Botanical Names

These are scientific names that are given to plants to help accurately identify them and to communicate that meaning. The first part (the Genus) places the plant within a similar group of plants, whilst the second part of the name (the specific epithet) can provide a description that helps in the identification of a plant.

Descriptions might indicate
• a geographic region or country where it was found,
• the locality in where it is commonly found,
• something about the plant - habit, colour, where it grows,
• occasionally, in honour of a person (although this won't actually help in identifying a plant).

Some examples include:

1. Geographic region or country where it was found:
• italicus = of Italy.
• sinensis = of China.
• occidentalis = western (especially American).
• orientalis = eastern (Middle East to South Asia).

2. The locality in where it is commonly found:
• arenarius = of sandy areas.
• campestris = of fields.
• littoralis = of the seashore.

3. Something about the plant:
• caesius = blue-grey colour.
• glutinosus = sticky.
• nanus = dwarf.
• ramosus = branched.
• niger = black.
• pendula = drooping.

4. In honour of a person:
• Carex andersonii (James Anderson, 1797 - 1842).
• Grevillea banksii (Sir Joseph Banks, 1743 - 1820).