Search

This article seeks the importance of using common names over botanical names in order to avoid the risk of publishing irrelevant and misleading information. The sad story of the voluminous and confusing bibliography of plant dermatitis of the last hundred years is now being repeated in the specialized format in which researchers have considered the usage of common names for plants instead of botanical names. At present, some authors use North American colloquial names for plants, which may have entirely different colloquial names in their own countries. In order to avoid the confusion and ambiguity, it has been advised that the simple device of writing the botanical name should be followed by a colloquial name in brackets.

The occurrence of dermatitis from the plant Alstroemeria is analyzed in relation to altered clinical pattern of dermatitis and probable increasing incidence of the disease. The clinical pattern of dermatitis which is provoked by a sensitizing plant depends on the potency of the sensitizer, the ease with which it is released from the tissues of the plant and the manner in which the plant comes into contact with the skin. As Alstroemeria had continued to increase in popularity as a cut flower among plant breeding establishments, dermatitis on the hands and fingers was reported in florists handling these flowers. It is stated that a change in the use made of the plant might be followed by a change in the pattern of the dermatitis it causes.

Primula obconica is a rare cause of non-occupational dermatitis in Europe because florists are reluctant to stock the plant. Thus, a major specialists firm supplying flower seeds for the horticultural trade find that their sales of Primula obconica seed have shown no decline in recent years and they conclude that the growers must retain a ready market for the plant. Furthermore, enquiries in the seed trade and through the Flowers Publicity Council indicate no sign of decreasing demand for seed .