DICTIONARY OF PLANT NAMES

• Main Author: Coombes, Allen J (Author)
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: London Collingridge Books 1985; ©1985
• Subjects: Plant names, Popular
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.

 The aim of this book is to provide a guide to the derivation, meaning and pronunciation of the scientific names of the more commonly grown plants. The term scientific name is preferable here to Latin name as many names derive from languages other than Latin, for example many derive from Greek or personal names. Whatever their origin, all names are treated as Latin. Generic names are treated as nouns and, as in Latin, have a gender (i.e. masculine, feminine or neuter). Names of species and varieties are adjectival and their endings follow the rules of Latin grammar, e.g. the Latin word for white can be rendered as albus (masculine), alba (feminine) or album (neuter) depending on the gender of the generic name. The use of Latin for plant names can certainly be confusing when first encountered, producing many words of unfamiliar form and uncertain pronunciation. It should be remembered, however, that when a scientific attitude was first taken towards the naming of plants in the 16th and 17th centuries, Latin was a common language among the intellectuals of Europe and it was second nature for many to use it. Today, although Latin has evolved from the Latin used in classical and medieval times to meet the needs of botany it forms a method of communication between botanists of all nationalities.Generic names and common names are listed alphabetically. The name of each genus (plural genera) is given first e.g. Acer, followed by the suggested pronunciation, the family in which it is placed (related genera are placed in the same family) and the derivation of the name, whether from Latin (L.), Greek (Gk.) or other sources. Following this is a short statement of the main use in gardens of the plants listed e.g. as herbaceous perennials, shrubs, etc. and a general guide to hardiness. It should be noted that these are general statements about the genus as represented in gardens and some of the plants listed may be exceptions. Usually, unless otherwise stated, plants are at least fairly hardy in many parts of the country, semi-hardy plants require winter protection in most areas and tender plants are gener ally only suitable for growing under cover or for summer bedding. A common name is given if it is applied to the whole genus. If a country of origin is given here it applies to the plants listed and not necessarily to the whole genus.