discovered by Prof. Eduardo Marchesi.
marmarajensis Comes from Marmaraja, Uruguay.
marsoneri Named after O. Marsoner. For example: Rebutia marsoneri).
masollerensis Comes from Masoller, Salto, Uruguay.
maximus "Largest", generally refers to a variety/form with a larger stature.
megalanthus Large flower.
megapotamicus "Large, river" Comes form Rio Grande do Sul (Rio Grande = large river).
memorialis "Remembrance", named in remembrance of Hugo Schlosser
meonacanthus Smaller, weaker spines.
mexicana From the state of "Mexico" the land of origin of this plant.
(The specific name implies "Mexican")
(For example Geohintonia mexicana).
microdasys From the Greek mikros, small, and dasus, hairy.
(For example: Opuntia microdasys).
microfloridus Small flower.
micromeris The name means made up of tiny part. (For example: Epithelantha micromeris).
migiurtinus Derives from the mountain region of "migiurtina" in the North East of Somalia.
(The specific name implies "from the region of Migiurtina")
(For example Pseudolithos_migiurtinus)
mihanovichii Named after M. Mihanovich. (For example: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii).
mihanovichii var. friedrichii Named after A. M. Friedrich. (For example: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii var. friedrichii).
mihanovichii var. piraretaense Named after the place of discovery Pirareta. (For example: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii var. piraretaense).
mihanovichii var. stenogonum Small ribs. (For example: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii var. stenogonum).
millaresii Named after habitat, Bolivia, Dept. Potosi, Prov. Saavedra, near Millares. (For example: Gymnocalycium millaresii).
minasensis Comes from Minas de Corrales.
miniatispinus Reddish coloured spines.
miniflorus Small flowered.
minimus Smaller than usual.
minisculis "Tiny," refers to the small size of the body.
minor "Smaller." Smaller growing form.
mistioensis Comes from Misti.
Mme. Marnier Mrs. Marnier. (For example: Mammillaria camptotricha cv. Mme Marnier).
moeller-valdezi L. Möller-Valdez, Heinrich Möller sister-in-law (Corynopuntia moelleriana, Echinocereus moelleri, Mammillaria moelleriana, Notocactus moelleri, ) expert on Mammillaria. (For example: Mammillaria moeller-valdezi).
molispina Soft spines.
molispinus Soft spines.
mombergeri Discovered by Peter Momberg. (For example: Turbinicarpus mombergeri).
monacantha From Greek monos, only and akantha, spine, with only one spine. (For example: Opuntia monacantha).
montana The name means mountainous. (For example: Copiapoa Montana).
montevidensis Comes from Cerro Montevideo.
monvillei Named after m. de Monville. (For example: Gymnocalycium millaresii).
monvillei subsp. achirasense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. San Luis, near Achiras. (For example: Gymnocalycium monvilleii subsp. achirasense).
monvillei subsp. achirasense var. achirasense fa. villamercedense Named after habitat, formerly Villa Mercedes, today city of Mercedes. (For example: Gymnocalycium monvillei subsp. Achirasense var. achirasense fa. villa mercedense).
monvillei subsp. achirasense var. chacrasense Named after habitat Las Chacras. (For example: Gymnocalycium monvillei subsp. achirasense var. chacrasense.)
monvillei subsp. achirasense var. echinatum Hedgehog-like spination. (For example: Gymnocalycium monvillei subsp. achirasense var. echinatum.)
monvillei subsp. achirasense var. kainradliae Named after Andrea E. Kainradl. (For example: Gymnocalycium monvillei subsp. achirasense var. kainradliae.)
monvillei subsp. achirasense var. orientale Lies in the most eastern part of the habitat. (For example: Gymnocalycium monvillei subsp. achirasense var. orientale).
monvillei subsp. gertrudae Named after Gertrud Lugmayr. (For example: Gymnocalycium monvillei subsp. gertrudae).
monvillei subsp. gertrudae var. confusa Regular spread. (For example: Gymnocalycium monvillei subsp. Gertrudae var. confusa).
monvillei var. grandiflorum Large-flowered. (For example: Gymnocalycium var. grandiflorum).
monvillei var. steineri Named after A. Steiner. (For example: Gymnocalycium var. steineri).
mosquitensis Comes from Cerro Mosquito.
mostii Named after C. Most. (For example: Gymnocalycium mostii).
mueller-melchersii Discovered by F.C. Müller-Melchers.
mugelianus Named to honour Henry Mugli.
muhriae Dorothea Muhr (b. 1924) in German, from 1958 in Argentina, collected and discovered many new, beautiful cacti. (For example: Lobivia muhriae).
multicolorspinus Many, coloured spines.
multicostatus Many ribs.
multiflorum Many flowered. (For example: Gymnocalycium multiflorum).
multiflorus Many flowered. (For example: Gymnocalycium multiflorum).
muricatus Rough, with many sharp points.
mutabilis The specific name means changeable. (For example: Parodia mutabilis).
myriacanthus "Very many, spines," refers to the dense spination.
myriostigma From the Greek adjective myrios meaning "countless; huge, infinite; 10,000", and the connective vowel "O" used in botanical Latin, usually for Greek words, and the Greek word stigma meaning "point; brand, blemish, thorn" ( The specific name implies: "many points").
myriostigmata (For example Astrophytum myriostigma)
nanus Dwarf. Usually refers to a smaller body size.
nelissae Nelissa Panarotto, the daughter of Paolino Panarotto - Italian nurseryman, expert of Turbinicarpus (Ariocarpus retusus ssp., Turbinicarpus panarottoi). (For example: Turbinicarpus saueri ssp. nelissae).
nelliae Nelie Davis, the wife of A. R. Davis (Cylindropuntia davisii, Echinocereus davisii, Hamatocactus v. davisii). (For example: Escobaria (Coryphantha, Mammillaria) nellieae).
neo "New", often used when a plant is moved into a different genus that already contains a plant with the same name; e.g. when Malacocarpus was reduced to a subgenus of Notocactus, the renamed Malacocarpus horstii would have conflicted with the horstii already in Notocactus. So it was renamed neohorstii.
neoarechavaletae -- New arechavaletae.
neoblaauwianus -- New blaauwianus.
neobuenekeri --New buenekeri.
neohorstii -- New horstii.
neouebelmannianus -- New uebelmannianus.
neuhuberi Named after G. Neuhuber. (For example: Gymnocalycium neuhuberi).
nickelsae Anna B. Nickels, cacti collector, grower and exporter of cacti from Texas (USA) - in 19th cent. (For example: Coryphantha nickelsae).
nidulans A small bird’s nest. (For example: Gymnocalycium nidulans).
nieblae Named after Sergio Niebla Álvarez. (For example: Turbinicarpus nieblae).
nigriareolatum Black areole. (For example: Gymnocalycium nigriareolatum).
nigriareolatum fa. coloratum Coloured shape. (For example: Gymnocalycium nigriareolatum fa. coloratum).
nigriareolatum var. simoi Named after Dr. A. Simo. (For example: Gymnocalycium nigriareolatum var. simoi).
nigriareolatum var. densispinum Thick spines. (For example: Gymnocalycium nigriareolatum var. densispinum).
nigriareolatum var. nigriareolatum fa. carmineum Carmine. (For example: Gymnocalycium nigriareolatum var. nigriareolatum fa. carmineum).
nigrispinis "Black, spines" (really means "spines-slightly-darker-than-the-one-I-found-before").
nigroleptacanthus Black, slender spines.
nilsonii Discovered by Ari Delmo Nilson.
nivea Snow white.
nivosa From the Latin word nivis, meaning snow. (For example: Mammillaria nivosa).
nivosus From the Latin word nivis, meaning snow. (For example: Mammillaria nivosa).
noodtiae Dr. Hilda Noodt. (For example: Opuntia noodtiae).
notabilis Noteworthy.
nudum Naked. (For example Astrophytum myriostigma var. nudum)
obesa The specific name means fat. (For example: Euphorbia obesa).
obscurus Dark.
obtectus Covered over, concealed.
ochoterenae Named after Prof. Ochoterena. (For example: Gymnocalycium ochoterenae).
ochoterenae subsp. herbsthoferianum Named after G. Herbsthofer. (For example: Gymnocalycium ochoterenae subsp. herbsthoferianum).
ochoterenae subsp. vatteri Named after E. Vatter. (For example: Gymnocalycium ochoterenae subsp. vatteri).
ochoterenae subsp. vatteri var. altautinense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Corduba, Altautina. (For example: Gymnocalycium ochoterenae subsp. Vatteri var. altautinense).
ochoterenae var. scoparium Broom-like. (For example: Gymnocalycium ochoterenae var. scoparium).
oenanthemum Carpet flowering. (For example: Gymnocalycium oenanthemum).
oligacanthus Few spines.
olimarensis Comes from Olimar.
oliviae Olivia Orcutt, the wife or C. R. Orcutt dealer of cacti in 19th cent. For example: Mammillaria grahamii v. oliviae).
oreophilus "Of mountains, loving, growing in", growing in mountainous regions.
ornatum The name means decorative. For example: Astrophytum ornatum).
orssichiana Named so in honour of Countess Beatrix Orssich (Brazil) who discovered this species. She was from Austrian Origin. (For example: Schlumbergera orssichiana).
orthacanthus Straight spined.
ottonis For Christopher Friedrich Otto, curator of the Berlin Garden Botanica. (For example: Notocactus ottonis).
oxycostatus Sharp ribs.
paediophilum Child-loving, lots of children. (For example: Gymnocalycium paediophilum).
pailanus Comes from Sierra de la Paila, Coahuila, México. (For example: Turbinicarpus pailanus).
pallidor Pale or pallid looking.
panarottoi Discovered by Paolino Panarotto. (For example: Turbinicarpus panarottoi).
pantanoensis Comes from Pantano Grande.
paoli Named after Paolino Panarotto the Turbinicarpus enthusiast and nurseryman. (For example: Turbinicarpus paoli).
paradoxus Paradoxical.
paraguayense Named after its habit, Paraguay. (For example: Gymnocalycium paraguayense).
paranaensis Comes from Parana, Brazil.
parviflorus From the Latin word parvus that means "small" and from "florus" the past participle of the Latin verb "floreo" meaning "to flower" (The specific name implies: "small flowered")
(for example Sclerocactus parviflorus)
parvisetus Small bristles.
parvulum Really small. (For example: Gymnocalycium parvulum).
parvulum var. amoenum Lovely, charming, beautiful. (For example: Gymnocalycium parvulum var. amoenum).
parvus Really small. (For example: Gymnocalycium parvulum).
pauciareolatus Few areoles.
paucicostatus Few ribs.
paucispini Having few spines.
paucispinus Few spines.
paulus Small.
pectinatus From the Latin word pecten, meaning comb and adjective atus, meaning possessive of or likeness of. (For example: Echinocereus pectinatus).
pelotasensis Comes from Pelotas.
pentacanthus Pentacanthus means five spined. (For example: Echinofossulocactus pentacanthus).
perforata The specific name means perforated. (For example: Crassula perforata).
peruvianus Meaning of Peru. For example: Cereus peruvianus).
pflanzii Named after K. Pflanz. (For example: Gymnocalycium pflanzii).
pflanzii subsp. argentinense Named after the habitat, Argentina. (For example: Gymnocalycium pflanzii subsp. argentinense).
pflanzii subsp. dorisiae Named after Doris Amerhauser, wife of H. Amerhauser. (For example: Gymnocalycium pflanzii subsp. dorisiae).
pflanzii var. eytianum Named after habitat, Bolivia, Dept. Santa Cruz, Prov. Cordillera, Eyti. (For example: Gymnocalycium pflanzii var. eytianum).
pflanzii var. izozogsii Named after habitat, Bolivia, Dept.Santa Cruz, Prov. Cordillera, Izozog Basin. (For example: Gymnocalycium pflanzii var. izozogsii).
pflanzii var. izozogsii fa. chuquisacanum Named after habitat, Bolivia, Dept. Chuquisaca. . (For example: Gymnocalycium pflanzii var. izozogsii fa. chuquisacanum).
pflanzii var. lagunillasense Named after habitat, Bolivia, Prov. Cordillera, Dept. Santa Cruz, Lagunillas. (For example: Gymnocalycium pflanzii var. lagunillasense).
pflanzii var. millaresii Named after habitat, Bolivia, Prov. Saavedra, Millares. (For example: Gymnocalycium pflanzii var. millaresii).
pflanzii var. riograndense Named after habitat, Dept. Santa Cruz, Prov. Valle Grande, at banks of Rio Grande. (For example: Gymnocalycium pflanzii var. riograndense).
phaeacantha Having dusky spines. (For example: Opuntia phaeacantha).
piltziorum Joerge and Brigitte Piltz, German lovers of cacti. (For example: Gymnocalycium piltziorum).
piriapolisensis Comes from Piriapolis, Maldonado, Uruguay.
placentiformis Flat, and circular shaped.
platense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Buenos Aires, Sierra de la Ventura, Rio de la Plata El Ricon. (For example: Gymnocalycium platense).
pleiocephalus "More than usual, head", refers to the freely offsetting habit.
poeschlii Named after J. Pöschl. (For example: Gymnocalycium poeschlii).
polancoensis Comes from Polanco.
polaski Discovered by Charles and Mary Polaski. (For example Turbinicarpus polaski).
polyacanthus Many spines.
polyancistrus From the Greek word ancistron meaning "fish or spindle hook", referring to the long hooked central spines, and polys meaning "much, many, frequent; large; heavy"
(The specific name implies: "many hooks")
(For example Sclerocactus polyancistrus)
Polycephala (f) (The specific name implies: "many-headed")
Polycephalum (n) (for example: Echinocactus polycephalus - Epithelantha polycephala )
polycephalus (m) From the Greek adjective polys meaning "much, many, frequent; large; heavy" and the word cephale meaning "head; front; end, point; source, top; chief person"
pororensis Comes from Pororo, Uruguay.
porphreus Reddish purple.
pottsii Named named in honour of "John Potts" manager of a mine in Ciudad Chihuahua who collected cacti for the the prince Salm-Dyck.
(For example: Opuntia pottsii - Mammillaria pottsii - Ferocactus pottsii)
preenii Discovered by Roger Preen. (For example Turbinicarpus preenii).
prestlei Discovered by Karl Heinz Prestlé.
principis From the genitive of the Latin word princeps (gen. principis), meaning "a prince, a chief, primus, first"
(The specific name implies: "of the prince")
(For example Leuchtembetgia principis)
pringlei For Cyrus Guernsey Pringle, an American botanist. (For example Pachycereus pringlei)
prolifer Offsetting freely.
prolifera From the Latin word proles, meaning offspring and participle fer, meaning to bring forth. (For example: Mammillaria prolifera)
proliferum Branching. (For example: Gymnocalycium proliferum).
pseudocactus "False, acutus", refers to the appearance similar to acutus.
pseudoblaauwianus -- "false, blaauwianus", refers to the appearance similar to blaauwianus. pseudoeremiticus -- "false, eremiticus", refers to the appearance similar to eremiticus. pseudograessneri -- "false, graessneri", refers to the appearance similar to graessneri. pseudoherteri -- "false, herteri", refers to the appearance similar to herteri.
pseudopulvinatus -- "false, pulvinatus", refers to the appearance similar to pulvinatus. pseudorutilans -- "false, rutilans", refers to the appearance similar to rutilans.
pseudomacrochele Similar to macrochele.
pseudopectinatus Similar to pectinatus.
pugionacanthum Dagger spined. (For example: Gymnocalycium pugionacanthum).
pulchellus The name means beautiful. (For example: Echinocereus pulchellus).
pulcherrimus The name means beautiful. (For example: Echinocereus pulchellus).
pulchra The name means beautiful. (For example: Echinocereus pulchellus).
pulvinata The specific name means cushiony. (For example: Echeveria pulvinata).
pulvinatus The specific name means cushiony. (For example: Echeveria pulvinata).
purpureiflorus Purple flower.
purpureus "Purple", refers to the flower colour.
quehlianum Named after L. Quehl. (For example: Gymnocalycium pugionacanthum).
quervosenis Comes from Quebrada del Quervos.
ragonesei Named after S. Ragones. (For example: Gymnocalycium ragonesei).
ramosus Offsetting.
rauhiorum Hilda Rauh and her husband Werner Rauh German botanist, discoverer of new cacti and other succulents from Peru, Madagascar etc. (For example: Rhipsalis rauhiorum).
rauschii Named after W. Rausch. (For example: Gymnocalycium rauschii).
rechensis Comes from Ana Rech, Rio Grande do Sul.
reductum Shaped back. (For example: Gymnocalycium reductum).
reductum var. leucodictyon White net. (For example: Gymnocalycium reductum var. leucodictyon).
renatae Renata Gertel, the wife of Willi Gertel (Ingelheim, Germany). (For example: Sulcorebutia renatae).
rhopalophylla The specific name means with club shaped leaves. (For example Fenestraria rhopalophylla).
rigidissimus From the Latin word rigidus, meaning stiff and adjective issimus, meaning to the greatest degree. (For example: Echinocereus rigidissimus).
riojense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. La Rioja. (For example: Gymnocalycium riojense).
riojense subsp. kozelskyanum Named after Kozelský. (For example: Gymnocalycium riojense subsp. kozelskyanum
riojense subsp. kozelskyanum var. mirandense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. La Rioja, Cuesta Miranda. (For example: Gymnocalycium riojense subsp. Kozelskyanum var. mirandnense).
riojense subsp. kozelskyanum var. sanjuanense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. San Juan. (For example: Gymnocalycium riojense subsp. Kozelskyanum var. sanjuanense).
riojense subsp. paucispinum Few spines. (For example: Gymnocalycium riojense subsp. paucispinum).
riojense subsp. paucispinum var. guasayanense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Santiago del Estero, Sierra de Guasayan. (For example: Gymnocalycium riojense subsp. Paucispinum var. guasayanense).
riojense subsp. paucispinum var. platygonum Wide humped. (For example: Gymnocalycium riojense subsp. paucispinum var. guasayanense).
riojense subsp. piltziorum Named after J. Piltz. (For example: Gymnocalycium riojense subsp. piltziorum).
riojense subsp. riojense var. guthianum Named after F. Guth. (For example: Gymnocalycium riojense subsp. riojense var. guthianum).
riojense subsp. var. pipanacoense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Catamarca, Salar de Pipanaco. (For example: Gymnocalycium riojense subsp. var. pipanacoense).
riosusannaensis Comes from Rio Susanna.
rioverdensis Comes from Rio Verde, San Luis Potosi, México. (For example: Turbinicarpus rioverdensis).
ritteri The name commemorates the well-known cactus collector F. Ritter. (For example: Aztekium ritteri).
ritterianum Named after F. Ritter. (For example: Gymnocalycium ritterianum).
ritterianus Named after F. Ritter. (For example: Gymnocalycium ritterianum).
robusta Robust.
robustior Robust.
robustispinus Robust spines.
robustus Robust.
rookbyana Ellen Rooksby- Ellen Maria Knoll (1873-1952) (Pasadena, USA) long standing editor of botanical journal "Desert Plant Life" - mainly about cacti and succulents. (For example: Mammillaria scripsiana v. rookbyana).
rosae Named after Rosa Till, wife of H. Till. (For example: Gymnocalycium rosae).
rosae Discovered by Rosa Uebelmann the wife of Werner Uebelmann - Swiss prominent grower, importer and discoverer of cacti in Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. (For example: Pilosocereus rosae).
rosarioana Rosario Rausch, Argentinian, the second wife of Walter Rausch. (For example: Lobivia formosa v. rosarioana).
rosea Rose coloured.
roseiflorus Red flowered. (For example: Turbinicarpus roseiflorus).
roseoluteus From the Latin words rosea, meaning rose pink and luteus, meaning golden yellow. (For example: Notocactus roseoluteus).
ruberriumus Red.
rubescens Red.
rubricostatus "Red, ribs", refers to the tendency of the ribs to turn red in full sun.
rubricurvispinus Red, curved spines.
rubriflorus Red flowered. (For example: Turbinicarpus rubriflorus).
rubriflorus Red flowered.
rubrigemmatus "Red, bearing buds", refers to the distinctive red colour of the flower buds.
rubrispinus Red coloured spines.
rubrograndis From the Latin words rubeus, meaning red and grandis, meaning large. (For example: Mammillaria rubrograndis).
rubropedatus "Red, foot", refers to the red colour of the base of the central spines.
rudibuenekeri Named after the discoverer Rudi W. Büneker.
ruficeps Reddish.
rufispinus Reddish spines.
ruoffii Discovered by Heinz Ruoff.
ruthae Ruth Larabe (who donated Quail Gardens) - a travelling companions (with her husband Charles) in excursion of Harry Johnson through Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Yucatan (1951). (For example: Erdisia ruthae).
rutilans "Red and yellow", refers to the flower colouration.
saboae Discovered (1965) by Kathryn Sabo, meritous member and president (1981-1982) of the CSSA, owner of the imposing succulent garden. (For example: Mammillaria saboae).
saglionis For the Frenchman J. Saglion who was the first to grow this plant in Europe. (For example: Gymnocalycium saglionis).
saglionis subsp. tilcarense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Jujuy, Tilcara. (For example: Gymnocalycium saglionis subsp. tilcarense).
sanguiniflora The specific name means red flowered. (For example: Parodia sanguiniflora).
santa-rita For the Santa Rita Mountains in Pima County, AZ. (For example: Opuntia santa-rita).
sarandiensis Comes from Sarandi, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
saueri Discovered by Georg Sauer. (For example: Turbinicarpus saueri).
scacpharostrus From the Latin word scaphus meaning "boat, the hull of a boat", and the Latin word rostrum meaning "the beak of a bird" referring to the long tubercles
scapharostris (The specific name implies: "boat shaped tubercles") (for example Ariocarpus scapharostrus)
schaeferianus Named to honour Dr. Gerhardt Schäfer.
schatzlianum Named after S. Schatzl. (For example: Gymnocalycium schatzlianum).
scheinvariana Dra Leia [Akcelrad Lerner de] Scheinvar Mexican botanists (UNAM). (For example: Opuntia scheinvariana).
schickendantzii Named after Schickendandtz. (For example: Gymnocalycium schickendantzii ).
schickendantzii var. delaetii Named after F. De Laet. (For example: Gymnocalycium schickendantzii var. delaetii).
schlosseri Discovered by Hugo Selmar Schlosser.
schmiedickeanus Named after K. Schmiedicke. (For example: Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus).
schroederianum Named after Dr. J. Schröder. (For example: Gymnocalycium schroederianum).
schroederianum subsp. bayense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Buenos Aires, Sierras Bayas. (For example: Gymnocalycium schroederianum).
schroederianum subsp. paucicostatum Few ribs. (For example: Gymnocalycium schroederianum subsp. paucicostatum).
schuetzianum Named after B. Schütz. (For example: Gymnocalycium schatzlianum).
schumannianus Named to honour Karl Moritz Schumann.
schwarzii Discovered by Fritz Schwarz. (For example: Turbinicarpus schwarzii).
scopa From the Latin word scopa (pl. scopæ) meaning "a broom", referring to the long and dense spination.
(The specific name implies: "broom like")
(For example: Notocactus scopa)
securituberculatus "Axe shaped tubercles", referring to the sharpness of the ribs.
segredoensis Comes from Segredo.
sellowii Discovered by Friedrich Sellow.
senescens "Growing old."
senilis A Latin word meaning an old or aged man. (For example: Cephalocereus senilis).
septentrionallis "Northern", referring to the fact that this taxon is the northern most member of its group. (For example: Turbinicarpus septentrionallis).
sessiflorus "Stalk-less, flower", refers to the very short flower.
setacei "Bristly", refers to the bristle like spines.
seticeps Bristly.
setispinus From the Latin words seta, meaning bristle and spina, meaning thorn or prickle. (For example: Hamatocactus setispinus).
setosus Full of bristles.
sigelianum Named after C. Sigel. (For example: Gymnocalycium schatzlianum).
silvestrii Named after the zoologist Dr. Silvester who was the first to describe it. (For example: Chamaecereus silvestrii).
sneedii Named in honour of  the plant collector "J.R. Sneed"
(for example: Escobaria sneedii)
soldtianus Named to honour D.C. von Soldt.
spachiana (f) (for example Trichocereus (Echinopsis) spachianus).
spachianum (n) (for example Trichocereus (Echinopsis) spachianus).
spachianus (m) The species name "spachianus" is named in honour of the Alsatian botanist "Edouard Spach (1801-1879)"
spegazzinii Named after Prof. C. Spegazzini. (For example: Gymnocalycium spegazzinii).
spegazzinii Named to honour by Carlos Spegazzini.
Spegazzinii var. major Larger. (For example: Gymnocalycium spegazzinii var. major).
spegazzinii var. punillense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Salta, Rio de Los Conchas, La Punilla. (For example: Gymnocalycium spegazzinii var. punillense).
sphacellatus "With brown or blackish speckling", probably referring to the spination. (For example: Turbinicarpus sphacellatus).
spinibarbis Spiny beard. (For example: Eulychnia spinibarbis).
spiniflorum The word indicates the spiny receptacle and pericarp scales. (For example: Acanthocalycium spiniflorum).
spinosa (f) From the Latin adjectives spinosus meaning "thorny, prickly" (from the Latin word spina which means "thorn, prickle")
( The specific name implies: "with spines").
spinosior From the Latin adjectives spinosus ("thorny") and the comparative suffix ior that means "more so, to a greater degree; more-, -er"
( The specific name implies: "the thornier").
(For example: Sclerocactus spinosior )
spinosissima (f) ( The specific name implies: "the spiniest").
spinosissimum (n) (For example: Mammillaria spinosissima)
spinosissimus (m) From the Latin adjectives spinosus meaning "thorny" and the superlative suffix issimus that means "most so, to the greatest degree; most-, -est"
spinosum (n) From the Latin adjectives spinosus meaning "thorny, prickly" (from the Latin word spina which means "thorn, prickle")
( The specific name implies: "with spines").
spinosus (m) From the Latin adjectives spinosus meaning "thorny, prickly" (from the Latin word spina which means "thorn, prickle")
( The specific name implies: "with spines").
spinulifer (m) From the Latin word spinula meaning "a small thorn, spine" and the adjective suffix fero that means "to bear, carry, bring".
( The specific name implies: "bearing little thorns").
spinulifera (f) From the Latin word spinula meaning "a small thorn, spine" and the adjective suffix fero that means "to bear, carry, bring".
( The specific name implies: "bearing little thorns").
spinuliferum (n) From the Latin word spinula meaning "a small thorn, spine" and the adjective suffix fero that means "to bear, carry, bring".
( The specific name implies: "bearing little thorns").
spinulosa (f) From the Latin word spinula meaning "a small thorn, spine" (The specific name implies: "with lots of little spines" )
spinulosum (n) From the Latin word spinula meaning "a small thorn, spine" (The specific name implies: "with lots of little spines" )
spinulosus (m) From the Latin word spinula meaning "a small thorn, spine" (The specific name implies: "with lots of little spines" )
splendens (f) ( The specific name implies: "shining, splendid").
splendens (m) From the Latin adjective splendens meaning "shining, splendid, magnificent, beautiful"
staffordae Discovered by Dora B. Stafford, who collected plant in Peru (1937). (For example: Tephrocactus staffordae).
stapeliiformis The specific name means resembling the Stapelia. (For example: Ceropegia stapeliiformis).
steereae Discovered by Lois Steere. (For example: Echinocereus steereae).
stegmannii Discovered by H. Stegmann.
steiniania Hildegunda Stein, meritorious collaborator of Curt Backeberg. (For example: Austrocylindropuntia steiniania).
stellatum Star shaped. (For example: Gymnocalycium stellatum).
stellatum var. flavispinum Yellow, prickly. (For example: Gymnocalycium stellatum var. flavispinum).
stellatum var. kleinianum Named after O. Klein. (For example: Gymnocalycium stellatum var. kleinianum).
stellatum var. obductum Wrapped up, hidden. (For example: Gymnocalycium stellatum var. obductum).
stellatum var. zantnerianum Named after A. Zanter. (For example: Gymnocalycium stellatum var. zantnerianum).
stenogonus "Narrow, angle", perhaps refers to the narrower ribs.
stenopleurum Thin ribbed shaped. (For example: Gymnocalycium stenopleurum).
stockingeri Discovered by Fransisco Stockinger.
storianus Named to honour I. Stor.
striglianum Named after F. Strigl. (For example: Gymnocalycium striglianum).
stuckertii Named after H. Stuckert. (For example: Gymnocalycium stuckertii).
subgibbosa From the Latin word gibbus, meaning hump or possessing a hump. sub prefix denotes a plant has a lesser hump. (For example: Eriosyce subgibbosa).
submammulosus "Nearly, mammulosus", refers to the appearance similar to N. mammulosus.
subterraneus Underground, referring to the underground tap root. (For example: Turbinicarpus subterraneus).
subtilispinus Fine, delicate spines.
sucineus "Amber coloured", refers to the colour of the spination.
sulphureus Yellow coloured.
sutterianum Named after W. Sutter. (For example: Gymnocalycium stuckertii).
suzannae Suzanna Jarmer, the wife of Dr Christian Jarmer, both are authors of morphological research. (For example: Gymnocalycium bruchii ssp. suzannae).
swobodae Discovered by Heinz Swobodae. (For example: Turbinicarpus swobode).
tabularis "Flattened, like a plate", refers to the flattened globular, body shape.
tacuarembensis Comes from Tacuarembo, Uruguay.
taningaense Named after habitat, Argentina, Prov. Corduba, Taninga. (For example: Gymnocalycium taningaense).
tayloriorum Suzanna and Bob Taylor. (For example: Mammillaria tayloriorum).
tenebrosus "Of dark places."
tenuicylindricus "Slender, cylindrical", refers to the "slender cylindrical" body shape.
tenuispinus Slender spined.
tephracanthus Grey spines.
terweemeanum Named after T, Weeme. (For example: Gymnocalycium terweemeanum).
tesselata The specific name means net-like. (For example: Haworthia tesselata).
tetracanthus "Four, spines", probably relates to a plant with 4 central spines.
tetragonus From the Greek words tetra, meaning four and gonus, meaning knee or angle. (For example: Cereus tetragonus).
texensis Of Texas (For example: Echinocactus texensis).
theresae Named after Theresa Bock who with her husband John discovered the plants in 1966, in the Coneto Mountains in Durango, Mexico. (For example: Mammillaria theresae).
theunissianus Named to honour J. Theunissen.
thurberi For George Thurber, a collector in the US Southwest and Mexico. (For example: Cylindropuntia thurberi).
tillianum Named after H. Till. (For example: Gymnocalycium tillianum).
tomentosa The specific name means covered with matted hair. (For example: Kalanchoe tomentosa).
tortuosus "Twisted, full of", refers to the very twisted spination.
tricornis "Three, spines", probably relates to a plant with 3 central spines.
triglochidiatus Three Barbed Bristles. (For example: Echinocereus triglochidiatus).
truncata (f) From the Latin adjective truncatus meaning "cut off, truncated" (The specific name implies: "squarely cut off" )
(For example: Haworthia truncata )
truncatum (n) From the Latin adjective truncatus meaning "cut off, truncated" (The specific name implies: "squarely cut off" )
(For example: Haworthia truncata )
truncatus (m) From the Latin adjective truncatus meaning "cut off, truncated" (The specific name implies: "squarely cut off" )
(For example: Haworthia truncata )
tuberculosa From the Latin root word tuberculum, meaning a small bump or swelling and the adjective osus, meaning plentiful. (For example: Escobaria tuberculosa).
tudae Named after H. Tudo. (For example: Gymnocalycium tudae).
tudae var. bolivianum Named after its habitat Bolivia. (For example: Gymnocalycium tudae var. bolivianum).
turbinatus Shaped like a top.
turecekianus Named to honour Victor Turecek
uebelmannianum Named after W. Übelmann. (For example: Gymnocalycium uebelmannianum).
uebelmannianus In honor of Werner Übelmann, a Swiss citizen that worked with Horst to discover new cactus species. (For example: Notocactus uebelmannianus).
umbrinispinus Dark brown spines.
uncinatus A Latin word meaning hooked. (For example: Sclerocactus uncinatus).
undulata The specific name means wavy. (For example: Cotyledon undulata).
uruguayanus Named after its habit Uruguay. (For example: Gymnocalycium uruguayense).
uruguayense Named after its habit Uruguay. (For example: Gymnocalycium uruguayense).
uruguayensis Named after its habit Uruguay. (For example: Gymnocalycium uruguayense).
uruguayus Named after its habit Uruguay. (For example: Gymnocalycium uruguayense).
vacariensis Comes from Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
valdezianus L. Moller-Valdez. (For example: Gymnocactus valdezianus).
valnicekianum Named after Dr. J. Valnicek. (For example: Gymnocalycium valnicekianum).
valnicekianum var. polycentralis Plenty of central spines. (For example: Gymnocalycium valnicekianum var. polycentralis).
vanvlietii Discovered by Dirk van Vliet.
variegata (f) ( The specific name implies: "variegated" )
variegatum (n) (For example: Orbea variegata )
variegatus (m) From the Latin passive verb participle variegatus meaning "to make or be different colours, to variegate"
velenovskyi Named to honour Velenovsky.
vencluianus Named to honour Franz Venclu.
verduzcoi Discovered by J. Verduzco. (For example: Turbinicarpus verduzcoi).
veronikae Veronika Lips the daughter of Jiri Lips - Czech nurseryman. (For example: Sulcorebutia veronikae).
victoriae regina The specific name is in honour of Queen Victoria (For example: Agave victoriae regina).
viereckii Discovered by Hans-Wilhelm Viereck. (For example: Turbinicarpus viereckii).
vilanovaensis Comes from Vila Nova.
villa-velhensis Comes from Villa Velha, Parana, Brazil.
villaseranus Comes from Villa Serrana, Uruguay.
virginis (Virgo= girl, maiden, virgin) to honour a young girl Maria from Guadeloupe. (For example: Mammillaria virginis).
viridiflavus "Green, yellow", probably refers to the colour of the flower.
vulgatus Common.
warasii Discovered by Eddie Waras.
weissianum Named after H. Weiss. (For example: Gymnocalycium weissianum).
werdermannianus Named to honour Erich Werdermann.
wilkeae Discovered by Kate Wilke (1897-1985) German born, hothead and expert of Bolivian cacti. (For example: Lobivia wilkeae).
winkleri Discovered by Agnes Morton Winkler (1904-1981), teacher at a public school. (For example: Pediocactus winkleri) -refers both to Mrs. Winkler and her son Jim.
winteriana Hildegarda Winter. (For example: Lobivia winteriana).
wislizeni For Friedrich Adolph Wislizenus, a German born physician/botanist who travelled extensively in the Southwest USA. (For example: Ferocactus wislizeni).
wrobelianus Uschi Wrobel, the wife of Stefan Nietzschke - author of the description of species. (For example: Turbinicarpus horripilus ssp. wrobelianus).
xicoi Named after the pseudonym of Fransisco Stockinger.
xiphacanthus Sword shaped spines.
ycarensis Comes from the Cuchilla Yacare, Dept. Artigas, Uruguay.
yerbalitoensis Comes from Yerbalito, Uruguay.
ysabellae Named by Kathe Schlange after plants seen in the collection of a lady called Ysabel Wright. (For example: Thelocactus ysabellae).
zaletaewana Irina Aleksandrowna Zaletaewa (1912-1981), distinguished member of the Moscow Cacti Club, patroness Russian lovers of cacti and the author of book about cacti. (For example: Parodia zaletaewana).
zapicanensis Comes from Zapican, Uruguay.
zaragozae Comes from Zaragoza, NL. Which is in turn named for General Ignacio Zaragoza who defended Mexico during the French Intervention (1862-1867). (For example: Turbinicarpus zaragozae).
zavaletae To honour Patricia Zavaleta Becker, the collector plants. (For example: Lobivia zavaletae).
zegarrae Named after G. Zegarra. (For example: Gymnocalycium zegarrae).
zeilmanniana The specific name zeilmanniana is after H. Zeilmann, a member of the German cactus Society (For example: Mammillaria zeilmanniana).
zonalis "Zones, resembling", probably relates to a plant with spination consisting of coloured bands.
zublerae Ruth Zubler, Swiss cactus enthusiast (Basle). (For example: Mammillaria zublerae).
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