Best Practice when publishing, referring to or finding information about plants and fungi

1. Use valid, correctly spelled scientific names

Neither common names nor pharmacopoeial names alone are adequate. They are open to misinterpretation.

Scientific plant names, including citation (ideally using correct abbreviation) of the publishing author(s), are therefore obligatory, being both objectively defined and static in meaning. Use of the full name citing its author(s) is necessary only the first time that name is used within an article.

Authors should not assume that scientific names cited in published research articles or in pharmacopoeias are necessarily well-formed and meaningful. It is wise to consult a recent taxonomic reference work to avoid repeating past errors.

It is particularly important to use full scientific names, without genus abbreviations, in lists or tables that refer to multiple plants.

Authors of research papers may further wish to ensure they are using the currently accepted scientific name for that species rather than an older synonym, certainly if there is consensus. If generic placement has changed, using the modern accepted name informs readers as to the taxonomic position of that species and which other species are most closely related. Where consensus may still be lacking regarding the taxonomic arrangement (and preferred scientific name) of a plant, it is important to be aware of evidence in taxonomic publications to suggest which plants share an evolutionary past and are more likely to share chemical pathways.

2. Cite significant synonyms

In a manuscript, it is not necessary to include all known synonyms, but inclusion of those synonyms that are likely to be familiar to the intended readers will improve the chances of communicating effectively.

Inclusion of relevant synonyms is particularly important when recent taxonomic changes have led to alternative naming conventions for a species. One may hold a strong view as to which name is ‘correct’, but readers may hold alternative views or consult different taxonomic sources.

Papers that include long lists or tables citing many plants risk including single plants more than once under alternative synonyms unless the authors are aware of synonymy.

3. Cite the adopted taxonomy

Since taxonomies are ever changing, when using any reference source, it is necessary to quote the version number or year of publication to be precise as to the reference that is followed.

As stated previously, for most purposes, the choice of scientific name one employs for a given plant is less critical than one’s awareness that different scientific names are in use and considered synonymous. The choice of accepted scientific name for a given plant should follow a recognized authoritative taxonomic reference. Citing this reference and the date and version employed will enable readers to be certain of the taxonomic delimitation that was followed.

Sources

4. Avoid imprecision

Citing the name of a genus or family without specifying exactly which species are referred to can introduce imprecision.

It is important to cite whichever taxonomic reference was employed to establish the precise delimitation.

5. Be aware of synonymy when searching the literature

Comprehensively locating research publications requires searching using all scientific synonyms used in the literature.

MPNS allows users to search external databases using all synonyms simultaneously.

6. Avoid false conclusions

Pharmaceutical names are used differently among pharmacopoeias and can introduce ambiguity if not properly referenced.

7. Ensure the identity of the plant

Citing a valid scientific name is of little value if the plants described were misidentified. Voucher specimens improve credibility and reproducibility.