Problem
The scientific name contains, among other things, "var.", "ssp", "subsp.", "forma", or "f.".
Our Solution
The first of these abbreviations denote a specific variety (var.) or subspecies (subsp. or ssp.) of the species. These are taxon ranks that are more specific than species. For example, they may indicate a few populations within the species that share some common characteristics that make them distinct, but not necessarily a different species. Varieties and subspecies should be included in the Scientific Name field, and use "subsp." instead of "ssp." for consistency, even when the label says "ssp." You should not include the author names in your entry (see this post for more about author names). For example, "Echinodorus cordifolius (Linnaeus) Grisebach ssp. cordifolius" should be transcribed as "Echinodorus cordifolius subsp. cordifolius".
A forma (sometimes abbreviated f.) is a secondary taxon rank, even below variety. It denotes a special form (e.g., a different color) of that species or variety. Formae are not generally included in our taxonomic thesaurus, so if this information is present but you cannot find it in the dropdown list, enter the forma into the ID remarks field instead of the Scientific Name field (click the pencil icon at the bottom of the Latest Identification box; see below). The rest of the scientific name (before the forma) can be entered in the Scientific Name field.
A forma (sometimes abbreviated f.) is a secondary taxon rank, even below variety. It denotes a special form (e.g., a different color) of that species or variety. Formae are not generally included in our taxonomic thesaurus, so if this information is present but you cannot find it in the dropdown list, enter the forma into the ID remarks field instead of the Scientific Name field (click the pencil icon at the bottom of the Latest Identification box; see below). The rest of the scientific name (before the forma) can be entered in the Scientific Name field.
