What is the scientific name of Plants? Plantae is the biological name of all plants.
Scientific classification of plants helps botany scholars, researchers, and nature readers to identify plants accurately. The scientific names of common plants, such as trees, flowers, herbs, and shrubs, follow a universally accepted system of binomial nomenclature for their Latin names. This helps to avert confusion caused by local or regional names, ensuring one name or identity for each plant for all people in the world. Every class of species, right from trees to indoor plants, has its scientific name that gives out the information of its genus and species.
Table of Contents
Tree Scientific Names
Trees are the backbone of the ecosystem and are classified under different genera and species. Here are some of the popular trees and their scientific names:
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Mango Tree | Mangifera indica | Fruit, shade, and wood |
| Neem Tree | Azadirachta indica | Medicinal and insect repellent |
| Banyan Tree | Ficus benghalensis | Shade and traditional medicinal uses |
| Peepal Tree | Ficus religiosa | Sacred, air purifier, and medicinal |
| Coconut Tree | Cocos nucifera | Fruit, oil, water, and coir |
| Pine Tree | Pinus spp. | Timber and resin |
| Apple Tree | Malus domestica | Edible fruit |
| Jamun Tree | Syzygium cumini | Fruit and diabetes remedy |
| Guava Tree | Psidium guajava | Vitamin-rich fruit |
| Eucalyptus | Eucalyptus globulus | Cold relief and essential oil |
| Teak Tree | Tectona grandis | High-quality timber |
| Sandalwood Tree | Santalum album | Fragrance and skin care |
| Tamarind Tree | Tamarindus indica | Culinary use and digestion aid |
| Jackfruit Tree | Artocarpus heterophyllus | Edible fruit and wood |
| Papaya Tree | Carica papaya | Fruit and digestive enzyme (papain) |
| Fig Tree | Ficus carica | Edible fruit and laxative use |
| Custard Apple Tree | Annona squamosa | Edible fruit and cooling effect |
| Bael Tree | Aegle marmelos | Digestive and religious uses |
| Olive Tree | Olea europaea | Olive oil and heart health |
| Bottlebrush Tree | Callistemon citrinus | Ornamental and pollinator-friendly |
These trees not only provide shade and oxygen, but also have ecological, cultural, and medicinal significance.
Flower Plant Scientific Names
Flowering plants are appreciated for their beauty, fragrance, and symbolic meaning. Here are some popular flowering plant names along with their scientific terms:
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | Rosa spp. | Ornamental, perfumes, skincare |
| Sunflower | Helianthus annuus | Oil production, ornamental, seeds for snacks |
| Marigold | Tagetes spp. | Ornamental, insect repellent, skin treatment |
| Jasmine | Jasminum spp. | Perfume, tea flavoring, stress relief |
| Lily | Lilium spp. | Ornamental and symbolic uses |
| Tulip | Tulipa spp. | Ornamental and decorative gardening |
| Hibiscus | Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Hair care, tea for blood pressure |
| Daisy | Bellis perennis | Ornamental, mild medicinal skin use |
| Lotus | Nelumbo nucifera | Religious symbol, edible parts, herbal use |
| Daffodil | Narcissus spp. | Ornamental, Alzheimer’s research (galantamine) |
| Zinnia | Zinnia elegans | Ornamental and pollinator attraction |
| Lavender | Lavandula angustifolia | Aromatherapy, calming, skincare |
| Petunia | Petunia spp. | Ornamental flower beds and hanging baskets |
| Chrysanthemum | Chrysanthemum morifolium | Tea, anti-inflammatory, decorative |
| Magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora | Ornamental, traditional medicine |
| Bougainvillea | Bougainvillea glabra | Decorative, drought-tolerant landscaping |
| Periwinkle | Catharanthus roseus | Anti-cancer alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine) |
| Snapdragon | Antirrhinum majus | Ornamental, symbolic in bouquets |
| Pansy | Viola tricolor | Decorative, edible flowers, mild skin use |
| Calendula | Calendula officinalis | Skin healing, anti-inflammatory, cosmetic use |
These plants are used in decoration, ceremonies, perfumes, and even medicine.
Medicinal Plants Scientific Names
Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. Below are the most commonly used medicinal herbs and their botanical names:
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | Rosa spp. | Ornamental and perfumery; petals used in skincare |
| Sunflower | Helianthus annuus | Oil production; seeds used for heart health |
| Marigold | Tagetes spp. | Insect repellent; used in skin healing creams |
| Jasmine | Jasminum spp. | Fragrance; stress relief in aromatherapy |
| Hibiscus | Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Hair care; tea for lowering blood pressure |
| Neem | Azadirachta indica | Antibacterial; skin disorders, oral health |
| Aloe Vera | Aloe barbadensis miller | Skin burns, digestive aid, and moisturizing |
| Holy Basil (Tulsi) | Ocimum sanctum | Immunity booster, anti-inflammatory, cough/cold relief |
| Turmeric | Curcuma longa | Anti-inflammatory, used for wounds and joint pain |
| Ginger | Zingiber officinale | Digestive aid, anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory |
| Garlic | Allium sativum | Cardiovascular health, antimicrobial |
| Indian Gooseberry (Amla) | Phyllanthus emblica | Rich in Vitamin C, boosts immunity, hair and skin health |
| Fenugreek | Trigonella foenum-graecum | Digestive aid, increases milk production in nursing mothers |
| Ashwagandha | Withania somnifera | Stress relief, energy booster, improves sleep |
| Peppermint | Mentha piperita | Digestive relief, headache remedy, nasal decongestion |
| Cinnamon | Cinnamomum verum | Blood sugar control, antioxidant |
| Indian Sarsaparilla | Hemidesmus indicus | Blood purifier, skin problems |
| Bhringraj | Eclipta alba | Hair growth, liver health |
| Brahmi | Bacopa monnieri | Enhances memory and cognition |
| Licorice | Glycyrrhiza glabra | Sore throat remedy, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid |
These herbs are integral to Ayurvedic and traditional healing systems worldwide.
Indoor Plants Scientific Names
Indoor plants not only beautify spaces, but also purify the air and improve mood. Here is a list of common indoor plants and their scientific names:
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant | Sansevieria trifasciata | Air purifier and low-maintenance decor |
| Spider Plant | Chlorophytum comosum | Air purification and ornamental |
| Peace Lily | Spathiphyllum wallisii | Air purification and indoor decor |
| Money Plant | Epipremnum aureum | Indoor vine, air purifier, lucky charm |
| ZZ Plant | Zamioculcas zamiifolia | Decorative, drought-tolerant indoor plant |
| Areca Palm | Dypsis lutescens | Indoor air purifier and humidifier |
| Aloe Vera | Aloe barbadensis miller | Skin care and minor burn treatment |
| Boston Fern | Nephrolepis exaltata | Air humidifier and natural air cleaner |
| Pothos | Scindapsus aureus | Air purifier and trailing houseplant |
| Rubber Plant | Ficus elastica | Air purifier and aesthetic indoor plant |
| Chinese Evergreen | Aglaonema commutatum | Decorative, low-light indoor plant |
| Philodendron | Philodendron spp. | Ornamental foliage and easy-care plant |
| Fiddle Leaf Fig | Ficus lyrata | Decorative indoor plant with broad leaves |
| Croton | Codiaeum variegatum | Bright, colorful foliage for decoration |
| Prayer Plant | Maranta leuconeura | Decorative plant with unique leaf movement |
| Dumb Cane | Dieffenbachia spp. | Large-leafed ornamental indoor plant |
| Jade Plant | Crassula ovata | Succulent for décor and symbol of prosperity |
| Peperomia | Peperomia spp. | Compact houseplant with attractive foliage |
| Lucky Bamboo | Dracaena sanderiana | Symbol of luck, used in feng shui |
| Flamingo Lily | Anthurium andraeanum | Bright flowering indoor plant |
These plants are easy to maintain and make a great addition to homes and offices.
Leaf Plants Scientific Name
Foliage plants are grown primarily for their foliage rather than their flowers. They are ideal for decoration and indoor use. Here are some examples:
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Caladium | Caladium bicolor | Ornamental foliage plant |
| Croton | Codiaeum variegatum | Decorative indoor plant |
| Coleus | Plectranthus scutellarioides | Colorful leaves for garden décor |
| Fittonia | Fittonia albivenis | Small spaces and terrariums |
| Pothos | Epipremnum aureum | Air purifier and easy-care plant |
| Snake Plant | Sansevieria trifasciata | Air purification and low maintenance |
| Boston Fern | Nephrolepis exaltata | Humidity-loving, natural air filter |
| Syngonium | Syngonium podophyllum | Decorative climber for indoors |
| Monstera | Monstera deliciosa | Tropical aesthetic indoor plant |
| Alocasia | Alocasia amazonica | Bold foliage, modern indoor plant |
| Elephant Ear | Colocasia esculenta | Ornamental foliage, also edible variety |
| Fiddle Leaf Fig | Ficus lyrata | Trendy indoor décor plant |
| Spider Plant | Chlorophytum comosum | Hanging plant and air purifier |
| Polka Dot Plant | Hypoestes phyllostachya | Bright indoor accent plant |
| Wandering Jew | Tradescantia zebrina | Colorful trailing plant |
| Rubber Plant | Ficus elastica | Low-maintenance decorative plant |
| Philodendron | Philodendron spp. | Easy-growing indoor foliage plant |
| Chinese Evergreen | Aglaonema spp. | Shade-tolerant indoor plant |
| Dumb Cane | Dieffenbachia spp. | Lush foliage indoor décor |
| Prayer Plant | Maranta leuconeura | Movement of leaves; decorative houseplant |
These plants are popular for their colorful or uniquely shaped leaves.
Shrub and Bush Plants Biological Names
Shrubs and bushes are small to medium-sized woody plants used in landscaping, borders, and ornamental gardens. 20 shrubs and bush-type plants with their scientific names:
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Hibiscus | Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Ornamental; used in hair and skincare |
| Bougainvillea | Bougainvillea glabra | Ornamental; fence and wall covering |
| Hydrangea | Hydrangea macrophylla | Ornamental garden display |
| Ixora | Ixora coccinea | Decorative hedge and landscaping |
| Oleander | Nerium oleander | Ornamental; drought-tolerant shrub |
| Rose Bush | Rosa spp. | Ornamental; perfumery and symbolic use |
| Jasmine Shrub | Jasminum sambac | Fragrance and religious uses |
| Lavender | Lavandula angustifolia | Fragrance, stress relief, ornamental |
| Firebush | Hamelia patens | Attracts pollinators; ornamental |
| Butterfly Bush | Buddleja davidii | Attracts butterflies; ornamental |
| Forsythia | Forsythia spp. | Early spring flowers; ornamental hedge |
| Barberry | Berberis spp. | Ornamental; hedge with thorny protection |
| Camellia | Camellia japonica | Winter-flowering ornamental shrub |
| Gardenia | Gardenia jasminoides | Fragrant flowers; decorative shrub |
| Azalea | Rhododendron spp. | Vibrant ornamental flowers |
| Boxwood | Buxus sempervirens | Formal hedging and topiary |
| Mock Orange | Philadelphus coronarius | Fragrant white flowers; ornamental use |
| Spirea | Spiraea spp. | Showy spring blooms; ornamental shrub |
| Winter Daphne | Daphne odora | Fragrant winter flowers; ornamental |
| Currant Bush | Ribes rubrum | Edible berries; ornamental foliage |
These plants produce flowers frequently and thrive well in both tropical and subtropical climates.
Final Word
Understanding the scientific names of plants ensures proper identification, study, and appreciation of the plant kingdom. Whether you are a student or a gardener, researcher, or plant enthusiast, knowing the scientific names of familiar or unfamiliar trees, herbs, flowers, or houseplants gives you additional understanding of the various roles these organisms play in nature. This guide to the scientific names of common plants highlights how each species is uniquely classified and valued. Continue learning about plants and their origins and importance to life on Earth.
FAQ: Scientific Names of Common Plants
What is the scientific name of plants?
Plantae is the scientific name of all plants
Why are plant scientific names important?
They offer a universal method to identify and research plants without confusion from local names.
What are examples of scientific names of common plants?
Examples:
Neem: Azadirachta indica
Rose: Rosa spp.
Aloe Vera: Aloe barbadensis
How are plants scientific names written?
In italics: the genus capitalized, species lowercase, such as Mangifera indica (mango).
Where can I find more plant scientific names?
Explore categories like tree, flower, herb, and indoor plant scientific names on websites like ScientificNamea.com.
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