It's often used to describe the leaves of certain plants, like the Rosa rugosa (rugosa rose). These roses have thick, wrinkled, and leathery leaves.
However, "rugosa" can also describe other parts of the plant, such as the petals or even the fruit.
Here's a breakdown:
* Leaves: Wrinkled, thick, and often leathery texture
* Petals: May have a slightly wrinkled appearance, contributing to a unique texture
* Fruit (hips): Often have a wrinkled or bumpy surface
The word "rugosa" itself comes from the Latin word "ruga," meaning "wrinkle."
So, when you see "rugosa" in a plant description, you know it's a clue to a unique and often attractive textural element of that plant.