Ohio State University Extension Bulletin

Ornamental Plants
Annual Reports and Research Reviews
2001

Special Circular 186-02

No Less Sweet Because We Know Its Name

Martin Quigley,
The Ohio State University,
Horticulture and Crop Science;

James A. Chatfield,
Ohio State University Extension,
Northeast District/Horticulture and Crop Science;

Kenneth D. Cochran,
Secrest Arboretum of The Ohio State University,
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center,
Ohio State University Extension

The Fun of Latin Names

Finally, lets take a brief look at the fun of Latin names many of which are derived from Greek roots. Here are a few examples:

  1. Philodendron literally means "tree-lover," from the Greek phileo (to love) and dendron (a tree), referring to the vining nature of many Philodendron species.

  2. Many genus names are derived from prominent people, such as Gleditsia (honeylocust) named for Gottlieb Gleditsch, Hosta for Nicolas Host, Zinnia for Johann Gottfried Zinn, Nicotiana (tobacco) named for the poor unfortunate Jean Nicot, and Forsythia named for William Forsyth. Now you know that Easterners are not being snooty when they say "for-sigh-thee-a" instead of "for-sith-ee-a!"

  3. Latin names can also be quite beautiful and everyone has their favorites. How about these:

    Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum) the Latin literally means liquid amber, flowing with aromatic balsam.

    Or how about Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree)? Feel how the sounds move trippingly off the tongue. And for literal-minded wildflower lovers there is Orchis spectabilis for the ethereally beautiful showy orchis.

    So, to come full circle, do you agree with the quote that started this article, or can you agree with Liberty Hyde Bailey, that:

    "'What's in a name?' cries Juliet; 'that which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.' Yet Shakespeare might admit that a rose is not less sweet because we know its name."

One final note:

Often arborists and other plant lovers fear that they may sound foolish if they mispronounce Latin binomials or stumble over spelling or taxonomic rules. Fear not.

First of all, remember that pronunciation of botanical Latin depends upon common usage, and you shall pick up on the local usage soon enough. Besides, some people say "to-may-to" and others say "to-mah-to." Such is life.

Secondly, we can do no better than to accept the advice of Linnaeus himself on this when he says:

"If you have remarked errors in me, your superior wisdom must pardon them. Who errs not when perambulating the domain of nature? Who can observe everything with accuracy? Correct me as a friend, and I as a friend will requite with kindness."

Note: This article has been adapted from articles by Jim Chatfield, Martin Quigley, and Ken Cochran in Arborist News and the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association's Ohio Certified Nursery manuals.

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