rubriflorus

Rubriflorus is not a formal taxon by itself but a Latin epithet used in botanical nomenclature to indicate red-flowered forms. As an adjective, it appears within the scientific names of multiple plant species across different genera, rather than representing a single, unified group.

Etymology and form: The name derives from the Latin ruber, meaning red, combined with florus or flos, meaning flower. In botanical practice, rubriflorus must agree in gender with the generic name, producing forms such as rubriflorus (masculine), rubriflorosa (feminine), or rubriflorum (neuter) depending on the genus involved.

Morphology and typical usage: When used as a species epithet, rubriflorus typically signals that the plant has conspicuously red flowers or red-toned floral parts. However, the epithet does not guarantee uniformity of appearance across all instances, as coloration can vary within a genus or species, and environmental factors can influence pigment expression.

Taxonomic status and nomenclature: Rubriflorus serves as an epithet within binomials and does not denote a single taxon. Taxonomic treatment, including circumscription and rank, depends on the genus and the author who described the species. When species are moved to other genera, the epithet may be retained or changed to fit gender agreement or to avoid homonymy.

Distribution and examples: Because rubriflorus is used across multiple genera, its geographic distribution aligns with the individual species bearing the name rather than a unified category. For precise information, consult the specific species epithet in its respective genus.

See also: Latin binomial nomenclature, botanical epithets, color-based epithets in taxonomy.