Bamboo species naming conventions

[Joseph Clemens]

Welcome from the depths of lurking.

I may be the only one here who has any concern about correct spelling and formatting of my beloved plants names, but it can be easier to locate a post such as this when it slips into the archives, using the search feature if at least the spelling is correct.

The correct spelling and format are located in the species list, available at a click in the upper left corner of this forum.

P. edulis bicolor -- P. edulis 'Bicolor'

P. bambusoids -- P. bambusoides 'Richard Haubrich' 'Richard haubrich' (second favorite thus far)

P. Praecox f. viridisulcata -- P. praecox 'Viridisulcata' (beautiful plant most favorite thus far)

P. vivax and vivax f. aureocaulis -- P. vivax 'Aureocaulis' (planted together for contrast)

P. bambusoids 'All gold' -- P. bambusoides 'Allgold'

P. bambusoids -- P. bambusoides 'Castillon and Castillon inversa' (planted together for contrast)

P. bambusoids -- P. bambusoides 'Marliac'

P. Nigra -- P. nigra

[needmore]

Joseph, I am glad to have lurkers post whether or not the spelling is correct and I hope that the fear of misspellink or improper forms of namenklature does not keep them lurkers merely lurking.

[Joseph Clemens]

Joseph, I am glad to have lurkers post whether or not the spelling is correct and I hope that the fear of misspellink or improper forms of namenklature does not keep them lurkers merely lurking.

I highly agree. And by no means would I try to foster an oppressive atmosphere, nor is that my intent, but I wouldn't feel right if I ignored such incorrect terminology. Their names and properly writing them are the only truly "universal" language we have when communicating concerning our beloved plants, bamboo included, especially in international circles. If others had not been bold or assertive enough to correct me, I would still look silly when trying to discuss the plants I love with others who are also interested in them from around the world. I am an avid follower of many plant forums, as I have a deep interest in many different plant groups. I frequently find threads with intriguing subject titles, and then I find that the author has used an unfamiliar nickname or has somehow mangled the format or spelling such that I have to ask in order to find out what plant species or variety is being discussed. Sometimes I even get excited that there may be a new species that I had previously been unaware of, only to discover after inquiry that it was only a misspelling. If I were the author and went to the trouble of writing a post, I would, at the least, want my audience to know which plant was being discussed, without having to guess or ask. That could be embarrassing. And if the errors aren't brought-out and corrected they will grow. Others new to these plants will accept the errors, they don't know better, and they will repeat them -- I know, I was there, and sometimes I still am. Overlooking and even repeating obvious errors in correct name spelling and format is a disservice to all who love these plants.

Everyone here, as anywhere, are at various levels of experience and those of us with more experience shouldn't be enablers of those less experienced, we should be mentors, sharing our experience, with the basics, not just our exciting experiences with our plants, but the tough, practical things, as well.

It seems to be in our human nature to more easily dismiss those who are less well spoken, while those who speak and write well are automatically granted more credibility. Perhaps this is the way it should be. I choose to help encourage correctly spelling and formating the names of our beloved plants that everyone's credibility may grow.

[Markj]

On the correct name front I've always seen Phyllostachys shortened to Ph.


with:

P. Pleioblastus
Ps. Psudosasa

Is there a formal way in these shorthand names, or dose any version count


Oh, and Hi.

[John G.]

Welcome from the depths of lurking.

I may be the only one here who has any concern about correct spelling and formatting of my beloved plants names, but it can be easier to locate a post such as this when it slips into the archives, using the search feature if at least the spelling is correct.

The correct spelling and format are located in the species list, available at a click in the upper left corner of this forum.

P. edulis bicolor -- P. edulis 'Bicolor'

P. bambusoids -- P. bambusoides 'Richard Haubrich' 'Richard haubrich' (second favorite thus far)

P. Praecox f. viridisulcata -- P. praecox 'Viridisulcata' (beautiful plant most favorite thus far)

P. vivax and vivax f. aureocaulis -- P. vivax 'Aureocaulis' (planted together for contrast)

P. bambusoids 'All gold' -- P. bambusoides 'Allgold'

P. bambusoids -- P. bambusoides 'Castillon and Castillon inversa' (planted together for contrast)

P. bambusoids -- P. bambusoides 'Marliac'

P. Nigra -- P. nigra

I will be sure to correct those when I get home tonight and respond further.

[Joseph Clemens]

On the correct name front I've always seen Phyllostachys shortened to Ph.


with:

P. Pleioblastus
Ps. Psudosasa

Is there a formal way in these shorthand names, or dose any version count


Oh, and Hi.

Officially, taxonomic names should be in italics, example: Phyllostachys, or where it isn't possible, they should be underlined. The genus name must "always" begin with an initial capital letter (in this rule the species list from the link on the bambooweb page is in error, by having the entire genus name in all caps - a faux pas), see preceeding; the second part of the species name, the specific epithet, must always be in all lower case letters, example: vivax. The second part of the binomial name is called the "specific epithet", not the "species" name, as it is commonly thought, but rather in this binomial naming system, the species name is actually the combination of the genus and specific epithet. Just as my "name" does not comprise the simple moniker, "Joseph", but rather my last name, or "genus", and first name or "specific epithet", so that, only both together as Joseph Clemens, would be my true name, or species.

In order to reduce confusion, abbreviations are only used, after, the full genus name is written out, for example: Phyllostachys vivax and P. vivax 'Aureocaulis', are both in the genus Phyllostachys and Pleoblastus oleosus is a representative of its genus, and another is P. simonii. Only single letter abbreviations for genus, used in the manner illustrated by this paragraph is the approved method.

Many of our bamboo are cultivars, cultivar names always follow the species name, are not in italics, are enclosed in single quotation marks, and begin with initial capital letters. For example: Phyllostachys vivax 'Aureocaulis' is a cultivar of the species, P. vivax. If a cultivar is of hybrid origin, an "x" to indicate this is not used. The published description necessary to register cultivars is where any source information is described.

[Steve in France]

We had this discussion at UKOasis, I think I'll stick to Ph. P. and Ps. and S3 . I often don't have time to write the full name , plus I'm dyslexic . I'm usually posting to people who are members and know what I'm going on about . If someone does not know then just ask and I'll answer with as much or as little info as is wanted. I'm not a Bamboo expert or a Botanist I'm just a Gardener.
I grow Bamboo and many other plants in my garden , I seem to have great success with my Bamboos and I am happy to pass on tips and or Bamboos whenever it's needed. I'm always learning one way or another , like today I learned I should never have planted running Bamboos without a rhizome barrier as I have runners 12 feet away from where they should be , so for me the barrier debate is over , Never Plant A Running Bamboo Without A Barrier Steve

Garden bits from a UKOasis post

Pamela, first flower of the year, so very late , guess I'll do better in D.C.



Yunnan 1a lurking at the back



Scabrida with new culms behind Platt's Black , S3 behind all



later
Steve

[rfgpitt]

Steve,

I agree with several things here. I too am a "gardener" and the scientific side of it all bores me, unless helpful in growing. Heck, some of the plants I have are probably misnamed anyway. I do try to make clear the plant in discussion, and if there's a ? then please ask me.

Also, I agree to never plant a runner without a barrier (minus ground covers). If nothing else, once you see shoots in the spring, you should have a little time to find and dig the rhizomes back a few feet before it finds freedom. (you'll find they grow even more aggressively in DC!)

[bambooweb]

The genus name must "always" begin with an initial capital letter (in this rule the species list from the link on the bambooweb page is in error, by having the entire genus name in all caps - a faux pas),

Guilty. In defense I copied the printed ABS Species List when I built the database. I guess that should be changed.

I like to use 2 letters to shorten the genus because of the confusion of names like P. humilis. I also did not like the printed species list where you do not know what the genus is without turning the pages back to the beginning of the genus listing.

Bill

[BooKing]

This is a forum of well educated people- some in horticulture, some not. I would use what you feel comfortable with . Heck, we know what people mean most of the time. Let's not make this a "sterile scienctific discussion" forum since most of us are hobbyists or just plant collectors. If every time someone gets corrected on proper capitalizations and such alot of posters would stop posting, including me.
So, I will continue to use Fargesias instead of Fargesia. and use Parvifolia not Ph. parvifolia.


By the way: what the heck is a Phyllosachys? In the above references that is your spelling Mr Clemens...be careful about chastizing others when your own house isn't clean is a useful saying.

[Markj]

Got to say, 'waterboo seedling's' dose sound a whole lot better than..........

I'm also against the new naming of Moso, to me the old Chinese name and as the first should be Phyllostachys hetrocycla var. pubescens

As (Moso)this was named after the 'turtle shell' bamboo the name should be correct, I wonder how long Ph. nigra will be regarded as the species rather than a CV.

It's all good fun tho

[BooKing]

A healthy discussion is better than the old days of "duels" or Is It?

[Joseph Clemens]

By the way: what the heck is a Phyllosachys? In the above references that is your spelling Mr Clemens...be careful about chastizing others when your own house isn't clean is a useful saying.

No chastising intended, gentle correction, only. If we don't help each other, who will. I like to think of myself and other plant loving people as family. Family shouldn't be afraid to correct each other with grace and kindness. Mentors and teachers are not summarily shot for teaching and correcting. Those who are more familiar with certain information shouldn't keep it to themselves, but share it with as many as is practicable.

It is a "typo", which, even we who are concerned about the correct use of names can have. Fortunately we can help each other when this happens, as you have done here - and the edit button, works wonderfully well.

No duel intended - just an offer to help, and a request to be helped, thank you for beginning this dialogue by offering your assistance to me in this way.

Certainly we can agree to disagree, but I appreciate the attention you have given this subject. Thank you.

[Jeff: Igor's Apprentice]

Generally, I think one abbreviates a genus only immediately following discussion of that genus when addressing a wide audience and so a single letter suffices.

However, in a forum such as this we make up our own dang rules because the general feeling seems to be that 99% of everybody here knows what the (main) genera of bamboo are and which species belong to them.

If anyone one is unsure though I think they should feel free to ask!

[BooKing]

"Sumarily" is not a word, it is "summarily". Also, there is no "chastizing", it is "chastising". Just wanted to see if you would write the word incorrectly as I did. The plan worked. So, someone needs some English courses again. We can be nitpicky with everything but what would this accomplish?