Toward gender neutrality

These tiny seeds come from a Cyclamen persicum, a potted plant that has flowered continuously for several months and has now produced these delicate seed heads.

However, the plant is due to undergo a change in name. Across the Atlantic, there has been a huge backlash against so called DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion). In Europe, the concept is still being championed and thus includes words and names that are felt to be too patriarchal, too unequal.

We have readily accepted that there are better choices to describe people, jobs or inanimate objects. Thus batters in cricket rather than batsmen, fishers not fishermen, drainage covers for manhole covers and so on.

The humble Cyclamen uses the letters MEN and there is a movement to exclude this in a society striving for equality.

There are several words that have been proposed by the bodies responsible for change. Although not decided yet, the most likely choice will be Cycladunum, reflecting the move to gender neutrality in everyday words.

There is an explanatory document which lays out the reasons and choice for this word.
Please click on Nomenclature in plants: a move to gender neutrality in an equal botanical society