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Species  [ Taxonomy ]
Adjective Specific
Abbreviation: sp. (singular) spp. (plural)
Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names
     
  In the binomial classification of living organisms the species, is the fundamental unit of classification, consists of populations of related individuals that resemble one another, that are able to breed among themselves, but are (usually) not able to breed with members of another species.  
     
Populations  within a species that show recognizable, inherited differences but are capable of interbreeding freely are called subspecies, races, or varieties. A species usually contain a constant numbers of chromosomes  and species with different number may have difficulty hybridising.

The abbreviation sp. following a genus name indicate a plant which is still undescribed (
A formerly discovered and known biological taxon without any valid published scientific description yet).
E.g. Trichocaulon sp.


How to write specific Epithet:
1. The specific epithet is written second after the genus name.
2. The specific epithet is always underlined or italicized.
3. The first letter of the specific epithet name is never capitalized.
Example: myriostigma or myriostigma

See the list of:
  Glossary of  cactus and succulent SPECIES epithets (comprising subspecies, variety and forms)
  Glossary of  cactus and succulent GENUS names

 

"English text kindly corrected by John Chippindale"


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