In July, plant scientists at the International Botanical Congress in Madrid made a significant decision to change a scientific name shared by approximately 200 plant species. The alteration from “caffra” to “affra” was officially made, with the scientists claiming it was to correct a misspelling. However, the majority of those who voted were well aware that “caffra” was not simply a spelling mistake.
For centuries, the term “caffra” was used in the scientific names of numerous plants to indicate that they originated from Africa. However, in southern Africa, this term is a Latinized version of “Kaffir,” which is now considered a highly offensive racial slur against Black Africans. Botanists in the region have strongly opposed the use of this term when referring to African plants, as it can lead to fines or even imprisonment in South Africa.
Nigel Barker, a botanist at the University of Pretoria who grew up in South Africa during apartheid, emphasized the importance of acknowledging and rectifying the mistakes of previous generations. He highlighted that South Africans have moved away from many official names associated with that period, emphasizing the need for change.
The shift from “caffra” to “affra” marks a significant moment in the scientific community, as the official scientific names of hundreds of plant species will be modified. Typically, scientists are hesitant to change scientific names, as stable nomenclature is crucial for clear communication among researchers globally. Changes in names usually only occur when there is genetic evidence indicating a species has been misidentified.
While debates over names have become more common in the scientific community, this change represents a unique situation where a substantial number of species will undergo name alterations. In the past, there have been discussions about renaming species that honor racists and colonizers, similar to the decision made by the American Ornithological Society to change bird species names last year.
Despite concerns raised about animal species named after controversial figures like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature opted not to alter their scientific names. This decision underscores the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the issue of scientific naming conventions.
The decision to change the name from “caffra” to “affra” reflects a broader shift towards inclusivity and respect within the scientific community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of the historical and cultural implications of scientific terminology. By making these changes, scientists are taking a step towards creating a more equitable and respectful environment within their field.