Linguistic transformations: Animals in plant names

The naming of a plant is the basis for accurate communication among botanists. The technical, internationally accepted names are based on scientific principles, in accordance with the taxonomic affiliation of the plant in question and implicit genetic criteria being the focus. Trivial names, on the other hand, which are much better known than botanical names, are the result of an extended development and were shaped empirically, whereby tradition or misconception also played a role. This article is dedicated to those plant names that contain an animal name as a component. The naming principles and naming motifs that can apply to an animal name in a botanical context are examined, as well as the animal names within their functionality as a determining word-formation element with a transferred meaning.