A Common Language

A Common Language. Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden. , Plant nomenclature is the naming of plants using the binomial (meaning "two names") system. The Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus introduced this method in 1753. Binomial nomenclature uses Latin to communicate scientific information on a global scale., Smithsonian Gardens General Plant Labels. . Genus (plural: genera): A grouping of closely related species. , . Specific epithet: Differentiates individuals within a genus. , Genus + specific epithet (the botanical or scientific name of the plant) = Species , Species: A group of organisms in which two individuals are capable of producing fertile offspring., . Cultivar: A plant selection that varies enough from its parents to warrant cultivation based on its own merits. , . Common Name: A plant's nickname. Many plants have more than one depending on the region in which they grow. , . Family: A group of plants that share observable characteristics, chemistry, and genetic makeup. , . Native Range of Species: The region where the plant species is considered indigenous., Folger Rose Garden Rose Labels. . Cultivar: This name can vary depending on the language and the market where the rose is being sold. , . Rose Class: Roses are members of the plant genus Rosa. Within that genus, they are grouped into classifications based on lineage as well as characteristics displayed by each variety. , . Introduction Year: The year the rose was introduced to the commercial market. , . International Cultivar Registration Authority for Roses (ICRAR) code: A unique identifier assigned to each rose. The first part, usually in CAPS, denotes a particular rose breeder. While a rose's cultivar name may vary, its ICRAR code always remains the same.