integrifolia

Integrifolia is a Latin, non-generic botanical epithet used in the scientific names of various plant species. It is not a distinct taxon on its own, but rather a descriptor included in binomial nomenclature to indicate a common leaf characteristic.

Etymology and form: The epithet derives from Latin integrus or integer meaning whole, and folium meaning leaf. It is typically written as integrifolia to agree with feminine genus names, with integrifolius or integrifolium used where appropriate to match masculine or neuter genera.

Taxonomic usage: Because integrifolia describes a morphological feature rather than a shared lineage, it appears across unrelated plant groups and genera. The epithet is found in diverse families and serves as a descriptive tag rather than a reflection of phylogeny. Consequently, species bearing integrifolia in their scientific name may vary widely in habit, habitat, and distribution.

Morphological meaning: The primary implication is that the leaves are entire—having smooth, unlobed, and non-toothed margins. While this provides a useful identification cue, the degree of leaf smoothness and other leaf traits can differ among species and genera.

Examples and references: There are multiple taxa with integrifolia in their names, reflecting the broad application of the descriptor. For precise information about any specific species, consult primary taxonomic databases or the taxon page for that species.

See also: Botanical nomenclature, Latin epithets in plant names, leaf morphology.

Notes: As with many descriptive epithets, integrifolia’s exact morphological interpretation can vary slightly among genera, but the core meaning remains related to entire, smooth leaf margins.