THE LINNAEAN SPECIES OF <i>GOMPHRENA</i> L. (AMARANTHACEAE)

Abstract

Summary The eleven species described as Gomphrena L. by Linnaeus are identified as species of Gomphrena, Alternanthera Forsskål, Caraxeron Rafinesque (= Philoxerus auct. mult., non R. Brown) and Froelichia Moench. Alternanthera flava (L.) Mears, comb. nov., is presented. It is demonstrated that Linnaeus' attitudes about the genus Gomphrena were more closely related to inflorescence characteristics than to stamen and stigma number.