Basionym

Basionym [ Taxonomy ]
Synonym: Base name, Original name

Dictionary of botanic terminology
index of names


	The basionym (base name) is the first name validly published ever given to a biological species or genus which has priority over other names later given to the same species by different authors and the author of this name is called the basionym author.

Further studies and revisions may reject the basionym as the most correct one, but it still is useful as a nomenclatural reference for that species.
Also after a taxonomic revision that results in a species being reclassified in another genus, the specific epithet must remain the same as the one in the basionym. For instance the cactus Eriosyce napina (current name attributed by Kattermann in 1994) was formerly classified by Philippi in 1872 as Echinocactus napinus (basionym).
When a species name changes, to show the connection to the source of the new name, botanists retain the name of the basionym author by placing it in parentheses, the authority of the new combination is placed after the parentheses e.g. Eriosyce napina (Philippi) Kattermann 1994.

A unique exception to this general rule regards the name of the Prickly pear classified by Linnaeus in 1754 as Cactus opuntia (L.) 1754 (basionym), this plant has been renamed later in 1768 by Miller under the new name of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. 1768 (current name).

Basionyms are examples of Synonymy in scientific classification.

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Holdfast roots [ Botany ]
Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

Some species of climbing plants develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place.

Climbing plants, like the poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), and trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place. Usually the Holdfast roots die at the end of the first season, but in some species they are perennial. In the tropics some of the large climbing plants have hold-fast roots by which they attach themselves, and long, cord-like roots that extend downward through the air and may lengthen and branch for several years until they strike the soil and become absorbent roots.

Major references and further lectures:
1) E. N. Transeau “General Botany” Discovery Publishing House, 1994