Scientific Classification and Nomenclature of Plant Families

Evolution of Botanical Nomenclature for Plant Families

There have been significant updates to the names assigned to various plant families. The modern nomenclature system has transitioned from older, traditional names to standardized names that typically end with the suffix -aceae. Specifically, the family formerly known as Palmae is now referred to as Arecaceae. Graminae has been renamed to Poaceae, and Cruciferae is now identified as Brassicaceae. The family known as Leguminosae has transitioned to Fabaceae, while Guttiferae is now classified as Clusiaceae. Furthermore, Umbelliferae has become Apiaceae, Labiatae is now Lamiaceae, and the family Compositae is currently recognized as Asteraceae.

Family Acanthaceae

The family Acanthaceae includes the species Crossandra infundibuliformis, which is known by the common name Crossandra. Another prominent member of this family is Thunbergia alata, commonly referred to simply as Thunbergia.

Family Agavaceae

Agavaceae consists of several notable species utilized for ornamental and practical purposes. Agave Americana and Agave cantula are recognized by common names such as Magay, Maguey, and the Century plant. Polianthes tuberosa is identified by the common names Azucena and tuberose. Additionally, Cordyline fructicosa is characterized by common names including Baston de San Jose, Ti plant, and Cordyline.

Family Amaranthaceae

The Amaranthaceae family contains diverse species such as Alternanthera versicolor, commonly called Cucharita or Parrot leaf. Celosia eristata is another member, known locally as Palung-palungan or the cock's comb. Gomphrena globusa is associated with the common names Botoncillo, Bachelors botton, and Globe amaranth.

Family Amaryllidaceae

Within the family Amaryllidaceae, several lily-like species are categorized. Crinum amabile is known as the Sipder lily. Haemanthus multiflorus is commonly referred to as the Blood lily. Hippeastrum vittatum is the scientific name for the flower commonly known as Amaryllis.

Family Anacardiaceae

The family Anacardiaceae includes fruit-bearing trees. Anacardium occidentale is known as Kasoy or Cashew. The species Spondias purpurea is recognized as Sineguelas, Mombin, or Spanish plum, while Spondias pinnata is commonly called Libas. Mangifera indica is the scientific designation for the Mango.

Family Annonaceae

Annonaceae features species with significant edible fruits and aromatic flowers. Annona muricate is known as Guyabano, Soursop, or Chico karabaw. Annona reticulata is commonly called the Custard apple, while Annona squamosa is known as the Sugar apple or Atis. Cananga odorata is the source of the Ilang-ilang fragrance. Polyalthia longifolia is frequently referred to as the Indian tree or the Tree of India.

Family Apocynaceae

The Apocynaceae family comprises a variety of flowering plants with distinct common names. Lochnera rosea is known as Kumintang, Chichirica, or Periwinkle. Nerium oleander is identified as the Sweet scented oleander or Adelfa. Plumeria acutifolia and Plumeria rubra are known as Kalachuchi, fragipani, Temple flower, or the Pagoda tree. Adenium obesum is commonly called Bangkok kalachuchi or Impa lily. Thevetia peruviana is recognized as Campanilla, Yellowbell, or Yellow oleander.

Family Araceae

Araceae includes many popular foliage and water plants. Anthurium hurtolanum is known as Anthurium or the Flamingo flower. Caladium bicolor is called Caladium, Corazon de Maria, or Gabi-gabi, while the smaller Caladium humboldtii is known as the Dwarf gabi-gabi. Colocasia esculentum carries many names, including Taro, Gabi, Karlang, Eddo plant, Kalibre, and Elephant ear plant. Dieffenbachia picta is known as the Common dieffenbachia. Epipremnum aureum is referred to as Maluibon or the Yellow water plant. Pistia stratiotes is known as Quiapo or Water lettuce. Syngonium podophyllum is commonly called Three fingers.

Family Araliaceae and Balsaminaceae

In the family Araliaceae, Schefflera elliptica and Schefflera odorata are commonly referred to as Five fingers. The family Balsaminaceae features the species Impatiens balsamina, which is known by the common names Kamantigue, Balsam, or Swangga.

Families Basellaceae, Bignoniaceae, and Bixaceae

Basellaceae contains Basella rubra, known as Agbati, Alugbati, or Malabar nightshade. In the family Bignoniaceae, Pachyptera alliaceae is recognized as Ahos-ahos or Garlic vine. The Bixaceae family includes Bixa orellana, which is referred to as Achuete, the Anatto tree, or the Lipstick plant.

Family Bombacaceae

The family Bombacaceae includes Ceiba pentandra, known as Kapok, Doldol, or the Silk cotton tree. It also contains Durio zibethinus, the scientific name for the Durian fruit.

Families Boraginaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Burseraceae

Boraginaceae includes Symphytum officinale, known as Comprey, and Heliotropium indicum, known as Trompa ng Elepante. The family Bromeliaceae contains Ananas sativus, commonly called Pinya or Pineapple. Finally, its relevant to note that Canarium ovatum, known as Pili, belongs to the family Burseraceae.

Record Metadata

The following technical details were recorded at the time of the data entry: The time was 15:4215:42 on Saturday, August 11. The battery level of the recording device was at 84%84\%.