What is the scientific name for a carrot? The common carrot scientific name is Daucus carota.
The carrot is among the most commonly cultivated root vegetables globally. In addition to eating carrots raw as a vegetable, they are also added to various cooked dishes and made into beverages. Farmers cultivate carrots primarily due to their short growth time and high market demand. Students and readers often seek the scientific name for a carrot to understand its botanical identity, plant structure, and classification. This post outlines the scientific name of the carrot, its genus, plant features, leaves, habitat, age, height, weight, nutrition, uses, benefits, and types.
Carrots are a member of an important group of plants that provide edible roots. The plant has been in cultivation for centuries as a source of food and medicine. Nowadays, carrots are planted both in home gardens and on commercial farms in many countries. The biological name of the carrot, its botanical background, and the plant’s features help kids, gardeners, and health enthusiasts understand this vegetable from a scientific perspective.
What is the Scientific Name for a Carrot?
The scientific name for a carrot is Daucus carota.
- Genus: Daucus
- Species: carota
- Subspecies (Cultivated): sativus
This is the name used worldwide in the areas of botany, agriculture, and plant science. Cultivated carrot is often written as Daucus carota subsp. sativus.
Carrot scientific name meaning, and pronunciation
Meaning:
- Daucus is a Latin word related to aromatic plants
- Carota refers to the carrot
The Latin name describes the plant’s botanical identity.
Pronunciation:
- DAW-kus kuh-ROH-tuh
Biological Classification of Carrot Plant
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Daucus |
| Species | carota |
The classification clearly indicates that carrots are a member of the Apiaceae family, also known as the parsley family.
Genus of Carrot
The carrot genus is named Daucus. The plants of this genus are characterized by having very finely divided leaves and being capable of producing flowers that are small and arranged in umbellate clusters. These traits serve to differentiate carrot plants from other root crops.
