Amethyst Purple Ranunculus The name Ranunculus is a combination of two Latin words; “rana” meaning “frog” & “unculus” meaning “little”. Strange to have a flower named Little Frog, perhaps, however it is alleged these delicate flowers using to grow in plentiful supply, like frogs, along the river banks. Today the ranunculus is considered an uplifting flower which represents charm and attractiveness regardless of its colour. They work perfectly in a vase at home using a mass of delicate stems or combined with other blooms in a mixed arrangement.