(025) Proposal to clarify that a circumscription applies to a taxon, not to a name

Abstract

Article 7.2 of the Shenzhen Code (Turland & al. in Regnum Veg. 159. 2018) rules that “A nomenclatural type (typus) is that element to which the name of a taxon is permanently attached”, yet in many taxonomic journals authors lectotypify “species” or a “taxon” or “taxa”, not the name(s) thereof. In fact, a taxon has a circumscription, but no type. On the other hand, a name has a type, but no circumscription. Therefore, a circumscription applies to a taxon, not to a name. We feel that it would be better if a Note on this aspect were included immediately after Art. 7.2 and the term “circumscription” were added to the Glossary. “Note 0. A name of a taxon may have a type (see Art. 7.1) but has no circumscription. The taxon itself has a circumscription but no type.” “circumscription. [Not defined] – an indication of the elements (e.g. subordinate taxa, synonyms, specimens, illustrations) that are included in a taxon.” We thank the Director, Botanical Survey of India (BSI), and Scientist “E” and Head of the Office, Central National Herbarium, BSI, for providing facilities. We also thank N.J. Turland and J.H. Wiersema for their helpful suggestions and for refining the manuscript.