Understanding Validly Published Names in Botanical Nomenclature
In the scientific study of plants, algae, and fungi, naming is not as simple as choosing a descriptive label. To ensure global consistency and stability, scientists follow a strict set of rules known as the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). At the heart of this system is the concept of a validly published name.
A validly published name is one that meets the specific requirements set by the ICN. Essentially, valid publication is the minimum threshold a name must cross to officially "exist" in the eyes of botanical science. If a term looks like a scientific name but has not met these requirements, the ICN refers to it as a designation rather than a name.
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Key Facts
- Valid Publication: The minimum requirement for a botanical name to officially exist under ICN rules.
- Designation: A term that appears to be a name but is not validly published.
- Validity vs. Legitimacy: A name can be validly published but still be illegitimate or not the correct name for a specific taxon (a group of one or more populations of an organism).
- Electronic Standards: Since January 1, 2012, electronic publication is permitted if it is in PDF format and has an ISSN or ISBN.
- Microbiology: In prokaryotic nomenclature, names must typically appear in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names or the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (IJSEM) to be valid.
The Distinction Between Validity, Legitimacy, and Correctness
It is a common misconception that once a name is validly published, it is automatically the "right" name. In botanical nomenclature, there are three distinct levels of status:
- Validly Published: The name meets the technical requirements of the ICN to exist.
- Legitimate: The name is validly published and does not violate other rules (such as being a homonym, which is a name spelled exactly like a previously published name).
- Correct: The name is both valid and legitimate, and it is the appropriate name for that specific taxon based on priority and taxonomic judgment.
Names that fail to meet ICN standards are termed nomen invalidum (nom. inval.). This often happens when a taxonomist recognizes a new species but delays formal publication—perhaps while waiting to publish a magnum opus (a large, comprehensive work) rather than a series of small papers. Additionally, because the ICN evolves over time and changes often have retroactive effects, some names that were once thought to be valid may later be deemed invalid.
Requirements for Effective Publication
For a name to be validly published, it must be effectively communicated to the scientific community. The ICN outlines specific methods for achieving this.
Accepted Methods of Publication
- Printed Matter: Distribution of physical copies via sale, gift, or exchange to the general public or scientific institutions with accessible libraries.
- Electronic Material: Since January 1, 2012, publications in Portable Document Format (PDF) are accepted, provided they are part of an online publication with an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) or an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
For electronic publications to be valid, they must be accessible via the World Wide Web, must not be preliminary or subject to later revision, and cannot be altered after publication.
What Does Not Count as Publication
Certain methods of sharing a name do not satisfy the requirements for valid publication, including:
- Announcements at public meetings.
- Placing names on signs in public gardens or collections.
- Distribution of electronic materials in formats other than PDF.
- Trade catalogues or non-scientific newspapers (after January 1, 1953).
- Seed-exchange lists (after January 1, 1973).
- Indelible autographs (permanent handwritten text) after January 1, 1953.
Nomenclatural Terms and Nuances
The ICN uses precise language to describe the status of a name. A designation is either a term that has not been validly published or one that is not regarded as a name. When the status of a name is still being debated—such as when a committee is deciding if a description is sufficient—the term potential name may be used.
It is also important to note that simply listing a name in a dictionary, index, or review does not constitute "acceptance" of that name. If an index merely records names used by other authors without the compilers explicitly accepting them, the name does not achieve valid publication status through that index.
Valid Publication in Microbiology and Zoology
Prokaryotic Nomenclature
The International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes follows a similar logic to botany. A name is valid if it is found in the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names or published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (IJSEM). Names that are "effectively published" in other recognized journals can be made valid through "Validation List" publications in the IJSEM.
In microbiology, validity must precede legitimacy. For example, Thalassobius gelatinovorus was initially invalid because it was published with only one type strain deposit instead of the required two; it only became valid once the second deposit was made. Conversely, the genus Rhizomonas was validly published first, which then allowed it to be evaluated and ultimately declared illegitimate because it was a homonym of an earlier protozoan genus.
Contrast with Zoology
The terminology differs significantly in zoology. In the zoological code, a "valid name" is analogous to the botanical "correct name." Meanwhile, what botanists call a "validly published name" corresponds to what zoologists call an available name.
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Summary of Nomenclatural Status
The following table summarizes the differences between key terms used in botanical and prokaryotic nomenclature.
| Term | Definition | Status in ICN |
|---|---|---|
| Validly Published | Meets all technical publication requirements. | Exists officially. |
| Designation | Appears to be a name but lacks valid publication. | No nomenclatural status. |
| Legitimate | Validly published and follows all naming rules. | Eligible to be the correct name. |
| Correct Name | The legitimate name with priority for a taxon. | The accepted scientific name. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a valid name and a legitimate name?
A valid name has met the technical requirements for publication (it "exists"), whereas a legitimate name is a valid name that also follows all other rules of the Code, such as not being a homonym of an existing name.
Can a name be published electronically?
Yes, since January 1, 2012, electronic publication is valid if the material is in PDF format and published in a venue with an ISSN or ISBN.
What happens if a taxonomist names a plant but doesn't publish it formally?
The term is considered a "designation" rather than a validly published name. It has no official nomenclatural status until the requirements of the ICN are met.
How does botanical "valid publication" differ from zoological "valid names"?
In botany, "valid publication" refers to the technical act of making a name exist (similar to an "available name" in zoology). In zoology, a "valid name" refers to the name that is currently accepted as correct for a taxon.
Why would a validly published name be declared illegitimate?
A name is usually declared illegitimate if it violates specific rules, such as being a homonym (sharing the exact same spelling as a previously published name for a different taxon).