Basionym

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In botanical nomenclature, the basionym of a name is its name- or epithet-bringing synonym. In short, the synonym it is based on.

For instance, the Norway Spruce is now known as Picea abies (L.) H.Karst. It was transferred to the genus Picea by the botanist Karsten, who was hardly the first to deal with the species. He based his new combination on the earlier name that was published by Linnaeus as Pinus abies L.

Therefore, Pinus abies L. is the basionym of Picea abies (L.) H.Karst.

A basionym is not necessarily the earliest name published for the taxon. A basionym cannot exist by itself: it is necessarily "the basionym of ..." .