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| ==Plant classification and nomenclature== | | ==Plant classification and nomenclature== |
| + | This is how plant classification is broken out, descending from the more general family name to the much more specific cultivars. |
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− | | + | *'''Family''' - Group of genera sharing set of basic characteristics. Names end in -aceae. Limits of families are unclear and often controversial. |
| + | **'''Genus''' (plural is genera) - Group of plants sharing wide range of characteristics. Names printed in italics with an initial capital letter. Hybrid genera are indicated with an x before the genus. |
| + | ***'''Species''' - Group of plants which can breed together to produce similar offspring. Species are given a two part name, printed in italics: the first part with an initial capital letter is for the genus name (abbreviated) and the second part is the species specific name. |
| + | ****'''Subspecies''' - Naturally occurring and distinct variant of a species, often isolated from others from the species. The abbreviation "subsp." is followed by the name of the subspecies in italics. |
| + | *****'''Varietas''' (variety) and '''forma''' (form) - minor subdivision of a species, with a very slight difference from the rest of the species. Shown by "var." or "F." followed by the variety or form name in italics. |
| + | ******'''Cultivars''' - Selected or raised artificially, these are distinct variants of species, subsp., var., f., or hybrids. The cultivar name follows the full scientific name in single quotes, without italics, eg. ''Calluna vulgaris'' 'Firefly', though if the parentage is unclear, the cultivar name may simply follow the genera name, eg. ''Rosa'' 'Goldfinch'. |
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| ==Species, hybrids and cultivars== | | ==Species, hybrids and cultivars== |