园艺学报英文版分区（Gardening Journal A Guide to Horticultural Classification）

Gardening Journal: A Guide to Horticultural Classification

As gardening becomes increasingly popular, the need for a well-organized classification system for plants has become a necessity. A cohesive taxonomy is critical for gardeners, horticulturists, and botanists alike. However, the classification of plants is an ongoing debate among scientists, and the system has evolved over time. Here, we provide an overview of the current classification of plants and their respective cultivars, as well as the importance of standardization in plant classification.

The Current Classification System

The current classification system of plants is based on the evolutionary relationships between species. In this system, plants are classified into various levels, beginning with kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and finally, species. Each level represents a different degree of relatedness between organisms. For example, the plant kingdom includes all organisms that have cell walls made of cellulose, while the class level splits plants into two distinct groups: Angiosperms and gymnosperms.

The angiosperm and gymnosperm subclasses are further divided into orders and families, based on key characteristics of the plants in question. Within each family, speciation has led to a multitude of genus and subsequent species identifiers. These taxonomic levels are important because they are used to identify and organize plants in botanical gardens, nurseries, horticultural books, and databases. For example, the Latin names of plants provide universal understanding and eliminate the confusion of common names that can vary regionally and linguistically.

The Importance of Standardization

Standardization in plant classification is important for several reasons. Firstly, it is a universal system that can be used across different countries and cultures. This universal nomenclature makes it easier for people to identify and study plants, as everyone is using the same system. Secondly, the use of the Latin naming system makes plant identification more precise, as one species can have multiple common names in different languages or regions. Thirdly, standardization allows for plant breeders to track the genetic lineage of new cultivars. Finally, it facilitates scientific communication and research and is crucial in the conservation of plant diversity.

Cultivar Classification

Cultivars are plant cultivations that have been bred specifically for desirable traits such as disease resistance, flower color, or fruit flavor. These cultivars often have a fancy or descriptive name to differentiate them from their wild relatives. Cultivars also have a unique identifier, known as a cultivar name, which follows the Latin name of the plant. Cultivar names typically consist of the genus, followed by a cultivar group descriptor, followed by the cultivar name. For example, the Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Pearl' cultivar name has 'Camellia japonica' as the genus and species name, 'Nuccio's Pearl' as the cultivar name, and 'Group' as the cultivar group descriptor.

In conclusion, standardization in plant classification is critical for the horticultural industry and botanical research. The current classification system provides a universal identifying mechanism for plants and allows for global plant conservation and biodiversity protection. The precision of naming eliminates confusion and increases understanding between cultures and languages. Cultivar classification has expanded the plant diversity and adds a layer of identification. As we continue to grow our understanding of plant life, taxonomy will continue to evolve and change and will remain an important aspect of horticulture.