THE CONCEPT OF POTENTIAL TAXA IN DATABASES

The concept of a ''potential taxon'' as a name and literature-related data area in botanical databases is introduced. A potential taxon is a name with taxon circumscription information attached to it by means of one or more literature references. As a compromise solution between linking information in database systems entirely to specimen data or only to accepted names, using potential taxa can effectively preserve information links without hindering rapid database input and information processing. It is suggested that a potential taxon be cited by its name, followed by the abbreviation ''sec.'' (for secundum = according to) and at least one of the literature references used to define it.