A nomenclatural review of the name Echinocactus williamsii (Lophophora williamsii): Correct author and year of publication

Abstract

Lophophora williamsii (Lem. ex J.F.Cels) J.M.Coult., known under the vernacular name peyote, is one of the most popular and well‐known cactus because of its powerful psychoactive properties. Nonetheless, the authority of its basionym, Echinocactus williamsii Lem. ex J.F.Cels, has erroneously been attributed to Joseph zu Salm‐Reifferscheid‐Dyck and dated from 1845. Herein, we bring to light that the first description was provided by the French horticulturist Jean François Cels in 1842. A historical review of the nomenclature behind this species is provided and the name neotypified. Given that the later isonym by Salm‐Reifferscheid‐Dyck is being proposed for conservation, the implications of our finding are discussed.