Typification of the Lace Lichen,Ramalina menziesiiTaylor—and its synonyms—reiterates the need for complete typification of names for well‐known or iconic taxa

Abstract

A lectotype is designated for the name of the iconic and well‐known macrolichen Ramalina menziesii Taylor from among a suite of largely overlooked syntypes deposited in the Thomas Taylor Herbarium at the Farlow Herbarium, Harvard University. Lectotypes are also selected for the synonyms of R. menziesii: Chlorodictyon foliosum, Ramalina reticulata (≡ Lichen reticulatus Noehd., nom. illeg.) and R. retiformis. The place of publication of L. reticulatus Noehd. is discussed in detail. The case highlights the surprising degree to which the application of names for taxa that have been extensively studied and are widely known outside a narrow specialist field, can remain unresolved.