The intricate taxonomy of Sedum creticum C. Presl, a name misinterpreted for 159 years up to the study of the original material by Král in 1987, is reviewed and revised. The two “ecotypes” distinguished within S. creticum (var. creticum and var. monocarpicum 't Hart) are shown to represent mere non-heritable modifications not warranting formal taxonomic recognition. Sedum ×donatae Afferni, a purported natural hybrid between S. creticum and S. cyprium A. K. Jacks. & Turrill, is based on the same type gathering as S. hierapetrae Rech. f., which is a taxonomic synonym of S. creticum. A full synonymy of S. creticum is given and a lectotype is designated for S. hierapetrae Rech. f.
Citation: Thiede J. & Stephenson R. 2018: The taxonomy and typification of Sedum creticum, and the curious protologue of S. ×donatae (Crassulaceae). — Willdenowia 48: 51–55. doi: https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.48.48104
Version of record first published online on 29 March 2018 ahead of inclusion in April 2018 issue.