Re: Yellow Oxalis and Latin Names

   Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1999 10:49:50 -0500
   From: Xavier <xfaberman@sprynet.com>

   I know Oxalis pes-caprae is correctly called Bermuda Buttercup (see The
   Jepson Manual), but I've visited California twice and NO ONE called it
   Bermuda Buttercup. Everyone I asked called it "yellow oxalis." When I
   pointed to Oxalis corniculata and asked what that was (although I
   already knew), I was informed, "Oh, that's another yellow oxalis." Thus,
   I know from experience that when a Californian says "yellow oxalis," one
   cannot automatically assume which species of Oxalis he or she is
   referring to.

I grew up in San Diego and now live in Oakland.  Before someone said it on
the list a couple days ago, I had never heard the term "yellow oxalis."  I
had no trouble figuring out that the writer meant Oxalis pes-caprae
though.  I have the other yellow-flowered oxalis in my yard too but it's
Oxalis pes-caprae that is the the invasive species people talk about, and
since that was the context of the post...

I now use the term Bermuda Buttercup because people on this list use it and
it's in Sunset.  I figured it was the more well-known common name.  I had
never heard it before though.

I call Oxalis pes-caprae "sourgrass."  That's what we called it in San
Diego (while munching on the stems of course) and that's the only name I
have ever heard for it before looking it up in gardening books or seeing it
on this list.

My view on Latin names:  I've had the oppitsite problem...I see the latin
name and don't know the common one.  I am glad when people take the time to
state the latin name for a plant.  I think that's extremely helpful and
avoids all the problems that people have posted about.  But I wish people
would also say the common name.  At least *a* common name.  

There have been many posts about a plant that never mention the common name
so if I don't recognize the latin, I'll skip them.  Then someone will say
the common name down later in the thread and I'll kick myself for tossing
the earlier posts because it's a plant I want to know more about.

Sometimes a common name is mentioned at first but subsequent posts delete
it.  I find I lose track of a discussion that way.  I get a lot of email
and it's hard to remember who said what where.  Even if I don't know the
common name I find it easier to keep track of a thread if a consistant
common name is used.  Heck, sometimes people will discuss a plant by its
latin name and then in later posts all you see of the name is the initial
followed by the species.  I really lose track then.

Cyndi

_______________________________________________________________________________
Oakland, California            Zone 9 USDA; Zone 16 Sunset Western Garden Guide
Chemically sensitive/disabled - Organic Gardening only by choice and neccessity
_______________________________________________________________________________
"There's nothing wrong with me.  Maybe there's                     Cyndi Norman
something wrong with the universe." (ST:TNG)           cyndi@consultclarity.com
                                                 http://www.consultclarity.com/
_________________ Owner of the Immune Website & Lists http://www.immuneweb.org/
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index