1. Taxonomic character: The characteristics by which one taxon is distinguished from another taxon are called taxonomic characters. The characteristics of each plant are carefully observed and recorded to make the taxonomy. Taxonomic characteristics of plants are reproductive characteristics, genetic characteristics, chemical characteristics, morphological characteristics, physiological characteristics, behavioral characteristics, ecological characteristics etc. These features are properly mentioned during classification. Dr. Siddiq Publications
2. Identification: Each plant is accurately identified for taxonomic purposes. Similarities and differences between them are determined on the basis of taxonomic characteristics. Identification may be – genetically unbalanced samples, members grown in unfavorable conditions, hybrids, recently published articles, new species etc. The collected specimens are then compared with the descriptions of other plants. A comprehensive understanding of subspecies, species, synopsis, reviews, catalogs, revisions, monographs, taxonomy, ethnography, field guides and checklists is required for accurate identification.
3. Categorization: According to the course of evolution, plants with similar characteristics are placed in a specific category. The hierarchy has a total of 7 categories or ranks. These are – Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species. Among them, Kingdom is the largest and Species is the smallest.
4. Nomenclature: Making, explaining and applying principles related to the scientific name of any plant or animal is called nomenclature. Siddique Publications
(i) Binomial nomenclature: Binomial nomenclature is the giving of a specific scientific name to a particular species by two terms or words adding the species name to the end of the generic name as per ICBN or ICZN principles. In 1753, the Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus introduced the system of binomial naming of organisms.
(ii) Tripad nomenclature: According to the International Principles of Nomenclature of Organisms, the name given to an organism by three terms or words genus, species and subspecies is called tripad nomenclature. German scientist Hermann Schlegel (1884) introduced tripartite nomenclature. Like- Naja naja naja.
5. Conservation: Plant samples collected in different ways should be properly preserved. Leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, stems, roots etc. of plants are collected as samples. All these samples can be stored in dry or liquid medium. Formalin and alcohol are the best liquid preservation mediums. Various museums, conservatories, colleges and universities of the country store plant specimens in public and private ways.