zeae

Zeae is a Latin-derived epithet used in scientific names to indicate a relationship to Zea, the genus that includes maize. It is not a taxon itself but part of binomial names of various organisms that are associated with maize, such as pathogens, endophytes, or other organisms described from maize material. In botanical Latin, zeae is formed from the genus name Zea and typically functions as an adjective in the species epithet or as a genitive/associative element, signaling origin or association with Zea.

Usage and scope

Zeae appears across multiple kingdoms, including fungi, bacteria, and plants. It can denote that the species was first described on maize, or that the organism is ecologically linked to maize, rather than being restricted to maize classification. The epithet helps convey an association with maize without implying that the organism is itself a member of the Zea genus.

Examples

Traditional examples include historical names of maize-associated fungi and bacteria; modern usage varies and some names may be obsolete or have been reassigned as classifications are updated. Because taxonomic names are frequently revised, the presence of zeae in a name does not necessarily indicate a current, valid rank or placement.

Taxonomic note

Zeae is not a stand-alone taxon or rank. For current classifications, researchers consult taxonomic databases and literature, such as those covering fungi, bacteria, and plants, to verify the status and validity of names containing zeae.

See also

Zea, maize, taxonomy of Zea.