𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑶𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
When we encounter a plant with an unusual expression, what is it that we are truly naming?
Recently, we reflected on the many names collectors have given Alocasia cuprea—names such as Latte, Pink Latte, Strawberry Latte, True Pink, Hot Pink, and many others.
There is certainly nothing wrong with collectors, growers, or the marketplace choosing descriptive names for particularly striking expressions. Such names enrich the hobby, encourage discussion, and celebrate the remarkable diversity Mother Nature reveals.
It is simply helpful to recognize that many of these names are descriptive, rather than standardized botanical classifications.
Perhaps what collectors, growers, and the marketplace are naming is not the plant itself, but a particular expression that has captured their attention.
At 𝑽𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏𝒔, we do much the same.
We affectionately named this Alocasia Golden Bone "Rose-Kissed Frost."
Not because we believed we were naming the plant itself, but because "Rose-Kissed Frost" best described the unique expression Mother Nature had revealed before us.
Its delicate frosted variegation first caught our attention.
Then, through closer observation, we noticed something more.
A subtle rosy blush.
Could anthocyanins be partially contributing to the colour we observe?
Perhaps.
Could another biological or environmental factor also be influencing its appearance?
Perhaps.
At this stage, the available observations are simply insufficient to support a conclusion.
Rather than rushing to define what we were seeing, we chose to continue observing. The next leaf... and perhaps the one after that... may reveal further clues. Or they may tell an entirely different story.
Both outcomes deepen our understanding.
At 𝑽𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏𝒔, we believe observation comes first.
Observation gives rise to understanding.
Understanding gives rise to description.
Description may inspire a name.
But the name should never replace the observation that inspired it.
In this sense, anyone may choose a descriptive name inspired by what they observe. Such names are not intended to redefine the plant or create a new botanical identity. Rather, they celebrate the unique colours, patterns, harmony, and composition that Mother Nature has chosen to reveal in that individual specimen.
Descriptive names enrich our conversations. Careful observation enriches our understanding. Together, they deepen our appreciation for Mother Nature's remarkable artistry.
Now... what would you call the expression you're observing?
Whatever descriptive name you choose is entirely your own, inspired by the colours, patterns, and harmony Mother Nature has chosen to reveal.
After all, every remarkable expression begins not with a name... but with Mother Nature.
𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒐𝒘𝒏.
𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈—𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒉𝒚.
𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒇 𝒃𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒇, 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒄.
— 𝓜𝓪𝓷𝓭𝔂 𝓥𝓪𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒛
Owner, 𝑽𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏𝒔