February 2007

Care & Handling: Classification and Naming

Ordering flowers would be truly bewildering without classification and nomenclature (naming) to organize and simplify flower names. Basically, classification is the placing of similar things together. The earliest classifications simply identified plants as harmful or useful. However, there are now a number of practical systems of classification, including those based on growth habit, such as bulbs or woody shrubs, life span of the actual plant (annual, biennial, perennial), and arbitrary classifications, such as tropical flowers, garden flowers, and European or Dutch flowers. These classifications are useful because they categorize flowers into groups that may assist florists in planning production, utilization, and marketing. However, regional differences may lead to confusion when using practical classifications. To avoid this, a standard worldwide scientific plant classification has been established.

The foundation for modern scientific classification was developed by the Swedish botanist Linnaeus, who divided all flowering plants into classes based on the number and arrangement of their reproductive organs. As knowledge improved and ideas changed, more categories were added to this framework, incorporating the concept that plants are placed in categories because they have a close genetic relationship. Key categories and their corresponding relationships are listed below.

There are two common terms that are often confused: variety and cultivar. A variety is a botanical collection, referring to a group of plants within a species that shows marked differences in nature. A cultivar is a variety which exists because it is cultivated or grown for horticultural purposes.
In other words, a cultivar is a group of flowers within a species that shows marked differences when grown under the supervision of man. Without man’s influence, these plants or flowers may not continue to exist. For example, plant “sports” or throwbacks must be propagated by cuttings or asexual reproduction methods (cultivation practices); otherwise, the plant is likely to return to its original state. The terms variety and cultivar are often used interchangeably when discussing ornamental crops. However, in actuality, many plants used in commercial floriculture are simply cultivars.

The binomial nomenclature is based on a two-part classification. Essentially, it means that plants acquire two Latin names. The first represents the genus and the second represents the specific epithet. Remember, the specific epithet is also known as the species. The scientific names genus and specific epithet each describe the species. If the flower is a variety or cultivar, the name has three parts. In communication, scientific names are most commonly written as follows:

Genus species ‘cultivar’ (only genus and species underlined or italicized; cultivar name is in single quotes)
Example: Dianthus caryophyllus cv. White Sim (a common white carnation cultivar) or Dian~ caryophyllus ‘White Sim’

A familiarity with Latin names is a great advantage and asset to ordering and caring for flowers. Scientific names are used internationally, a practice which is vitally important with the increasing worldwide production of flowers. Packing lists, especially for direct orders of imported items, may be written with Latin names, and design magazines and books are more frequently using this nomenclature. Also, flowers within a certain genus have similar needs; therefore, knowing the genus of a certain flower and its needs will provide a fairly good idea of how to care for the flower. This can be especially helpful with all of the “new” flowers that are being introduced in the marketplace. Examples are the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) and the Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus), which are both sensitive to ethylene and benefit from ethylene-reduction treatments. Even a basic knowledge of flower families can be helpful, since flowers within this larger group have some similarities in characteristics and care. Some flower families and their popular members are given next.

Several additional points should be kept in mind regarding the use of variety and cultivar names and common names. Knowledge and use of variety and cultivar names can be very helpful, especially since there can be tremendous differences in appearance, as well as performance. The florist should not simply request red roses, for example, but should specify ‘Samantha', ‘Royalty', ‘Cara Mia', ‘Visa,',Gabriella', or another. Keep in mind, however, that these names can vary among regions and countries. This goes for common names, as well. Common names, such as carnation and baby’s breath, are those most frequently used because that is what most people know. This can sometimes lead to confusion, however. For example, the term protea is often used to order members of the Proteaceae family, when not all of them are true protea. The commonly called King Protea is Protea cynaroides, but the Pincushion is not truly a protea, but a Leucospermum nutans. It helps to know and use scientific names, especially when ordering an unusual flower or a specific flower for specific use, such as a wedding.

Building a foundation of floral knowledge starts with a close examination of the structures of individual flowers and leaves, then broadening the scope to identify the patterns and forms of flowers and leaf clusters. The similarities and differences that are observed will help illustrate the concepts of uniqueness and relationships, which can be transferred into an understanding of the skills of care and design. The observation will also reveal the basis of scientific classification. Therefore, the next step is to review the organization and importance of classification and naming. In short, classification keeps the flower world in order, and naming helps utilize this orderliness for purchasing and other communication functions. A working knowledge of floral naming should include familiarity with both common and Latin names, for better communication locally and on a domestic and international scale. The mastering of the basic floral knowledge will assist the florist in....developing purchasing and handling skills.