1. PLANT CLASSIFICATION

2. How has plant classification evolved? Common name insufficient; limitations in communication Need for uniform and internationally acceptable system Many ways to classify plants –climate; seasons; edible parts; use; foliage, flowers, growth habits, etc. System based on how classification is to be used

3. PLANT CLASSIFICATION Carolus Linnaeus (1707-1778) system led to modern taxonomy Modern scientific naming/classification grouped by taxa based on physical characteristics (see link below) http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/ 07701.html#top

4. PLANT CLASSIFICATION Plant taxonomic classification changes with continuing research, so inconsistencies in nomenclature will be found among different textbooks The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, the rules that govern the naming of plants, currently recognizes seven ranks (see link below) http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/botany/class_intro.html

5. PLANT ID & NOMENCLATURE Family usually highest taxon in ID or study Latin names; others – Greek, Arabic Names give clues to appearance –May also clue characteristics, habitat, person named for, etc.

6. PLANT ID & NOMENCLATURE Each plant has a two-word (binomial) name Binomial name will be Latin First name – genus; Second name – species Species is technically “specific epithet” Complete Linnaen names also have authority –abbreviated name of scientist who named plant –Example: “L.” means Linnaeus

7. NOMENCLATURE GUIDELINES Genus (generic name) always capitalized Species (specific epithet) never capitalized –Except may be capitalized if a person’s name Either underlined or italicized Authority name is never italicized Listings of several plants in same genus: –Full genus name for first, capitalized initial for subsequent plants in list

8. NOMENCLATURE GUIDELINES “sp.” or “spp.” stands for species indicates exact species is not known for the genus being considered –“sp.” or “spp.” never underlined or italicized

9. SUBSPECIFIC CATEGORIES Botanical Variety –“var.” from Latin varietas, “variety” –sufficiently different to warrant unique name Cultivar –“cv.” from cultivated variety –may place cultivar name in single quotes –always capitalized; never underlined/italicized Group –Many cultivars that are similar

10. PLANT ID KEY Dichotomous Key –process of elimination by “yes/no” decisions to characteristics offered in key –see pp. 285-286 in text