In herbaria and living collection, the name Aechmea guarapariensis E. Pereira & Leme is frequently used to identify plants such as those illustrated in Figures 1,2,7. However, based on the principle of priority of the Botanical Nomenclature Code, the appropriate name must be Aechmea roberto-seidelii E. Pereira.

The difficulties in the application of the correct name are associated to the complex taxonomic history involving Aechmea roberto-seidelii with Aechmea guarapariensis, Aechmea triticina Mez and Aechmea pineliana (Brong. ex Planch.) Baker.

During my revision of the subgenus Pothuava (Wendt 1997), which includes these species, I considered Aechmea guarapariensis and Aechmea roberto-seidelii as synonyms of Aechmea triticina. My interpretation was based on the similarity among type collections (Figures 3,4,5) and also on the information of the original description that mentioned white or greenish floral coloration for all three taxa.

Aechmea triticina was described by Mez in 1896, but since its discovery it has been poorly understood due to the absence of original drawings and insufficient herbarium material. In 1999, Silva & Leme collected a plant that they considered...