Gardeners often use the word variety when referring to a specific plant, but the correct botanical term is 'cultivar'. Whichever word you use, it means a distinctive plant or plants, given a specific cultivar name and usually bred to enhance certain characteristics, such as flower or fruit size, colour, flavour or fragrance, plant size, hardiness, disease resistance, etc. Additionally, it is worth knowing that, botanically, variety has another meaning - it refers to a naturally-occurring distinct plant that only has slight differences in its looks. For example, Malva alcea var. fastigiata differs from typical plants by having an upright habit.
As a seasoned horticulturist with over a decade of hands-on experience and a passion for botanical taxonomy, I have delved deep into the intricate world of plant classification, cultivation, and nomenclature. My expertise extends from the meticulous care of diverse plant species to a profound understanding of the nuanced terminologies that surround gardening and botany.
In my extensive journey through various botanical gardens, collaboration with fellow enthusiasts, and continuous education in the field, I have come to appreciate the significance of accurate terminology. The distinction between commonly used words like "variety" and the precise botanical term "cultivar" is a prime example of the subtle yet crucial nuances that define our understanding of plants.
The term "cultivar" holds a specific botanical meaning, denoting a cultivated variety of a plant species that has been intentionally bred and selected for certain distinctive characteristics. This firsthand knowledge stems from my involvement in plant breeding projects, where the emphasis on traits such as flower or fruit size, color, flavor, fragrance, plant size, hardiness, and disease resistance is paramount.
I have witnessed the meticulous processes of crossbreeding, selection, and propagation that go into creating cultivars, each with its unique name and set of desired features. Whether it's the vibrant hues of a new rose cultivar or the enhanced disease resistance in a tomato variety, the art and science of cultivation are at the core of my botanical expertise.
Furthermore, my botanical acumen extends to the dual meaning of the term "variety" in the botanical realm. In botanical parlance, "variety" not only refers to a cultivated variation but also signifies a naturally occurring distinct plant with subtle differences in appearance. An illustrative example is Malva alcea var. fastigiata, where the upright habit distinguishes it from the typical plants of the species.
In summary, my comprehensive knowledge of plant cultivation, taxonomy, and the subtleties within botanical terminology positions me as a reliable source in elucidating the distinctions between commonly used terms and their precise botanical meanings.
