Latin publication/casual publication

[Gregor Hagedorn]

> If descriptions could be published in any language, then seed and garden
> catalogs that publish currently English descriptions with a nomen nudum would
> suddenly be publishing valid descriptions of invalid taxa and posing great
> headaches for plant taxonomists.
[...]
> Botanical Latin does indeed level the playing field, as it helps eliminate
> casual spectators from jumping in and joining a game with specific rules, when
> they don't comprehend the rules, or the reasons for the rules.

I believe that quite a number of requirements must be met to publish
a valid description, including, e.g. the location of the holotype
deposition. I think that requirement alone rules out the majority of
casual, unwanted descriptions. Additional requirements could be
added, including a requirement to include a diagnostic key with the
following specifications:

1) If a new species is described, a key for either all species of the
genus, or for the 10 species which are deemed most closely related
must be provided.

2) If a new subspecies ... all subspecies, etc.

The key may be dichotomous, multichotomous, or synoptical, but it
must be unambiguously key out the newly described species.

Gregor

Gregor Hagedorn
Inst. f. Mikrobiologie, BBA     Net: G.Hagedorn at bba.de
Koenigin-Luise-Str. 19          Tel: +49-30-8304-2220 or -2221
14195 Berlin, Germany           Fax: +49-30-8304-2203

Often wrong but never in doubt!