Nomenclature and typification of Polygala nicaeensis (Polygalaceae) and its infraspecific taxa

Polygala nicaeensis is a circum-Mediterranean species with uncertain infraspecific taxonomy, currently split into eight subspecies. As a first step of an ongoing taxonomic and systematic study, we have identified and studied 29 nomenclatural types (of which 23 lectotypes and one second-step neotype are designated here), to fix the application of all the names connected to this species. We also re-defined the year, place and authorship of first publication of P. nicaeensis itself, whose correct name is P. nicaeensis Risso ex Bray.

Based on the types studied here, the currently widely-accepted P. nicaeensis subsp. mediterranea Chodat, widespread in the Mediterranean, becomes a heterotypic synonym of P. nicaeensis s. str. Finally, P. nicaeensis subsp. corsica and P. pedemontana E. P. Perrier & B. Verl. are confirmed as heterotypic synonyms, that apply to a species occurring in Corsica and Western Alps, whose correct priority name is P. corsica Boreau.