When a plant person refers to a plant by its scientific name, they’re not trying to be difficult they’re trying to be clear. Common names are easier to remember but often lend themselves to confusion.
Plants get their names through two very different systems
Each plant is assigned a universal scientific name derived from Latin and Greek origins, and many also have one or more common names that can differ by region and language. When discussing plants, opting for scientific names rather than common names provides far greater accuracy.
The scientific system for naming plants is called binomial nomenclature, meaning every species gets a two-part name. The first part is the genus (a group of closely related species), and the second is the specific epithet (identifying that one species within the genus). Together they form a unique combination that refers to exactly one kind of plant worldwide, regardless of language. When written out, the genus is always capitalized, species is always all lowercase and together they are presented in italics. There is no standard catalog for plant common names as there is for their Latin counterparts.
How common names cause confusion
Common names are convenient but unreliable. The tree Nyssa sylvatica, native to Florida and the eastern United States, goes by at least three common names: black gum, sour gum and black tupelo. That’s a lot of different names for the same exact tree! In other cases, the same common name refers to completely different plants in different genera. Take mimosa for example. “Mimosa” is the common name for two entirely unique plants. One is a low-growing native groundcover, Mimosa strigillosa, and the other is a weedy invasive tree, Albizia julibrissin. Both bloom with unusual pink flowers, but that is where the similarities end. Because of Albizia julibrissin’s invasive nature it is not recommended for planting in Florida. Mimosa strigillosa, on the other hand, is regularly recommended as a native groundcover alternative to turfgrass.
Elephant ears is a name that is used for many plants with similar leaves and growth habits
Colocasia, Alocasia, Xanthosoma, and Caladium species are collectively known as “elephant ears”. Although they all feature similar heart-shaped foliage and thrive throughout the state, two species—Xanthosoma sattigifolia and Colocasia esculenta—are classified as invasive and are not advised for use by UF/IFAS. Knowing the scientific name of the elephant ear plant you intend to grow is crucial to avoid planting invasive varieties.
Lastly, sometimes the common name leads us to believe a plant is indigenous to an area, such as is the case with “Florida snow” Richardia grandiflora. Not only is it not native to Florida at all it is considered an invasive risk by Florida Invasive Species Council.
Invasive plants can rapidly overtake the plants you want, resulting in a lot of effort needed to remove them. So, even though it’s got Florida in its name it may not be the best plant to allow to take hold in your Florida landscape.
All in all, understanding the significance of scientific names is key for clarity and accuracy, as common names can lead to confusion and misidentification. Using scientific names helps gardeners make informed choices, especially when it comes to avoiding invasive species that can disrupt local ecosystems.
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