ContactEmployment

Botanical Names of Common Fruits

Precise communication is essential when identifying and sourcing fruit ingredients, which is why botanical names play a critical role in preventing confusion across scientific, agricultural, and commercial contexts. While common names like “apple” or “pear” are sufficient for everyday conversation, botanical names provide a standardized system—known as binomial nomenclature—that ensures clarity when distinguishing between species and varieties. This system assigns each plant a unique two-part species name, composed of its genus and species, offering a universal and scientifically accurate method of identification.

For example, Malus domestica refers specifically to the domestic apple, while Pyrus communis describes the European pear. These scientific names eliminate ambiguity, particularly when dealing with fruits that share similar common names across different languages or regions. In commercial applications, this precision becomes especially important for sourcing specific varieties, maintaining consistency during processing, or developing products that require distinct fruit characteristics. For manufacturers, understanding botanical names is essential for achieving product consistency, labeling accuracy, and compliance with international trade and regulatory standards.

Botanical names provide a universal language that connects growers, researchers, and producers across the global supply chain. This standardized naming system simplifies ingredient sourcing, quality control, and processing specifications while ensuring clarity in international markets. It encompasses an incredible diversity of fruits used in food production, from temperate crops like Rubus species (blackberries and raspberries) to tropical varieties like Mangifera indica (mango) and Psidium guajava (guava). Below is a guide to the botanical names of common fruits, emphasizing their scientific classification and relevance in modern food manufacturing:

Apple (domestic)Malus domestica
ApricotPrunus armeniaca
AroniaAronia melanocarpa
BananaMusa sapientum
Black CurrantRibes nigra
Black RaspberryRubus occidentalis
BlackberryRubus fruticosis
Blueberry (Lowbush - Wild)Vaccinium angustifolium
Blueberry (Highbush - Cultivated)Vaccinium corymbosum
Cherry (Sour)Prunus P. cerasus
Cherry (Sweet)Prunus P. avium
Cranberry (American)Vaccinium macrocarpon or Oxycoccus macrocarpus
Cranberry (Northern)Vaccinium oxycoccus or Oxycoccus palustris
Elderberry (Common Black)Sumbucas S. nigra
Grape (Concord)Vitis labrusca
GrapeVitis vinifera
GrapefruitCitrus x paradisi
GuavaPsidium guajava
KiwiActinidia deliciosa
LemonCitrus x limon
LimeCitrus x aurantiifolia
MangoMangifera indica
OrangeCitrus x aurantium
PapayaCarica papaya
Passion FruitPassiflora P. edulis
PeachPrunus persica
Pear (Asian)Pyrus pyrifolia
Pear (European)Pyrus communis
PineappleAnanas A. comosus
PlumPrunus domestica
PomegranatePunica granatum
Raspberry (Red)Rubus idaeus
StrawberryFragaria F. x ananassa
TangerineCitrus reticulata

Click here to view the PDF guide to Botanical Names of Common Fruits.

FruitSmart
Stay in touch with us for the freshest updates.
© 
2025
 FruitSmart, All Rights Reserved.
cross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram