Lectotypification of Two Names in Striga (Orobanchaceae) With Notes on Striga orchidea

ABSTRACT

Several early names in Striga (Orobanchaceae), currently treated as heterotypic synonyms, have never been typified, but they continue to cause confusion in species delimitation, especially in the morphologically variable Striga asiatica and S. gesnerioides complexes. As part of the taxonomic revision of Striga , the identities of the names Striga coccinea , S. orchidea , and Buchnera hydrabadensis were critically investigated. Lectotypes are designated here for S. coccinea and B. hydrabadensis . The name Striga orchidea is shown to be invalidly published and is therefore excluded from typification. Although these taxa are currently treated as heterotypic synonyms of S. asiatica ( S. coccinea ) and S. gesnerioides ( B. hydrabadensis ), their typification is essential to ensure nomenclatural stability, prevent future misapplication, and allow objective re‐evaluation of species limits in these taxonomically complex groups.