What’s Up With the Latin Names? The Fun Behind Scientific Plant Naming
Have you ever walked into a plant shop and seen labels like Monstera deliciosa, Ficus lyrata, or Dracaena marginata and thought, Why all the Latin? Why not just call them “Swiss Cheese Plant,” “Fiddle Leaf Fig,” or “Dragon Tree”?
The world of Latin names may seem intimidating, but it’s actually fascinating — and a little quirky. Let’s explore how plants get their scientific names, why this system exists, and how it makes life easier for plant enthusiasts like us!
Why Use Latin?
Latin is considered a “dead language,” meaning it’s no longer spoken in daily conversation. But that’s precisely why scientists love it!
Universal Language: Latin doesn’t belong to any modern nation or group, making it neutral. Scientists all over the world can use Latin names to communicate clearly without translation.
Consistency: Unlike common names, which vary from place to place (Monstera deliciosa is called a Swiss Cheese Plant in English, but in other languages, it has completely different names), Latin names stay the same everywhere.
How Are Plants Named?
The naming system we use today is called binomial nomenclature, developed by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. It’s a fancy way of saying that every plant gets a two-part name. Here’s how it works:
The Genus: This is the plant’s “last name,” written first. It groups together plants that are closely related. For example:
Monstera is the genus for Monsteras (large tropical plants known for their fenestrated leaves).
Ficus is the genus for figs (including houseplants like the Fiddle Leaf Fig).
The Species: This is the plant’s “first name,” written second. It’s more specific and describes the individual type of plant. For example:
Monstera deliciosa: The species name deliciosa refers to the edible fruit the plant produces.
Ficus lyrata: The species name lyrata comes from “lyre,” a reference to the fiddle-shaped leaves.
Bonus: Cultivars and Varieties: If a plant has been bred or naturally evolved into something special, you might see extra names in single quotes, like Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation.’ These names help differentiate plants with unique characteristics, like variegated leaves.
Why Do Plants Get Such Strange Names?
Latin names often describe something unique about the plant — its appearance, origin, or even a fun story. Here are a few examples:
Dracaena marginata: Dracaena means “female dragon,” and marginata means “with margins,” referring to the red-edged leaves.
Alocasia zebrina: Named after its striped stems that resemble zebra patterns.
Rosa gallica: This wild rose is called gallica because it originated in Gaul (modern-day France).
Sometimes, plants are named in honor of a person. For instance, Begonia was named after Michel Bégon, a French governor and plant enthusiast.
Why Does This Matter to Us?
While common names are fun and familiar, they can be confusing. For example, “Snake Plant” could mean Sansevieria trifasciata or Dracaena trifasciata (same plant, new genus!). Scientific names clear up this confusion.
Knowing Latin names also makes it easier to:
Find the exact plant you’re looking for (no guessing based on nicknames).
Research how to care for a plant.
Impress your friends with fancy plant lingo at your next gathering!
