Typification of the Linnaean Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris (Pinaceae): A comprehensive review

Abstract The name Pinus sylvestris was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in the 2nd volume of the first edition of Species plantarum . The original material used by Linnaeus to describe his species includes both specimens and illustrations. Among these, the illustration cited from a work published by Daléchamps in 1586, but actually there reproduced from an earlier (1576) work by Clusius, has been historically associated with Linnaeus's concept of P. sylvestris and was designated as the lectotype. However, although the typification is formally correct, the morphological characteristics depicted in the designated lectotype illustration correspond to those of P. halepensis rather than to those of P. sylvestris , the species to which the name has traditionally been applied in both floristic and forestry literature. This discrepancy raises important questions about the application of the name P. sylvestris, nomenclatural stability and the need to reconsider the typification. Therefore, in a parallel publication a proposal to conserve the name P. sylvestris with a conserved type has been submitted. The present contribution provides background to support this proposal. The proposed conserved type of P. sylvestris is a modern, well‐preserved, and complete specimen housed at B.