Diatom classification: clarifying the authority for the Cymbellaceae

Abstract

The authority for the Cymbellaceae has been attributed to different authors in some diatom classifications. Different authorities can influence the priority of the name and, consequently, the stability of a taxon. In the most recent diatom classifications, the citation is erroneous attributed to Greville. These classifications are well known and cited and, therefore, this error can be easily propagated. Here I discuss the correct authority for this name in the light of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, in order to maintain its stability.

Keywords:

• nomenclature
• classification systems
• nomenclatural stability
• ICN
• family authority

Acknowledgement

I am thankful to Dr Paul Silva (in memoriam) for his help in clarifying this issue and for some of the instructive e-mail conversations concerning nomenclatural doubts.

ORCiD

Weliton José da Silva http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2693-4648