About Gomphrena serrata L.
Typification of the name Gomphrena decumbens: The protologue of Gomphrena decumbens (Jacquin 1804: 41 – 42) includes a diagnosis ("Gomphrena caulibus decumbentibus, hirsutis; foliis ovatis; capitulis subovatis, sessilibus"), a detailed morphological description, and an illustration (T. 482), which can be regarded as part of the original material for the name. However, the origin of the specimens consulted is unknown as Jacquin (1804) reported "Patriam ignoro", and no information about the collector or collection number was provided. Jacquin’s herbarium and type are preserved at AWH, B, BM, CGE, H, JE, LINN, LIV, OXF, and UPS (see HUH - Index of Botanists 2013), but no specimen that can be considered part of the original material for G. decumbens was found. Fortunately, illustration No. 482 is very good, showing a colored plant with magnifications of androecium, gynoecium, fruit, and one seed. This drawing is designated as the lectotype of G. decumbens according to Articles 9.3 and 9.4 of the ICN. It should be noted that many infraspecific names were published under Gomphrena decumbens in the past. As far as we can check, none of these names seems to refer to what we consider here as G. caxcana. We advocate for a revision of the taxonomy and nomenclature of G. decumbens.
