Allioni's Aloe names (Asphodelaceae): nomenclature and typification

Abstract

The taxa belonging to the genus Aloe published in Synopsis methodica stirpium horti regii taurinensis (Allioni 1760) and in Auctarium ad synopsim methodicam stirpium horti regii taurinensis (Allioni 1773) were examined. The protologues of Aloe maculata All. and A. verrucosospinosa All. are analysed and lectotypes designated. The homonymy of A. succotrina All. with A. succotrina Weston (1770) is recognized, and the lectotype of this last name designated. Epitypes are selected to fix the application of all three names. Short differential diagnoses of the three species are given and their distribution ranges discussed; distribution maps based on specimens held in the South African National Herbarium (PRE), KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium (NH), Compton Herbarium (NBG) and the South African Museum Collection (SAM) held in NBG are provided.