Our parents give us our names primarily so that each of us may be uniquely identified. However, have you ever wondered how the names of the plant species are determined?
Just like our parents, scientists are in charge of naming newly identified plant species. On average, scientists name about 2500 new species of plants and fungi every year with an estimated 100,000 plants yet to be formally identified.
So how do these plants get their names?
What is the process of naming new plants?For the ease of categorization scientists introduced a classification called taxonomic classification where each organism organizes into hierarchical groups based on shared characteristics.
The term taxonomy was made from two words “taxa” which stands for arrangement and “nomy” which stands for method/law. So basically, the taxonomy means “to follow a method to arrange something”.
The first step of the classification process is the collection of specimens and examination of its morphological features .
There, plant’s morphology, including leaf arrangement, flower structure, fruit type, stem characteristics and root systems are examined.
Then the initial identification, which compares the plant with known species using botanical reference materials is carry on.
In some cases, especially when the morphological features of the plant is unclear, DNA barcoding or sequencing is used for confirm the plant’s identity. Then based on the observed characteristics plant is placed on hierarchical taxonomic ranks.
After the taxonomic ranking, the specimen should compare with the descriptions of closely related species in databases like “International Plant Names Index (IPNI)” to previously recorded related taxa. If the plant is identified as a new species, it must be published in a scientific journal with a detailed description and valid nomenclature following the rules of the “International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN).”
After the plant’s classification is confirmed, the name is registered with appropriate databases, and if it is a new species, it should be published in accordance with taxonomic rules.
As you can see, naming a plant could be more difficult than naming a newborn. However, in order to guarantee the correct taxonomic classification, it is important that this standard method of plant naming be followed.
