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Scientific Names
Both scientific and Hawaiian names for seweeds are binomials, or names composed of two parts. Scientific names consist of a generic designation, and a specific descriptive name. The genus is capitalized and the species name is written with a small letter. For example: Codium edule
Sometimes the name of the person(s) who named that seaweed is listed after the binomial, such as: Codium edule Silva
The binomials themselves are usually Latin, Greek, or Latinized words, and their use is governed by an international set of rules. The aim of scientific nomenclature is to apply one scientific binomial to one species of seaweed, no matter where in the world that seaweed is found. Type specimens of each species are stored in museums and universities for reference, along with their descriptions in Latin.
Sometimes the scientific binomials relate to the physical characteristics of the type of seaweed being named. For example: Enteromorpha (intestine-form) prolifera (bearing offspring)
Other times the genus or species name is a Latinized proper name, or some other, less obvious reference. For example: Laurencia dotyi (genus name after Laurence, species name after Maxwell Doty).
It is sometimes possible to guess what wome of these words mean, or to trace their origins to Latin or Greet root words.
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Hawaiian Names
Hawaiian Names for seaweeds also have two parts. Limu is a general Hawaiian name for a variety of kinds of plants which grow in or around water, whether fresh or salt. When referring to a specific type of plant, a second, descriptive word follows. Many of these second terms are descriptive of some color, taste, or appearance. For example: Limu 'ele'ele (black limu) and Limu alani (bitter limu).
Other specific names refer to where the limu is found, or reflect a cultural meaning or value. For example: Limu lipoa (limu gathered from the deep) and Limu kohu (supreme limu).
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