No, simply linking a vernacular name to a scientific name without a voucher is not possible. While vernacular names are often as, or sometimes more, exact as scientific names when considering e.g. one indigenous people, there are often various vernacular names for the same species, or one vernacular for various species when looking at larger regions, simply because ethnotaxonomy follows often other species concepts than Western taxonomy. In our own research, the vernacular “Corpus Huay” referred to Gentianella chamuchui (Reimers) Fabris, Gentianella bicolor (Wedd.) Pringle, Gentianella graminea (H.B.K.) Fabris, Gentianella thyrsoidea (Hook.) Fabris. and three unidentified species of Gentianella (all Gentianaceae). All these species were sold, and used by the local population as treatment for diabetes, and at least Gentianella thyrsoidea is known to have serious toxic effects. Moreover, all these species are interchangeably called Hercampuri, Genciana, Chinchimali, Hornamo, Sumaran, Anga Macha, Amargon, and a variety of other vernacular names. Hornamo however also refers to species of Senecio, Werneria nubigena Kunth (both Asteraceae) as well as Valeriana (Valerianaceae), each of which is used traditionally for completely different applications. The term “Valeriana” might refer to different species of Valeriana (Valerianaceae), but also to Geum peruvianum (Rosaceae) and species of Ranunculus (Ranunculaceae), all of which can be either used for the same purpose (calmative) or for completely different applications. Again, without careful vouchering it would never be possible to identify the correct species and adulterations in trade. This has serious implications on efficacy and toxicity too. Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) and Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) are both known as “Guanabana”, but only the second species shows good antibacterial activity, although both are used for wound infections. Gynerium sagittatum (Aubl.) Pers and Arundo donax (L.) are both called “Carrizo”. The ethanolic extract of Arundo donax is highly toxic, while its aqueous extract is benign. Gynerium sagittatum shows exactly the opposite toxicity. A wide variety of species of Huperzia (Lycopidiaceae) are known as “Condor” – but all exhibit completely different toxicity, from non-toxic to highly toxic, again sometimes depending on preparation. Notholaena sulphurea (Cav.) L. Sm. And Argyrochosma nivea (Poir.) Windham (both Pteridaceae) are called Doradilla (as well as Cuti Cuti) and used against diabetes in aqueous extract. Notholaena is relatively non-toxic, but Argrochosma is highly toxic. Recent studies in the markets of La Paz, Bolivia, focused on plants used for the treatment of urinary infections. One of the most frequently mentioned herbs was “Cola de Caballo” – horsetail, which normally signifies species of Equisetum. However, every single vendor in La Paz sold instead a species of Ephedra.

Many times but not always, we have experienced it like Coelogyne cristata is known as  hadjojan (bone jointer) in Kumaon region of Indian Himalaya, Cissus quadrangularisas hadjod (bone jointer), when we went through chemical & pharmacological investigation of these plants, they had shown excellent bone healing activity.

No, simply linking a vernacular name to a scientific name without a voucher is not possible. While vernacular names are often as, or sometimes more, exact as scientific names when considering e.g. one indigenous people, there are often various vernacular names for the same species, or one vernacular for various species when looking at larger regions, simply because ethnotaxonomy follows often other species concepts than Western taxonomy. In our own research, the vernacular “Corpus Huay” referred to Gentianella chamuchui (Reimers) Fabris, Gentianella bicolor (Wedd.) Pringle, Gentianella graminea (H.B.K.) Fabris, Gentianella thyrsoidea (Hook.) Fabris. and three unidentified species of Gentianella (all Gentianaceae). All these species were sold, and used by the local population as treatment for diabetes, and at least Gentianella thyrsoidea is known to have serious toxic effects. Moreover, all these species are interchangeably called Hercampuri, Genciana, Chinchimali, Hornamo, Sumaran, Anga Macha, Amargon, and a variety of other vernacular names. Hornamo however also refers to species of Senecio, Werneria nubigena Kunth (both Asteraceae) as well as Valeriana (Valerianaceae), each of which is used traditionally for completely different applications. The term “Valeriana” might refer to different species of Valeriana (Valerianaceae), but also to Geum peruvianum (Rosaceae) and species of Ranunculus (Ranunculaceae), all of which can be either used for the same purpose (calmative) or for completely different applications. Again, without careful vouchering it would never be possible to identify the correct species and adulterations in trade. This has serious implications on efficacy and toxicity too. Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) and Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) are both known as “Guanabana”, but only the second species shows good antibacterial activity, although both are used for wound infections. Gynerium sagittatum (Aubl.) Pers and Arundo donax (L.) are both called “Carrizo”. The ethanolic extract of Arundo donax is highly toxic, while its aqueous extract is benign. Gynerium sagittatum shows exactly the opposite toxicity. A wide variety of species of Huperzia (Lycopidiaceae) are known as “Condor” – but all exhibit completely different toxicity, from non-toxic to highly toxic, again sometimes depending on preparation. Notholaena sulphurea (Cav.) L. Sm. And Argyrochosma nivea (Poir.) Windham (both Pteridaceae) are called Doradilla (as well as Cuti Cuti) and used against diabetes in aqueous extract. Notholaena is relatively non-toxic, but Argrochosma is highly toxic. Recent studies in the markets of La Paz, Bolivia, focused on plants used for the treatment of urinary infections. One of the most frequently mentioned herbs was “Cola de Caballo” – horsetail, which normally signifies species of Equisetum. However, every single vendor in La Paz sold instead a species of Ephedra.

In some cases, it forms a clue. A good example is of Sida species. Sida rhomboideae is known in sancrit as 'Bala'. Sida cordifolia is  known as 'Athi Bala'. Surely the plant names with suffix bala probably is a Sida species.  The plants of Ocimum genus  are known as 'Thulasi' in Malayalam.  Ocimum tenuifolium is called 'Krishna Thulsi', Ocimum basalicum as 'Rama Thulasi' and Ocimum grattisimus as 'Kattu Thulasi'. The term Thulsi gives a clue that it is a n Ocimum species.

Yes.Vernacular names can provide useful clues/guides to scientific identity of plants. But it stops at the level of clues. A plant can have completely different names in different locations within a region, so taxonomic investigations are necessary to fully establish the scientific identity 

I agree Dr. Bussmann . Many different plants can have the same vernacular or common name. For example, the name  "uña de gato" or cat's claw" is used for Bauhinia aculeata (Leguminosa), Byttneria hisruta ( Esterculiaceae), Doxantha unguiscati ( Bignoniaceae), Macfadyena uncata ( Bignoniaceae), Caesalpinia sepiaria ( Leguminosa), Martynia annua ( Martiniaceae) , and others. Twenty years ago when Peruvian were talking about "uña de gato" we were talking about Uncaria species (  Rubiaceae) , Uncaria tomentosa and U. guianensis which phytochemical constituents are  completely different from the species named above. And in these cases we are talking about pentacyclic and tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids, and quinovic acid glycoside, mainly.  So, if you want to study a species you must know the scientific identity.

Sometimes yes other times No. e.g. entulele is  Maasai for solanum incanum, and nyeki is kikuyu for grasses

This case depends on that country's ethnic diversity, whether or not a homogeneous. If the homogeneity increases, the local names in the country will not create a problem in that country, but for the others, the Latin names are essential. In my opinion, the latest forms of the Latin names are found in the "The Plant List" (http://www.theplantlist.org/).

Dear Arvind

Direct this question to Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, UK or Botanical Survey of India. They will be able to provide appropriate answer with examples.

Check these links.

http://www.theplantlist.org/

http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/-/

http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/22

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_plants_by_common_name

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botanical_name

I Agree with Dr. Rainer.

Ethnotaxonomy is an emic  system of classification. Vernacular names can vary depending on the individual and communities.

Communities are often the pioneers in identifying and recognising plants/animals. Most scientific expeditions utilise the services of local/indigenous people who 'guide' them to the species. These are the unsung heroes of  modern Taxonomy. If we are looking at Ethnotaxonomy for clues that might lead to the discovery of new taxa, then I would  say that these systems are 'reliable' in that context. 

Take a look at:

Rivera, D. ,et al. 2014. What is in a name? The need for accurate scientific nomenclature for plants. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 152: 393–402. doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.12.022i

And never just trust a common name. As Rainer Bussman pointed yout, you need a voucher speciment

AND you must make sure that the name is taxonomically correct and complete (incl correct authorities)

Vernacular names vary. Therefore, they do not offer any clue to the scientific identity of plants. Scientific identity can be ascertained only by studyuing the floral characteristics (taxonomy).

Yes they provide clues, but always have limits for the reasons already covered. I work at Kew Gardens on a database tracking how vernacular names are used in the literature on medicinal plants. This should highlight when one vernacular name has been used to refer to different plants, you can search it here:

http://apps.kew.org/mpns-portal/

It also provides up to date taxonomy and nomenclature.

Feedback always welcome: [email protected]

thank you

http://apps.kew.org/mpns-portal/

Dear @ Arvind

Very interesting question and lively, highly informative discussions. Look forward to more such questions and deliberations.

Good luck.

It can give clues sometimes as Jason highlighted but because of the arbitrariness of vernacular names in many cases it is should not be relied on. Species have multiple vernacular names and some vernacular names are shared among species across different families. There are some 'standardized' vernacular names while others are more local and less likely to have any connection with the scientific identity of a plant. I think as botanists we have been conditioned to associate the more standardized vernacular names to certain families and  hence the possible source of this question. 

Vernacular names of plants are indicative of many aspects, it is a treasure of knowledge beneficial to all concerned. I like Mr. Irving, B R Rajeshwar Rao and Keron views. 

Here I am noting few examples like Haritaki-this is indicative of the beneficial uses of Haritaki-Terminalia chebula, Punarnava-Rejuvanating, Gokarna-Cow's ear shape flower etc.

 I agree with the views expressed by the Irving, B R Rajeshwar Rao , Keron and Lavekar. I strongly believe that the varnacular names helps  to idetify some plants in tribal regions and other remote areas especially for medicinal and other important flora

Not at all.

The Vernacular names of plants are indicative for their identification, properties or their actions, this is more correct where traditional medicine is potential in knowledge treasure and in practices. Few significant examples like Ashwagandha= smelling like Horse urine is one of the identification of Ashwagandha=Withania Somnifera, Yashtimadhu here Yashti means woody and Madhu means sweet, yes-glycyrrhiza glabra is woody in nature and many times sweet than sugar; there are such many examples.

It could depend on the origin of the vernacular name most used in some region, country of area. For instance in southern Chile the Mapuche people call the species depending mostly on their uses and there are mapuche names for many of the species and many of them are useful to guide to specific determination, even for different ontogenical stages (as a young tree, as a older tree, as a fruiting tree, sometimes different specific Mapuche name). But unfortunately in Chile most of these names are unused at the present for the mayority of people. The common vernacular names are most related to the name given to the species from the Spaniards inspired from the Iberic or European species, so now you have the same vernacular names than European plants, only because there were some resemblance or the same color of flowers or fruits, buy taxonomically not related at all.

Examples are many, but the most common is "Laurel" from the introduced European tree Laurus nobilis (Lauraceae) given also to native tree Laurelia sempervirens (Monimiaceae), only because of both are aromatic and similar leaf shape, but not related at all. Mapuche people formerly called "Trihue", not confusing with any other species, but the mayority of people now uses the confusing spanish name.

Other example: "Sauco" from introduced European shrub Sambucus nigra (Adoxaceae) given also to native shrub Pseudopanax (=Raukaua) laetevirens (Araliaceae), only because of their composed leaves but not related at all. The very specific former Mapuche name was "Traumén", but most of people use the spanish name leading to confusion.

When referring to particular plants (and animals) we may use common names or we may use scientific names.

Common names are names given by local people to refer to plants and animals. Common names may be totally different from one country to another, from one state to another, and even from one county to another. Common names change as new people move to an area, or as old common names fall out of favor for one reason or another.

Scientific names, on the other hand, are unique plant and animal names that are used the world over by people such as scientists, horticulturalists, environmental managers and knowledgeable citizens. Scientific names are the same name for the same organism no matter where on the planet you are, no matter what language you speak. Scientific names cannot be changed except by scientific agreement, such as when scientists convene specifically to debate and agree on plant and animal taxonomy.

Using scientific names when discussing certain plants and animals greatly reduces confusion and misinformation, and makes environmental protection a bit less complicated.

https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/plant_info/identifying_plants/plant_names_and_classification

http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/education/scientific-and-common-plant-names

Dear Arvin,

First is important perform lists with ethnospecies (vernacular names) and the correspondent botanical identity. You may use the ethnobiological framework of Brent Berlin to classify plant in plants with lexical underdifferentiation ( many botanical species identified as a single ethnospecies ) and plants with lexical overdifferentiation (many ethnospecies for a single botanical species). Berlin and his colleagues made some assumptions about the plants with underdifferentiation (see article enclosed). You may start a study in ethnotaxonomy which is very interesting. Regards, José.

Excuse me, my English is not the best, however I will try to say something about.

In Colombia there is a list about vernacular names and you can consulting these. The Universidad Nacional de Colombia, in the herbarium links you can find a lot of names although not always you have the name, but  there are hundred of these. Please, try to go into www.unal.edu.co, herbarium, and search. It's very interesting. Ok, is true that one plant can have the seam name in other localities, but, you can have a good information.

In Ayurveda, Siddha there is a big list of vernacular names of plants based on properties, shape of leaves, stem characters etc.

The vernacular names give a guideline as to how does the drug appear,what are its properties and its location.These names are certainly useful.

Yes, Vernacular name sometimes helps in identifying the medicinal plant. These vernacular names not only give information on plant morphology, but also provide information on habit and habitat, organoleptic properties, and therapeutic actions of the of the medicinal plant. You may refer Ayurveda Nighantu (Compendium on Ayurvedic Materia Medica/Medicinal plants) for further details.

After more than seven months discussing if vernacular names are a clue to scientific identity I would like to ask to Dr. Bussmann if there is  a scientific paper about the toxicity of Gentianella thyrsoidea?. Thank you in advance.

Vernacular names are important in identification of the plant by local rural/tribal community or so-called bare-foot taxonomists (although they should be considered as knowledge-foot). No doubt with respect to medicinal plants they are the clue for collecting the material for follow up scientific investigation.