What's in a Name?

Taught by Plant aficionado extraordinaire and former Humboldt Botanical Garden Board Member Bruce Palmer. Bruce Palmer will attempt to answer a number of questions about how the plants in the garden get their scientific names. Some of the topics covered will be: Why are they are often long and complicated? Scientific names change from time to time; why? Why are the names in Latin? They are supposed to describe plants, so why are they often named after people? What are the rules for spelling and pronouncing scientific names? If the plant is a hybrid, what rules apply to naming it? Following the discussion, we will tour the garden, weather permitting, to look first hand at some of the plants, attempting to decipher their names. Classes are held at the Humboldt Botanical Gardens in the big greenhouse. We are located at the north entrance to College of the Redwoods on Tompkins Hill Road, Eureka. Please park in the upper lot and walk to the main gate and up the road to the greenhouse. If you have a disability or need assistance please tell the person at the gate and you can either bring your car in and park by the greenhouse or we have an electric cart than can take you to where you need to be. Any questions please call our office at 442-5139. Pre-registration is not required, but is appreciated.