Binary name
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In botanical nomenclature, the ICBN prescribes a two-part name or binary name for any taxon below the rank of genus down to, and including the rank of species. Taxa below the rank of species (infraspecific taxa) get a three part name (ternary name).
The ranks explicitly mentioned in the ICBN as having a binary name are:
A binary name consists of the name of a genus and an epithet.
- In the case of a species this is a specific epithet:
- Bellis perennis is the name of a species, with perennis the specific epithet. There is no connecting term involved, to indicate the rank
- In the case of a subdivion of a genus (subgenus, section, subsection, series, subseries, etc) the name consists of the name of a genus and a subdivisional epithet. A connecting term should be placed before the subdivisional epithet to indicate the rank.
- Paraserianthes sect. Falcataria
[edit] More than two parts
Sometimes a subdivision of a genus may be indicated with a listing in three or more parts. However, this is not its formal name. Its botanical name is in two parts.
[edit] See also
- Scientific classification
- Binomen — the term used in zoology for a two part name (restricted to species, only)
- Binomial nomenclature
