parkinsoniae

Parkinsoniae is a Latinized species epithet used in scientific names to honor individuals bearing the surname Parkinson. It is not a standalone taxon; rather, it appears within binomial (or, in some cases, trinomial) names across different genera and kingdoms. The epithet signals an homage rather than a shared biological origin among different organisms.

Etymology and formation: The form parkinsoniae is derived from the surname Parkinson with the Latin suffix -iae. This pattern is part of a broader tradition in taxonomy of commemorating researchers, collectors, or other figures by incorporating their names into species epithets. The exact linguistic shaping can vary with language and tradition, but the intention remains to recognize a person associated with the taxon.

Usage and scope: The same epithet parkinsoniae can occur in multiple, unrelated species across distinct genera and groups, including plants, fungi, and animals. The presence of parkinsoniae in a name does not imply any taxonomic relatedness among those organisms. To identify a particular species, the full genus–species combination and the accompanying taxonomic literature are required.

Nomenclatural notes: For valid publication, a name incorporating parkinsoniae must meet the rules of the relevant nomenclature code (botanical or zoological) and be accompanied by a proper description or diagnosis. If a species is reassigned to another genus, the treatment of the epithet follows code-specific rules regarding gender agreement and retention.

See also: Parkinsonia, Parkinson's disease, and the broader practice of commemorative epithets in scientific naming.