Forma specialis (plural formae speciales) is a taxonomic grouping allowed by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, that is applied to a parasite (most frequently a fungus) which is adapted to a specific host (there being minimal or no morphological differences); this classification may be applied by authors who do not feel that a subspecies or variety name is appropriate.

Forma specialis is abbreviated f. sp., formae speciales is abbreviated ff. spp..

ExamplesEdit

• Alternaria alternata f.sp. cucurbitae (Alternaria leaf spot of Cucurbits)
• Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. basilicum (Fusarium wilt of basil)

WikiGardenerEdit

On WikiGardener species and genera are always written in italics.

See alsoEdit

• Form (f.)
• Species (sp. or spp.)
• Subforma (subf.)
• Subspecies (subsp. or ssp.)
• Subvariety (subvar.)
• Variety (var.)

ReferencesEdit