Validly published name (botany)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  (Redirected from Valid name (botany))
Jump to: navigation, search
This is equivalent to zoology's available name. Not to be confused with zoology's valid name.

In botanical nomenclature, a validly published name is a name that meets the requirements in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants for valid publication.[1] Valid publication of a name represents the minimum requirements for a botanical name to exist: therefore a botanical name inescapably is always valid. If a name is not validly published then it is not a botanical name. Thus an invalid name in the botanical sense is not a scientific name at all: as far as the ICN is concerned, it has the same status as a common name, a vernacular name, etc.

Nevertheless, invalid names are somewhat in use. This may occur when a taxonomists finds and recognises a taxon and thinks of a name, but delays publishing it in an adequate manner. A common reason for this is that a taxonomist intends to write a magnum opus that provides an overview of the group, rather than a series of small papers. Another reason is that the code of nomenclature changes with time, and most changes have retroactive effect., which has resulted in some names that the author thought were validly published, becoming invalid.

Contrast to zoology[edit]

In zoology, the term valid name has a different meaning, equivalent to botany's correct name.[1][2] The zoological equivalent of "validly published name" is available name.

See also[edit]


  1. ^ a b McNeill, J.; Barrie, F.R.; Buck, W.R.; Demoulin, V.; Greuter, W.; Hawksworth, D.L.; Herendeen, P.S.; Knapp, S.; Marhold, K.; Prado, J.; Reine, W.F.P.h.V.; Smith, G.F.; Wiersema, J.H.; Turland, N.J. (2012). International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Melbourne Code) adopted by the Eighteenth International Botanical Congress Melbourne, Australia, July 2011: Glossary. Regnum Vegetabile 154. A.R.G. Gantner Verlag KG. ISBN 978-3-87429-425-6. 
  2. ^ "ICZN article 79 (in Chapter 17)". Retrieved 2 January 2012.