sagittatum

Sagittatum is a Latin adjective meaning arrow-shaped, used in biological nomenclature as a descriptive epithet rather than as a standalone taxon. It denotes features resembling an arrow, such as sagittate (arrowhead-shaped) leaves, beaks, or other structures.

In taxonomy, epithet sagittatum (or sagittatum, sagittata, sagittatus depending on gender) must agree with the genus; the neuter form sagittatum is used with neuter nouns, while sagittata and sagittatus align with feminine and masculine nouns respectively. The term occurs across plants, fungi, and animals where arrow-like morphology is described. It is common for descriptive epithets to appear in many different groups, rather than indicating a single, cohesive group.

There is no single widely recognized taxon named Sagittatum. The word is most often seen as part of binomial names or as a descriptive epithet in taxonomic descriptions. When used as a genus name, it would be subject to the same rules of nomenclature and would require publication and a type designation.

Etymology: From Latin sagitta, meaning “arrow,” with the suffix -atum forming a participial adjective. The term is frequently encountered in anatomical, botanical, and paleontological descriptions to indicate arrow-like shapes or protrusions.