The Linnaean Plant Name Typification Project

Abstract

JARVIS, C. E., 1992. The Linnaean Plant Name Typification Project. Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) introduced the consistent use of binomial names for plants and animals. As he published more than 9000 plant names, valid under the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, their application is of considerable importance. Professor Steam's reputation as a Linnaean scholar brought him literally hundreds of requests, from all over the world, for help in the interpretation of Linnaean names. In 1980 he was instrumental in obtaining funding for a pilot study for the typification of Linnaean names. The Project was subsequently core-funded by the Natural History Museum, and has developed into an international Project that has attracted support and collaboration on a worldwide basis. The aims, methodology and progress of the Project are reviewed, and the names Crepis barbata L. and Hieracium capense L. are lectotypified.