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The ''ICBN'' can only be changed by an [[International Botanical Congress]], although the '''[[International Association for Plant Taxonomy]]''' provides supporting infrastructure. The present ''Code'' is the "''St Louis Code''" (2000), available online. This is based on the decisions of the XVI IBC at St. Louis [[1999]]. The preceding ''Code'' was the "''Tokyo Code''" (1994), which is also available online. Following the XVII IBC in [[Vienna]] in [[2005]], the "''Vienna Code''" (2006) will be published. Each ''Code'' supersedes the earlier versions and is retroactive back to 1753 (except where expressly limited).
== Other<h4>other ''Codes'' ==<h4>
Botanical nomenclature is independent of zoological and bacteriological nomenclature, which are governed by their own ''Codes'' (see [[Nomenclature Codes]]). However, it follows the same general principles including the use of a binary name (or binomial name, see [[binomial nomenclature]]) for each species.
== Relationship to taxonomy ==
Note that nomenclature should not be confused with [[taxonomy]]. Taxonomy is a science which determines which taxa (taxonomic groupings, singular: [[taxon]]) should be recognized (e.g. "What plants belong to this species?") and how these taxa relate to each other (e.g. "What species belong to this family?"). Nomenclature concerns itself only with the question which name should be used for any taxon that is recognized by taxonomy: see [[correct name (botany)| correct name]].
Where taxonomists differ in opinion more than one name may be used for one and the same plant. Within any taxonomic viewpoint only one name can be correct, but somebody holding a different taxonomic viewpoint may be using a different name, although for him too there is only one correct name (in his taxonomic viewpoint). This means that in case of confusion:
* If confusion is nomenclatural (for example an older name is discovered which has priority and threatens to displace a well-known name), the ''Code'' offers means to set things right (at least sometimes): see [[conservation (botany)| conservation]].
* If confusion is taxonomic (taxonomists differ in opinion on the circumscription or the relationships of taxa), then only more scientific research can settle this.
<h4> See also<h4>
* [[Botanical nomenclature]]
* [[International Code of Zoological Nomenclature]]
* [[Nomenclature Codes]]
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