Monspessulanus

Monspessulanus is a Latin adjective meaning "of Montpellier." It is most commonly encountered as part of the botanical name of certain plants, particularly those native to or historically associated with the city of Montpellier in southern France. The most well-known example is Acer monspessulanum, commonly known as the Montpellier maple. This species of maple tree is indeed native to the Mediterranean region, including the area around Montpellier. The specific epithet "monspessulanus" serves to denote its geographical origin or association. While the term can be used in other contexts, its primary usage is within botanical nomenclature to designate a connection to Montpellier. The city itself has a long history of scientific and botanical study, with the establishment of one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, the Jardin des plantes de Montpellier, in the 16th century. This historical significance likely contributed to the naming of flora after the region. Therefore, when encountering "monspessulanus" in scientific literature, it is almost always referring to a plant species linked to Montpellier.