Geographical epithets are sometimes inaccurate because the author of the name
was in error as to the true origin of the plant, or obscure because the ancient classical
names are no longer familiar to us. As with epithets which are derived from proper
names to commemorate people, or from former generic names or vernacular names
which are treated as being Latin, it is now customary to start them with a small initial
letter but it remains permissible to give them a capital initial.