The term "Plantagenet" refers to a royal dynasty that ruled England from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The name is derived from the Latin word "planta genista," which means broom plant, a symbol associated with Geoffrey Plantagenet, the father of King Henry II. This dynasty produced several notable monarchs, including Richard the Lionheart and King John, who signed the Magna Carta in 1215. The Plantagenets are known for their significant contributions to English history, including the establishment of common law and the expansion of the English territory. Their reign was marked by internal conflicts, such as the Wars of the Roses, which ultimately led to the rise of the Tudor dynasty.