The concept of epitypes in theory and practice

Abstract

The concept of epitypes was introduced to resolve the cases when the primary type of a plant name (holotype, lectotype or neotype) is demonstrably ambiguous and cannot be identified to the appropriate taxonomic level. In spite of the original intention, epitypes have been widely used as a means to complement the primary type with other morphological characters or as a ‘phylogenetic type' (a reference specimen used for DNA sequencing). The lack of any procedure to control or supersede the designated epitypes opens the possibility for their gross misuse as a replacement type, which has already taken place. The current usage of epitypes is discussed and a possible solution is suggested to amend the concept of epitypes in conformity with their dominant usage and the traditions of botanical history.