(110) Proposal to add a new Note to Article 9 to clarify the status of duplicates of types

Abstract

In response to our query, N.J. Turland (pers. comm. 2021) kindly informed us that duplicates of the holotype are isotypes irrespective of whether or not they were cited in the protologue or seen by the author(s) of the name, but this has not been explicitly spelled out in the Code (Turland & al. in Regnum Veg. 159. 2018). Therefore, for clear understanding, we are proposing a new Note not only on isotypes, but on isosyntypes, isolectotypes, isoneotypes and isoepitypes as well. “Note n. An isotype is any duplicate of the holotype irrespective of whether or not it is cited in the protologue or seen by the author(s) of the name. An isosyntype does not have to be seen by the author(s) of the name; if it is cited in the protologue, it is instead a syntype (Art. 9.6). Duplicates of lectotypes, neotypes, and epitypes are isolectotypes, isoneotypes, and isoepitypes, respectively, irrespective of whether or not they were cited or seen by the typifying author(s).” We thank the Director, Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Kolkata, and Scientist “E” and Head of the Office, Central National Herbarium, BSI for providing facilities. We also thank Nicholas J. Turland and Dr. John H. Wiersema for their helpful suggestions.