Binomial Nomenclature:

Binomial nomenclature ("two-term naming system) is the scientific way to name living things
with a two part generic (genus) and specific (species) name.

• Scientific names are necessary because the same common name is used for different plants in
different areas of the world.
• Linnaeus was the first person to propose an orderly system for classifying organisms.
• He developed the Binomial System of Naming Plant in 1753
• Latin is the language used for scientific classification.

Binomial nomenclature
Bi= two Nomial= name

• All plants have a scientific name composed of two Latin names known as a genus and specie.
• The first word is the genus and the second word is the species.
• If there are additional words, they indicate the variety or cultivar

Ex. Teak wood

Common name - Teak
Scientific name – Tectona grandis

Tectona grandis Species

Name

Genus Name

 Both of these terms are italicized

 The first letter of the genus name is always capitalized
 The first letter of the specific epithet name is never capitalized
 Plants in the same genus have similar characteristics.
 Plants in the same species consistently produce plants of the same types