W1 - Specify Plants - Intro & Naming Plants Flashcards
What are the levels of the taxonomic hierarchy?
Kingdom, Division (or Phylum), Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species, Cultivar/Subspecies/Variety/Form
What is the structure of a binomial name?
Genus + species (e.g., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Only the Genus is capitalized, and both must be italicized or underlined.
How are family names formatted in botanical nomenclature?
Family names are in CAPITALS and end in ‘ACEAE’ (e.g., MALVACEAE)
What is the correct format for cultivar names?
Cultivar names are in single quotes, not italicized (e.g., ‘Kathleen’)
What is a distinctive reproductive feature of the MALVACEAE family?
Staminal column (fused stamens forming a tube with brush-like anthers at tip)
What are the common flower forms in the MALVACEAE family?
- Funnel-shaped
- Campanulate (bell-shaped) as in Chinese Lantern
- Often pendant (hanging)
What leaf shape is common among many MALVACEAE plants?
Cordate (heart-shaped) leaves
Name one plant studied in Week 1.
Abutilon x hybridum (Chinese Lantern)
Other plants include Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus syriacus, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Lagerstroemia indica.
What distinguishes trees from shrubs in terms of plant form?
Trees have a single trunk with an elevated crown; shrubs have multiple branches emerging from ground level.
How are plant families grouped?
By similar reproductive characteristics
How must cultivars be propagated?
Cultivars must be propagated vegetatively (cannot grow true from seed)
What is the significance of standardized botanical names?
They are standardized internationally
What is required for name changes in botanical nomenclature?
Approval from International Botanical Congress (meets every 6 years)
Can species breed with other species?
Species can only breed among themselves
How many times can a cultivar name be used within a genus?
One cultivar name can only be used once within a genus
