We have had several threads about names for plants, usually centered around the question of synonyms and the validity or acceptability of the various names, as well as the question of cultivar names, or names that aren't registered (Trade names, et al).
For several weeks I have been contemplating the matter and I think I have the solution. I'd like to put out a proposal and see what you all think about it:
Right now, each plant in the database has:
1) A main latin name (genus and species).
2) An unlimited number of synonym names (genus and species).
3) A single trade name.
4) An unlimited number of cultivar names.
Now, the way we're doing #4 is actually working pretty well. One can add all the cultivar names for a plant, and then the name with the most thumbs is the one that is used for the main display name.
I'm thinking of doing the same thing with trade names and latin names.
So, envision it this way: each plant in the database contains:
1) An unlimited number of latin names. Each latin name can optionally be annotated with several things, including whether it is accepted, and the source that can verify its validity (itis, etc). The concept of "secondary" or "alternative" names go away. Instead, each plant has all its names listed one after the other. "Accepted" name(s) shows up first in the list.
2) Trade names would work in a similar fashion. I would think we would do the latin name migration first and then have a conversation about doing the same thing with trade names.
This would require a pretty big underlying change to the system of the database, but I think it ultimately would be well worth the effort it would take me.
Any thoughts on this?
