Orthography of some geographical epithets in the New Zealand flora revisited

Abstract

The use of a Maori place‐name for a specific or infraspecific epithet as a word in apposition is sanctioned by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, and this has been the approach adopted to date by most New Zealand botanists. The epithets already published in this form do not require correction. It is recommended that when adopting Maori place‐names as epithets botanists continue to treat Maori place‐names as indeclinable, but clearly explain the origin and form of the epithets chosen.

Keywords:

• nomenclature
• geographical epithets
• orthography
• Maori
• New Zealand flora