The use of scientific names of plants is essential in the communication of botanical knowledge. As is known, to scientifically name species we use binary nomenclature introduced by Carl von Linné, in 1753. But taxonomy is not a static science, on the contrary a very dynamic (and controversial) one. The sources of new names are 1) the discovery of new species and 2) the reshaping or revision of classifications through merging, splitting, reassignment, etc. Our work is an update of some scientific names of plant and a reclassification into botanical families, carried out following the investigation of international databases. For example, oriental thuja now has the valid name Platycladus orientalis and Thuja orientalis has become its synonymous, mahonia has the valid name Berberis aquifolium and Mahonia aquifolium has become its synonymous, Japanese acacia has the valid name Styphnolobium japonicum and Sophora japonica has become its synonymous, sedge has the valid name Noccaea perfoliata and Thlaspi perfoliatum has become its synonymous, yellow chamomile has the valid name Cota tinctoria and Anthemis tinctoria has become its synonymous. At the same time, some genera have been moved to other botanical families: Acer is now in Sapindaceae (from Aceraceae, which is no longer recognized), as well Aesculus in Sapindaceae (from Hippocastanaceae, also not recognized), Tilia, in Malvaceae (from Tiliaceae, also not recognized), Taxodium and Sequoia, in Cupressaceae (from Taxodiaceae, also not recognized), Fumaria, Corydalis, Dicentra, in Papaveraceae (from Fumariaceae, also not recognized), Veronica, Digitalis, Linaria, Antirrhinum, in Plantaginaceae (from Scrophulariaceae, which was reorganized). As can be seen, botanical nomenclature keeps changing, to be in line with advanced molecular biology research, through which the phylogeny of plant species is much better understood and reflects real evolutionary relationships, which morphology alone cannot encompass. Although they are difficult and can create confusion, these updates are essential in scientific activity for the accuracy of research, but also in the didactic process, for re-editing materials and bringing them into line with current discoveries.

taxonomy, plant names, valid names, plant families, reclassification

biology

Presentation: poster