A good practice: why we should suggest vernacular names for new plant species

Abstract

Here we discuss the importance of vernacular names and encourage authors of new plant species to propose “suggested vernacular names” along with the new species description in cases that there are no vernacular names known. It is not our intention to propose new rules, but we provide recommendations to ensure inclusion of local peoples and dissemination of scientific knowledge when suggesting a vernacular name. We believe that the suggestion of vernacular names in the original publication of a new species would help in [1] minimizing proliferation of common names in the same language when knowledge on the species becomes widely publicized; [2] communicating with lay audience inside and outside the country, where linguistic variations could be applied, but starting from a reference, i.e., the taxonomist’s suggestion; [3] disseminating important information about the new species and the work of the taxonomist; [4] raising awareness about the conservation of the species and its habitat, when the image of this species is widely linked to non-academic media; and [5] promoting inclusion in and popularization of science.