Scientific Names of Fruits

Scientific names of fruits are not the combination of Latin words only. They are a systematic process to classify and understand a wide variety of species. Sometimes it is confusing to remember the names as fruits have different local names. To reduce this confusion scientists created a special way to name fruits called scientific names. The process is based on the fruits’ unique features and evolutionary connections. It helps common people to identify the various fruits more easily. In this article, we will explore the scientific names of those common fruits, that we consume in our daily lives.

Scientific Name of Fruits

An individual fruit name consists of two Latin names to uniquely identify a species. The first part is the genus and, the second one indicates the epithet. The genus name always comes first and starts with an uppercase character. The species name is always written in lowercase. Both genus and species names should be written in italics or underlined. Scientific names are usually written in Latin. For example, the scientific name of mango is ” Mangifera indica .” Here “Mangifera” is the genus or the generic name of mango, and ” indica ” denotes the specific epithet.

20 Scientific Names of Fruits

The below table lists the scientific names of some fruits:

Common Name	Scientific Nomenclature
Apricot	Prunus armeniaca
Apple	Malus domestica
Avocado	Persea americana
Banana*	Musa spp
Blackberry	Rubus fruticosus
Blueberry	Vaccinium corymbosum
Cantaloupe*	Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis
Cherry	Prunus avium
Coconut	Cocos nucifera
Cranberry	Vaccinium macrocarpon
Dragon Fruit	Hylocereus undatus
Elderberry	Sambucus nigra
Fig	Ficus carica
Grape	Vitis vinifera
Grapefruit*	Citrus × paradisi
Guava	Psidium guajava
Kiwi	Actinidia deliciosa
Lemon	Citrus limon
Lime	Citrus aurantiifolia
Lychee	Litchi chinensis
Mango	Mangifera indica
Orange	Citrus sinensis
Papaya	Carica papaya
Passion Fruit	Passiflora edulis
Peach	Prunus persica
Pear	Pyrus communis
Persimmon	Diospyros kaki
Pineapple	Ananas comosus
Plum	Prunus domestica
Pomegranate	Punica granatum
Raspberry	Rubus idaeus
Strawberry	Fragaria × ananassa
Watermelon	Citrullus lanatus

Note: *

1. “spp.” stands for “species pluralis”. It implies that multiple species are present within the genus.
2. “Var.” is an abbreviation for “variety”. It means a level of diversity within a species.
3. “x” signals that the plant is a hybrid resulting from the intentional crossbreeding of two distinct species.

Scientific Name of Fruits in India

Scientific names of fruits are listed in the below table, which are common in India:

Name of Fruits	Scientific Name
Papaya	Carica papaya
Apple	Malus domestica
Orange	Citrus sinensis
Grapes	Vitis vinifera
Pomegranate	Punica granatum
Coconut	Cocos nucifera
Jackfruit	Artocarpus heterophyllus
Fig	Ficus carica
Sapota (Chikoo)	Manilkara zapota

Fruits Scientific Name and Family

Scientific name and family of some common fruits are listed in the table below:

Ordinary Names	Scientific Names of Fruits	Family
Mango	Mangifera indica	Anacardiaceae
Banana	Musa spp.	Musaceae
Guava	Psidium guajava	Myrtaceae
Papaya	Carica papaya	Caricaceae
Apple	Malus domestica	Rosaceae
Orange	Citrus sinensis	Rutaceae
Pineapple	Ananas comosus	Bromeliaceae
Grapes	Vitis vinifera	Vitaceae
Coconut	Cocos nucifera	Arecaceae
Jackfruit	Artocarpus heterophyllus	Moraceae
Fig	Ficus carica	Moraceae
Sapodilla	Manilkara zapota	Sapotaceae

Conclusion

Fruits are the essential part of our daily diet. It helps us to remain fit and healthy by providing essential nutrients such as vitamins, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and natural sugars. There are so many fruits with different local names around us and to avoid this confusion scientists have given specific names for fruits by depending on their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.

FAQs – Scientific Names of Fruits

1. What is the Purpose of using Scientific Names for Fruits?

Scientific names provide a standard and universal recognition for identifying and classifying fruits. It also ensures clear communication between people to avoid confusion caused by the regional names of the fruits.

2. How are the Scientific Names of Fruits Determined?

Scientific names are typically determined based on the plant’s botanical characteristics, evolutionary relationships, and genetic information. They are established using a formal system called binomial nomenclature.

3. Why do some Fruits have “spp.”, “Var.” and “x” in their Scientific Names?

The abbreviation “spp.” (plural of “species”) is used to indicate that there are multiple species within a particular genus. It signifies that the specific species is not specified or is part of a group. “Var.” indicates variety and “x” denotes that the plant is a hybrid resulting from the intentional crossbreeding of two distinct species.

4. Are the Scientific Names of Fruits the Same Globally?

Yes, scientific names are standardized and internationally recognized. This ensures consistency in communication among scientists, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide, regardless of language differences.

5. Are there any Exceptions to using Scientific Names for Fruits?

While scientific names are widely used, common or local names may still be prevalent, especially in everyday language and regional contexts. However, scientific names provide a standardized and precise alternative in scientific and academic settings.

6. What are the Scientific Names of Some Fruits commonly found in India?

Scientific names of some fruits commonly found in India are:

• Mango: Mangifera indica
• Apricot: Prunus armeniaca
• Coconut: Cocos nucifera