New Names for Dracaena marginata

Discussion in 'Plants: Nomenclature and Taxonomy' started by Junglekeeper, Nov 6, 2013.

  1. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Now that Dracaena marginata has been classified as a synonym of Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia, how should the cultivars of the former be named? For example, what would be the new name for Dracaena marginata 'Tricolor'? It seems problematic since 'var.' is not to be used to name a cultivated variety. Therefore Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Tricolor' would be incorrect, wouldn't it?
     
  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    That would be OK, you can have cultivars of varieties. What you can't do is use the rank of variety to name an individual cultivar (i.e., you can't have "Dracaena reflexaa var. tricolor")
     
  3. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    All right then but it looks a little strange since I have not encountered a name like this before.
     
  4. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    One very well-known cultivar of a variety is Picea glauca var. albertiana 'Conica'.
     

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