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Common vs. latin names

>I am having a problem (yes, only one today !). I was trying to find
>germination instructions in Dr. Deno's books. However all the listings
>begin with the LATIN name and I don't know the LATIN name.  Is there a book
>available that crosss references the English names to Latin.

I have the opposite problem. I'm on a (really wonderful) seed exchange
on the web, and often miss really interesting plants because I only
know plants by their Latin name. If you find a good cross reference
please tell me. :) The other problem is that common names often aren't.
For example 'ladyslipper'..I've heard it used for a whole genus of orchids
(well 2 if you count cypripediums), calceolaria, impatiens balsamina, etc.
I'm too shy to hang around garden clubs so I just don't learn the common
names.

>1) When ever someone posts a latin name, could they also post the common or
>english name. I for one would then be able to relate quickly in most cases.

If I know it, I will.  Don't suppose anyone reading knows what "Jewels
of Opah"  is? Or 'red tassel flower'? (Sender said it wasn't love-lies-
bleeding.)

>2) Latin names are hard to pronounce.  When posting a Latin name would it
>be possible to also post a close approximation of the phonetic
>pronuncation. example
>Verbena Bonariensis .  At risk of making a complete fool of myself I will
>attempt to phonetically spell the name. " Verb-ena Bon-aryan-sis "

Latin rules of pronounciation go on for weeks, I've never had anyone
laugh at my attempts so far. (Did have one interesting conversation
with a guy growing Aeschynanthus -lipstick plant- though :) 
Anybody who laughs at another's pronounciation is just rude.

>Please forgive me if I have offended the  great Gods of Gardening and the
>Internet. I am but a worm and a user, ignorant of many things.  I  only
>seek to learn and propagate (in a strictly gardening  sense) . Please do
>not decend on me with all the force of your email program (as I have a
>great firewall and filters)

*laugh*  Gardeners are in general, nice people!

happy gardening
Ivy
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