ENGLISH NAMES OF SPHAGNUM SPP.
While 'bog moss' is a widely used english name for the genus Sphagnum
most of the species do not have good english names. This is often the
case for groups like mosses or many insects which have historically
been mainly of interest to the specialist.
The question is what to do with such groups, their are 2 main
alternatives; either a given author can invent some english names
(which is often done) or just use the scientific ones even in more
popular accounts.
My personal preference is NOT to invent english names for groups
which have no long history of such names but to just use the
scientific ones. The none professional biologists/naturalist
interested in identifying these groups to species are usually very
familiar with scientific names. I think invented non standard english
names just cause confusion.
It would be interesting to hear other peoples views on this mater.
best wishes
Dave Wilkinson ([log in to unmask])
Biology and Earth Sciences
Liverpool John Moores University
Byrom Street
Liverpool L3 3AF
UK
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