Perennial Plants Common Names

It is a hierarchical system, kind of like how your address gets increasingly specific as you go from country to state to city to street.

Here is how it works for living things:

• Kingdom: The broadest category. Think of the big picture: Animal, Plant, Fungi, etc. This separates life into fundamentally different types.
• Subkingdom: A further division within a kingdom. For example, within the Plant Kingdom, we have subkingdoms like vascular plants (with vessels to transport water) and non-vascular plants (like mosses).
• Division (or Phylum): Another step down, grouping organisms with more shared characteristics. In plants, divisions include things like flowering plants and conifers.
• Class: Even more specific. For example, within flowering plants, we have classes like monocots (grasses, lilies) and dicots (most trees, sunflowers).
• Subclass: Further refinement within a class.
• Order: Groups of related families.
• Family: Groups of related genera. Families often have names that end in "-aceae", like Rosaceae (roses) or Pinaceae (pines).
• Genus: A group of closely related species. Think of it like your last name - it shows you are related, but you are not the same person.
• Species: The most specific level. This is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. It is like your first name - it sets you apart as an individual.

Binomial Nomenclature

To avoid confusion and have one universal system, we use binomial nomenclature ("two-name naming"). This gives each species a unique, two-part scientific name in Latin:

• Genus: The first part of the name (like Homo for humans).
• Specific Epithet: The second part of the name (like sapiens for humans).

Together, these two words form the species name (e.g., Homo sapiens).

Why this system is important:

• Clarity: It avoids the confusion of common names that can vary by region or language.
• Universality: Scientists worldwide use the same names, making communication clear.
• Organization: It reflects the evolutionary relationships between organisms.

Think of it like this: Instead of saying "that tall tree with the needle-like leaves and cones", you can say Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine), and everyone, everywhere, knows exactly what you mean!

Scientific plant names are essential for clear communication about plants, avoiding the confusion that common names can cause. Think about how many plants might be called "daisy" or "ivy" - the scientific name tells us exactly which species we mean.

Here is a bit more about why they matter and how they work:

• Based on Binomial Nomenclature: Just like with animals, plant scientific names use the binomial system. This means two Latin words: the genus (broader group) and the specific epithet (unique to that species).
• Why Latin? Latin was the language of scholars when this system was developed, and it provides a neutral, universal language that avoids favoring any one modern language.
• Examples:
• The common sunflower is Helianthus annuus
• The coast redwood is Sequoia sempervirens
• The tomato is Solanum lycopersicum

Where to Find Scientific Names

If you are trying to identify a plant or learn its scientific name, here are some great resources:

• Plant Identification Apps: Many apps (like PlantNet or iNaturalist) use image recognition to help you identify plants and provide their scientific names.
• Botanical Gardens and Arboretums: These places usually label their plants with both common and scientific names.
• Online Databases:
• The International Plant Names Index (IPNI): A database of plant names with information on their publication and authors.
• Plants of the World Online (POWO): Provides information on plant species, including their distribution and accepted scientific names.

Binomial nomenclature is a formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, both of which use Latin grammatical forms.

The first part of the name identifies the genus to which the species belongs; the second part identifies the species within the genus. Such a name is called a binomial name (which may be shortened to just "binomial"), a binomen, binominal name or a scientific name.

The adoption of a single, consistent naming system for species has been invaluable to the scientific community. Prior to the adoption of the modern binomial system, there was no single, standardized way to refer to species, which led to a great deal of confusion and difficulty in communication.

The rules for writing a scientific name are as follows:

1. The genus name is always capitalized.
2. The specific epithet is never capitalized.
3. The scientific name is always italicized or underlined.
4. The genus name may be abbreviated to a single letter after the first use.

For example, the scientific name for humans is Homo sapiens. The genus name is Homo and the specific epithet is sapiens.

Here are some of the advantages of using binomial nomenclature:

• It provides a single, consistent naming system that is used by scientists all over the world.
• It helps to avoid confusion that can arise from using common names.
• It reflects the evolutionary relationships between species.
• It is a concise and precise way to refer to species.

Binomial nomenclature is an essential tool for scientists and anyone else who needs to refer to species in a clear and unambiguous way.

The system we use today for naming plants has a long and fascinating history. It was not invented overnight but evolved over centuries, with contributions from many cultures and scholars.

Early Influences

• Ancient Greek and Roman Scholars: Thinkers like Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and Pliny the Elder were among the first to systematically record plant names. They focused primarily on plants with medicinal uses, drawing on the names already used in their time. These names, passed down through handwritten copies, formed a foundation for later work.
• Medieval and Renaissance Contributions: During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, scholars continued to add to the body of plant names, often using Latin, which was the common language of science and scholarship. Important figures include Leonard Fuchs and Charles Plumier, who expanded the list of known plants and their names.

The Linnaean Revolution

• Carl Linnaeus: The real turning point came with Carl Linnaeus (who used the Latinized name "Linnaeus" in his publications). In the 18th century, he developed the binomial system, a standardized way of giving each plant a two-part scientific name. This system, introduced in his book Species Plantarum (1753), brought order and clarity to plant naming.

How Binomial Nomenclature Works

• Two-Part Names: Each plant receives a name consisting of two Latin words:
• Genus: The first word indicates the broader group to which the plant belongs (like a surname).
• Specific Epithet: The second word identifies the specific species within that genus (like a given name).
• Example: The red maple is Acer rubrum. Acer is the genus for maples, and rubrum (Latin for "red") is the specific epithet.

Why Latin?

Latin serves as a neutral, universal language, avoiding bias towards any modern language. It also connects us to the long history of botanical study.

Why Not Just Use Common Names?

While common names seem easier, they can cause a lot of confusion:

• Regional Differences: The same plant can have different common names in different places.
• Ambiguity: Different plants might share the same common name.
• Misleading Names: Common names can sometimes suggest relationships that do not exist (like calling several unrelated trees "cedars").
• Lack of Names: Some rare plants may not have common names at all.

Rules for Writing Scientific Names

• Italics or Underlining: Always italicize or underline the entire scientific name.
• Capitalization: Capitalize the genus name, but not the specific epithet (unless it is derived from a person's name or a vernacular name).
• Authority: Sometimes the name of the person who first described the species is added after the scientific name (e.g., Acer rubrum L. for Linnaeus).

Beyond the Basics: Hybrids, Cultivars, and More

• Hybrids: Plants resulting from crosses between different species are often indicated with a multiplication sign (×) in their name (e.g., Fragaria × ananassa for the garden strawberry).
• Cultivars: Cultivated varieties with distinct characteristics are given cultivar names in single quotes (e.g., Acer platanoides 'Crimson King').
• Patents and Trademarks: Plant breeders may patent new varieties or trademark their names for commercial protection.

Pronunciation

While botanical Latin is primarily a written language, pronunciation can vary. Generally, following the rules of classical Latin pronunciation is a good approach, but variations exist.

A botanical name is a formal scientific name conforming to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) and, if it concerns a plant cultigen, the additional cultivar or Group epithets must conform to the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP).

The code of nomenclature covers "all organisms traditionally treated as algae, fungi, or plants, whether fossil or non-fossil, including blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), chytrids, oomycetes, slime moulds and photosynthetic protists with their taxonomically related non-photosynthetic groups (but excluding Microsporidia)."

The botanical name itself is fixed by a type, which is a particular specimen (or in some cases a group of specimens) of an organism to which the scientific name is formally attached. In other words, a type is an example that serves to anchor or centralize the defining features of that particular taxon.

The usefulness of botanical names is limited by the fact that taxonomic groups are not fixed in size; a taxon may have a varying circumscription, depending on the taxonomic system, thus, the group that a particular botanical name refers to can be quite small according to some people and quite big according to others.

Why use botanical names?

There are several reasons why botanical names are used:

• They are precise. Each plant has only one botanical name, which eliminates the confusion that can be caused by common names. For example, the plant known as "daisy" in English has many different botanical names, depending on the species.
• They are universal. Scientists use botanical names all over the world, regardless of their native language. This allows for clear communication about plants.
• They are stable. Botanical names are governed by a set of rules, which helps to ensure that they are used consistently over time.

**How to write a botanical name

Botanical names are typically written in italics, with the genus name capitalized and the specific epithet in lower case. For example, the botanical name for the common sunflower is Helianthus annuus.

Where to find botanical names

You can find botanical names in a variety of resources, including:

• Plant identification apps
• Botanical gardens and arboretums
• Online databases such as the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) and Plants of the World Online (POWO)

Hybridization occurs when two different species of plants interbreed, resulting in offspring that possess a mix of traits from both parents. This natural process can also be guided by humans through deliberate cross-pollination.

Naming Hybrids

• The Multiplication Sign: To indicate a hybrid in botanical nomenclature, a multiplication sign (×) is placed before the specific epithet (e.g., Fragaria × ananassa for the garden strawberry). This signifies that the plant is a product of interspecific hybridization.
• No Space After ×: While there should be no space between the × and the specific epithet, this can sometimes cause confusion as it might be mistaken for the letter "x."
• Intergeneric Hybrids: In rare cases, hybridization can occur between plants of different genera. These intergeneric hybrids are indicated by placing the × before the genus name. A well-known example is × Fatshedera lizei, a cross between English ivy (Hedera helix) and Japanese Fatsia (Fatsia japonica).

Why Hybridization Matters

• New Traits: Hybrids often exhibit novel combinations of traits not found in either parent. This can lead to plants with improved characteristics like disease resistance, flower color, or fruit size.
• Evolutionary Significance: Hybridization plays a role in plant evolution by introducing new genetic combinations into populations.
• Horticultural Importance: Many popular garden plants are hybrids, bred for specific aesthetic or functional qualities.

Examples of Hybrids

• Garden Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa): A hybrid of Fragaria chiloensis and Fragaria virginiana, combining desirable traits from both parents.
• London Plane Tree (Platanus × acerifolia): A hybrid of Platanus orientalis and Platanus occidentalis, known for its tolerance to urban conditions.
• Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi): A natural hybrid thought to have originated from a cross between the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and the pomelo (Citrus maxima).

Beyond the Basics

• Hybrid Complexity: Hybridization can be complex, involving multiple species and backcrossing. This can make it challenging to determine the exact parentage of some hybrids.
• Stability: Some hybrids are sterile, meaning they cannot produce viable seeds. Others can reproduce, but their offspring may not be identical to the parent plant.
• Cultivar Development: Many cultivars are developed through hybridization and selection, further increasing the diversity of cultivated plants.

This expanded section provides a more comprehensive overview of hybrids, their nomenclature, significance, and some interesting examples.

Cultivars are essentially variations within a plant species that have been specifically selected and cultivated by humans for desirable traits. Here is a breakdown:

What exactly is a cultivar?

• Cultivated Variety: The word "cultivar" is a blend of "cultivated" and "variety." It refers to a plant that has been deliberately selected and propagated for a particular characteristic.
• Distinctive Traits: These traits can be anything from flower color and size to leaf shape, fruit flavor, growth habit, or disease resistance.
• Maintaining Traits: Importantly, cultivars retain their distinct characteristics when they are reproduced, whether through cuttings, grafting, or other methods.

How are cultivars created?

Cultivars can arise through a variety of methods, each with its own unique approach:

1. Selection: This is the most traditional method, where humans simply identify and propagate plants that naturally exhibit desirable traits. For example, a gardener might notice a particularly vibrant flower color in a wildflower population and propagate that plant to create a new cultivar.

2. Hybridization: This involves cross-pollinating two different plants to combine their traits. By carefully selecting parent plants with complementary characteristics, breeders can create new cultivars with specific desired features. For instance, a rose breeder might cross a fragrant rose with a disease-resistant rose to create a cultivar that is both fragrant and hardy.

3. Genetic Mutation: Sometimes, spontaneous genetic mutations can occur within a plant, leading to new and interesting traits. These mutations can be induced artificially using techniques like radiation or chemical mutagens. Breeders then screen these mutated plants for desirable traits and propagate those that meet their criteria.

4. Tissue Culture: This modern technique involves growing plant cells or tissues in a sterile environment to produce new plants. It allows for rapid propagation of desirable cultivars and can be used to clone plants that are difficult to propagate by other methods.

Each of these methods offers different possibilities for creating new cultivars, and breeders often combine them to achieve specific goals.

How are cultivars named?

• Following the Botanical Name: The cultivar name comes after the scientific (botanical) name of the species.
• Single Quotes: It is enclosed in single quotes and is not italicized.
• Capitalization: Each word in the cultivar name is capitalized (with some exceptions for conjunctions).

Example:

• Species: Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
• Cultivar: 'Bloodgood'
• Full Name: Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Why are cultivars important?

Cultivars enrich our lives in many ways:

• Horticultural Value: They offer a vast array of plants with unique features, captivating gardeners, and landscapers alike. From vibrant flower colors and exotic leaf shapes to fragrant blooms and unusual growth habits, cultivars add beauty and diversity to our gardens and landscapes.
• Agricultural Productivity: Cultivars play a vital role in modern agriculture, contributing to increased food production and improved food quality. By selecting for traits like disease resistance, pest tolerance, drought tolerance, and enhanced nutritional value, breeders develop cultivars that can thrive in challenging environments and provide abundant, nutritious food for a growing global population.
• Conservation: Cultivars can help preserve genetic diversity and rare plant species. By propagating and maintaining unique plant forms, we can safeguard them from extinction and ensure their continued existence for future generations. For example, many rare and endangered plant species have been cultivated and propagated to establish ex situ conservation collections.
• Economic Impact: The development and commercialization of new cultivars drive economic growth, creating jobs in horticulture, agriculture, and related industries. The global trade in ornamental plants and agricultural crops relies heavily on the availability of diverse and desirable cultivars.
• Aesthetic Pleasure: Cultivars bring joy and beauty to our lives. They adorn our homes, parks, and public spaces, creating vibrant and inspiring environments. Whether it is a stunning rose, a fragrant orchid, or a unique vegetable variety, cultivars enhance our appreciation for the natural world and enrich our everyday experiences.

Cultivars vs. Varieties

While both cultivars and varieties represent variations within a species, they differ in their origin and selection process.

Cultivars:

• Human-selected: Cultivars are deliberately selected and propagated by humans for specific traits that are considered desirable.
• Diverse Traits: Cultivars can exhibit a wide range of traits, including flower color, size, fragrance, growth habit, disease resistance, and fruit quality.
• Methods of Creation: Cultivars can be created through various methods, such as selection, hybridization, mutation, and tissue culture.
• Examples: 'Red Delicious' apple, 'Black Beauty' tomato, and 'Peace' rose.

Varieties:

• Natural Variations: Varieties are naturally occurring variations within a species, often associated with specific geographic regions or ecological conditions.
• Limited Trait Variation: Varieties typically exhibit a more limited range of variation compared to cultivars, as they are shaped by natural selection.
• Examples: Acer rubrum var. drummondii (Drummond Red Maple) and Rosa canina var. pimpinellifolia (Scotch Rose).

In essence, while varieties are naturally occurring variations within a species, cultivars are human-selected and propagated variations.

Beyond the Basics

The world of cultivars is vast and ever-evolving. Here are a few more points to consider:

• Cultivar Names: Cultivar names are often based on their distinctive characteristics, the name of the breeder, or a place of origin.
• Cultivar Groups: Some cultivars are grouped together based on shared characteristics or breeding history. These groups, known as cultivar groups, can help organize and classify cultivars.
• Patent Protection: Breeders can obtain patents for their new cultivars, protecting their intellectual property rights and incentivizing further innovation.
• International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP): This code provides the rules and guidelines for naming and registering cultivars, ensuring consistency and clarity in plant nomenclature.

By understanding the differences between cultivars and varieties and appreciating the diversity and complexity of the cultivar world, we can better appreciate the role of human creativity and ingenuity in shaping the plant kingdom.

Cultivars are living testaments to human ingenuity in shaping the plant world to meet our needs and aesthetic preferences. They add beauty, diversity, and functionality to our gardens, landscapes, and agriculture.