Content Sheet

1. Introduction to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN)

- Definition and Purpose of the ICBN
- Evolution of the ICBN to ICN
2. Historical Background and Evolution of the ICBN
- Contributions of Early Botanists
- Convening of the First International Botanical Congress
- Development of the First Edition of the ICBN
3. Structure and Governance of the ICBN
- Role of the International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT)
- Authority of the International Botanical Congress (IBC)
- Committees and Working Groups
4. Functions and Responsibilities of the ICBN
- standardise System for Plant Naming
- Principles of Priority and Typification
5. Significance and Impact of the ICBN
- Facilitating Communication and Collaboration
- Promoting Stability and Continuity
- Practical Implications for Various Sectors
6. Principles of ICBN
- Fundamental Principles of Botanical Nomenclature
7. Rules of ICBN
-Rank of taxa
-Typification
-Author citation
-Valid publication
-Rejection of names
8. Conclusion
- Summary of Key Points
- Reaffirmation of the Importance of the ICBN
9. References
Introduction to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN)

The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN), now known as

the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), stands
as a testament to the enduring need for standardised systems in science. This code,
governing the naming of plants, is deeply rooted in the rich history of botanical
exploration and classification. As early botanists ventured into uncharted
territories, documenting and categorizing the astonishing diversity of plant life, it
became increasingly apparent that a uniform system for naming plants was
essential for effective communication and collaboration among scientists. Thus, the
ICBN emerged as a response to this need, aiming to establish a set of rules and
recommendations that would ensure clarity, consistency, and stability in the
nomenclature of plants.

Historical Background and Evolution of the ICBN

The origins of the ICBN can be traced back to the early days of botanical
exploration, with significant contributions from pioneering botanists such as Carl
Linnaeus. Linnaeus, often regarded as the father of modern taxonomy, laid the
groundwork for botanical nomenclature with his landmark work, "Species
Plantarum," published in 1753. This seminal publication introduced the binomial
system of nomenclature, wherein each species is given a unique two-part Latin
name consisting of a genus and a specific epithet.
Over the centuries, as botanical science progressed and the number of known plant
species expanded, the need for standardized nomenclatural rules became
increasingly apparent. The first formal attempts at establishing botanical
nomenclature rules date back to the 18th century, with various national and
regional initiatives aimed at standardizing plant names. However, it was not until
the convening of the first International Botanical Congress (IBC) in 1905 in
Vienna, Austria, that significant progress was made towards the development of a
truly international code of botanical nomenclature.
Subsequent botanical congresses focused on refining and expanding the rules of
botanical nomenclature, leading to the publication of the first edition of the ICBN
in 1906. Since then, the ICBN has undergone several revisions and updates to
accommodate advances in botanical science and changes in nomenclatural
practices. Today, the ICN stands as a comprehensive and authoritative reference
for botanists worldwide, guiding the naming of plants and ensuring consistency
across diverse botanical disciplines.

Structure and Governance of the ICBN

The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature is governed by the

International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT), a global organization
dedicated to promoting the study and understanding of plant diversity. The IAPT
serves as the custodian of the ICN, overseeing its implementation and enforcement
on an international scale. The association consists of member organizations
representing botanical institutions, societies, and individual botanists from around
the world, reflecting the diverse and inclusive nature of botanical science.
At the heart of the IAPT's governance structure is the International Botanical
Congress (IBC), the highest authority responsible for overseeing the revision and
updating of the ICN. The IBC convenes every six years, bringing together
botanists, taxonomists, and other stakeholders to discuss proposed changes to the
code and vote on their adoption. The decisions made at the IBC are binding on all
botanists and botanical institutions worldwide, ensuring uniformity and
consistency in the application of botanical nomenclature rules.
In addition to the IBC, the IAPT operates through various committees and working
groups tasked with specific aspects of botanical nomenclature and taxonomy.
These committees play a vital role in reviewing and evaluating proposed changes
to the ICN, providing expert guidance and recommendations to the broader
botanical community. Through its collaborative and inclusive approach to
governance, the IAPT strives to uphold the principles of transparency,
accountability, and scientific rigor in the administration of the ICN.

Functions and Responsibilities of the ICBN

The primary function of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature is to

establish and maintain a standardized system for the scientific naming of plants.
This system is based on a hierarchical classification scheme, wherein plants are
grouped into categories ranging from the broadest (kingdom) to the most specific
(species). Each taxonomic rank is governed by specific rules and conventions
outlined in the ICN, ensuring consistency and clarity in the application of botanical
names.
Central to the ICN is the principle of priority, which states that the first validly
published name for a given taxon takes precedence over subsequent names. This
principle helps to resolve conflicts and discrepancies in nomenclature, providing a
clear framework for determining the correct application of plant names. In cases
where two or more names are deemed to be of equal priority, priority is determined
based on the principle of typification, wherein a designated type specimen serves
as the reference point for the application of the name.
In addition to priority and typification, the ICN provides rules and
recommendations governing various aspects of botanical nomenclature, including
the formation, publication, and citation of plant names. These rules are designed to
promote stability and consistency in the naming of plants, ensuring that scientific
information about plant species is communicated accurately and unambiguously.
Furthermore, the ICN provides mechanisms for resolving nomenclatural disputes
and clarifying the status of disputed names or taxa. This may involve convening
specialist committees or working groups to review the relevant literature and
evidence, ultimately leading to the formal designation of correct names and
classifications. By providing a framework for the resolution of nomenclatural
issues, the ICN helps to maintain the integrity and coherence of botanical
nomenclature, thereby facilitating scientific research and collaboration in the field
of botany.
Significance and Impact of the ICBN
The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature plays a crucial role in
facilitating communication and collaboration among botanists worldwide. By
providing a standardized framework for naming plants, the ICN ensures that
scientific information about plant species is communicated accurately and
unambiguously. This, in turn, helps to promote the exchange of knowledge and
ideas, enabling scientists to build upon each other's work and advance our
understanding ofplant diversity and evolution.
Moreover, the ICN promotes stability and continuity in botanical nomenclature,
allowing for the integration of new discoveries and taxonomic revisions while
preserving the integrity of existing nomenclatural principles. This is particularly
important in light of the rapid pace of taxonomic discovery and the increasing
complexity of plant classification, which can pose challenges for the consistency
and coherence of botanical nomenclature.
Furthermore, adherence to the rules of the ICN is essential for maintaining the
integrity of botanical literature and ensuring the reproducibility of scientific
research in the field of botany. By providing clear guidelines for the formation,
publication, and citation of plant names, the ICN helps to prevent confusion and
ambiguity in the interpretation of botanical data, thereby enhancing the reliability
and credibility of scientific findings.
In addition to its role in scientific research and communication, the ICN also has
practical implications for various sectors, including agriculture, horticulture,
conservation, and biodiversity management. By providing a standardized system
for naming plants, the ICN facilitates the identification and cataloging of plant
species, enabling more effective conservation efforts and sustainable management
of plant resources.
Overall, the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature represents a cornerstone
of botanical science, providing a robust and reliable framework for the naming and
classification of plants. Through its principles and guidelines, the ICN helps to
foster collaboration, advance knowledge, and promote the conservation and
sustainable use of plant biodiversity. As botanical science continues to evolve and
expand, the ICBN remains an indispensable tool for botanists worldwide, guiding
their efforts to explore, understand, and conserve the wondrous diversity of plant
life on our planet.
Principles, Objectives, and Goals of the International Code of Botanical
Nomenclature (ICBN)
The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN), now known as the
International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), is guided
by a set of principles, objectives, and goals aimed at promoting clarity,
consistency, and stability in botanical nomenclature. These guiding principles
 underpin the structure and governance of the ICBN, shaping its functions and
responsibilities in the field of botany.
Principles of the ICBN
1. Botanical nomenclature is independent of zoological, bacteriological, and viral

nomenclature
2. A botanical name is fixed to a taxon by a type. This is almost invariably dried plant

material and is usually deposited and preserved in a herbarium, although it may

also be an image or a preserved culture. Some type collections can be viewed
online at the websites of the herbaria in question.
3. A guiding principle in botanical nomenclature is priority, the first publication of a

name for a taxon. The formal starting date for purposes of priority is 1 May 1753,
[1]:

the publication of Species Plantarum by Linnaeus. However, to avoid undesirable

(destabilizing) effects of strict enforcement of priority, conservation of family,
genus, and species names is possible.
4. The intent of the Code is that each taxonomic group ("taxon", plural "taxa") of

plants has only one correct name that is accepted worldwide, provided that it has
the same circumscription, position and rank. The value of a scientific name is that
it is an identifier; it is not necessarily of descriptive value.
5. Names of taxa are treated as Latin.

6. The rules of nomenclature are retroactive unless there is an explicit statement that

this does not apply.

At the core of the ICBN are several fundamental principles that govern the naming
of plants and the application of botanical nomenclature rules. These principles
provide a framework for the establishment and maintenance of a standardized
system for plant naming, ensuring uniformity and coherence across diverse
botanical disciplines. Among the key principles of the ICBN are:
1. Priority: The principle of priority dictates that the first validly published name
for a given taxon takes precedence over subsequent names. This principle helps to
resolve conflicts and discrepancies in nomenclature, ensuring consistency and
stability in the application of plant names.
2. Typification: The principle of typification establishes a system for designating a
type specimen as the reference point for the application of a plant
name. Typification helps to clarify the application of names to specific taxa,
particularly in cases where multiple names are in contention.
3. Stability: The principle of stability emphasizes the importance of maintaining
stability and continuity in botanical nomenclature. Changes to the names of plants
should be made judiciously and only when necessary to reflect new scientific
knowledge or taxonomic revisions.
4. Universality: The principle of universality asserts that botanical nomenclature
rules apply universally to all plant taxa, regardless of their geographic location or
taxonomic affiliation. This principle promotes consistency and coherence in the
naming of plants worldwide.
5. Clarity and Consistency: The principles of clarity and consistency emphasize
the importance of clear and unambiguous communication in botanical
nomenclature. Plant names should be formulated and cited in a standardized format
to facilitate accurate interpretation and understanding by scientists and researchers.

RULES OF ICBN
1.Rank of taxa: The ICBN provides the series of rank with names which are the
hierarchial catagories. The ranks, in descending sequence, provided by the Code
are shown in the following tab Rank
Mode of ending
Kingdom
-ae
Division (Phylum)
-phyta
Class
-opsida
Order
-ales
Family
Examples Plantae
Magnoliophyta Liliopsida, Magnoliopsida Liliales, Magnoliales
-aceae Liliaceae, Magnoliaceae
Genus
A noun
Species
Depends
Pinus, Lilium, Magnolia Oryza sativa
Variety

Rule 2 the Type Method (Typification)

Names are established by reference to a nomenclatural type. Taxonomists use the
type method as a legal device to provide the correct name for a taxon. The
nomenclatural type of a species, a type specimen, is a single specimen or the plants
on a single herbarium sheet.
Type specimen (herbarium sheet) is of different type:
Holotype: Herbarium sheet on which the first description of plant is based.
Lectotype: In case of holotype is lost, second herbarium sheet prepared from the
original plant is called lectotype.
Neotype: In case holotype and original plant is lost then herbarium sheet prepared
from some other plant of same species is called neotype.
Syntype: In case holotype and original, plant is lost then many herbarium sheet
prepared from many plants of same species is called syntype.
Isotype: Duplicate of holotype - In presence of holotype a second herbarium sheet
prepared from the original plant is called isotype.
Paratype: Additional herbarium sheet used in the first description of plant is called
paratype. It is prepared from some other plant of same species having some
variations.
Rule 3 Priority of Names
Priority is concerned with the precedence of the date of valid publication and
determines acceptance of one of two or more names that are otherwise acceptable.
A name is said to be legitimate if it is accordance with the rules and illegitimate if
it is contrary.
Rule 4 Effective and Valid Publications of Names
The names of taxa must meet the requirement of the Code when it is published. It
is effective under this code only when the distribution of printed is performed
properly. It should be effectively published i.e. in a journal commonly available to
botanists and not in a local news

paper or in any other printed form. It should be published in a correct form i.e.
Latinized with rank indicated and with Latin description (may be in brief). More
detailed description is given in vernacular language. For the taxa of the rank of
genus and below, nomenclature type must be indicated and location of the type
also indicated. If the names are published effectively and validly using the rules of
ICBN then the names are legitimate otherwise they are illegitimate. The name of
the newly described taxon is usually indicated by words sp.nov (species nova);
gen.nov. ( genus novum).
Rule 5 Citation of Author’s Name
The botanical name is incomplete without author’s name. According to article 46 it
is necessary to cite the name of the author who first validly published the name.
Single author citation: When single author is involved in naming the plant. If the
author’s name is too long it should be abbreviated e.g. Solanum nigrum, L. (L for
Carolus Linnaeus.)
Double author citation: When more than one author is involved. If those authors is
in different manner in different conditions.When authors jointly published
Polyalthia longifolia Bth & Hk
If a genus or taxon of lower rank is altered in rank or position but retains its name,
first authors name is cited in parenthesis followed by the author who has changed
Leucaena latisiliqua (L) Gillis (1974).
*when first author proposed a name but second author has validly published the
name
e.g. Cerasus cornuta Wallex Royal.
*When more than three authors are involved, citation is restricted to first author
followed by et.al.
Rule 7 Priority of Publication
 Preference will be given who will publish earlier and only a single name is
accepted for a taxon.
Advantages of using scientific name
• Avoid confusion concerning the names of plants.
• Scientific names of plants are expressed in Latin because it is a international
language and was used by early scholars to express plant names.
• It breaks the language barrier for communication as because it is universal.
• It is very much unique.
Latin names of plants are italicized:
• Because it is conventional to italicize words and phrases that are expressed in a
different language.
• Example - The most commonly known cultivars of Acer rubrum (red maple) are
“Red Sunset” and “Autumn Flame,” which are the most reliable for brilliant reds
and a long-lasting display of foliage.
1. According to binomial system name of any species consists of two names i.e.
generic and species name
2. In plant nomenclature (ICBN), tautonyms are not valid i.e. generic name and
specific name should not be same in plants e.g. Mangifera mangifera But
tautonyms are valid for animal nomenclature (ICZN-International Code of
Zoological Nomenclature) & Najanaja (Indian cobra), Raitus rattus (Rat).
3. Length of generic mime or specific name should not be less than 3 letters and
not more than 12 letters e.g Mangifera indica

Exception: Riccia paihankotensis – More than 12 letters According to ICBN this

name is not valid but this name was proposed before 1961, so it is valid.
4. First letter of generic name should be in capital letter and first letter of specific
name should be in small letter. e.g Mangifera indica. But if specific name is based
on the name of some person, its first letter should be in capital letter e.g.
lsoetespantii.
5. When written with free hand or typed, then generic name and specific name
should be separately underlined. But during printing, name should be Italized.
6. Name of scientist (who proposed nomenclature) should be written in short after
the specific name e.g. Mangifera indica Lin.
7. Name of scientist should be neither underlined nor written in italics, but written
in roman, letters (simple alphabets)
8. If any scientist has proposed wrong name then his name should be written in
bracket and the scientist who corrected the name should be written after the
bracket. e.g Tsuga canadensis
(Lin.) Salisbury
Note: Linnaeus named this plant as Pinus canadensis
9. Scientific names should be derived from Latin or Greek languages because they
are dead languages.
10. Type specimen (Herbarium Sheet) of newly discovered plant should be placed
in herbarium (dry garden).Standard size of herbarium sheet is 11.5 × 16.5 inches
 ICNB = International Code of Nomenclature 'for Bacteria
ICVN = International Code of Viral Nomenclature
ICNCP = International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants

Conclusion
In conclusion, the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN), now
known as the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants
(ICN), stands as a foundational document in the field of botany. Governed by the
International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT), the ICN provides a
standardized system for the scientific naming of plants, ensuring clarity,
consistency, and stability in botanical nomenclature. Through its principles and
guidelines, the ICN facilitates communication and collaboration among botanists
worldwide, enabling the exchange of knowledge and ideas that drive scientific
progress and innovation. Despite facing challenges in the modern era of botanical
science, including the rapid pace of taxonomic discovery and the increasing
complexity of plant classification, the ICN remains a vital tool for botanists,
guiding their efforts to explore, understand, and conserve the rich diversity of plant
life on our planet. As we look to the future, the continued evolution of the ICN will
be essential for maintaining the integrity and coherence of botanical nomenclature,
ensuring that it remains relevant and applicable in the ever-changing landscape of
botanical science.
In conclusion, the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) is guided
by a set of principles, objectives, and goals aimed at promoting clarity,
consistency, and stability in botanical nomenclature. These guiding principles
underpin the structure and governance of the ICBN, shaping its functions and
responsibilities in the field of botany. By adhering to these principles and working
towards these objectives and goals, the ICBN helps to ensure that plant names are
formulated, applied, and cited in a standardized and reliable manner, facilitating
accurate communication and collaboration among botanists worldwide. As
botanical science continues to evolve and advance, the ICBN remains committed
to its mission of promoting scientific rigor, collaboration, and innovation in the
naming and classification of plants, thereby contributing to our understanding and
conservation of the rich diversity of plant life on our planet.
References
1. International Association for Plant Taxonomy (IAPT). (2012). International Code
of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Melbourne Code) adopted by
the Eighteenth International Botanical Congress Melbourne, Australia, July
2011. Koeltz Scientific Books.
2. McNeill, J., Barrie, F. R., Buck, W. R., Demoulin, V., Greuter, W., Hawksworth,
D. L., Herendeen, P. S., Knapp, S., Marhold, K., Prado,
J., Prud'homme Van Reine, W. F., Smith, G. F., Wiersema, J. H., & Turland, N. J.
(Eds.). (2012). International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants
 (Melbourne Code) adopted by the Eighteenth International Botanical Congress
Melbourne, Australia, July 2011. Koeltz Scientific Books.
3. Turland, N. J., Wiersema, J. H., Barrie, F. R., Greuter, W., Hawksworth, D.
L., Herendeen, P. S., Knapp, S., Kusber, W. H., Li, D. Z., Marhold, K., May, T.
W., McNeill, J., Monro, A. M., Prado, J., Price, M. J., & Smith, G. F. (Eds.).
(2018). International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen
Code) adopted by the Nineteenth International Botanical Congress Shenzhen,
China, July 2017. Koeltz Botanical Books.