That's a multiplication sign. There are other glyphs to indicate multiplication as well, but “×” apparently is also used in botanical taxonomy to indicate hybrids. Spacing and kerning probably should be handled as it would be as a math symbol.

I reason this only by parsing your question and not any extensive knowledge of the relevant subject.

The × does indeed signify hybrid (cross-breeding). I believe that horticultural style guides vary on whether there should be space following the × or not. I think the current tendency is closed up, whereas previously it was open.

In many typefaces, the design of the × has it raised above the baseline slightly, depending upon the default figure style. If this is the case and you're using a closed-up style (with no space after), then I suggest you try baseline shifting it down to the baseline (or center on the x-height is also an option).

The × character apparently maps to a beautiful fleuron in the featured face Elmhurst. So if you're to keep discussing this, make sure to mention that character in the first few words of your post for everyone's enjoyment.

The × character apparently maps to a beautiful fleuron in the featured face Elmhurst.

Really? That is an incredibly bad decision. Do not map ornaments to semantic character codes.

To stay on topic, I have centered the character to the x-height to allow for visual significance. Ehague, I haven't the slightest clue what you speak of. What do you mean it "maps". Do you speak strictly online to the randomized featured typeface on the forums page?

best regards,
daniel

Yes, the × indicates a hybrid. Traditionally the whole Latin name was printed in italic, too, though it's of course up to you whether you want to follow that in your context...
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Ever since I chose to block pop-ups, my toaster's stopped working.

dtw: I have the English name in Helvetica Neue Light, with a | (<==not sure the name of that), then the Latin name in Helvetica Neue Medium Italic. It's good stuff. :) Thanks for the assist folks!
best regards,
daniel

> a | (<==not sure the name of that

I always call it a pipe. I think that was from a programming term.

Yeah, that's what I always called it too. Windows Character Map application calls U007c "Vertical Line". Imaginative, huh?

By "maps" I mean that when the "×" character is replaced via sIFR with the featured font, Elmurst, in thread headlines or on the homepage background pullquotes, it is rendered as a flueron, rather than a multiplication symbol. Just a joke--and one that will make even less sense when they change the featured face.

Ah... should have done a screencap!
best regards,
daniel