Have you ever had that moment when you can’t remember the name of a plant? We’ve all been there. Whether it’s a plant you have in your garden, one you pass by in your daily walks, or one you see while scrolling through Instagram, it can be inconvenient and sometimes even embarrassing.
So, today we’re here to help! We’re taking a deep dive into the world of botanical names to give our readers an understanding of the complexity and diversity of plants around us.
We will not only teach you some of the most common plants, such as rose and tulip but also their scientific names! Sure, common names for plants are important for everyday use, but do you know why botanical names are so crucial? They are the way we distinguish unique species from each other from around the world.
By the end of this article, you’ll know fifty (50) different botanical names for common plants! Let’s get started!
Overview of Botanical Nomenclature
Botanical nomenclature is a language of its own, made up of Latin-based terms that represent different parts of a plant its roots, leaves, flowers, and more.
So if you want to understand the botanical names used to describe plants, here are a few basics. For starters, there are two main parts to any botanical name the genus and species. The genus is an overarching category for plants that share similar characteristics and traits, while the species name is specific to one particular type of plant.
Together, the genus and species name create the binomial nomenclature, a scientific way to name living things like plants. In addition to these two main parts, there may also be a variety or cultivar designation used in certain cases as well as some additional information such as the author’s initials or where the plant was discovered.
Understanding botanical nomenclature can help us better distinguish one species from another and help us better navigate the world of flora!
50 Plants and Their Botanical Names
Learning the botanical names of common plants can be an intimidating task. Even if you’re not a botanist, it’s helpful to know the scientific name of certain plants, as this can help you determine the type and species you’re dealing with. So let’s get started! Here are 50 common plants and their scientific names:
- Rose (Rosa)
- Sunflower (Helianthus annus)
- Begonia (Begonia spp.)
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Daisy (Bellis perennis)
- Citrus fruit (Citrus spp.)
- Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Petunia (Petunia spp.)
- Apple Tree (Malus domestica)
- Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
- Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
- Cactus (Cactaceae family)
- Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
- Ginger root (Zingiber officinale)
- Aloe Vera plant(Aloe barbadensis miller)
- Peony flower(Paeonia lactiflora)
- Hosta Plantain Lily(Hosta spp.)
- Marigold(Calendula officinalis L.)
- Ivy – Hedera helix
- Fern – Polypodiopsida
- Orchid – Orchidaceae
- Tulip – Tulipa gesneriana
- Lily – Lilium spp
- Chrysanthemum – Chrysanthemum morifolium
- Zinnia – Zinnia spp
- Poppy – Papaver rhoeas
- Snapdragon– Antirrhinum majus
- Hydrangea(Hydrangea macrophylla)
- Jasmine(Jasminum officinale)
- Maple (Acer sp.
- Daffodil (Narcissus sp.)
- Iris(Iris sp.)
- Hibiscus/Rosemallow(Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
- Onion (Allium cepa)
- Bamboo (Phyllostachys sp.)
- Bottlebrush (Callistemon sp.)
- Clover (Trifolium repens)
- Forsythia (Forsythia sp.)
- Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
- Mint (Mentha sp.)
- Maple (Acer sp.)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
- Wisteria (Wisteria sp.)
- Camellia (Camellia japonica)
- Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis)
- Hollyhock : Alcea rosea
- Oak (Quercus sp.)
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
Knowing these names can help you become more familiar with many different varieties of plants so that you can identify them more easily.
How to Use Scientific Names to Know More About a Plant
Do you want to know more about a plant? Scientific names of plants can provide clues. There are two parts to a scientific name the genus and species. Together, they form a name that can help you quickly recognize the plant. Think of it like a family last name, followed by an individual’s first name.
These names are in Latin, so they may look difficult at first, but don’t worry! The genus is usually a word you can easily recognize, like “Acer” for maple trees or “Buxus” for boxwood shrubs. The species tells you something unique about the plant within that genus, like the leaf shape or flower color.
For example, Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) has palmatum as its species palmata is Latin for “hand-like” and describes the leaves of this tree. As another example, Buxus sempervirens (boxwood) has sempervirens as its species; sempervirens is Latin for “evergreen” and describes this type of boxwood as being an evergreen shrub that retains its leaves year-round.
Using scientific naming systems helps identify plants more accurately than common names, which can vary from region to region or even person to person. Understanding plants through their scientific names helps us trace their origins and characteristics, making it easier to find out important information about them and learn more about these amazing creatures of nature!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for names of common plants, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of 50 botanical names to help make your search easier. But, since you may still have questions, here are some frequently asked questions:
How do I pronounce botanical names correctly?
Not sure how to say certain botanical names correctly? Try using a Latin pronunciation dictionary or app that can provide audio pronunciation guides and help with unfamiliar words.
Are all words ending in ‘-aceae’ related?
Yes! All words ending in ‘-aceae’ refer to plant families which consist of closely related plant genera. For example, Asteraceae is the scientific family name for daisies and sunflowers and contains many genera like Calendula, Helianthus, and Tagetes.
Conclusion
With a little bit of knowledge, you can now identify the common names of plants along with their scientific names. Knowing the botanical names of plants will help you better understand the world of horticulture and help you communicate better when talking about plants.
The next time you are out in the garden, or visiting a nursery, think of the scientific names of the plants you are seeing to appreciate the botany even more! With the right resources, you can explore the vast world of plants and their unique binomial names.