Using the scientific name for a white pine, how would you write it as an interspecific cross?

Using the scientific name for a white pine, how would you write it as an interspecific cross?

• A. x Pinus strobus
• B. Pinus x strobus
• C. Pinus strobus
• D. Pinus strobus var. septa

Answer: (B)

In botanical naming, a cross between species within the same genus is indicated by the multiplication symbol placed between the genus name and the specific epithet. For the white pine, whose scientific name is Pinus strobus, writing the interspecific cross correctly is Pinus × strobus. This format signals that the name represents a hybrid involving Pinus strobus with another Pinus species, rather than a pure species. The other forms don’t fit: placing the cross before the genus (x Pinus strobus) isn’t the standard convention for hybrids; using Pinus strobus alone denotes the pure species; and Pinus strobus var. septa denotes a varietal form, not a cross.

In botanical naming, a cross between species within the same genus is indicated by the multiplication symbol placed between the genus name and the specific epithet. For the white pine, whose scientific name is Pinus strobus, writing the interspecific cross correctly is Pinus × strobus. This format signals that the name represents a hybrid involving Pinus strobus with another Pinus species, rather than a pure species. The other forms don’t fit: placing the cross before the genus (x Pinus strobus) isn’t the standard convention for hybrids; using Pinus strobus alone denotes the pure species; and Pinus strobus var. septa denotes a varietal form, not a cross.