Serious conversations require a latin name, since this can be given to one, specific plant - and this plant only. There are strict rules.
Just for the fun i was always interested in etymology of names, especialy of the sp. i keep myself. For me knowing this, sometimes gives a total other insight and dimesion to what's in my tank and respect them in a total different way.
And in botanica it oftenly is actualy a very simple name, sometimes just about the location it is found or what it is used for or what it's properties are if it is edible or medicinal.. Still not clear to me what the rules excactly are, some names date back to ancient times other are just direct translations to latin from a name given by a European explorer or even gets the explorers or identifiers name. Since latin is the international accepted scientific language, then all sceintist world wide know what is what when it's mentioned. Latin and greek were the languages from the classical world, common people spoke latin the elite spoke greek, so here and there you find latin words with greek origine.
Aponogeton crispus
Apono = something like spring/well.
Geitōn = something like neighbour.
crispus = Curly
So it is the curly one from next to the spring..
It simply makes sence doesn't it?
Aponogeton robinsonii, must be the one from next to the spring identified by sir Robinson..
So even persons are decorated with latin names in the club.. Today it got a bit out of practice but in the early days it was very common. Like Regiomontanus, or Copernicus.. Both famous names hearing them you would think they were white bearded greek scholars hanging around in a temple philosophizing about intresting stuff. But no, Regiomontanus was a German Johan Müller and from Königsbergen (kingsmountain - regiomontanis). And Niklas Koppernigk - Copernicus was polish.
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