The Ephedra‐species of P. Forsskål: Identity and Typification

Summary The names of the two Ephedra‐species validly published in P. Forsskål's Flora aegyptiaco‐arabica are typified: E. aphylla Forssk. by means of a neotype, and E. foeminea Forssk. by designation of a lectotype. Arguments and details in support of the decisions are provided. Hitherto, E. aphylla has usually been called E. alte C. Meyer. The type material of the later published E. alte is in fact a mixture of E. aphylla (male specimens) and E. foliata Boiss. ex C. Meyer (female specimens). Ephedra foeminea also has priority against E. campylopoda C. Meyer. The species and their closer relatives are compared with respect to their morphology, ecology and distribution.