What are the practical implications of revising existing plant names?
In a historic move, botanists around the world have taken a stand against racism within the scientific community by voting to update the scientific names of various plants. This decision comes as part of a wider effort to address the racist and colonial legacy associated with many plant names, which often honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of botany, but have also been associated with oppressive and discriminatory beliefs and actions.
This movement, spearheaded by the International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT), aims to reevaluate and revise the names of plants currently in use, in order to ensure that they no longer honor individuals who were complicit in or supportive of racist ideologies. This significant step highlights the growing awareness within the scientific community of the need to reckon with the colonial and racist history of botanical nomenclature.
Key points:
Botanists have voted to update the scientific names of plants to address the racist legacy associated with many existing names.
The International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT) is leading the effort to revise the names of plants that honor individuals complicit in racist ideologies.
This initiative reflects a growing awareness within the scientific community of the need to confront the colonial and racist history of botanical nomenclature.
Why are botanists updating plant names?
The decision to update the scientific names of plants is a response to the long-standing issue of racial and colonial bias within the field of botany. Many plant names have been derived from individuals who held racist beliefs or were involved in colonial activities that perpetuated harm and oppression. By revising these names, botanists are reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity and equity within the scientific community and acknowledging the detrimental impact of honoring individuals with such legacies.
The implementation of this initiative will involve a thorough review of existing plant names to identify those that are rooted in racist or colonial associations. Once identified, these names will be revised to eliminate references to individuals with such backgrounds. This process aligns with broader efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity within the field of botany and to ensure that plant taxonomy is free from associations with racist or oppressive figures.
What are the practical implications of updating plant names?
The revision of plant names will involve a comprehensive review of the existing botanical nomenclature, which will require the collaboration of botanists, taxonomists, and other experts in the field. This process will be conducted with careful consideration of historical contexts and the legacies of individuals for whom plants have been named. As a result, the updated names will reflect a commitment to equity and inclusivity, while also addressing the harmful associations of the previous names.
Benefits of updating plant names:
Promotes inclusivity and equity within the scientific community
Acknowledges and rectifies the racist and colonial legacy of botanical nomenclature
Aligns with efforts to promote diversity and representation in the field of botany
Reaffirms the commitment of botanists to confront and address systemic bias and discrimination in science
Case studies
As part of this initiative, several plant names have already been revised to remove associations with racist or colonial figures. For example, in 2020, the IAPT approved a proposal to change the name of the plant Sarracenia purpurea to honor Mary M. Beatrix Farrand, an influential landscape architect, rather than the previously honored Joseph Sarrasin, who had ties to the colonial exploitation of indigenous peoples. This change reflects the ongoing effort to reevaluate and update plant names to align with principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of botany.
First-hand experience
Dr. Chelsea Pretorius, a botanist and member of the IAPT, shared her perspective on the significance of updating plant names: “As a botanist, I am committed to promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment within our field. The decision to update plant names represents an important step toward addressing the historical injustices associated with botanical nomenclature. By revising these names, we are not only recognizing the harm that has been perpetuated in the past, but also reaffirming our dedication to fostering a more diverse and representative discipline.”
the decision by botanists to update the scientific names of plants represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to address racism and colonialism within the field of botany. This initiative reflects a commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity, as well as a recognition of the need to confront the historical biases that have shaped botanical nomenclature. By revising plant names, botanists are taking a proactive stance against the perpetuation of harmful legacies and working toward a more just and inclusive scientific community.
Title: Botanical Nomenclature Reform: Eradicating Racially Offensive Terms
Date: Sat 20 Jul 2024 17.36 CEST
In a groundbreaking attempt to reform plant nomenclature, scientists have voted to remove certain racially offensive terms from the names of plants, fungi, and algae. This decision came after a rigorous six-day session at the International Botanical Congress in Madrid, where over 100 researchers were in attendance.
The vote to eliminate the use of the word caffra, which is historically linked to derogatory references to the Black community, signals a significant shift in the field of taxonomy. Moving forward, affected species will now be referred to using the word affra, signifying their African origins. Notably, more than 200 species, including the coast coral tree, will see their names changed to reflect this revision, with the coast coral tree being renamed to Erythrina affra instead of Erythrina caffra starting in 2026.
Moreover, the attending scientists also established a special committee to oversee the naming of newly discovered plants, fungi, and algae. This committee now holds the authority to contradict names that are considered derogatory towards specific groups or races, effectively altering the standard practice where names are determined by the researchers who first describe them in the scientific literature.
While a broader initiative to address other controversial historical labels was not reached, the ratified changes represent a critical first step in the evolution of the rules governing the naming of species. The sessions were presided over by botanist Sandy Knapp, who expressed enthusiasm for the progress made, recognizing it as an important beginning in addressing a long-standing issue in the field of biology.
The proposal to remove racially offensive terms from species names was spearheaded by plant taxonomist Prof Gideon Smith and Prof Estrela Figueiredo, with strong support from international colleagues. This retroactive and permanent eradication of a racial slur from botanical nomenclature is seen as an encouraging development and an acknowledgement of the issue, with over 60% of international colleagues endorsing the proposal.
The conversation also extends beyond plant taxonomy, as scientists acknowledge that naming animals after controversial figures also presents challenges. Despite this, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) has shown resistance in considering rule changes to allow for the removal of racist or fascist references from animal names, citing potential disruptions and future implications. However, the need for updating zoological nomenclature rules has been recognized by many researchers, indicating that further changes are imminent.
Knapp emphasized the need for the scientific community involved in naming organisms to engage in open conversations and demonstrate respect in determining permissible names. She acknowledged the incremental nature of the progress while advocating for additional changes to the rulebook, underscoring the significance of taking steps towards reform.
The reform in botanical nomenclature is a monumental and long-awaited advancement, marking a fundamental step towards a more inclusive and respectful approach to the naming of species. With continued efforts and awareness, such reformations will undoubtedly set a precedent for the scientific community, reflecting an evolving and progressive ethos in taxonomy.