The International Code of Nomenclature (ICN) is a set of rules and guidelines that govern the naming of plants and fungi. Its primary purpose is to ensure that each species has a unique and universally accepted name, which helps avoid confusion in scientific communication. The ICN is essential for botanists and mycologists, as it provides a standardized framework for naming and classifying organisms.
The ICN is part of a broader system of nomenclature that includes codes for animals and bacteria, such as the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) and the International Code of Nomenclature for Bacteria (ICNB). These codes help maintain consistency and clarity in the scientific naming process across different fields of biology.