W. Greuter

Vaillant on Compositae-systematic concepts and nomenclatural impact

Vaillants pioneer work on Compositae systematics has been generally dismissed as unimportant for nomenclatural purposes, being pre-Linnaean. However, a German translation of it was published in 1754, about one year afterthe starting-point date of botanical nomenclature. In order to assess its possible impact on generic nomenclature, a thorough analysis of Vaillants concepts, particularly at the level of genus and species, is presented here. Vaillant subdivided the Compositae into three classes, essentially equivalent to Cardueae, Cichorieae and the remaining tribes, and further into sections (14), genera (107) and species (1144). By the study of literature and, to a minor extent, herbaria, 852 of the species (>74 %) have been identified, and the identifications are listed in an Appendix. The definition and nomenclatural status of all genera has been verified and their names typified, whereby Vaillants views and their impact on early Compositae systematics are clarified. In practical terms, the positive and negative effects of the nomenclatural restoration of Vaillants names are balanced. It is not advisable to blacklist the work as a whole, because its negative effects can be taken care of effectively by just six conservation/rejection proposals (made separately). Among the positive aspects are availability of a suitable name (Rhaponticoides) for a genus that had become nameless (due to conservation of Centaurea L. with a new type); resurrection of Rhaponticum to settle a long lasting and unresolved nomenclatural controversy; and redemption of the otherwise illegitimate but widely used name Volutaria. As an aside, four of the names considered to be correct for Vaillants taxa, which did not so far exist in the appropriate combination, are validated (in the genera Cullumia, Hymenolepis, Symphyotrichum and Tanacetum).

A critical conspectus of Italian Isoetes (Isoetaceae)

The work on the Isoetaceae account for the Critical Flora of Italy has resulted in a new, synonymic inventory of Italian Isoetes taxa, based on herbarium studies, observation by scanning electron microscopy and critical re-examination of the previously published works. Ten species are listed. The names I. longissima and I. gymnocarpa are restored as correct, to replace I. velata and I. subinermis, respectively. Eighteen lectotypes, one epitype and one neotype are designated. A dichotomous key to Italian taxa is provided.

Types of names of Orobanche taxa described from North Africa

In the framework of the revision of the genus Orobanche (including Phelipaea) in the Mediterranean area, the original material for 31 names of new taxa described from North Africa by Ball, Battandier, Forsskål, Maire (partly with Emberger and Jahandiez), Persoon, Poiret and Pomel has been analysed. Typification is discussed, and where necessary types are designated. Accepted names and synonyms of the recognized taxa are given. Three species are illustrated, and one new combination (O. inexspectata) is proposed.

Typification of names in Draba sect. Aizopsis (Cruciferae, Arabideae) based on material from Italy

Names of 20 presumed taxa in Draba sect. Aizopsis, all based on material from Italy, are considered. Full synonymies are provided, and types are designated (for 14 names) or indicated. Most of the taxa are currently considered unworthy of recognition, of which 16 belong to D. aspera sensu lato. However, the question of whether the Sicilian populations might be distinct from the peninsular populations is still unsettled.

A critical conspectus of Italian Lycopodiaceae

As a result of our work on the Lycopodiaceae account for the Critical Flora of Italy, a new, synonymic inventory of Italian taxa is presented, based on herbarium studies and critical re-examination of extant literature. Three genera with eight species are accepted: Huperzia (1 species), Lycopodiella (1), and Lycopodium (6). An additional, ninth species (Lycopodiella cernua) is listed as a casual alien. The genus Diphasiastrum, accepted in several recent works, is treated at sectional level within Lycopodium (three species and their three hybrids). Lycopodium lagopus ( = L. clavatum subsp. monostachyon) is a recent addition to the Italian flora. Images of five types and Internet URI of other six types are supplied. Dot distribution maps and a dichotomous key to Italian species are provided. It is shown that the family name Urostachyaceae (a family here not separated from Lycopodiaceae) was validly published and has priority over Huperziaceae, for which the oldest name, however, would be Phylloglossaceae.

Conspectus of Italian Selaginella (Selaginellaceae), with some typifications

An annotated synonymic inventory of Italian Selaginella taxa, a practical key for their identification and their dot distribution maps are presented, as a result of our work on the Selaginellaceae account for the Flora Critica dItalia. The names Lycopodium helveticum L. and Selaginella denticulata var. platystachya Hieron. are typified.