The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) governs the formal scientific names used for plants. Some key points:
- Carl Linnaeus is considered the father of modern taxonomy and introduced the system of scientific naming for species in 1753.
- Names are determined by nomenclature types and are based on priority of publication. Each taxonomic group can have only one correct scientific name.
- Names are revised in subsequent International Botanical Congresses starting in 1892 to establish standards for effective/valid publication, author citation, typification, and rejection of illegitimate names.
- Related codes also exist for zoological nomenclature, cultivated plants, bacteria,