A recently published phylogenetic analysis strongly supports the inclusion of Spergula fallax (Lowe) E. H. L. Krause in the genus Spergularia (Pers.) J. Presl & C. Presl (Caryophyllaceae), where it was originally described. This species of spurrey, which occurs across North Africa, the Middle East and N India, has also been named Arenaria flaccida Roxb., which is a later homonym and therefore illegitimate. Stipularia flaccida Madden is an overlooked replacement name for A. flaccida and is the earliest legitimate name for the species. The new combination Spergularia flaccida (Madden) I. M. Turner is proposed here. In addition, lectotypes are designated for A. flaccida and its taxonomic synonyms Lepigonum eximium Kindb., Spergula flaccida f. purpurascens Maire & Sauvage, Spergula pentandra var. intermedia Boiss. and Spergularia fallax Lowe.

Version of record first published online on 9 November 2017 ahead of inclusion in December 2017 issue.