Despite Jim's wonderful explanation there is a shorter answer: If a species has subspecies, they can ALL be referred to by the specific name, BUT the more preferrable alternative, especially for people like us, is to name each to subspecific level--it's a further level of accuracy. If using subspecies, then ALL should be named to that level, or you won't know what you've got... Carlo Carlo A. Balistrieri The Gardens at Turtle Point Tuxedo Park, NY 10987 Zone 6 (845.351.2049) Visit: http://www.botanicalgardening.com/