Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #120442
Title: GUIDELINES FOR PROPOSALS TO CONSERVE OR REJECT NAMES

Author
item MCNEILL, JOHN - ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN
item Wiersema, John

Submitted to: Taxon
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/21/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Communication about economic vascular plants depends directly on accurate scientific names. The scientific names of plants are governed by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. On occasion the scientific name currently in use conflicts with these rules and the name should be changed. However, because the name is widely used, that name is proposed for conservation over the more accurate name by publishing an article about the rationale and impact of such a change. The name is conserved or rejected based on discussion and voting on proposals for changes that take place at the International Botanical Congresses held every four years. This article presents guidelines for the content of published proposals to conserve or reject the scientific names of plants. These guidelines will be used by botanists who propose to conserve the scientific names of plants as well as the Committees that recommends whether or not these proposals should be accepted. The conservation of this scientific name will stabilize the use and ease of communication of this plant.

Technical Abstract: Proposals to conserve or reject the scientific name of a plant that is in conflict with the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) must meet rigorous standards in order to be successful. This article delineates the guidelines used by the Nomenclature Committees of the ICBN to decide whether or not the voting members of the Botanical Congress should recommend the proposed changes for acceptance.