ABSTRACT
Nomenclature deals with the application of a correct name to a plant or a taxonomic group. In practice, nomenclature is often combined with identification, since while identifying an unknown plant specimen, the author chooses and applies the correct name. The favourite temperate plant is correctly identified whether you call it ‘Seb‘ (vernacular Hindi name), Apple, Pyrus malus or Malus malus, but only by using the correct scientific name Malus domestica does one combine identification with nomenclature. The current activity of botanical nomenclature is governed by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) published by the International Association of Plant Taxonomy (IAPT). The Code is revised after changes at each International Botanical Congress. The naming of the animals is governed by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) and that of bacteria by the International Code for the Nomenclature of Bacteria (ICNB; now known as Bacteriological Code-BC). Virus nomenclature is governed by International Code of Virus Classification and Nomenclature (ICVCN). Naming of cultivated plants is governed by the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP), which is largely based on ICBN with a few additional provisions. Whereas within the provisions of a particular code no two taxa can bear the same correct scientific name, same names
are allowed across the codes. The generic name Cecropia applies to showy moths as also to tropical trees. Genus Pieris, similarly, refers to some butterflies and shrubs.
