The discovery, naming and typification of Wisteria floribunda and W. brachybotrys (Fabaceae) with notes on associated names

Abstract

Willdenow published the name Glycine floribunda, but it was not based on any dried or living specimen. This has led to problems concerning the identity of the plant that is native in Japan and Korea and is also cultivated as an ornamental vine in temperate zones world-wide. The discovery of this species by Europeans, placed in Wisteria by A. P. Candolle, its naming, nomenclature and typification are discussed. The identity of two later synonyms, W. macrobotrys and W. multijuga, is clarified. Lectotypes are chosen for them and for the distinctly different species W. brachybotrys as well as its widely used synonym W. venusta. In addition, a new combination is made for the associated taxon W. brachybotrys f. albiflora. © 2012 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem.