Nomenclatural Clarification in Aristea Section Racemosae (Iridaceae) in the Cape Flora of South Africa

Abstract

We demonstrate that the correct names for three species of section Racemosae of the Afro-Magadagascan genus Aristea are: Aristea capitata (L.) Ker Gawler, A. bracteata Persoon, and A. bakeri Klatt. A neotype is selected for Gladiolus capitatus L. (1753), the basionym of A. capitata (L.) Ker Gawler (1802). Aristea major Andrews (1801) is placed in taxonomic synonymy with A. capitata. The typification and identity of Ixia thyrsiflora D. Delaroche (1766), basionym of Aristea thyrsiflora (D. Delaroche) N. E. Brown (1929), often regarded as conspecific with A. major, remain in question; however, due to priority of publication of the basionyms A. thyrsiflora presents no threat to the stability of A. capitata. Weimarck effectively lectotypified the superfluous and illegitimate name Moraea caerulea Thunberg (1787), basionym of Aristea caerulea (Thunberg) Vahl (1805). Aristea bracteata Persoon (1805) is accepted as a replacement name for M. caerulea, and is the oldest legitimate name available for this species. Aristea monticola Goldblatt (1971) was also published as a replacement name for M. caerulea, and thus falls into synonymy with A. bracteata. Aristea bakeri Klatt (1894) was published as a replacement name for the illegitimate later homonym A. paniculata Baker (1892). Aristea macrocarpa G. J. Lewis (1940) and A. confusa Goldblatt (1970) are placed in taxonomic synonymy with A. bakeri.