Pandanus tectorius Parkinson (1773: 46)

Christenhusz, Maarten J. M., 2009, Typification of ornamental plants: Pandanus tectorius (Pandanaceae), Phytotaxa 2, pp. 51-52 : 51

Pandanus tectorius Parkinson (1773: 46)

Protologue: “This tree generally grows on the sandy hillocks by the sea-side, and is found in great plenty on all the low islands”.

Lectotype (designated here): Tahiti (“Otaheite”), Cook’s first expedition on the Endeavour, anno 1769, Banks & Solander s.n. (BM-000956384!). Fig. 1 .

Epitype (designated here): Drawing from the Endeavour voyage of Captain Cook by S. Parkinson (BM- SI2/50!).

The original description by Parkinson does not state any specimens. Parkinson travelled with Banks , Solander and Cook on the Endeavour to the South Pacific as the ships artist, where he drew many plants and animals ( Miller 1911). He published a book about the journey in which some species were described, but they may not have originally been meant as newly proposed taxa. Therefore references to specimens and exact localities are lacking. Fortunately a specimen collected during Cook’s first expedition is preserved, which is selected here as lectotype. This specimen only includes female parts, making the identification of male plants problematic. Fortunately an illustration by Parkinson of a male inflorescence is in existence (BM-SI2/50). To ascertain proper application of the name this illustration is very useful for its interpretation, which is why I selected it here as epitype .

Figures

FIGURE 1. Lectotype of Pandanus tectorius Parkinson (BM-000956384).