The history, establishment, and functioning of Special‐purpose Committees under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants

Between International Botanical Congresses, Special‐purpose Committees (SPCs), previously simply called “Special Committees”, fulfill an important governance function on behalf of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Code) through addressing particular topics assigned to them by the Nomenclature Section of an International Botanical Congress or, since 2017, of an International Mycological Congress. Considering the very diverse topics referred to SPCs, the Code does not set out in detail how such Committees should or could function. Given that SPCs are now prominently mentioned in Division III of the current (Shenzhen) Code, we provide the history that led up to this point. We also provide background on the establishment, membership, and functioning of SPCs, and how they differ from ad hoc and Standing Committees.