Nomenclatural Notes: XV

Abstract

by Pax & Hoffman in 1930 and by E. P. Phillips in 1951. Other authors of general works have regarded Forbesia as an infra-generic group within the genus Curculigo Gaertner; certainly the diagnostic characters separating them are somewhat meagre. Ecklon included two species; the first was based upon Hypoxis plicata Linn. f., the second was a new species, F. angustifolia Ecklon (nomen). Since Nel in I914 attributed the generic name to Ecklon, it may be accepted that the type of the name must be one of those included in it by Ecklon, and of these, Hypoxis plicata Linn. f. is indicated as the only one with a validly published name. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, it is convenient also to take Hypoxis plicala [Fabricia plicata (Linn. f.) Thunb.] as lectotype of the generic name Fabricia Thunb. (1777), non Adans. (1763).** Empodium R. A. Salisb. was validly published in the 'Fragment' of Salisbury's 'Genera of Plants' edited and produced by J. E. Gray in I866, long after the author's death. It also was based upon Hypoxis plicata Linn. f. It is a matter of some doubt as to whether the new names in Salisbury's 'Fragment' should be attributed to 'Salisb.' or 'Salisb. ex J. E. Gray'. The fragment was published as an example of the scope of Salisbury's projected 'Genera Plantarum', which was never completed. With these typifications, Forbesia Ecklon ex G. Nel, Fabricia Thunb. and Empodium R. A. Salisb. can be treated as nomenclatural synonyms, the last being the legitimate name for the genus. The relevant references are as follows :