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 uvacrispa 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.