Assign accepted names to the plants After defining the entities you need to apply the correct name to each. List all other names for plants within your group as synonyms under the accepted name. Always cite literature references and specimens accurately so that future workers can retrace your steps. Describe each taxon as accurately and in as much detail as possible. The language of formal descriptions is often obscure and difficult for the non-taxonomist to undertand but is precise and concise when skilfully used.
Popular descriptions using non-technical terms are usually much longer and less accurate.
Line drawings often supplement the descriptions, in order to interpret critical characters. Use maps to show the geographical distribution of the group wherever possible. Many taxonomists include an exhaustive list of all specimens consulted. Keys help with the identification of the groups and as pointers to the descriptions. These can be based on either characters of systematic importance or artificial segregators.