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Should offensive species names be changed? The organisms that honour dictators, racists and criminals

Nature Podcast

CHAPTER

The Art and Science of Plant Nomenclature

This chapter examines the critical importance of plant naming conventions, particularly the distinction between common and Latin names within the Asteraceae family, using Coltsfoot as a focal point. It discusses the historical foundations laid by Carl Linnaeus and the repercussions of misnaming plants, emphasizing the relevance of uniform nomenclature for clarity in science and public health. Furthermore, the chapter navigates the complexities involved in naming new species, ethical challenges, and the balance between scientific rigor and creativity in the naming process.

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