Title
Resolving the taxonomic status of Lithocarpus lycoperdon (Fagaceae) and establishing a new synonym
Author
Yang, Li-Fang
Publication
TAIWANIA
Year
2025
Volume
70
Issue
2
Corresponding Author
Deng, M;Luo, Y
Abstract
This study investigates the taxonomic status of Lithocarpus lycoperdon (Skan) A. Camus, L. cinereus Chun & C. C. Huang, and L. pachylepis A. Camus through extensive field observations, herbarium collections examinations, and detailed morphological comparisons. Our findings demonstrate that the type specimen ofL. lycoperdon is an admixture, comprising an acorn from L. pachylepis mounted alongside a branchlet of L. cinereus on the same sheet. To resolve this taxonomic confusion, we designate the branchlet portion as the lectotype and select a specimen from the type locality with acorns attached to a branchlet as the epitype to provide a complete representation ofL. lycoperdon. Furthermore, we reduce L. cinereus to a synonym ofL. lycoperdon.