Validation of the name Quercus infectoria subsp. veneris var. pfaeffingeri (Fagaceae)

Abstract

Quercus infectoria Oliv. is a taxon with high morphological variation, and many infra-specific have been described in this species, of which Q. infectoria Oliv. subsp. veneris (A.Kern) Meikle is present in the flora of Iran. In a taxonomic review of the Quercus L. taxa in Iran, based on morphological and micromorphological evidence, we recognized a new combination: Q. infectoria Oliv. subsp. boissieri (Reut.) O. Schwarz var. pfaeffingeri (Kotschy) Jamzad and Panahi, as a distinct taxon. Since the valid subspecific name for this taxon is subsp. veneris (A.Kern) Meikle var. pfaeffingeri, and the basionym of this name was not defined in the published manuscript. Here we correct the authorship and validate this name. Furthermore, we present the taxonomic history of Q. infectoria, descriptions of infraspecific taxa, a distribution map in Iran, ecological notes, and an identification key to infraspecific taxa.