This is Julian Shaw's latest missive.


Further to my e-mail regarding the correct spelling of the name Zygo.
mackayi, the matter was discussed at the recent meeting of APONAT, the
following is part of a reply.

"We were unable to satisfy ourselves about the correct answer at this stage
and I said I would look into the argument that went into the decision
regarding the heather named after the same man. I will let you know what
happens. It looks to me as though Hooker took the view that 'y' was a letter
foreign to latin and deliberately chose not to use it. I am not sure 60C.1
applies here as part of the argument as we are dealing with a change to the
stem of the word not its termination. If 60C.3 was a rule then we probably
could 'correct' it but it is only a recommendation so I am not sure we can
correct on that basis. We noted that y may be foreign to latin but not to
latin plant names. We should stick to our current practice until a clear
ruling can be given."


The next meeting of APONAT is scheduled for 11th May, so we will both be
interested to hear what they come up with.

Best regards
Julian.