'Gaga germanotta’: Fern species named after Poker Face songstress

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Published time: October 24, 2012 15:15
Edited time: October 24, 2012 19:16

Researchers from Duke University in North Carolina have named a newly identified genus of ferns, along with 19 species, after Lady Gaga because of her “individual expression.”

­Among the newly named fern species are Gaga germanotta, a tribute to the singer’s given name Stefani Germanotta, and Gaga monstraparva.

“We wanted to name this genus for Lady Gaga because of her fervent defense of equality and individual expression,” Professor of Biology at Duke University and director of the school’s herbarium, Kathleen Pryer, explained in a statement. “And as we started to consider it, the ferns themselves gave us more reasons why it was a good choice,” she added.

 “We think that her second album, ‘Born this Way,’ is enormously empowering,” Pryer revealed, “especially for disenfranchised people and communities like LGBT, ethnic groups, women — and scientists who study odd ferns!”

Pryer said she was also inspired by Gaga's signature outfit the songstress wore at the 2010 Grammy awards. The US diva was wearing a heart-shaped Armani Privé bodysuit which Pryer said reminded her of the bisexual reproductive stage of the ferns, the Guardian reported.