Neo' name change ???

[s1214215]

I know a few botanists and taxonomists and two have said of late to me that the genetic testing of plants is still not a precise science and needs refinement for accuracy.

I feel that allows the people involved a certain leeway in how they push the findings they come up with.

So when it comes to naming and renaming based upon genetic testing, I am not convinced if it is really ready for the task yet.

[s1214215]

Also, how can be plants are genetically the same when they are physically different. I point to Habenaria in the rhodocheila group. Some species have carrot shaped tubers, others have splayed tubers like ducks feet, the plants range form a few inches tall to 1.5 feet tall. The leaves vary. The spurs on the flowers go at different angles, and the petals have variations. They come from habitats far separated. All these things point to different species, and yet some lumpers want to call them all Habenaria rhodocheila.. To what benefit or purpose I say and how can you say plants that look so different are the same species? As much as some may be pure at heart and want only to correctly identify plants, I suspect some are just out for a name in the books to go down in history with the likes of Vietch, Sanders and so on.

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by s1214215

Also, how can be plants are genetically the same when they are physically different. I point to Habenaria in the rhodocheila group. Some species have carrot shaped tubers, others have splayed tubers like ducks feet, the plants range form a few inches tall to 1.5 feet tall. The leaves vary. The spurs on the flowers go at different angles, and the petals have variations. They come from habitats far separated. All these things point to different species, and yet some lumpers want to call them all Habenaria rhodocheila.. To what benefit or purpose I say and how can you say plants that look so different are the same species? As much as some may be pure at heart and want only to correctly identify plants, I suspect some are just out for a name in the books to go down in history with the likes of Vietch, Sanders and so on.

Taxonomy is an interesting topic. If you actually intended to elicit a response then you really should start another thread in "SCientific Matters".

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by DavidCampen

Taxonomy is an interesting topic. If you actually intended to elicit a response then you really should start another thread in "SCientific Matters".

I think the response from s1214215 works very well for this thread actually.

[s1214215]

My comments were aimed at genetic testing leading to renaming which is being used as a tool to rename a lot of orchids. This is relevant to this case. I have heard some time ago that such tests were being used to define where Neofinetia may be moved too.

Comment about botanists and taxonomist agendas for renaming I feel is also valid to this.

This thread is about Neofinetia, but the issues that lead to renaming apply to many orchds.

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I think the response from s1214215 works very well for this thread actually.

Yes, it does. I don't believe that I said otherwise.

I was suggesting that a long discussion about taxonomy would be interesting but should be placed in a thread labeled "Taxonomy" or some such. But I seem to have gotten my answer - no one following this thread is interested in a long discussion about taxonomy.

[s1214215]

Hi David.. I probably would be interested, but will have to start one up..

My misunderstanding before.