HOW TO CITE BOTANICAL AUTHORS, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE CACTACEAE

Abstract

The Brummitt & Powell and equivalent online versions of standardised plant author names are discussed, mainly in the context of the Cactaceae, and are noted as imperative. Many surnames are shared, and several are particularly common. Each author requires a unique, uncomplicated formula in order to avoid confusion. A Working Party centred on the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, was set up to examine and resolve this problem. The importance of its results and their acceptance by the relevant international disciplines are outlined.