Re: [Aroid-l] Common names

**&* B* <j*@msn.com>**

From : 	Jonathan Ertelt <jonathan.ertelt@vanderbilt.edu>

Reply-To : 	Discussion of aroids <aroid-l@gizmoworks.com>
Sent : 	Wednesday, February 21, 2007 5:37 PM
To : 	Discussion of aroids <aroid-l@gizmoworks.com>
Subject : 	Re: [Aroid-l] Philodendron 'Santa Leopoldina'

Dear Friends,

Well said, Jonathan. As we agree, there are LAWS governing the names and

naming of plants, I believe the science is called Etemology, Dr. Dan

Nicolson`s name comes to mind. Then there is Taxonomy to contend with, and

we are so fortunate to have people like Dr. Croat and Goncalves and Wilbert

Hetterschied to assist us in this field.

Those who seem to love to say stuff like "well Graff called it such-and-such

first, therefor this name is correct" are patently incorrect, but there are

people who will never be convinced otherwise, let them be.

Graff and Burley-Marx NEVER claimed to be Taxonomists, but they were

fantastic collectors, growers and hobbyists, but no matter how huge a

contribution they made to horticulture and popularizing plants, their names

of plants often were just made-up ones FAR from the scientifically accurate

ones we now are trying to stabalize.

Good Growing,

Julius

Steve,

Basically what you have run into is the curse of the common name. It is a

challenge compounded here for several reasons, the first being financial,

since at least some are going to equate the common name 'Santa Leopoldina'

with the extremely rare and therefore extremely valuable Philo.

spiritus-sancti. I find it very interesting that some are suggesting that

the common name be used in a much more widespread way, as it currently seems

to be whether purposefully or not. Of course, the more widespread the usage,

the less use the common name has - but that may well be the point that these

folks are raising, whether intentionally or not.

The whole idea of which plant takes precedence for holding this common name

is almost implying some sort of pseudo-scientific status for the common

name, of which there is none. It doesn't really matter which plant Graf

assigned that common name to - the fact that it has become more widespread

is just the way it is. Some will argue a "rightful owner" for the common

name, but since it is a common name the argument doesn't have much

substance.

On a brighter note, this has been very useful for me to share with some of

my students as a great example of the challenges of common names. I used to

just use the local example of going to a nursery and asking about a native

plant called "spice bush," and how you had a one in three or one in four

chance of getting the specific plant that you had in mind. But your web site

pointing up all the Philodendrons, including both species and likely hybrids

as well, that are potentially called 'Santa Leopoldina' has my spice bush

example well trumped.

Good Growing.

Jonathan<<

 Interestingly, I have received far more response to my request for your

input on the use of the term 'Santa Leopoldina' in personal email than an

exchange of ideas on this board. I have gathered as much as possible and

now posted it on a permanent page on the website. I also find it of

interest that more than one person appears to feel I should just drop the

subject and let the name 'Santa Leopoldina' be used for any plant in the

jungle with a long blade. Certainly, I make no pretense to be the final

authority. Anyone can call any plant by any name they choose. Several of

us are just curious why so many growers and sellers use that name for so

many different plants? And the list is still growing. I now have 12 plants

on the page and there are more to be found on the internet.

 One writer pointed out since Graf's use of the term predates either

Bette Waterbury or other more recent articles his plant should take

precedence. Does that mean Philodendron spiritus-sancti should not be the

rightful owner? I no longer have his books so I cannot personally comment.

 Again, I invite your comments and will post anyone's comment who grants

permission. I ask you post them here so we all can read your opinions. Of

course, if you'd rather send me a personal note, feel free.

   Steve Lucas

   www.ExoticRainforest.com

   http://www.exoticrainforest.com/what%20is%20it.html

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From : 	Jonathan Ertelt <jonathan.ertelt@vanderbilt.edu>

Reply-To : 	Discussion of aroids <aroid-l@gizmoworks.com>
Sent : 	Wednesday, February 21, 2007 5:37 PM
To : 	Discussion of aroids <aroid-l@gizmoworks.com>
Subject : 	Re: [Aroid-l] Philodendron 'Santa Leopoldina'

Leopoldina'
Steve,