Taxonomic Study of Salvia lutescens (Lamiaceae): Lectotype Designations and Proposal for a New Variety, var. occidentalis

Salvia lutescens (Koidz.) Koidz. var. intermedia (Makino) Murata (Lamiaceae) has been proved to be divided into two allopatric taxa, one in the Kinki Distr. ("Kinki form") and the other in the Kanto Distr. ("Kanto form") according to the recent molecular phylogenetic and morphological analyses. In this sense, the past lectotypification of var. intermedia by Murata & Yamazaki (1993) was incorrectly applied, as the lectotype (N. Takemura s.n., MAK), belonging to the Kinki form, is in serious conflict with the protologue of Makino (1901) which agrees well with the Kanto form. Therefore, I revise the lectotypification of var. intermedia in accordance with ICN Art. 9.19(b) to change into a specimen of the Kanto form (R. Yatabe & J. Matsumura s.n., TI), and describe the Kinki form as a new variety, var. occidentalis. Furthermore, lectotype of S. lutescens var. crenata is also designated. A key to the varieties and taxonomic treatment of each taxon of S. lutescens is provided.