Open AccessOn the identity of turmeric: the typification of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae)
Author(s) -
LEONGŠKORNIČKOVÁ JANA,
ŠÍDA OTAKAR,
WIJESUNDARA SIRIL,
MARHOLD KAROL
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
botanical journal of the linnean society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.872
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1095-8339
pISSN - 0024-4074
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8339.2008.00788.x
Subject(s) - curcuma , zingiberaceae , typification , taxon , biology , type locality , identity (music) , type (biology) , extant taxon , rhizome , botany , taxonomy (biology) , nomenclature , evolutionary biology , philosophy , ecology , aesthetics
Although Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) is a conserved name, with C. longa L. as its conserved type, the type of C. longa is still uncertain. Numerous discussions about the identity of the taxon called C. longa by Linnaeus have been followed by various attempts to rename turmeric, suggestions as how to settle the type and proposals to conserve the name from a later author in order to stabilize the situation. Unfortunately, none of the previous proposals can be upheld for reasons which are discussed in this article. A lectotype is selected from extant material examined by Linnaeus and an epitype collected near the type locality is designated here. The identity of C. longa is discussed and a colour plate of the species is included. Synonyms of C. longa and their types are discussed and notes on the variability of C. longa are provided. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 157 , 37–46.