Ianusianum

Ianusianum is a Latinized specific epithet used in biological nomenclature. As with many epithets formed with the suffix -ianus/-iana/-ianum, it indicates a relationship or association, typically meaning "of or pertaining to" the root name from which it is derived. The neuter ending -ianum is used to agree in grammatical gender with a neuter genus name.

Etymology and meaning

The root Ianus (or Janus) evokes the Roman god associated with beginnings, transitions and duality; however, the epithet can also be formed from a personal name (for example, a surname or given name rendered into Latin). Depending on the original describer’s intent, ianusianum may reference morphological features suggestive of duality, a geographic or commemorative association, or honor a particular individual.

Taxonomic use

Ianusianum appears across taxonomic groups when authors choose that specific epithet. As with other epithets, its precise meaning and application are fixed by the original published description and type specimen. Under the International Codes of Nomenclature (for algae, fungi and plants) and Zoological Nomenclature, the epithet is treated as an adjective that must agree in gender with the genus name and is not capitalized.

Interpretation and citation

To understand why an author used ianusianum, consult the protologue (original species description) where etymology, type locality and diagnostic characters are recorded. Proper citation includes the binomial name followed by the author citation as given in the original publication.