Lectotypifications, new synonymizations, and a new distribution record in selected tropical Asian Fagaceae

Lectotypifications, new synonymizations, and a new distribution record in selected tropical Asian Fagaceae

Taxonomic confusion remains common among large Asian tropical Fagaceae, often due to inadequate understanding of diagnostic morphological traits and the presence of admixture-type specimens. Through a comprehensive literature review, critical examination of herbarium specimens and detailed morphological comparisons, we address several overlooked taxonomic issues. Lectotypes are designated here for Castanopsis lanceifolia (Oerst.) Hickel & A. Camus, C. armata (Roxb.) Spach, C. tribuloides (Sm.) A.DC., and C. ferox (Roxb.) Spach. Our study further reveals that the type specimens of Quercus cepifera H. Lév. and Q. dussaudii Hickel & A. Camus are admixtures: the former comprises the acorns and infructescence of Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun mounted with a branchlet of Castanopsis eyrei (Champ. ex Benth.) Tutcher, while the latter contains acorns of Q. kerrii Craib along with a branchlet of C. argyrophylla King ex Hook.f.. We designate the infructescence and acorns portions as the respective lectotypes of Q. cepifera and Q. dussaudii, and reduce them to synonyms of L. litseifolius and Q. kerrii, respectively. We also document a new distribution record of C. lanceifolia in China. These taxonomic clarifications provide a refined basis for the identification, conservation, and sustainable management of ecologically and economically important Fagaceae species in tropical Asia.