Greek neos ‘new’ + Porter + Latin -ĭa, the recommended suffix to form plant genus names from personal names that end with a consonant (Rec. 60B.1(b), International Code of Nomenclature). Named for Chilean entomologist Carlos Emilio Porter Mossó (1867-1942). The prefix neo- prevents homonymy with the Rubiaceae genus PorteriaHook. (1851). It has nothing to do with the “reidentification [Neubestimmung] of several now synonymous genera”, as Helmut Genaust (Etymologisches Wörterbuch der botanischen Pflanzennamen. 3. Auflage. 1996) claims.
The arachnid genus NeoporteriaMello Leitão 1943 was also named in Porter’s honor.
“Botanical Latin is essentially a written language, but the scientific names of plants often occur in speech. How they are pronounced really matters little provided they sound pleasant and are understood by all concerned.”
Maarten H.J. van der Meer (2023 Jul 16). Neoporteria. Dictionary of Cactus Names. Retrieved from https://www.cactusnames.org/Neoporteria