Botanical Names

Each plant species is assigned a single binomial name, comprised of two parts – the genus and the species. The scientific name is in Latin or a Latinized version of a word (such as a Latinized Greek word). Application of the binomial nomenclature for plants is governed by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. This system of assigning binomial nomenclature is attributed to Carl Linnaeus. A plant species may have many common names, but only one scientific name. If a conflict arises, such as discovering that a single plant has been identified twice, the oldest name stands.

Initially the Latin names seem confusing. With familiarity, they become a clue to the plant, filled with description, history, place names, habit, habitat, seasons, and size. I find the lore and history fascinating, and often find the Latin name sticks with me once I understand its meaning.

The Latin name for Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' gives us some information about the tree:

• Cedrus - ancient name for cedar; indicates that the tree was initially thought to be a cedar, but was reclassified in the Pinaceae (pine) family.
• Atlantica - name for the Atlas mountains of Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco in North Africa, the tree's native habitat. I can understand its requirements once I consider what I know about mountains and the hot, dry climate of North Africa.
• Glauca - a whitish or bluish waxy coating, which describes the waxy blue appearance of its needles.



Family: Pinaceae
Botanical name: Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'
Common name: Blue Atlas Cedar



 The Latin name for Prunus cerasifera likewise gives us information about the tree:

• Prunus - plum; prunus seeds are wrapped in a fleshy drupe that resembles a plum.
• Cerasi - cherry, indicating the fruit's small size and resemblance to a cherry.
• Fera - wild (like feral), referring to the tree's tendency to move from cultivation to naturalizing. This helps explain why so many of these trees crop up along the freeways in the Bay Area.

 

Family: Rosaceae
Botanical name: Prunus cerasifera
Common name: Cherry Plum