ARS | Publication request: Clarification of Borreria gymnocephala, Diodia gymnocephala, Diodia schumannii, Borreria flavoriens, and Spermacoce schumannii (Rubiaceae)

Submitted to: Journal of Botanical Research Institute of Texas
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: April 15, 2008
Publication Date: July 24, 2008
Citation: Delprete, P., Kirkbride, J.H. 2008. Clarification of Borreria gymnocephala, Diodia gymnocephala, Diodia schumannii, Borreria flavoriens, and Spermacoce schumannii (Rubiaceae). Journal of Botanical Research Institute of Texas. 3:245-250.

Interpretive Summary: Several incorrect scientific names have been applied to Schumann’s spermacoce. All the scientific names ever applied to the species were reviewed, and the correct scientific name was determined according the international rules of botanical nomenclature.

Technical Abstract: Several erroneous, confused, and/or misapplied names, e.g., Borreria gymnocephala, Diodia gymnocephala and Diodia schumannii, have been variably assigned to the same species by many authors. The status of all these names is here clarified, and the correct name for the species involved is established as Spermacoce schumannii (Bacigalupo) Delprete.