The statement "Rosmarinus officinalis L., Sp. Pl. 1: 23 (1753)." and "the plant was originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Rosmarinus officinalis" both refer to the same historical event: Carl Linnaeus's formal scientific description and naming of the rosemary plant as Rosmarinus officinalis in his seminal work, Species Plantarum, published in 1753.[1] This publication is considered the starting point for modern botanical nomenclature, and the "L." after the species name signifies Linnaeus as the author of the description.[2] The "Sp. Pl. 1: 23" refers to Species Plantarum, Volume 1, page 23, where this description can be found.[3]

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The phrase "Caroli Linnæi (1753). "DIANDRIA MONOGYNIA". Species Plantarum. Vol. 1. p. 23" is indeed the source page for Rosmarinus within Linnaeus's Species Plantarum.[3] When examining page 23 of Species Plantarum, Linnaeus lists Rosmarinus under the class "DIANDRIA MONOGYNIA," which describes plants with two stamens and one pistil.[3] Within his entry for Rosmarinus, he presents two species: Rosmarinus officinalis and Rosmarinus angustifolius (though the latter is now considered a synonym or variety of R. officinalis).[4] The specific mention of "Mat. officinalis, med." is found within the synonymy and references section for Rosmarinus officinalis.[3] This indicates that Linnaeus was referencing earlier botanical works or common knowledge where rosemary was recognized for its medicinal properties ("Mat. officinalis" likely refers to Materia Medica officinalis, and "med." for medicinal use).[5] He often cited previous authors and their descriptions to establish the historical context and common understanding of the plants he was classifying.[5] The terms "spontaneus" and "hortenſis" (hortensis) likely refer to whether the plant was found growing wild or cultivated in gardens, respectively, further detailing the plant's characteristics and origins as understood at the time.[6]

Cited Sources


World's Most Authoritative Sources

  1. Linnaean Plant Name Typification Project. The Linnaean Plant Name Typification Project
  2. International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen Code). International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen Code)
  3. Linnaeus, C. (1753). Species Plantarum. Vol. 1. Laurentius Salvius. Biodiversity Heritage Library
  4. Rosmarinus officinalis L. Plants of the World Online
  5. Stearn, W. T. (1992). Botanical Latin. Timber Press. Google Books
  6. Latin Dictionary and Grammar Resources. Latin Dictionary and Grammar Resources

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