Luffa operculata Cogn.

Abstract

Momordica operculata Linnaeus, Systema Naturae, ed. 10, 2: 1278. 1759. ["Habitat in America."] Sp. Pl., ed. 2, 2: 1433 (1763). RCN: 7316. Lectotype (Wijnands, Bot. Commelins: 92. 1983): [icon] " Momordica Americana fructu reticulato sicco" in Commelin, Hort. Med. Amstelaed. Pl. Rar.: 22, t. 22. 1706. Current name: Luffa operculata (L.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae). Note: Although Wunderlin (in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 65: 331. 1978) indicated 1150.4 and 1150.5 (LINN) as syntypes, they are evidently not part of a single gathering so Art. 9.15 does not, in any case, apply. Although later authors have indicated one or other as the type, Wijnands’ choice of a Commelin plate appears to have priority. Jeffrey (in Kew Bull. 47: 742. 1992) has discussed the application of this name.