Identity of Anthyllis heterophylla (Loteae-Leguminosae): an obscure name derived from a misinterpretation

Anthyllis heterophylla (Loteae-Leguminosae) has been regarded as an enigmatic species since its original description in 1763. Subsequent taxonomic and nomenclatural treatments of the species have been conducted without the designation of the type. We examined the original material of A. heterophylla preserved at LINN, and our morphological analysis indicated that A. heterophylla is conspecific with A. barba-jovis. The typification of A. heterophylla is discussed herein, and a lectotype for the name is designated.