How do scientists classify and name different plant species?

Scientists classify and name different plant species using a system called taxonomy, which is based on the principles of classification and nomenclature established by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.

1. Classification: Scientists classify plants based on their characteristics, such as their physical appearance, genetic makeup, and evolutionary relationships. The classification system is hierarchical, with the most broad and general grouping at the top and the most specific grouping at the bottom. The classification system is divided into different levels: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species.
2. Nomenclature: Once a plant has been classified, it is given a scientific name, which is composed of two parts: the genus name, which is capitalized, and the species name, which is not capitalized. For example, the scientific name for the common oak tree is Quercus robur, where Quercus is the genus name and robur is the species name.
3. International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN): This code governs the naming of all organisms traditionally treated as algae, fungi, or plants, including blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), chytrids, oomycetes, slime molds and photosynthetic protists. It is intended to promote stability and universality in the scientific names of these organisms by providing rules and recommendations for their formation and treatment.
4. Phylogenetic Systematics: This method is based on evolutionary relationships, and it is a way to classify organisms based on their evolutionary history and ancestry. This method is based on molecular biology, and genetic data is used to identify the evolutionary relationships of different species.

Scientists continue to discover new plant species and classify them as per the rules and guidelines set by the ICN. The classification and nomenclature of plants are constantly being revised as new information and technology become available.