integrifolius

Integrifolius is a botanical Latin epithet used in the scientific names of plants. It denotes that the species bears leaves that are entire and undivided, meaning the leaves lack lobes or leaflets. The epithet is descriptive rather than taxonomic on its own, and it can occur in many genera across different families.

Origin and form: The term derives from Latin integrus or integer meaning whole or undivided, combined with folius from folium leaf. The masculine form integrifolius, feminine integrifolia, and neuter integrifolium correspond to the gender of the genus name.

Usage: As with other species epithets, integrifolius is not a separate taxon but part of a binomial or higher-level name. It is used when leaf morphology is a prominent, diagnostic feature, though it does not imply specific relationships about related species. It is possible for multiple species across genera to bear this epithet, as it describes a common leaf trait rather than lineage.

Nomenclatural notes: If a species is moved to another genus, the epithet may be adjusted to maintain grammatical agreement with the new genus (e.g., integrifolius → integrifolia if the new genus is feminine). The epithet remains lowercase and is not capitalized.