On the identity of Sprengel’s Jaegeria bellidioides (Compositae, Heliantheae)

Abstract

The history of Sprengel’s Jaegeria bellidioides has been shrouded in nomenclatural uncertainty, with different authors ascribing it to morphologically distinct taxa. Through the examination of protologs, relevant type material, and digital collections of historic herbaria, we clarify the source of this confusion and provide a nomenclatural solution. Our assessment indicates that its treatment as a synonym of Jaegeria hirta is based on an erroneous typification. We therefore designate a lectotype for Jaegeria bellidioides, supporting the recognition of Eclipta bellidioides as the correct name for the taxon currently known as Eclipta elliptica.