Typification of Cannabis sativa L

Abstract

The possibility that the genus Cannabis (Cannabaceae) comprises more than one species, as believed by Zhukovsky (1962) and other Russian botanists and as noted by Tutin et al. in Flora Europaea 1 : 67 (1964), or consists of one variable species divisible on fruit characters into several subspecies with differing chemical properties, has made it essential to examine the typification of the name Cannabis sativa so as to remove in advance any nomenclatural uncertainty which may otherwise come about if, for taxonomie reasons, the Linnaean epithet sativa has to be restricted to one member of the group. The name Cannabis sativa L. , having been published by Carl Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum 2 : 1027 (1753), the internationally accepted starting point for modern botanical nomenclature, is the first legitimate scientific name for the hemp which was grown in Europe in the 18th Century. Here it had been extensively cultivated for many centuries, as is evident from both historical and palynological evidence (summarized by H. Godwin in 1967), being grown primarily for its tough fibres providing cordage and clothing but also for its oily seeds ; fortunately, during the period of its maximum use in Europe, the narcotic properties of its resin were unknown there.