Vascular Plants from the Journey through Portugal (1797–1801) by Hoffmannsegg and Link at the Herbarium of the Real Jardín Botánico of Madrid

Abstract

During the journey through Portugal by Hoffmannsegg and Link (1797–1801), these authors collected an appreciable number of specimens, most of which have been lost. Their collections are relevant since they were used by themselves or by other authors to describe numerous species. In the herbarium of the Real Jardín Botánico of Madrid, 70 specimens from this journey have been located. In the archive of this institution the letters that Hoffmannsegg and Link sent to Cavanilles accompanying these plants have also been located. The analysis of these letters, the herbarium labels and of the protologues has permitted to establish that 15 specimens are original material, four of which had already been proposed as lectotypes by other authors (Airochloa caudata Link, Silene fuscata Link ex Brot., Silene micrantha Link ex Otth and Silene pernoctans Link). The designation of a neotype for Stipa gigantea Link should be superseded, because an original material has been found. Thus, a lectotype for this taxon is proposed.

Keywords

• historical herbarium collections
• original materials
• typification
• history of botany
• hoffmannsegg
• link