Notes on the Cactaceae. The typification of Echinocactus

Abstract

In this work the author comments in detail on the original publication of Echinocactus Link et Otto and Malacocarpus Salm-Dyck. It is shown that the genus Echinocactus, as originally conceived by Link et Otto, is a confusing group that includes unrelated North and South American species. The determination of the type of Echinocactus is presented and the criterion of Schumann and Britton and Rose is preserved, in order not to disturb the existing nomenclature. As a result of this, Echinocactus is excluded from the flora of South America. Echinocactus platyacanthus Link et Otto, considered by Britton and Rose as a lectotype of Echinocactus and admitted by them as a doubtful species, becomes a synonym of E. latispina (Haw.) Hemel., and as a result of this identification Ferocactus Britt. et Rose passes to the synonymy of Echinocactus. Contrary to Index Kewensis, it is denied that Berger ever published Notocactus as a genus.