Lists of names in current use and their possible role in a global plant species information system

Abstract

Abstract Changes in taxonomy unavoidably result in name changes. As long as scientific plant names reflect the accepted position and rank of a taxon, and as long as taxonomy progresses, such changes must be accepted. ‘Consensus taxonomy’ cannot be the final answer. Lack of certainty with respect to basic nomenclatural parameters also results in nomenclatural instability. Such uncertainty may concern priority (date of publication, existence of overlooked earlier synonyms or homonyms), availability (effectivity and validity of publication, legitimacy of names), application (choice and identity of nomenclatural types), and minor points such as correct orthography and gender. In order to avoid such uncertainty and the resulting instability, the compilation of vetted lists of names in current use is being actively promoted by IUBS and IAPT, among others.