The names of the Australian grass-tree: Xanthorrhoea Sm. and Acoroides C. Kite (Xanthorrhoeaceae)

Abstract

NELSON, E. C. & BEDFORD, D. J., 1993. The names of the Australian grass-tree: Xanthorrhoea Sm. and Acoroides C. Kite (Xanthorrhoeaceae)Xanthorrhoea (Xanthorrhoeaceae) was named by J. E. Smith in 1798, but Daniel Solander's herbarium specimens and manuscripts indicate that during Cook's voyage (1769–1771) he used a temporary designation, Acoroides, not intended for publication. Acoroides resinifera, however, was validly published after Solander's death for the yellow gum tree of Botany Bay by Charles Kite in 1795. The history of these names, their derivation and unacknowledged origins, and their application are discussed, and a new combination, Xanthorrhoea resinifera (C. Kite) E. C. Nelson & D. J. Bedford is made.