Towards unprecedented stability in botanical classification

Image de palmiers du Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, datant de la fin du XIXe siècle
Image of palm trees from Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, dating from the late 19th century

After centuries of upheaval, during which plants regularly changed names according to discoveries and botanical schools, a new era is dawning: one of more stable nomenclature based on genetics.

In his article “For centuries, plants have been constantly changing names. Here’s why that’s coming to an end,” published in The Conversation, Yohan Pillon explains why this lull in plant taxonomy constitutes a minor scientific revolution—and a relief for researchers and enthusiasts alike.

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