The nomenclatural history of Umbilicaria spodochroa and nomenclatural corrections in Umbilicariaceae

Abstract

The name Umbilicaria spodochroa is currently applied to a species with an oceanic distribution in Europe and East Asia. The upper surface of its thallus is grey to dark brown, apothecia are omphalodiscs with prominent central umbilicus-like buttons. Its designated type and other original material are referred to U. hirsuta. Conservation is required to retain this name in current use. The nomenclatural history of U. spodochroa is presented to serve as the background for its conservation. The subgeneric nomenclature of Umbilicaria is revised and one new name (U. subg. Papillophora) is proposed to replace the illegitimate U. subg. Gyrophora. The status of many new names published by G. F. Hoffmann in his "Deutschlands Flora" (1796) is discussed and their nomenclatural validity is supported.