Nomenclatural investigations in Cerastium strictum L., C. arvense L. var. strictum Koch and Arenaria grandiflora L. (Caryophyllaceae)

Abstract

Summary The earlier lectotypification of C. strictum L. is superseded as being in conflict with the protologue. The new lectotype, a specimen in the Burser Herbarium explicity cited in the protologue, agrees with the original diagnosis and belongs to Arenaria grandiflora L. As a consequence, C. strictum L. becomes a taxonomic synonym of A. grandiflora. The oldest legitimate name for C strictum auct. non L., is C. arvense L. var. strictum Koch. Since most authors have used C. strictum in a sense excluding the Linnaean type, its treatment as a synonym of A. grandiflora, fits the widely held idea that Linnaeus described under C. strictum something that did not belong in Cerastium. Types for C. arvense L. var. strictum Koch and A. grandiflora L. are also designated.