palmata

Palmata is a Latin descriptive epithet used in biological nomenclature to indicate a palm-like feature, most often relating to leaves or other structures that resemble the shape of a hand. It is the feminine form of palmatus/palmatum and is chosen to agree with the gender of the genus name in a given taxonomic name.

In botany, palmata typically denotes palmately lobed or palmately divided leaves, where the leaf segments originate from a common point at the leaf base. This palm-like arrangement is a common criterion in plant identification and description and is contrasted with other leaf patterns such as pinnate or lanceolate forms. The term is part of a broader set of descriptors used to convey leaf shape and venation in botanical Latin, including palmate and palmatifid.

In taxonomy, palmata may appear as a species epithet in plant or animal names to reflect a palm-like characteristic observed in the organism. Because Latin adjectives agree in gender with the genus, palmata is used with feminine-named genera, while palmatus or palmatum may be used with masculine or neuter genera, respectively.

Etymologically, palmata derives from the Latin palma, meaning palm, combined with the suffix -ata, indicating possession of a characteristic. The term conveys a visual attribute and is commonly encountered in floras, taxonomic descriptions, and botanical keys as a quick descriptor of leaf architecture.

See also: palmate, palmatifid, palmately lobed.