However, it takes many years to replace the name in tree identification books, which are updated infrequently. As a result, there are many illegitimate names in use. Grammatical endings . Each level of the hierarchy above the genus level, and below the kingdom level, has a specific word ending. Type specimens .
Botanical names refer to specific plants.
Because there is a good deal of variation in plants, it is essential that there be a set of preserved herbarium specimens to which botanists can refer. When an author publishes a proposed name for a newly discovered plant, a carefully prepared specimen, known as the type specimen, must be deposited in a recognized herbarium. Valid publication . In order to establish a proper botanical name, the author must publish a paper describing the species in Latin, and referring to the type specimen. Publication must be in a recognized botanical journal.