READER’S QUESTION

Why is Latin used for plant names when English will do?

O. Osborn, Leicester. YOU’LL have to blame Carl Linnaeus, the 18th- century Swedish scientist who invented the naming system for all living things. In his day, Latin was a universal language among scientists. It still is for botanists.

In science, each creature has a unique, internationally recognised name and a specific slot in the classification system. It’s annoying when a smart alec says Ribes uva- crispa when he means gooseberry (above), but that name would be recognised by botanists anywhere, while ‘gooseberry’ is known only to english speakers.

To a Swede, it’s krusbär and, in French, groseillier à maquereau.