Nomenclatural Review Research Articles

Nomenclatural revision and typification of extra-Amazonian Tachigali (Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae)

Background and aims – The neotropical genus Tachigali comprises about 75 recorded species, including names described in Sclerolobium, synonymised in 1993 in Tachigali based on morphological, molecular, and anatomical characters. Most species are found in northern South America and the Atlantic Forest. However, some species are exclusively found in the savannas of central Brazil (Cerrado), Bolivia, and Paraguay. The Tachigali species from northern South America and Central America has already been revised. However, the extra-Amazonian Tachigali species were not correctly typified due to the impossibility of examining all syntypes. Therefore, the present work aims to present the nomenclatural review of the extra-Amazonian species of Tachigali. Material and methods – The list of accepted extra-Amazonian Tachigali names and their basionyms was made and verified through online databases. The original descriptions were consulted online or in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Library. The type specimens were examined in virtual herbaria and through visits to the B, IAN, G, K, M, NY, P, R, RB, US, and W herbaria. The International Code of Nomenclature of algae, fungi, and plants was followed for the type designation and nomenclatural notes. Key results – The nomenclatural review was carried out for 32 names. A total of 15 lectotypifications, representing 12 Tachigali species, and a new combination for Tachigali rubiginosa is proposed herein. Furthermore, the nomen dubium Sclerolobium macrophyllum is presented. Conclusion – Our study provides the nomenclatural review for the extra-Amazonian Tachigali species, including notes about the type materials, collectors, and authors of all species names, in addition to the holotype and lectotype images.

Nomenclatural problems raised by the recent description of a new anaconda species (Squamata, Serpentes, Boidae), with a nomenclatural review of the genus Eunectes

A recent paper proposing taxonomic changes in the South American snake genus Eunectes Wagler, 1830 (anacondas) is analysed. This paper raises an unusually high number of taxonomic and nomenclatural problems. The work does not rely on an explicit species concept, the analysis of the molecular data based on three mitochondrial genes is shown to be unreliable, and the validity of the ‘clades’ proposed in this work is questioned. The nomen proposed for a purported new species is a nomen nudum (nomenclaturally unavailable), and the designation of a ‘lectotype’ for the nominal species Eunectes murinus (Linnaeus, 1758) is invalid. We provide a review of the nomenclatural status of 18 nominal species (including four unavailable ones) once or still now referred to the genus Eunectes, we identify their ‘types’ (nomen-bearing specimens), we designate five lectotypes, which are all specimens figured and briefly described in ancient publications, and we explain the rationale behind this action, which will allow the subsequent designation as neotypes of recently collected specimens associated with precise type localities and molecular data. We show that the generic nomen Eunectes Wagler, 1830 does not apply to the taxonomic genus accommodating anacondas but, this nomen having been used for these giant and spectacular snakes for about 200 years and being well-known even outside the field of taxonomy, we argue that its traditional use should be maintained through an action of the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature using its plenary power. Finally, we provide various recommendations regarding nomenclatural actions and publications presenting them.

A Taxonomic Revision of Arapatiella (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae): An Endemic and Threatened Genus from the Brazilian Coast

Arapatiella is a genus of Fabaceae (Leguminosae) of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae, endemic to the Atlantic Forest on the coast of the Brazilian state of Bahia. Popularly known in its region of occurrence due to the commercial use of its wood, Arapatiella is subject to strong influence of anthropic action. Currently, two species of trees are described for the genus: Arapatiella psilophylla and Arapatiella emarginata. However, the circumscription of these taxa is based on old works made with reduced sets of specimens, in need to be stronger delimited. Given this, we conducted a taxonomic and nomenclatural review of the genus based on an integrative species concept. We examined 125 gatherings from 26 national and international herbaria and living individuals collected during in situ expeditions. From the herbarium and field analyses, it was possible to state that the previous taxa circumscriptions do not fully correspond to the currently available specimen set and aren’t strong enough to delimit two species. Therefore, we chose to recombine the species as two varieties: Arapatiella psilophylla var. psilophylla and Arapatiella psilophylla var. emarginata, separated mainly by leaflet apex, stipule size, pubescence, and size of inflorescences and flowers. Distribution maps, taxonomic comments, an identification key, and a nomenclatural revision, including two new lectotypifications, are presented.

Nomenclatural changes in a taxonomically complex group (Amphipoda: Gammaridae)

The family Gammaridae is a large monophyletic group with a complicated taxonomy. A nomenclatural review of the taxonomic status of Pectenogammarus Reid, 1940 was conducted based on Hou & Sket (2016) and Sket & Hou (2018) phylogenetic proposals. These authors used the name Homoeogammarus Schellenberg, 1937 for a set of morphologically diverse taxa previously included mainly within Echinogammarus Stebbing, 1899. Unfortunately, the use of the name Homoeogammarus Schellenberg, 1937 is problematic. As a result of a detailed bibliographic review, we propose the name Pectenogammarus Reid, 1940 (stat. nov.) for the "Homoeogammarus" clade (Sket & Hou 2018), which results in 20 new combinations. In addition, two genera are here formally synonymised as follows: Pectenogammarus Reid, 1940 = Homoeogammarus Barnard et Barnard, 1983, syn. nov. = Laurogammarus G.S. Karaman, 1984, syn. nov. A synonymic catalogue is provided.

Da Vinci's yeast: Blastobotrys davincii f.a., sp. nov.

A new species of the yeast genus Blastobotrys was discovered during a worldwide survey of culturable xerophilic fungi in house dust. Several culture-dependent and independent studies from around the world detected the same species from a wide range of substrates including indoor air, cave wall paintings, bats, mummies, and the iconic self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci from ca 1512. However, none of these studies identified their strains, clones, or OTUs as Blastobotrys. We introduce the new species as Blastobotrys davincii f.a., sp. nov. (holotype CBS H-24879) and delineate it from other species using morphological, phylogenetic, and physiological characters. The new species of asexually (anamorphic) budding yeast is classified in Trichomonascaceae and forms a clade along with its associated sexual state genus Trichomonascus. Despite the decade-old requirement to use a single generic name for fungi, both names are still used. Selection of the preferred name awaits a formal nomenclatural proposal. We present arguments for adopting Blastobotrys over Trichomonascus and introduce four new combinations as Blastobotrys allociferrii (≡ Candida allociferrii), B. fungorum (≡ Sporothrix fungorum), B. mucifer (≡ Candida mucifera), and Blastobotrys vanleenenianus (≡ Trichomonascus vanleenenianus). We provide a nomenclatural review and an accepted species list for the 37 accepted species in the Blastobotrys/Trichomonascus clade. Finally, we discuss the identity of the DNA clones detected on the da Vinci portrait, and the importance of using appropriate media to isolate xerophilic or halophilic fungi.

New annotated checklist of the Portuguese oaks (Quercus L., Fagaceae)

We present a comprehensive taxonomic and nomenclatural review of the Portuguese oaks (Quercus L.), issuing from throughout biogeographical, historical, bibliographic, field and herbarium data. We propose a new annotated checklist for all taxa and nothotaxa belonging to Quercus L. genus in the Portuguese national territory, extending the analysis to the broader biogeographical context of Western Mediterranean Subregion. Fifteen herbaria collections were exhaustively studied and complemented by information retrieved from digital collections, resulting in the recognition of eleven native oaks. Further treatment at infraspecific level includes one subspecies and additional 23 nothotaxa. We designate 21 names as types and add a preliminary list of 150 cultivated trees, concurring to a total of 185 oak taxa, in total, found in Portugal.
 Moreover, we clarify the taxonomical status and reinstate both Quercus calliprinos Webb and Q. pseudococcifera Desf. as native for the Western Mediterranean subregion. We recover the concept of Q. faginea Lam., as the widespread Gall oak in Portugal and update its synonym list. We propose Q. broteroana and Q. estremadurensis as autonomous species within the European Q. robur s.l. broad group, alongside two newly circumscribed subsections inside Section Quercus. We describe three nothotaxa as new (Q. ×alvesii, Q. ×capeloana and Q. ×sampaioana) and approach the nomenclatural resolution of the remaining natural hybrids. Lastly, we provide an identification key, intelligible for non-specialists, including both native taxa and most frequent nothotaxa.
 We emphasise the importance of historical and literature review, combined with accurate biogeographical information, as paramount to coherent taxonomical resolution. Both specimens and their associated records were found of crucial significance to a taxonomical model that is, in the end, useful to biodiversity conservation.

Assessing the nomenclatural history of the sucupira‐branca trees: Friedrich Sellow's (1789–1831) collections, typification and checklist of the Neotropical legume genus Pterodon

AbstractSucupira‐branca is a popular name for the papilionoid legume tree genus Pterodon (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae), which is amply distributed across South American savannas and seasonally dry tropical forests. Pterodon has been strongly supported as monophyletic in all molecular phylogenetic analyses and stands out within the Dipterygeae clade by the pinnately compound leaves with terete rachis, symmetrical leaflets with emarginate apex, and indehiscent, one‐seeded cryptosamara fruit. Despite a growing interest in Pterodon species, mainly due to their potential as drug and timber sources, their nomenclature was never fully assessed. Here, we present a nomenclatural review of the economically and ecologically important Pterodon, where we assess all 15 names and designations ever associated with the genus and provide all known orthographic variants and type localities for the accepted names. Besides that, we propose one new species the designation of which has never been validly published, typify five names, propose one new synonym, and provide a list of all the accepted names in the genus. Also, we show that the nomenclatural history of P. emarginatus, one of the ecologically most dominant species in fire‐prone savanna vegetation, is closely related to how Friedrich Sellow (1789–1831) collected and numbered his gatherings. By elucidating the typification of this particularly important species, we shed light on how to more accurately annotate Sellow's specimens in nomenclatural revisions.

Typification of three names of Asian conifers

A nomenclatural review of Abies delavayi and Picea brachytyla (Pinaceae) and Nageia wallichiana (Podocarpaceae) is provided with their lectotypification.

Updated synopsis of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae, Acalyphoideae) from Brazil

A critical taxonomic and nomenclatural review of the Brazilian species of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae, Acalyphoideae) is presented. As a result, 40 species (44 taxa including six subspecies) are accepted, 37 of them native (17 endemic) and three introduced; also, 132 names are considered synonyms, 28 of them for the first time. Two new combinations are proposed: Acalypha brasiliensis subsp. asterotricha and A. brasiliensis subsp. psilophylla, previously considered varieties of A. brasiliensis. Information about types is provided for all the valid names, and 54 lectotypes and one neotype are designated. Identification keys and detailed distribution maps of all the native taxa are also provided.

Circumscription and typification of sphagnicolous omphalinoid species of Arrhenia (Hygrophoraceae) in Newfoundland and Labrador: three obligate and one facultative species

Molecular studies of sphagnicolous arrhenias in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) revealed four clades in Arrhenia, three obligate (two scaly capped and one smooth-capped) and one facultative (smooth-capped) sphagnophiles. Critical nomenclatural review of 16 names used for omphalinoid sphagnicolous taxa in the past left five suitable to apply to this group. One scaly capped obligate sphagnophilic clade contained the type for Arr. gerardiana and the other, the type for Clitocybe gerardiana var. fusca; the latter we introduce as the novel species Arr. bigelowii. It differed from the first by longer spores and a darkening reaction in 10% of collections. The smooth-capped third obligate sphagnophilic clade contained the types of Agaricus telmatiaeus and Omphalina fusconigra; we recombined it as Arr. telmatiaea. This is the darkest species of the group, with a more northern distribution in NL. The facultative sphagnophile was identified as Arr. philonotis, a lighter smooth-capped species also with a more northern distribution in NL. Unexpectedly, we also collected an unidentified smooth-capped facultatively sphagnophilic species of Omphalina of the O. pyxidata complex. All five species are distributed in both Europe and North America. We describe each species of Arrhenia with a sequenced type, providing new type material where needed. Overall, this study adds new sequences from over 80 specimens of sphagnicolous arrhenias to the two existing in GenBank when we began in 2006, 11 new sequences of the unidentified species of Omphalina, and several other arrhenias.

Nomenclatural review of new names proposed by Yong No Lee

This review provides information about the nomenclatural status of new names proposed by Dr. Yong No Lee, in accordance with the current International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants. A total of 363 designations and names were proposed from 16 books and 95 papers by Dr. Yong No Lee, and their status was examined, with 161 designations found to be not validly published. In addition, 13 later isonyms and ten later homonyms were found by this review. However, 173 names were found to be legitimate. All designations and names were categorized according to their nomenclatural status and were listed by place of publication. The nomenclatural statuses of six designations or names, including “Iris odaesanensis,” were not confirmed in this review. It is therefore necessary to undertake further research into the nomenclatural status of these taxa by examining their types and published protologues.

A Synopsis of Croton (Euphorbiaceae) in Michoacán, Mexico

A taxonomic and nomenclatural review of the genus Croton (Euphorbiaceae) in the Mexican state of Michoacán is presented. Six sections and 20 species are here reported. The greatest diversity is in the Balsas Depression province, where at least 12 species occur. There is a strong tendency to thrive in tropical deciduous forest. An identification key is provided, and for each species, the following information is included: protologue citation, type information, habit, habitat, and elevation within the state, regional and global distribution, and phenology. Relevant synonyms are listed, as too are herbarium specimens. Lectotypes are designated for Croton draco, C. niveus, and C. calvescens. One species, Croton rojasii, is described as new and illustrated with photos. It is known only from tropical deciduous forest in the Zicuirán-Infiernillo Biosphere Reserve, at elevations from 400 to 700 m. It belongs to sect. Geiseleria and is remarkable because of the strongly unequal pistillate sepals, the larger of which becoming accrescent and exceeding the fruit.

Cryptic species and taxonomic troubles: a rebuttal of the systematic treatment of the Asian ladies’ tresses orchids (Spiranthesspecies; Orchidaceae) by Paceet al.(2019)

AbstractIn a recent research article by Pace et al. (2019), the authors claimed to have used information from phenology, morphology and molecular phylogenetics in their nomenclatural review of the Spiranthes sinensis complex. However, there are several scientific and botanical nomenclature issues with the Pace et al. (2019) paper in addition to its many errors and misinformation, which can be severely misleading and have the potential to affect our understanding of the highly complex Asian Spiranthes group. Here, we compare and critique their study in light of our study published prior to the article in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. We suggest that the authors should have resorted to improved and new molecular data and a truly integrative analysis to support: (1) re-circumscription of the S. sinensis species complex for each of the six species they recognized, and the treatment of S. hongkongensis as a hybrid; and (2) all the new synonymies they proposed for Asian Spiranthes.

<p><strong>New additions to <em>Gomesa</em> from old known names (Orchidaceae)</strong></p>

Five new combinations are made for taxa formerly described or assigned to the genus Oncidium, but currently placed in Gomesa. These all predate formerly widely known and accepted names: Gomesa bicornuta, comb. nov. for Gomesa cruciata; Gomesa florida f. florida, comb. nov. for Gomesa longicornu; Gomesa maculosa f. maculosa, comb. nov. for Gomesa spilotera; Gomesa maculosa f. aurea for Oncidium spilopterum [unranked] aureum; and Gomesa polyodonta, comb. nov. for Gomesa damacenoi. A new infraspecific taxon, Gomesa florida f. concolor, f. nov., is described for an unpublished but already known infraspecies. Two historical names described by J.M.C. Vellozo are herein resolved: Epidendrum floridum and Epidendrum gilvum, respectively as an accepted name for Gomosa longicornu and new synonym of Gomesa pubes. An historical, nomenclatural, and taxonomic review of all related names is presented, as well as 28 nomenclatural types are designated.

The known species of Agaricus (Agaricales, Agaricaceae) in Mexico, an updated and nomenclatural review

Background: The available information on the genus Agaricus in Mexico is dispersed in numerous publications. This work constitutes the second revision of the genus in Mexico.
 Objectives: To update the knowledge of Agaricus genus, its uses, habitat and distribution as well as the nomenclatural review of each name. In addition, a key for the recognition of subgenera and sections present in Mexico is provided.
 Methods: An exhaustive bibliographic review of the mycological literature was carried out. For the nomenclatural review, the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature in force were applied.
 Results and conclusion: In total, 53 nomenclaturally validly published names were catalogued distributed across 28 states. Five species have been originally described from the country: Agaricus guzmanii, A. tephrolepidus (described also from Dominican Republic), A. tlaxcalensis, A. tollocanensis and A. xuchilensis. Agaricus sylvaticus was the most widely distributed species (21 states). Veracruz state showed the highest diversity (22 species). The highest diversity was recorded in the cloud forest (18 species). Mexico possesses approximately 10% of the worldwide genus diversity which is low considering the high diversity in adjacent countries, therefore, efforts to know the real diversity of the genus in Mexico should be made.

A taxonomic revision of the genus Eriolaena (Malvaceae) in India.

A detailed work on genus Eriolaena archives all names published in a concise nomenclatural review. It is derived from the tribe Dombeya with specific limitations and under the generic delimitation. Detailed taxonomic information & descriptions of all taxa and photographs have been provided for easy identification.

Nomenclatural review of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae) of the Western Indian Ocean Region (Madagascar, the Comoros Archipelago, the Mascarene Islands and the Seychelles Archipelago).

This work presents a critical nomenclatural review of the Acalypha species of the Western Indian Ocean Region (Madagascar, the Comoros Archipelago, the Mascarene Islands and the Seychelles Archipelago). This is the first treatment of Acalypha of Madagascar since Leandri’s monograph in 1942. A total of 151 scientific names related to Acalypha from this region are treated. We recognise 35 species (28 native and seven introduced), treat 93 names as synonyms (28 of them for the first time) and identify three as doubtful or excluded names. We designate lectotypes for 41 names, make two new combinations and propose one new name.

A plea for linguistic accuracy - also for Candidatus taxa.

While all names of new taxa submitted to the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, either in direct submissions or in validation requests for names effectively published elsewhere, are subject to nomenclatural review to ensure that they are acceptable based on the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes, the names of Candidatus taxa have not been subjected to such a review. Formally, this was not necessary because the rank of Candidatus is not covered by the Code, and the names lack the priority afforded validly published names. However, many Candidatus taxa of different ranks are widely discussed in the scientific literature, and a proposal to incorporate the nomenclature of uncultured prokaryotes under the provisions of the Code is currently pending. Therefore, an evaluation of the names of Candidatus taxa published thus far is very timely. Out of the ~400 Candidatus names found in the literature, 120 contradict the current rules of the Code or are otherwise problematic. A list of those names of Candidatus taxa that need correction is presented here and alternative names that agree with the provisions of the Code are proposed.

Three New Species of Argyreia (Convolvulaceae) from Thailand

Abstract In preparation for a comprehensive nomenclatural review of the genus Argyreia, several unknown species were discovered. Thailand is a center of distribution for this speciose tropical Asian genus; three new Thai species, A. ankylophlebia, A. dokmaihom, and A. inaequisepala are described as a precursor to the nomenclatural review. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and keys to species, modified from the Flora of Thailand Convolvulaceae account, are provided for each species to aid in their identification.

A revision of Heterolepis Cass. (Asteraceae: Cichorioideae)

The small Cape genus Heterolepis (Asteraceae: Cichorioideae) containing four species, is poorly known and its tribal affinities within the subfamily are enigmatic. The genus has not been taxonomically treated since the 1865 publication of Harvey and Sonder's Flora Capensis, and a new species was recently described. Here, we collate information from the more than 200 collected specimens, combined with a detailed morphological investigation of each species, and present a full revision of the genus. A review of previous work, the taxonomic history, intrafamilial phylogenetic affinities, and morphological characteristics of Heterolepis are presented, together with a key to the species and detailed images of floral features. For each species a nomenclatural review, detailed description and observations, illustrations of selected features, distribution map and list of examined specimens is provided, as well as a full list of all relevant literature and a database of existing specimens.