Jim, I absolutely think that botanical names can be as untidy as vernacular, the difference, for me (levels of sophistication in identity questions aside), is that a botanical name (unless its quite misspelled or invalid or imaginary, and sometimes even then..) can usually be used as a search starting point for information on a given plant: even if that will be through various synonyms. Vernacular names will only *sometimes* lead to one exact species-and the one intended. Of course, internet searching-with photos to compare to- can help considerably with either sort of name! (or just lead to a false sense of accuracy :)) Cohan West Central Alberta, Canada, Zone 2-3 record temps from 10-20 miles away: min -45C/-49F;max 34C/93F http://picasaweb.google.com/cactuscactus
. I've nearly come full circle and now believe that botanical names are, in their way, as untidy as vernacular names are in their way. It's just that the uncertainties are engendered by circumstances of vastly different levels of sophistication. > > > Jim McKenney > > > > _
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