Changing a plant’s scientific name is a formal process that involves botanical taxonomists and organizations responsible for plant taxonomy. As an individual, you cannot directly change a plant’s scientific name. However, if you believe that a particular plant’s scientific name requires revision or correction, you can take the following steps:
- Research and gather evidence: Collect scientific literature, studies, or any other sources that support your case for changing the plant’s name. This evidence should demonstrate the need for a new name or the correction of an existing name.
- Consult with experts: Reach out to botanists, taxonomists, or experts in the field who specialize in the particular plant group you are concerned about. Share your findings and discuss the proposed name change. Their expertise and insights will be valuable in assessing the validity and feasibility of the name change.
- Submit a proposal: Contact the relevant botanical authority or organization responsible for plant nomenclature in your country or region. For example, the International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT) oversees the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). Submit a formal proposal outlining your case for the name change, accompanied by supporting evidence and expert opinions.
- Peer review and acceptance: The proposal will undergo a rigorous review process by the scientific community, including botanists and taxonomists. The proposal will be evaluated based on its scientific validity, adherence to the ICN rules, and consensus among experts. If the proposal is accepted, the new name or correction will be published in botanical journals or other appropriate platforms.
It’s important to note that changing a plant’s scientific name is not a simple or instantaneous process. It requires thorough research, scientific consensus, and adherence to the established rules and procedures of plant taxonomy.
20 Florida-Native “Black Drink Holly” Seeds (Ilex nigrumpotum) formerly “Yaupon”
20 or more seeds of the Florida-native, Black Drink Holly (Ilex nigrumpotum), formerly known as “Yaupon.” Origin: Polk Co. FL Zone 9b.