oldhamii

Oldhamii is a Latinized species epithet used in biological nomenclature to honor individuals with the surname Oldham. It is not a taxon on its own but a component of the two-part scientific name assigned to a species.

Etymology and usage: The epithet derives from the surname Oldham and uses the standard masculine genitive suffix -ii in Latin, meaning “of Oldham.” The exact person honored by a given Oldhamii epithet can vary, and it may reflect a naturalist, collector, or contributor associated with the discovery or study of a species. The form is used in both botanical and zoological names, and each occurrence represents a separate species across different genera.

Scope and examples: The epithet Oldhamii appears in multiple genera, reflecting its role as a commemorative name rather than a reflection of relatedness among species. A commonly cited example is Hoya oldhamii, a plant in the Apocynaceae family that is frequently cultivated as a houseplant for its sizable leaves. Other taxa may bear the same epithet, each with its own distinct origin and publication history.

Taxonomic notes: Because Oldhamii is a specific epithet, it does not denote a single group or lineage. Similar epithets (such as oldhamii, oldhamiana, or oldhamiarum) may occur in different taxa, each requiring consultation of the original species description to understand whom it honors and the context of naming.

See also: Latinized species epithets, eponymous names in taxonomy.