membraniforme

Membraniforme is a descriptive term used in biological nomenclature meaning membrane-shaped or membranous. It is derived from Latin membraniformis or membraniforme, with membran- from membrana (membrane) and -iforme meaning “in the form of.” It is not a taxon.

In taxonomy, membraniforme appears as an epithet in species names across various groups, including fungi, plants, and algae. As an epithet, it signals a membranous trait of a notable structure—such as a thin, sheet-like covering, a membrane-like thallus, or other membranous tissue—but it does not by itself define a clade or rank.

In descriptive morphology, membraniforme is used for structures that are slender, flexible, and membrane-like. The exact interpretation depends on the author and the organism described; the term is often replaced in modern descriptions by more specific terms such as membranous or membraniform, depending on the gender of the noun.

Usage and scope: The term is common in historical and taxonomic literature but remains uncommon as a standalone taxonomic unit. Readers should interpret membraniforme from the context of the species description.