capitata

Capitata is a Latin feminine adjective used as a specific epithet in the scientific names of numerous species across plants and animals. It is the feminine form of capitatus, derived from caput meaning “head.” In taxonomic naming, capitata typically conveys a characteristic related to a head or head-like feature, though the exact reference varies among taxa.

Etymology and meaning: The root caput means head, and the suffix -ata marks the feminine form of the descriptor. As a species epithet, capitata functions as a descriptive label rather than indicating a distinct taxon by itself. The epithet must agree in gender with the genus name.

Usage and scope: Capitata is widely used in binomial nomenclature. It can appear in diverse genera and families, in both botanical and zoological names. Because it is a common descriptor, many unrelated species share the epithet, so capitata alone does not identify a single organism.

Notes for interpretation: In botanical names, capitata may refer to inflorescence features that resemble a head (such as a capitulum in some families) or other head-like structures. In zoology, it may describe cephalic or head-related characteristics. The precise meaning is best understood by consulting the full scientific name and accompanying taxonomic literature.

See also: Binomial nomenclature; Latin grammar in scientific names; Capitulum (botany).