Rules for naming
The ICN governs scientific names of plants, algae, and fungi. Names must be Latin or latinized, published validly, and tied to a type specimen.
Key concepts
- Type specimen — physical reference for the name
- Synonym — older names replaced by correct name
- Author citation — who validly published the name
Why it matters
Consistent naming prevents medical, agricultural, and conservation errors when the same plant has multiple common names globally.