Cyme comes from the French word cime, meaning ‘top/summit’. This one is a bit more capitalist, as the flowers on cymes essentially bloom from the top down.

Spike, Solitary, and Head may all sound like biker gang nicknames. But in fact, these are some of the delightfully nerdy terms used to describe flowers.

Alpinus: Pertaining to the Alps. When you see this one, don’t think Julie Andrews in a nun outfit. Some plants with this species name have never even heard of the Alps.

Confusing. Unpronounceable. Impossible to spell.

Whether you are an herbalist or gardener, at a certain point Latin names become part of your language, whether you want them to or not.  However, there is a useful, illuminating, and yes, even enjoyable side to Latin names.