International Botanical Congress - Over 200 plants will be renamed due to racist names
Scientists decided last Sunday to change the names of certain plants that have racist connotations. The debate among botanists lasted for six whole days. The meeting took place prior to the International Botanical Congress in Madrid. The international congress officially began on July 21. Specifically, the change concerns plant, fungus, and algae names that contain the word "caffra." The term, a racial slur against black people, will now be replaced with the word "affra." "Affra" is intended to signify the African origin of these plants. For example, the Coastal Coral Tree should now be called "Erythrina affra," instead of "Erythrina caffra." Over 200 species are affected by this name change.
Initially, much stronger changes were proposed. The original proposal suggested that all names with derogatory or demeaning connotations be changed retroactively. However, the researchers could only agree that, starting from January 1, 2026, such names should no longer be used. According to media reports, a future expert committee will decide on the names of newly discovered plants. Normally, plants are named by those who first describe them in scientific literature.
Change Affects Plants with the Latin Name "caffra"
The term "caffra" is now only being changed retroactively for those plants, fungi, and algae that bear this epithet. Sonia Molino, a member of the Spanish Botanical Society, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "This word is extremely derogatory towards Africans today. But that wasn't always the case; the negative connotations began in the middle of the 20th century."
Sandra Knapp from the "Natural History Museum," who led the congress on name changes, told the "Guardian": "The decision of the botanists should make it clear to the scientific community, which is involved in the naming of organisms, that they will need to engage in conversations and be aware of which names should be allowed." However, she added that the decision was a "baby step" and "not much more than that."
The suggestion to change the word "caffra" to "affra" was made by Prof. Gideon Smith from the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa and his colleague Prof. Estrela Figueiredo. They have been advocating for changes to the international system for scientific naming of plants and animals for years. (Source: The Guardian)
Racism persisted in the historical naming of certain plants, as demonstrated by the usage of the term "caffra" which has derogatory origins. Now, with the revised guidelines, the existence of racism in botanical nomenclature is being challenged, as shown by the proposed replacement of "caffra" with "affra."
The impending changes to the plant names with Latin "caffra" epithet are not just about linguistic adjustments, but also a testament to our society's ongoing efforts to combat the harmful effects of racism, even in seemingly obscure realms like botany and plant nomenclature.
