On taxonomic rank of Salix fursaevii mavrodiev and related issues: a reply to Schanzer et al. (2022)

Schanzer et al. (2022) argue that Salix fursaevii Mavrodiev is an ecotype of S. triandra L. and therefore a synonym for the latter binomial. This reasoning must be corrected because the ecotype is not a taxonomic category and allows different taxonomic assessments. We show that the study of Schanzer et al. (2022) is an incomplete series of arguments in favor of the specific rank of S. fursaevii , presented without taking into account the range of available morphological and geographical data regarding the latter species, as well as the phylogeny of the genus Salix , the phenomenon of interspecific hybridization of willows, and conducted based on molecular markers unsuitable (ITS) or of limited use ( atpB-rbcL ) for purposes of population studies of Salix species. Schanzer et al. (2022) showed that S. fursaevii is morphologically different from S. triandra , has a wide distribution range associated with the Volga watercourse, as well as original sequences of the atpB-rbcL locus of plastid DNA. Considering the accurately interpreted data of Schanzer et al. (2022), S. fursaevii must be accepted at a specific rank, and, therefore, cannot be a heterotypic synonym of S. triandra s.l. - a polyphyletic taxon that requires deep taxonomic revision.