Why Botanical Names Matter in Plant Illustration

A common name can be poetic and familiar. A botanical name gives the same plant a precise identity. That is why Planty Growth presents both whenever possible.

One plant, many common names

Common names vary between countries, languages and local traditions. The name “traveller’s tree,” for example, immediately suggests a story, while Ravenala madagascariensis identifies the exact species. Using both makes an illustration welcoming and specific.

Botanical names are a shared language

Scientific naming helps gardeners, designers, researchers and plant lovers refer to the same organism without relying on regional terminology. The familiar two-part format combines a genus and species. In Monstera deliciosa, Monstera is the genus and deliciosa identifies the species.

Names add context to the image

A title such as “Jade Vine” describes colour and character. Strongylodon macrobotrys connects the artwork to a rare tropical species known for its extraordinary turquoise flower clusters. Likewise, Ceratonia siliqua places the carob tree within a long Mediterranean story.

A modern digital herbarium

Traditional botanical collections brought illustrations and names together to document plant life. Planty Growth follows that spirit in a contemporary format: clean digital artwork, clear identification and a growing collection organised by plant character and habitat.

Explore the Botanical Illustrations collection to discover each artwork by its common and botanical name.