You’ll notice that I usually use the common name for plants in the same way that I call a Wren a Wren rather than a Troglodytes Troglodytes which in everyday language would sound a bit daft.
All the listings in our shop have both the common name and the Latin name for anyone that uses them.
I understand the use of scientific names for definite identification of things but I’m a strong believer that the common name should also be used. Surely it’s not too much for people to tag on another couple of words?
The common names have been in use for a long time, well before Carl Linnaeus devised his system for classifying living organisms and very often give a hint to the historical uses of plants or behaviour or appearance of animals. What a shame if all this knowledge should be forgotten and consigned to the bin.
Take for example, the Golden Dung Fly, Latin name, Scathophaga stercoraria. It’s very golden and quite often found on dung.
Which name do you think most people would remember?
Wouldn’t the world be poorer and less interesting without Love-in-the-Mist ( Nigella damascena )
Yes, the names varied by area. So what?, it gives us something to talk about when we meet our neighbours from over the border.
There are a lot of people who think that I really should just use the Latin as a lot of experts won’t know what I’m talking about and I won’t be taken at all seriously. I happen to feel that preserving common names is worth that sacrifice 😄
For hundreds of years our ancestors had names for most things in the natural world and as most people lived rurally, the majority of the population were well aware of them.
Unfortunately, now, there are a lot of people who have very little connection to the natural world and Google any wildflower or insect and you’ll find a lot of entries on how to rid ourselves of these “weeds” and “pests.
People shouldn’t be made to feel that growing plants and appreciating wildlife is beyond them without a knowledge of Latin and I believe common names are a useful way of helping people connect to their natural environment, especially when young.
To all the people, (there’s been plenty, mostly but not exclusively, men), who have told me over the years that it’s really not hard to learn the Latin names, I’d like to say that you manage to use the common names for Birds and Butterflies so why not plants and insects
If it’s that easy, why can’t you use both?
For centuries our ancestors worked on the land, knew the names of the plants and the insects, birds and mammals.
Being from peasant stock, I’m fairly sure my lot, (including Jemima), never used the Latin.
Maybe I should start a campaign, Common names for Common people?
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