The term "basionym" is used in botany only for the circumstances where a previous name exists with a useful description, and the
International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICNafp) does not require a full description with the new name. A basionym must therefore be
legitimate. Basionyms are regulated by the code's articles 6.10, 7.3, 41, and others. When a current name has a basionym, the author or authors of the basionym are included in parentheses at the start of the author citation. If a basionym is later found to be illegitimate, it becomes a
replaced synonym and the current name's author citation must be changed so that the basionym authors do not appear. Historical rules for basionyms have evolved over time. Prior to 1 January 1953, the requirements for referencing basionyms were less stringent: an indirect reference to a basionym or replaced synonym was sufficient for valid publication of a new combination, name at new rank, or replacement name. After this date, more explicit references became required. This change of rank from family to subfamily is an example of
status novus (abbreviated
stat. nov.), also called a "name at new rank". ==See also==