Botanical Names - Definition, Factors, Types, and FAQs

Jul 24, 2023, 16:45 IST

You've found the proper article if you were looking for information about Botanical Names.

In this article, we will look into the history of botanical names as well as the significance of their usage in identifying and categorizing plants, as well as the structure of those names and their meanings.

The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a concise overview of botanical names as well as any other relevant information. If you are unable to read the full essay, at the very least read the introduction and Binomial Nomenclature.

Introduction

The study of botany and horticulture relies heavily on the use of botanical names, which are often referred to as binomials or Latin names. They offer a standardized method of identifying and classifying plants, which makes it easier for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike to communicate with one another and conduct research. The genus name and the species name are both written in italics and latinized when used in botanical names. Botanical names consist of two parts: the genus name and the species name. These names are consistent with the guidelines that have been set by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. This ensures that each plant may be individually identified and comprehended on a worldwide scale.

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Binomial Nomenclature

The naming of plants according to the rules of binomial nomenclature involves the use of two Latinized terms: the genus name and the species name. Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, devised a method for classifying plant names known as the binomial system in the 18th century. Since that time, the scientific world has generally agreed to use this method for referring to plant names.

One example of a binomial name is Rosa species, which refers to the rose plant, whereas Helianthus annuus refers to the sunflower plant. These names are written in italics, and members of the scientific community all around the world use them to maintain uniformity as well as accuracy in the identification and categorization of plants.

The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants is the authority that oversees binomial nomenclature. This code defines standards and principles for naming and categorizing plants in a manner that is consistent across the board.

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Forms of Plant Name

• Common names: These are the informal names that communities in the area have given to the plants they have, and they might differ from region to region.
• Botanical names: These are the scientific names that are given to plants depending on their genus and species. These names are sometimes referred to as Latin names or binomials. These names are based on the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. They offer a systematic method of identifying and categorizing plant species as they adhere to this code.
• Cultivar names: These are the names that have been bestowed upon a particular variety of a plant after it has been carefully bred to exhibit unique characteristics. Single quotes are used to indicate cultivar names, and the names are not emphasized.
• Trade names: These are the names that nurseries and seed firms give to plants when selling them commercially.

How Botanical Name is different from Common Name

There are two distinct ways of referring to plants, and those are their botanical names and their common names. The following are the primary distinctions between the two:

• Standardization: Because botanical names are standardized and must adhere to the standards established by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, this ensures that each plant can be individually recognized, and is understood around the globe. On the other hand, common names aren't standardized and might change from one location to the next, which can lead to misunderstanding and the wrong person being identified.
• Scientific Accuracy: Botanical names give a scientific categorization for each plant species. This classification includes information about the plant's genus and family, which assists in gaining knowledge of the plant's traits, habits, and connections to other plant species. On the other hand, common names are not backed by any scientific evidence and lack the specificity of scientific names.
• Consistency: Common names are subject to change due to differences in regional dialects and cultural norms, but botanical names are universal and do not alter regardless of language or place.
• Formality: In the realms of science and horticulture, botanical names are utilized, whereas common names are utilized in a manner that is more casual and prevalent in everyday language.

Components of Plant Name

The genus name and the species name are the two parts that make up the botanical name of a plant. Genus names come first, followed by species names. These two elements, commonly referred to as the binomial, offer a one-of-a-kind identification for every species of plant and adhere to the guidelines laid down by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants.

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Use of Italics to write Botanical Names

Italics are the font style most commonly used for printing generic, particular, and infraspecific plant names. The International Code of Nomenclature chooses to italicize all botanical names as an example to follow. This includes botanical names that are above the genus level. Both peer-reviewed scientific botanical publications and non-botanical scientific publications do not italicize names above the rank of genus.

An Example of Anatomy of Botanical Name

Only one species of each genus can be designated with a certain species epithet. However, it is possible for two separate plant species to have the same species epithet if they belong to different genera. Rhododendrons native to the Pacific region, for instance, also have very large leaves. Rhododendron macrophyllum is the scientific name for these plants.

Scientific Classification of Mango

• Mango is formally categorized as
• Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
• Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
• Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
• Order: Sapindales
• Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew family)
• Genus: Mangifera
• Species: Mangifera indica L.

The binomial or Latin name for mango is "Mangifera indica L.," where "Mangifera" refers to the genus name and "indica" refers to the species name. Mangoes are native to South and Southeast Asia. Carl Linnaeus, the scientist who initially described and named the species, is honored by having his name abbreviated as "L." in the scientific name of the organism.

This method of categorization is determined by the evolutionary connections that exist between the various groupings of plants, taking into account the traits and qualities that are unique to each species. The mango has been assigned a specific scientific classification, which elucidates its genus, family, and links to other plant species, simplifying the process of comprehending its biological and ecological processes.

Common Plant Names and their Botanical Names

Below is the list of botanical names of some common plants:

Botanical Names : FAQs

Q1. What is the botanical name of the rice plant?

Ans.The botanical name of sugarcane is Oryza sativa.

Q2. What are the rules for writing scientific names?

Ans.When writing the name of a genus, the initial letter of the name must always be written in upper case letters, therefore paying attention to this detail is essential. Even if it is a proper noun, the initial letter of a species description should always be written in lowercase letters; never should it be written in uppercase letters. Scientific names are always written in italics.

Q3. How is the botanical name of a plant decided?

Ans.The botanical name, sometimes referred to as the Latin name or the scientific name of the plant, is composed of the plant's genus and its specific species. Botanical names have been determined since local names are constantly shifting from location to location, leading to the need for standardization in the form of scientific names, also known as botanical names. Botanical names are recognized and used in every region of the world.

Q4. Explain why it is Important to call plants by their botanical names.

Ans.There are an infinite number of plant species on the planet. It is not feasible to recognize them without identifying them by their individual names. The main purpose of giving plants their scientific names is to eliminate any possibility of mistakes or incorrect identification.

Q5. What are the disadvantages of using the Binomial System of Nomenclature?

Ans.Especially for those who are not familiar with the subject matter, remembering scientific names can be challenging because of their complexity. Because of this, it can be challenging for individuals to successfully communicate with one another about plants and the qualities they possess. It is easy to get confused and difficult to keep up with changes in scientific nomenclature because scientific names might change if new information is discovered on the relationships between various species. Latin, which is not a language that is regularly spoken in many places of the world, is the foundation for the majority of scientific names. Because of this, communication and comprehension may be difficult for non-specialists, particularly in areas where other languages are used as their primary mode of communication.

Q6. Can a plant have more than one botanical name?

Ans.Yes, it is possible for a plant to be referred to by more than one botanical name. This happens when a plant gets reclassified or when new knowledge about the plant's interactions with other species becomes known. Both of these events can lead to a change in the plant's scientific name. The right botanical name is generally agreed to be the one that was used most recently and is generally recognised.