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 |
Apricot | Prunus armeniaca |
Aronia | Aronia melanocarpa |
Banana | Musa sapientum |
Black Currant | Ribes nigra |
Black Raspberry | Rubus occidentalis |
Blackberry | Rubus 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 |
Grape | Vitis vinifera |
Grapefruit | Citrus x paradisi |
Guava | Psidium guajava |
Kiwi | Actinidia deliciosa |
Lemon | Citrus x limon |
Lime | Citrus x aurantiifolia |
Mango | Mangifera indica |
Orange | Citrus x aurantium |
Papaya | Carica papaya |
Passion Fruit | Passiflora P. edulis |
Peach | Prunus persica |
Pear (Asian) | Pyrus pyrifolia |
Pear (European) | Pyrus communis |
Pineapple | Ananas A. comosus |
Plum | Prunus domestica |
Pomegranate | Punica granatum |
Raspberry (Red) | Rubus idaeus |
Strawberry | Fragaria F. x ananassa |
Tangerine | Citrus reticulata |
Click here to view the PDF guide to Botanical Names of Common Fruits.