Correct terminology for naming Cacti

[templegatejohn]

Hi all,

After my last blast I thought I would put this up which may be of interest to some of you. Technical, yes, but for people like me who have nothing better to do and the dog prefers to go for a walk on his own, interesting.


How to Write a Scientific Name correctly.

There are precise conventions to follow when writing a scientific name.
Genus Name
1. The genus name is written first.
2. The genus name is always underlined or italicised.
3. The first letter of the genus name is always capitalized
Example: Astrophytum or Astrophytum

Specific Name
1. The specific epithet is written second.
2. The specific epithet is always underlined or italicised.
3. The first letter of the specific epithet name is never capitalized.
Example: myriostigma or myriostigma
Scientific Name - The scientific name of this plant would appear as follows:
Astrophytum myriostigma or Astrophytum myriostigma

Mutations? Frequently a particular individual of a species will mutate to a diverse colour, size, or growth habit. These characteristics are passed on to its descendants (offspring’s). When this happens, a population of plants exists with the same scientific name, but a sub-group displays different characteristics. If the mutated group is significantly different from the parents and is stable (the traits are passed on from generation to generation), then this new group of plants is often assigned a variety name.

Variety Names
A. Variety names are given when the mutation occurs in nature. (E.g. a mutation occurs in a wild arid land)
B. The abbreviation var. is used to signify that the mutation is a variety. var. is placed after the specific epithet and is not underlined or italicised.
Example: Astrophytum myriostigma var.
1. The variety name is written after var.
2. Capitalize the first letter of the variety name only if it is a proper noun. (e.g. Pediocactus peeblesianus var. Menzelii)
3. Underline or italicise the variety name.
Example: Astrophytum myriostigma var. strongylogonum or Astrophytum myriostigma var. strongylogonum

Form (forma) Names
A. Form names are given for sporadic or minor variations occurring among individuals of any population, mainly in horticultural applications ((E.g. a mutation in spine length or flower colour)
B. The abbreviation f. is used to signify that the mutation is a form. forma (f.) is placed after the specific epithet and is not underlined or italicised.
Example: Astrophytum myriostigma f..
1. The form name is written after forma (f.).
2. do not capitalize the first letter (e.g. Astrophytum myriostigma f. quadricostata)
3. Underline or italicise the variety name.
Example: Astrophytum myriostigma forma quadricostata or Astrophytum myriostigma f. quadricostata
Mutations can also take place because of human involvement such as breeding, applying mutagens, propagation, or by cultural practices. In these cases, the new group of mutated plants is called a cultivar. "Cultivar" is an abbreviated form of cultivated variety. The mutated plants are assigned a cultivar name.

Cultivar Names
A. Cultivar names are given when the mutation occurs due to human influence.
Examples: a mutation occurs in a green house.
B. The abreviation cv. is used to signify that the mutation is a cultivar. cv. is placed after the specific epithet and is not underlined or italicised.
Example: Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Onzuka.
or single quotes are used instead of cv.
Example: Astrophytum myriostigma 'Onzuka'
The cultivar name is written after cv. or within the single quotes.
Capitalize the cultivar name.
Never underline or italicise the cultivar name.
Example: Astrophytum myriostigma cv. Onzuka. or Astrophytum myriostigma ‘Onzuka'

Cheers, John

[ihc6480]

John, excellent information as usual. Now if I just understood it all

Bill