How to Correctly Write Plant Scientific Names

Scientific names of plants are essential for accurately identifying and communicating about species across different languages and regions. Unlike common names, which can vary widely and sometimes cause confusion, scientific names provide a universal system grounded in taxonomy and nomenclature rules. However, writing these names correctly requires understanding specific conventions and guidelines. This article explores how to properly write plant scientific names, ensuring clarity, precision, and professionalism in botanical communication.

Understanding the Basics of Plant Scientific Names

Plant scientific names follow a binomial (two-name) system established by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. This system uses Latin or Latinized words to uniquely identify each species.

The Binomial Structure

Each scientific name consists of two parts:

Genus name: The first word, always capitalized. It identifies the genus to which the plant belongs.
Specific epithet: The second word, always lowercase. It identifies the specific species within the genus.

For example, Quercus robur refers to the English oak, where Quercus is the genus and robur is the species epithet.

Why Latin?

Latin is a “dead” language that no longer changes, making it stable for scientific naming. It also transcends regional languages and dialects, which helps maintain consistency worldwide.

The Rules Governing Plant Scientific Names

The naming and use of plant scientific names are regulated by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). It sets formal rules to ensure uniformity:

Names must be unique.
Names must be published with a description or diagnosis.
Priority is given to the earliest validly published name.

While these rules govern naming itself, they indirectly influence how names should be written in text.

Formatting Plant Scientific Names Correctly

Italicization

One of the most important conventions is that both parts of the scientific name are italicized (or underlined if handwritten). This distinguishes them from common text.

Correct:
– Rosa canina
– Ficus elastica

Incorrect:
– Rosa Canina
– Ficus Elastica

Capitalization Rules

Only the genus name is capitalized; the species epithet always remains lowercase.

Correct:
– Acer saccharum (sugar maple)
– Tulipa gesneriana (garden tulip)

Incorrect:
– acer Saccharum
– TULIPA Gesneriana

Abbreviating Genus Names

After mentioning a full scientific name once in a text, it is acceptable to abbreviate the genus name to its initial followed by a period while keeping the species epithet in full.

Example:
– First mention: Zea mays (corn)
– Subsequent mentions: Z. mays

Note that this abbreviation applies only when there is no ambiguity with other genera starting with the same letter.

Author Citation

Scientific names often include the abbreviated name(s) of the author(s) who first described or named the species. This is placed after the binomial without italics.

Example:
– Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.

Here “L.” stands for Linnaeus who originally described the species; “Heynh.” indicates that Heynhold later revised it.

Author citations help clarify exact taxonomic identity but are typically used in formal scientific documents rather than casual writing.

Writing Infraspecific Names

Sometimes plants have recognized subspecies, varieties, or forms below the species level. These are indicated with a third part added to the name following certain conventions:

Subspecies: abbreviated as “subsp.” or “ssp.”
Variety: abbreviated as “var.”
Form: abbreviated as “f.”

Example:
– Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii
– Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
– Acer saccharum f. rubrum

Like genus and species epithets, infraspecific epithets are italicized and lowercase. The abbreviations (subsp., var., f.) are not italicized.

Common Mistakes When Writing Plant Scientific Names

Avoid these frequent errors:

Not Using Italics or Underlining

Scientific names should never appear in regular font styles without emphasis. If italics are not possible (e.g., on typewriters or handwritten notes), underline both genus and species instead:

Correct handwritten format: Rosa canina

Capitalizing Both Words

Only capitalize the first word (genus), never the species or infraspecific epithets.

Incorrect: Rosa Canina

Omitting Genus Name on First Mention

Always write out the full binomial on first use before any abbreviation:

Incorrect:

Many species exist such as canina and gallica.

Correct:

Many species exist such as Rosa canina and Rosa gallica.

Confusing Common Names with Scientific Names

Remember that common names rarely follow standardized rules and can vary by region or language. Always check authoritative sources when unsure about a plant’s scientific name.

Sources for Verifying Scientific Names

To ensure accuracy when writing scientific names, consult reliable databases like:

The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org)
International Plant Names Index (IPNI) (www.ipni.org)
GRIN Taxonomy for Plants (https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysearch.aspx)
World Flora Online (www.worldfloraonline.org)

These sources provide accepted nomenclature along with author citations and synonyms.

Using Plant Scientific Names in Different Contexts

Academic Writing and Research Papers

In scholarly articles, always use italicized binomials on first mention along with full author citation if relevant. Subsequent mentions may abbreviate genus names. Be precise about subspecies or variety classification if your study focuses on particular taxa.

Gardening and Horticulture

Gardeners often use scientific names alongside common names to avoid confusion—particularly when dealing with cultivars or closely related species. Proper formatting shows professionalism and credibility in catalogs or informational material.

Environmental and Conservation Reports

Precise taxonomic naming is critical for legal documents related to conservation status assessments or environmental impact reports to avoid ambiguity about species identity and protection status.

Summary Checklist for Writing Plant Scientific Names Correctly

Use two words: genus (capitalized) + specific epithet (lowercase).
Italicize both words; underline if italics aren’t possible.
Include author citations only in formal contexts.
Use abbreviations like subsp., var., and f. appropriately for infraspecific ranks.
After first mention, abbreviate genus to its initial if no ambiguity exists.
Verify spelling and validity through trusted taxonomic databases.
Avoid mixing common names with scientific names without clear distinction.

Mastering how to write plant scientific names not only enhances clarity but also reflects respect for botanical tradition and international standards. Whether you’re a student, researcher, gardener, or conservationist, applying these conventions will help your work communicate effectively across borders and disciplines—strengthening our collective understanding of plant biodiversity worldwide.