The pleasures of the Latin binomial
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: The pleasures of the Latin binomial
- From: G* O*
- Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2000 06:51:24 -0500
>At 09:02 AM 29.2.00 -0800, Anelle Kloski wrote:
>>I think that Latin still is the universal language for gardening, and
>>when I have made an effort to use it, it is not because I am an expert,
>>but because I want to be one.
In addition to all the comments about Latin binomials and English common
names, I'm surprised no one has mentioned how much fun it is to say them.
When pronounced properly, they roll around in the mouth like a piece of
sweet hard candy..
Try saying these slowly, out loud, and see how good it feels. Common names
included!
Aristolochia (Dutchman's pipe)
Liriodendron styraciflua (Yellow poplar)
Helianthus (sunflower)
Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet gum)
Hydrangea paniculata or quercifolia or macrophylla
Zephyranthes flavissima (Yellow rain lily)
I find myself walking around the yard looking at my plants and calling them
by their Latin names just because it feels so good, like I'm speaking to
them in some exotic foreign language.
Gerry
