Coulteri

Coulteri is a Latinized specific epithet used in the scientific names of various organisms to honor individuals with the surname Coulter. In taxonomic practice, the epithet coulteri is appended to the genus name to indicate the species, rather than designating a single taxon by itself. It is most commonly encountered in botanical names and is used across different groups of organisms.

One well-known example is Pinus coulteri, commonly called Coulter pine, a tree native to the coastal mountains of California and nearby regions. The species is notable for its very large cones and heavy seeds, which give the tree a distinctive profile.

Another example is Eriogonum coulteri, known as Coulter's buckwheat, a flowering plant named for Coulter. It is among the numerous plant taxa that bear the coulteri epithet in recognition of contributions by individuals bearing the surname Coulter.

The epithet coulteri thus serves as a historical marker within taxonomy, preserving the connection between species and the naturalists or collectors associated with their discovery or study. While most frequently found in plants, similar epithets appear in animal names as well, reflecting a broader practice of honoring contributors to natural history.