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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Washington, D.C. » National Arboretum » Floral and Nursery Plants Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #219192
Title: Validation of the hybrid flowering cherry Prunus xincam Ingram (Rosaceae)

Author
item Olsen, Richard
item Whittemore, Alan

Submitted to: Novon
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/2/2009
Publication Date: 12/10/2009
Citation: Olsen, R.T. and Whittemore, A.T. 2009. Validation of the hybrid flowering cherry Prunus xincam (Rosaceae). Novon. 19:490-493.

Interpretive Summary: This contribution provides scientific validation for a widely-used scientific name of a hybrid flowering cherry. This name has been used informally for many years, but without the publication of a full description in a recognized journal and the designation of a type specimen, there is no guarantee that it will be used consistently by botanists and horticulturalists in the future. A full scientific description is given for the hybrid. The history of its development and usage is briefly summarized, and references given to the main works that discuss it. A type specimen, required under the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, is designated here, and it will be preserved in the National Arboretum herbarium, and duplicated at other major herbaria. A stable, accurate nomenclature, based on names that are clearly described and documented with adequate specimens, is essential for communication among botanists and horticulturalists. Naming this hybrid species in accordance with the technical standards of the field, as set forth in the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, will ensure that the name will be applied consistently by future workers, minimizing errors and miscommunication among plant scientists, growers, and users.

Technical Abstract: This contribution provides scientific validation for a widely-used scientific name of a nothospecies in Prunus sect. Pseudocerasus. This name has been used informally for many years, but without the publication of a full description in a recognized journal and the designation of a type specimen the name is technically invalid, and it must be validated to ensure consistent usage by botanists and horticulturalists. A full scientific description is given for Prunus xincam. The history of its development and usage is briefly summarized, and references given to the main works that discuss it. A type specimen, required under the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, is designated here, and it will be preserved in the National Arboretum herbarium, and duplicated at other major herbaria. A stable, accurate nomenclature, based on names that are clearly described and documented with adequate specimens, is essential for communication among botanists and horticulturalists. Naming this nothospecies in accordance with the technical standards of the field, as set forth in the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, will ensure that the name will be applied consistently by future workers, minimizing errors and miscommunication among plant scientists, growers, and users.