Eponimia botánica del Dr Prof. Leandro Aristeguieta

Abstract

This work presents, as a tribute to the botanical master Leandro Aristeguieta Capella († October 6th, 2012), a critical study of his taxonomic eponymy. In all, 64 vascular plant names, including a genus (Aristeguietia R.M. King & H. Rob.) and 41 species, have been established in his honor. After a critical revision of the nomenclatural types and literature, 32 species from Mexico and tropical South America, 75% of which are endemic to Venezuela, and 21 combinations in Aristeguietia from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, are here accepted. Three of the epithets are corrected, 32 sheets from 31 species (including 29 accepted names and two synonyms) are illustrated, and data on endemism is updated. The taxa here considered are part of a wide range of ecosystems nationwide, which added to their ornamental potential and a high degree of endemism gives them great importance as conservation objects and a great interest for their use in gardening.