Kanchi N. Gandhi

Report of the Special Committee on Registration of Algal and Plant Names (including fossils)

The Special Committee on Registration of Algal and Plant Names (including fossils) was established at the XVIII International Botanical Congress (IBC) in Melbourne in 2011, its mandate being to consider what would be involved in registering algal and plant names (including fossils), using a procedure analogous to that for fungal names agreed upon in Melbourne and included as Art. 42 in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. Because experience with voluntary registration was key to persuading mycologists of the advantages of mandatory registration, we began by asking institutions with a history of nomenclatural indexing to develop mechanisms that would permit registration. The task proved more difficult than anticipated, but considerable progress has been made, as is described in this report. It also became evident that the Nomenclature Section needs a structure that will allow ongoing discussion of registration and associated issues. Simultaneously with this report we are submitting four proposals that would provide such a structure.

(286) Proposal to replace division iii of the international code of nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants

Special Committee on By-laws for the Nomenclature Section Members of the Special Committee: Sandra Knapp (Secretary),1 Nicholas J. Turland (Convener),2 Mary E. Barkworth,3 Fred R. Barrie,4 Renée H. Fortunato,5 Kanchi Gandhi,6 Roy E. Gereau,7 Werner Greuter,8 Patrick S. Herendeen,9 Leslie R. Landrum,10 David J. Mabberley,11 Karol Marhold,12 Tom W. May,13 Gerry Moore,14 Lourdes Rico Arce,15 Gideon F. Smith,16 Kevin Thiele17 & Li Zhang18

A reassessment of the taxonomy and nomenclature of Liatris borealis Nutt. ex J. McNab and Lacinaria scariosa var. novae-angliae Lunell (Asteraceae)

A reassessment of the taxonomy of Liatris borealis Nutt. ex J. McNab suggests that it is not conspecific with L. novae-angliae, but is a synonym of L. scariosa L. var. scariosa. Three varieties are recognized within the L. scariosa complex; the varietal name L. borealis var. novae-angliae, not hitherto validly published, is validly published here.

Report of the special committee on by-laws for the nomenclature section

The Special Committee on By-laws for the Nomenclature Section was established at the XVIII International Botanical Congress (IBC) in Melbourne in 2011, with the mandate to formalize the procedures by which changes to the Code are considered and voted upon by the Nomenclature Section, and to report to the XIX IBC in Shenzhen in 2017. With the wider participation of the community in nomenclature in general, and to address some past contentious issues in particular, the need for a clearer set of rules for management of the Nomenclature Section had surfaced. In light of this, the Committee conducted extensive negotiations and discussions on a wide range of governance topics, which are here summarized in the Committee’s report. We propose the adoption of a new and greatly expanded version of Division III of the Code. This report provides the supporting documentation for the proposal that is also published in this issue (Knapp & al. in Taxon 65: 661–664. 2016). It is necessary that the two documents be read alongside each other.

Typification of Sarcostemma heterophyllum and Nomenclatural Notes in North American Funastrum (Apocynaceae)

Abstract. The typification and nomenclature pertaining to Funastrum heterophyllum (Engelm. ex Torr.) Standl. are reviewed. The legitimacy of several synonyms pertaining to this species is discussed. A revised and complete synonymy is provided.

A Summary of the Novelties Proposed in the Journal Rhodora (1899–2014) with Their Exact Dates of Publication

Abstract Dates of publication are given for each novelty proposed in the New England Botanical Club’s journal Rhodora from volume 1, part 1, to volume 116, part 968. All of these issues are available online via the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Full bibliography data are provided for the 5775 validly published names of extant vascular plants proposed in the journal from 1899 through 2014.

Piptochaetium fuscum (Nees ex Steud.) Barkworth, Ciald., & Gandhi, a new combination replacing Piptochaetium setosum (Trin.) Arechav.

Abstract A new name, Piptochaetium fuscum, is provided for a taxon hitherto known as Piptochaetium setosum (Trin.) Arechav. Morphological, anatomical, and molecular studies that argue against including Piptochaetium in Stipa, and hence use of S. purpurata (Phil.) Columbus & J.P. Sm., are cited.

Validation of the Name Wolffia Borealis (Lemnaceae)

Abstract. “Wolffia borealis” hitherto considered to have been validly published, was found to be not validly published and is validated here.

Validation of Rhododendron minus var. Chapmanii (Ericaceae)

Abstract. Rhododendron minus var. chapmanii (Alph. Wood) Gandhi & Zarucchi is validated here as a new combination.

The Typification of Cypripedium franchetii (Orchidaceae)

ABSTRACT The validity of Cypripedium franchetti, as described by E. H. Wilson in 1912, and subsequent typification by P. Cribb in 1997 are discussed. We conclude that Wilsons description is valid, but that the material cited by Cribb was not part of the original material and, therefore, that his usage of the term holotype cannot be construed as an error for a lectotype or epitype. We therefore propose a lectotype based on the photographic illustration within the protologue, which is part of the original material, and an epitype based on a herbarium specimen collected by Wilson in 1907.