When you look at the label on a plant you just bought, those odd Latin names like “Monstera deliciosa” or “Helianthus annuus” can seem quite mysterious. But behind those scientific names lies a well-organized system for classifying and identifying every species on Earth.
In this article, we’ll decode the intriguing world of plant nomenclature and uncover just how plants get their peculiar names.
The Binomial System
The naming scheme we use today is known as binomial nomenclature, meaning “two-term naming.” It was popularized by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the mid-1700s.
Linnaeus realized that giving plants lengthy, descriptive names like “the maple tree with jagged leaves that grows near water” was impractical. Instead he proposed identifying species using just two Latin words.
The first name denotes the genus, a grouping of closely related species. The second is the specific epithet that uniquely identifies the species within that genus.
For example the common sunflower is known scientifically as Helianthus annuus. Helianthus is the genus comprising all sunflower species while annuus specifically refers to the annual sunflower.
Easy to say, write, and remember, binomial names enable precise communication about any species globally, regardless of native languages.
What’s in a Botanical Name?
Botanical names are far from random. In fact, they act more like condensed descriptions. By translating the Latin, we can uncover lots of hidden clues.
Let’s break down the parts in Helianthus annuus:
- Helianthus = “sun” + “flower”, referring to the flowers’ solar appearance
- annuus = “annual”, denoting the plant’s lifespan
Other revealing examples:
- Quercus = “oak tree”
- Dendrobium = “tree living”, an orchid genus that grows on trees
- Asplenium = “spleen plant”, named as a reputed medicine
So botanical names succinctly tell us key traits and relationships. But who comes up with these apt names?
The Namers and Nameds
When a new species is discovered, the scientist who first validly publishes the name becomes the authority or author of that species.
Authorities frequently name new species after themselves, colleagues, public figures, or historical persons. For example:
- Magnolia stellata – named by Carl Linnaeus for French botanist Pierre Magnol
- Begonia obliqua – named by John Lindley for Michel Bégon, governor of Santo Domingo
- Salvia darwinii – named by Asa Gray for Charles Darwin
Other times, the names describe physical features, origin, growth habit, uses, etc.
- Paphiopedilum malipoense – found near Malipo, China
- Monstera adansonii – leaves have holes like Monstera deliciosa, named for French botanist Michel Adanson
- Chlorophytum comosum – “comosum” refers to tufted, comose foliage
So names reflect history, cultures, relationships, and appearances. But how are they governed?
Rules and Regulations
With so many namers at work, things could easily spiral out of control. That’s why the International Code of Nomenclature sets strict guidelines for naming species.
The Code stipulates that:
- Names must be unique across genera
- Names must be Latin or Latinized
- Names cannot be insulting or vulgar
- Priority goes to the first valid name published
- Widely used names are generally maintained
Specialized committees vote to uphold or update the Code’s rules. This keeps plant names consistent and meaningful despite evolving science and languages.
The Power in Names
Carl Linnaeus pioneered binomial nomenclature over 250 years ago, but his elegant system remains the backbone for organizing our natural world.
These Latinized names may seem stiff and archaic compared to colloquial ones like ‘sunflower’ and ‘oak tree’. However, the structure of scientific names allows us to precisely identify, classify, and discuss each of Earth’s estimated 350,000 plant species.
Botanical names distill obscure plants down to a simple format usable anywhere on the planet. They enable communication regardless of native tongues. In short, they provide a universal vocabulary for botanists and gardeners worldwide to share their passion.
So next time you see those perplexing Latin names, remember they’re infused with meaning, history, and purpose. A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but its scientific name lets us study, compare, and unite across borders united by a common goal – the love of plants!
How plants get their scientific names, a short introduction to plant taxonomy
FAQ
How did the plants get their name?
Who decides on plant names?
How do you get a plant named after you?
What is the main way plants are named?
How do plants get their names?
Each plant is given a unique name consisting of a first name and last name, generally based in Latin. This name is recognized for that plant throughout the world, no matter what the native language might be. Plants are grouped by their botanical similarities.
What is the naming of plants (nomenclature)?
The naming of plants (nomenclature) is controlled by two international codes. IAPT: International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. Controlling the botanical naming of plants (both wild and cultivated).
How do you write a plant name?
Family – The family name is not normally included in the plant name, but when it is written, the family has a capital initial letter and follows the genus name. Using the above as an example, the genus Hibiscus is a member of the Malvaceae family. i.e. HIBISCUS – Malvaceae.
What is a common name of a plant?
But the common name of plants are often misleading and can vary in different areas of the country and indeed the World. For example a bluebell in Scotland is usually called a harebell in England. Other plants have numerous common names, Pulmonaria is commonly known as Jerusalem Primrose, Jack and Jill and Soldiers and Sailors.
Can a plant be recognized by a scientific name?
That plant can be recognized by its scientific name throughout the world, no matter what the native language might be. It’s more often the case, though, that a group of non-scientists give a plant a name in their native language. This is what we call their common name.
How are plants classified or grouped?
Plants are first grouped by their taxonomic classification, with the first name of a botanical binomial being the genus name. For example, within the rose family, one would find Prunus (the group of plants we commonly call stone fruits), Malus (apples and crabapples), Rubus (bramble-type berries), and Rosa (the garden roses).